Picture Gallery: 2009 BMW Z4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
 Click Image to Enlarge |
That’s right, this car could not have come at a better time: the 2009 BMW Z4 has hit my driveway just in time for the official launch of summer in the capital, and so far I am enjoying every minute of it.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
I’m not sure it could have came with much better specifications, either, without going completely overboard. The sDrive35i model I will be sporting this week is painted black Sapphire metallic suite with an interior lined in Coral Red extended Kansas leather. I’m not sure exactly what Kansas leather, is but it looks great.
Starting at a base price of $61,900, my tester adds the Sport Package and Executive Package to come in just under 70 grand, at $69,100, before taxes freight and pdi.
The most important part of a roadster, though is the engine, and this one goes with gusto thanks to BMW’s 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged inline six engine, outputting 300hp and 300lb-ft of torque. And it powers the proper wheels — the rear ones — through a proper six-speed manual. It doesn’t get much more “roadster” than this.
2009 BMW Z4
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $69,100
For more information on BMW and the Z4 visit BMW Canada
 Click Image to Enlarge |
The 2009 Z4 is a hardtop convertible as well, so all year you could drive this sports car and still feel like the king of the road in the middle of January when most other convertibles are put away in garages and their owners driving around in beaters or SUVs.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
The interior is equally striking, especially with the red leather interior of my tester. The dash, the layout — everything is better than any other recent BMW I have tested, and everything just works perfectly. Surprisingly, there are quite a few storage locations in this small car as well.
There are map pockets in the doors that pull out; a storage bin on the dash; the center console opens to reveal two cupholders and some storage; a small place for your cell phone by the shift lever. A few other places for more storage include the glove box and another little box behind the seats as well as a small shelf — and of course there is the trunk, which is surprisingly large!
The trunk does shrink with the top down, but you could still fit a laptop or two with the top down, and top up, ample room is available for overnight bags and some shopping.
The sport seats are superb, as they are in all other BMWs I have driven. The switch gear is familiar, as well as the steering feel and all controls. The Logic 7 stereo system pumps out the tunes top up or top down with ease. I can’t really find anything not to like here for me, as the Z4’s interior is darn near perfect for a roadster!
 Click Image to Enlarge |
Because of the billion degree weather today, I decided I would drive home with the top up. I did need to evaluate how it felt in this mode, rather than top down mode only, especially to judge it for parking lot and visibility concerns.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
The most important aspect, though, is how the Z4 drives. No beating around the bush let’s get to it! The suspension on the Z4 is softer than some sport suspension-equipped 3 Series sedans I have driven, but very similar to that of the 328i I drove a few weeks ago. The chassis is extremely stiff and seems to suffer no flexibility with the top down; it feels like it was carved from a solid piece of steel.
Most of the driving feel is typical BMW, with speed-sensitive steering, a smooth clutch and a nice six-speed transmission with short accurate and satisfying engagements. The Bridgestone tires certainly do not provide the Z4 with the ultimate grip it deserves, as understeer comes on quickly for a car of this type and its seemingly capable chassis.
Is it a great cruiser? You bet. Is it a great sports car? I think with some better tires and a bit of tweaking it would do perfectly fine on the track. The long nose and seating position are a bit difficult to get accustomed to, but after some practice, anyone would be happy to carve out mountain roads with the Z4.
The engine note is intoxicating, with a very similar sound to a Boxster S, at least from the driver’s seat. Outside observers have commented about the throaty tone the car makes as it flies by.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
Gas mileage always seems great with BMW’s 3.0-liter twin turbo engine, and the Z4 is no exception. Over the course of my regular driving, I averaged 10.5L/100km, which is not bad considering I was not light on the go pedal. I headed out onto the highway on Saturday morning, driving two hours to Montreal and two hours back. When I arrived home the fuel consumption readout registered 7.8L/100km with an average speed of 100km/h — not bad at all!
I’m not one to argue about a sports car that looks great, handles well and provides fuel economy that makes many family cars look thirsty. If you are, then you haven’t driven it; do so, and you’ll probably change your mind.
*Rating out of 5:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | |
| Acceleration | 
|
| Handling | 
|
| Comfort | |
| Interior |
|
| Audio System | |
| Gas Mileage | |
*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2009 BMW Z4
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $69,100
For more information on BMW and the Z4 visit BMW Canada
to our site.
June 25, 2009, 11:36:12 am I'd echo those comments. I think the performance driver is not looking at the Z4, and likely wasn't with the previous model either. Clearly, for performance, the M3 is the way to go.
I think BMW knows the market segment they are after with this car; and it not the performance-oriented enthusist who populate this site. Comparing this car to a Mazda Miata is pointless as they are "aimed" at different market segments.
And, as to looks, this is one of BMWs best looking vehicles ever.
June 25, 2009, 01:37:29 pm Did see a few, did find it stunning, but the wife called it "ugly" (anything flashy is "ugly" to her...). Previous M-series Z4 could hold its own against the Boxster S (see the Top Gear comparo), so who knows, maybe this one will be "emmed" as well.
