Z Series BMW E89 Z4 Test Drives Thread

[martinbo]

^ Couldn't agree more - I don't think I've ever seen a better looking BMW in any hue of blue! [Now where's that lovely, early press release frontal image?]

 

[NarutoRamen]

^ Couldn't agree more - I don't think I've ever seen a better looking BMW in any hue of blue! [Now where's that lovely, early press release frontal image?]

Well...I'd say I still love the E36 M3 with Estoril Blue...but then again, I'm biased since I owned that car. LOL

Are you talking about this picture?

 

[martinbo]

Duck my Fog.

Yes, that's the exact pic. I've never seen a better BMW press release picture.

And, astonishingly, I considered qualifying my statement about blue bimmers with a "that and the sublime E36 M3 in Estoril blue". Cool hey? I think we're on the same page on this one eh?

 

[NarutoRamen]

Duck my Fog.

Yes, that's the exact pic. I've never seen a better BMW press release picture.

And, astonishingly, I considered qualifying my statement about blue bimmers with a "that and the sublime E36 M3 in Estoril blue". Cool hey? I think we're on the same page on this one eh?

Is that the best pic? I would probably agree.

I'm happy as long as you include my beloved Estoril beauty. I'm honored to be on the same page as you. You are of course one of, if not the most, smartest member on here. Especially when it comes to cars.

 

[Osnabrueck]

Give me the heavy, ponderous, technology-laden Z4 any-day over its lithe, stripped-down doppelganger which exists in an alternate universe where fans dictate product development.

This is precisely the car that I, aspiring alpha-yuppie, have been dreaming of every time I get stuck in LA traffic on a warm Spring day. And the best thing is that this car makes room for a relatively lightweight, ragtop that could be to the Z4 what the 135i is to the 335i.

Of course, said car would doubtlessly be expensive beyond general palatability, but that's never really been a problem for BMW... or at least that wasn't a problem until very recently. Who knows what effect our blown economy will have on BMW's product plans. Z2 could be a long ways off.

 

[Mr Robert]

Give me the heavy, ponderous, technology-laden Z4 any-day over its lithe, stripped-down doppelganger which exists in an alternate universe where fans dictate product development.

Is there really anything positive about a car being heavy?

 

[klier]

^ Yes, obviously. The car has become more heavy because it has become much more all-round and comfortable. Like Osna said, it's good to sit in this car on a warm spring day in LA with jammed traffic.

Z4 has become a mini SL, and the Z2 will be the new 'old' Z4; more hardcore and more nimble and really like the 135i is to the 335i...

 

[Mr Robert]

^ Yes, obviously. The car has become more heavy because it has become much more all-round and comfortable. Like Osna said, it's good to sit in this car on a warm spring day in LA with jammed traffic.

Z4 has become a mini SL, and the Z2 will be the new 'old' Z4; more hardcore and more nimble and really like the 135i is to the 335i...

Then I guess the SL4 is not for me, really. In my world there is absolutely nothing negative about a car being light.

 

[Human]

New Z4 = ART! And if you read about the chassis engineering secrects, well then no pen pushing journalist can rate him/herself a BMW Chassis Expert then! BMW are THE chassis expert in mass produced cars, suv's ext. Heavier or not, proof is in the pudding!

 

[klier]

Then I guess the SL4 is not for me, really. In my world there is absolutely nothing negative about a car being light.

LOL, SL4 I was like '*** did he write there' when I read that the first time
Anyways, I agree with you for 90%, but you gotta agree that the heavier cars usually are a bit more comfortable too. That can't hurt if you only use the car to go to work with, and are in heavy slow moving traffic the whole time....

 

[mike.blueberry]

regarding weight, all will be clear at the first test drives.

i am more worried about the small size of the car (and my age ) vs price..
when i bought the Z3 10 years ago (sold 3 years ago), i didn't think it was small, and found it very practical and spacy inside.

this isn't true for the E85 with its high back, and even less the E89 because of a higher console and closer dashboard and windscreen and doors. for this price, suddenly the E92 325i coupe looks like a valid comparison, since no cabrio from BMW today offers what the Z3 used to be (very low waiste line, feeling of being outside totally). the E92 325i is faster than the E89 sDrive23i and the same weight. but i know it has nothing to do with a roadster lol just thinking loud.

