Z Series BMW E89 Z4 Test Drives Thread

[Merc1]

Previously pitched on the strength of its styling and sporting on-road attributes, this time around the BMW Z4 is being sold on its sophistication and added comfort. This move pitches it towards the Mercedes-Benz SLK and away from the Porsche Boxster.

The big news for the BMW Z4 is the adoption of a folding hard-top roof. BMW says the switch from fabric is in response to requests from customers. Accommodating the roof, which retracts in 20sec, has altered the dimensions of the Z4; the new model is 148mm longer and 46mm wider than before. But as the new roof boasts a flatter turret, the car’s height has been trimmed by 8mm, at 1291mm.
What’s it like?

Three versions of BMW’s classic straight-six engine will be offered with the new Z4. They include an entry-level 201bhp 2.5 litre with 184lb ft of torque in the sDrive23i, and a 255bhp 3.0 litre with 310lb ft in the sDrive30i. Our test car, however, was fitted with the range-topping twin-turbocharged 3.0 litre serving up 302bhp and a gutsy 295lb ft. All three models come with a six-speed manual gearbox, but BMW expects the optional six-speed automatic and the seven-speed double-clutch unit (as fitted to our test car) to prove most popular.

Autocar - BMW Z4 3.0 sDrive35i

M

 

[Bartek S.]

Edmunds First Drive: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Roadster

A Star Is Born, Again

Cute weekend cars with sporting intentions and overwrought designs. That's been the reputation of BMW's small, slightly pricey Z3 and Z4 roadsters until now.
Unless you were a subscriber to BMW for Life magazine, there was no compelling reason to choose the Z roadster over one of its equally competent competitors.
For 2009, the BMW Z4 finally becomes a serious roadster. More than just a face-lift, some new options and a little bump in power, this Z4 gets a whole new identity. And cute is no longer part of it.
Retro Futurist
Unveiled at this year's Detroit show, the 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i looks stunning "in the metal." Slightly longer (5.8 inches), wider (0.4 inch) and lower (0.3 inch), the Z4 now looks a class up from traditional playmates like the Audi TT, Mazda Miata and Mercedes-Benz SLK.
It comes across as a more expensive car than it is. Think modern BMW 507 from the '50s, but add BMW's latest 3.0-liter sixes, an optional seven-speed double-clutch automated manual transmission and a healthy dose of up-to-the minute tech.
And don't forget the new, impossibly compact folding hardtop, an all-aluminum engineering masterpiece that allows this Z4 to take the place of the previous Z4 coupe and roadster.
When and How Much?
On sale May 8, there will be two versions available: A base Z4 sDrive30i ($46,575 including destination fee) effectively will take the place of the current lineup's top-shelf Z4 3.0si ($43,525). A second model, the sDrive35i ($52,475), is a new animal altogether that's more comparable to the outgoing Z4 M ($53,225) in terms of price, engine output and handling capability.
Both models will be offered with a standard six-speed manual transmission, but the sDrive30i gets a 3.0-liter 255-horsepower inline-6, while the sDrive35i, which we drove, is powered by the company's matchless twin-turbo 3.0-liter 300-hp inline-6.
Pricey Options
Our 2009 BMW Z4 test car also featured BMW's latest 80GB hard-drive navigation/audio system with the "new" iDrive first seen on the 2009 750i. We also enjoyed the comprehensive Sport package that goes beyond a mere tire upgrade with adjustable/adaptive suspension plus bespoke electronic throttle and steering maps.
The optional seven-speed automated manual M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic borrowed (slightly modified) from the BMW M3 will be available only on the sDrive35i and was also on our test car along with 10-spoke 19-inch wheels and Ivory White leather. Option prices have yet to be announced, but we estimate our car's total price probably topped $60,000.

 

[NarutoRamen]

Damn I love this car, just not in the "Old Dude Gold" color.

 

[martinbo]

The article states that the new car is 270 kg heavier than the E85. Is this correct? I mean I know it's heavier but model for model surely an E89 sDrive3.0i isn't a full 270 kg heavier than the E85 3.0si?

Oh and as the first drives are emerging can't we once more merge threads into a BMW E89 Z4 - The First Drives thread?

This helps with keeping discussion on first impressions of the car's performance in one, logical thread.

 

[martinbo]

Damn I love this car, just not in the "Old Dude Gold" color.

I do too - it's such a spectacular machine, especially with the roof down.

Too bad about the colour as well, but don't you know that "chest wig chain gold", "metallic poo brown" and "bright snot green" are the new "in" colours? Heaven help us!

 

[EnI]

Yes, 35i weights about 200kg more than 3.0si ... 1585kg vs 1385kg, or 1565kg vs 1365kg with manual tranny.
The difference between 30i and 3.0si is about 100kg.

Mind the car is now 15cm longer, features metal folding roof etc.

****

And yeas agian: it would be nice all test drives will be in one thread.

 

[klier]

It's very sad to see the car has become so freaking heavy.
The weight of the E85 Z4 should've been the absolute maximum weight for the next gen model imo. The folding hardtop sux.

 

[EnI]

Therefore Z2 is coming ...

 

[Tarek]

Therefore Z2 is coming ...

That one is probably gonna have the dimensions of a Mini cabrio

 

[EnI]

That one is probably gonna have the dimensions of a Mini cabrio

Think of Z3 dimensions ... So, about 4m long ...

 

[Tarek]

Think of Z3 dimensions ... So, about 4m long ...

Sounds nice,will it also get the heavy metal roof or rag top? is that even determined yet?

 

[bmer]

Sounds nice,will it also get the heavy metal roof or rag top? is that even determined yet?

It is supposed to be "light-weight" so cloth roof no doubt.

 

[Tarek]

It is supposed to be "light-weight" so cloth roof no doubt.

Sounds best

 

[Mr Robert]

I agree with you all, the "****** racing gold" simply only works on Mercedes.

 

[braaf]

Hey guys help me out. Do any one of these metal folding top cars (Z4, SLK and so on) have an aluminium top and if not, why not.

 

[klier]

Therefore Z2 is coming ...

Yeah, and that car is going to be be even more interesting than Z4. Lighter, more compact and brave new exterior design that I most likely will love

That one is probably gonna have the dimensions of a Mini cabrio

Well, the Z4 has grown again, and now is a mini SL, so a Z2 certainly can't be a bad thing. If the Z2 will be Z3 sized, the difference with Mark II Z4 will be considerable.

 

[SKY]

There more I read about the new Z2, the more I like it.

 

[Centurion]

Lighter, more compact and brave new exterior design that I most likely will love

Here it is, welcome to the past buddy

 

[klier]

Nah, that's old. More like this:

 

[NarutoRamen]

I do too - it's such a spectacular machine, especially with the roof down.

Too bad about the colour as well, but don't you know that "chest wig chain gold", "metallic poo brown" and "bright snot green" are the new "in" colours? Heaven help us!

Now I wonder if people are choosing these colors or the companies forcing them onto us? LOL

BTW...this car looks absolutely gorgeous in Blue.