9/2/10

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Cars Mania Blog
Auto Car | 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is  | When typical car nuts see that "M" insignia on the trunk lid of a BMW, they almost unconsciously say, "Sweet!" Why? Because they know the M designation means that Bimmer is a posh and powerful beast, tweaked at the factory to a higher level of performance than the standard assembly line fare. But M isn't the only letter BMW uses to symbolize performance. It also uses "S."

The S is the brand's performance level set between regular trims and those specifically modified by M GmbH, the creator of the brand's most powerful, speed-hungry machines. The line was born in the 1980s when the E21 320is hit world markets, and ever since it has served as a happy medium for buyers wanting a tad more speed for a smaller price premium. While BMW hasn't used the S designation often, it is adding an S version to the Z4 lineup for 2011, raising the little roadster's performance quotient to a level that BMW fans have wanted for years.

The 2011 BMW Z4  is offered in three trims: the base sDrive30i, the more powerful sDrive35i and the new sDrive35is. All are 2-seat roadsters with a power-retractable hardtop. Standard equipment on the 30i is extensive and includes leatherette upholstery, a height-adjustable driver's seat, air conditioning, cruise control, power locks and windows, heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM/CD stereo with HD radio, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and P225/45R17 tires on alloy wheels. The 35i adds leather upholstery, automatic climate control, aluminum interior trim and larger P245/40R17 rear tires.

The new sDrive35is is enhanced with equipment meant to improve performance, including BMW's adaptive M suspension; M Sport steering wheel, seats and gearshift; unique interior trim; exterior aerodynamic enhancements; and 18-inch wheels. Exclusive 19-inch wheels are also offered.

Safety features on all Z4s include dual front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, anti-lock brakes, roll bars, a tire-pressure monitor, traction control and electronic stability control. Manual transmission cars also have a hill-holder clutch to prevent the car from rolling backward when starting on an incline.

(editorial.autos.msn.com)

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