Mike

 

[Osnabrueck]

Thinking out loud as well - there's something to be said about a very low-slung beltline that makes you feel free and at-one with the road. I'm interested to see what the gut impression is of the Z4 from behind the driver's seat.

 

[martinbo]

Oh dear... Jeffro Bovvers doesn't give the Z4 sDrive 35i a glowing review.

Fundamental concept in the write-up is that the handling characteristics are closer to SLK than Boxster. Quite contrary to the E85's experience.

Check it out on: First drive of BMW Z4 sDrive35i

Not altogether surprising considering the E85's hardcore appeal; I suppose this is the way the modern male driver is evolving: more exfoliate and deep cleanse than kick and charge.

A Z4 more like an SLK. F&%k me George.

 

[Mr Robert]

If George is right, then we have a whole different Z4 this time around. Oh well, let's hope for the Z2.

But then again, we were warned - the Z4 was to change, but I had never guessed that they would make a SLK competitor rather than a Boxster competitor.

 

[JLBM]

I for one am pleased

That the new Z4 is more comfortable. I am 34 years old, live in Johannesburg and its crumbling roads and am WAY past daily traffic grind discomfort. Currently in a 335i coupe with sports package and 19" mags and it is bone-jarring. Had an SLK350 and it was such a pleasure..

 

[martinbo]

That the new Z4 is more comfortable. I am 34 years old, live in Johannesburg and its crumbling roads and am WAY past daily traffic grind discomfort. Currently in a 335i coupe with sports package and 19" mags and it is bone-jarring. Had an SLK350 and it was such a pleasure..

335i Coupe Sport - stunning car. I'm sorry to hear that it's so stiff. Drove the 335i Coupe exclusive and the ride seemed pretty comfortable to me.

Yes, in the case of our local roads, their condition is deplorable. A very wet Feb and March wreaked havoc with the water table and many roads just disintegrated on their wet foundations. And Neotel busting up all the good tarmac for their fibre optics network didn't help either.

That's why I commute in a Polo. The wife now drives the much more comfortable and easy-in-traffic Forester XT and I'm in the market for a third, weekend car.

The E85 Z4 always had a special allure for me, given its uncompromising, feel-good-factor that I'd become well acquainted with. The problem with the E85 and even the E89 is that realistically, on our suburban roads, they're not practical or comfortable daily drivers. I know that in Europe it's quite acceptable to run one daily on smooth, well-maintained roads but here in SA the prospect of daily use is off-putting. I view the Z4 as a wealthy South African's weekend sportster and as such am disappointed that some of that raw appeal prevalent in the E85 will be lost.

Of course, if you are in the fortunate position to run the car as your commuter then yes, I agree that the improved ride comfort would be welcomed.

 

[EnI]

By AutoWeek.nl (English subtitles incl.)

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

 

[mike.blueberry]

Essai : BMW Z4 - 29/03/2009 - BMW - AutoMoto


Seems Automoto (France) were quite impressed by the Z4 35i. Here's the video, where you can see the car being pushed around. sorry, no subtitles


Mike

 

[Mr Robert]

I wrote this in the other Z4 thread but it is more fitting here:

EVO has a less than flattering review of the Z4 in their current issue. They say it drives like an Audi (they also question why the engine is positioned so extremely far to the front) and that it is fat and uninvolving... the conclusion is that the new Z4 is a lesser drive then the 335i and that it, strangely, is heavier.

 

[Zafiro]

For the average driver, the Z4 will be just fine, mark my words Wait for the Coupé and VOILA, its almost 200 kg lighter.
I seen the new Z4 Roadster and its a beauty and attention grabber, isn't that what Roadsters are about?