June 25, 2009, 02:13:50 pm They did a "head to head" on Fifth Gear this past weekend with the Boxster and the Z4. Boxster got the nod as being more driver focused. The Z4 was a lot closer on the track than some of the above posters would believe though. It wasn't a huge disparity. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if the Euro version got a different suspension setup compared to what lard assed North Americans expect.
I find the interior design quite nice, particularly the asymmetry of the dash and the console.
June 25, 2009, 05:07:43 pm there's one parked outside teh Royal York. It's a beautiful design to my eyes. The previous gen was awkward. That being said I'd be cross shopping a Porsche at that price level, wow (in my dreams - that's a chunk of disposable income!!).
June 26, 2009, 02:51:28 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bch3B5d1Tmc
June 26, 2009, 09:42:29 am The leather stays cool due to the "Sun Reflective Technology" that's applied on all BMW cabriolets. Frankly, I'm surprised no one else has thought of this.
June 26, 2009, 01:35:42 pm Incidently, this 3.0L TT engine is officially rated at 300hp/300lbft, but has been dynoed at between 320 to 330hp depending on conditions. It seems many of BMW engines are actaully a bit stronger than the "official" amount.
June 26, 2009, 03:24:45 pm Dyno.
June 26, 2009, 04:16:18 pm
Yes, that is one dyno result as done by Edmunds, I note. I am saying that other dynos have been done on BMW sites that result in different numbers (but I suspected I would be opening a can of worms by even mentioning it).
A lot of factors affect dyno readings. Believe whichever you want to. Some Euro makers tend to understate HP and Torque readings for regulatory reasons (taxes on HP, etc, in Euroland).
June 26, 2009, 04:17:27 pm "Because of the billion degree weather today, I decided I would drive home with the top up."
Are you a little baby
Turn the AC on
June 26, 2009, 04:42:36 pm
Yes, that is one dyno result as done by Edmunds, I note. I am saying that other dynos have been done on BMW sites that result in different numbers (but I suspected I would be opening a can of worms by even mentioning it).
A lot of factors affect dyno readings. Believe whichever you want to. Some Euro makers tend to understate HP and Torque readings for regulatory reasons (taxes on HP, etc, in Euroland).
That's over 327hp at the crank. The stated 300hp is at the crank, not at the wheels.
June 28, 2009, 05:52:37 pm The new Z4 is a vast improvement over the outgoing model. Really sexy shape i must say. The only downside is the price..$69k for a fully-loaded 3.5 model BEFORE TAXES!?! The only way i would consider buying it is USED. Why pay full price when i can get one with few kms and good condition for $20k+ less after 1-2 yrs. Bimmers and Benzes have high depreciation values. For even less money and more performance..i'd consider nissan 370Z/G37..more bang for your buck!!
June 28, 2009, 06:05:47 pm
Actually, BMWs (except for the super-high-end models like the 7-Series) have some of the lowest depreciation values in the industry. The 3-Series and the Z4 hold their value extremely well.
June 28, 2009, 09:33:16 pm Wing,
The steering wheel chart on Day 4 says "Ford Fusion SEL."
June 28, 2009, 09:35:31 pm Oops thanks!
June 28, 2009, 10:09:54 pm
Actually, BMWs (except for the super-high-end models like the 7-Series) have some of the lowest depreciation values in the industry. The 3-Series and the Z4 hold their value extremely well.
That is correct. Unfortunately, the current depressed car sales market has resulted in depressed prices for all used cars, including BMWs (although arguably less so for a BMW over some others). Anyone buying a new car in the past 18 months may be surprised to see how much dep'n they have suffered since purchase.
June 29, 2009, 10:08:21 am Loooove the new Z4 - It's a bargain in the market in which it competes - Boxter and Slk -
I really don't see it in the same league as the miata and s2000. Both are fantastic cars in their own right. Just not in the same league...
June 30, 2009, 04:23:42 pm Was just at Elite this morning and they had the Z4 in the showroom (and the 3 convertible and the 1 convertible - summer, aahhhh!). The Z is absolutely beautiful up close. the interior is a knock-out, not something you normally hear for a BMW
July 01, 2009, 01:22:50 am
Actually, BMWs (except for the super-high-end models like the 7-Series) have some of the lowest depreciation values in the industry. The 3-Series and the Z4 hold their value extremely well.
I don't really agree. In gerneral ..new cars depreciate 25% in the first yr and thereafter..30-50%. German cars have high markups...it's all about the brand itself. I love German cars but the quality is just not up to par with Lexus. Electrical,cooling and transmission are common problems in German cars and it costs alot to repair after the warranty is up. I can't emphasize how important QUALITY is thesedays.
July 01, 2009, 01:28:24 am
In general...new cars lose their value 25% in the first yr and thereafter, 30-50%. I love German cars but they're prone to transmission,cooling and electrical problems. German cars have high markups and the repairs costs tons of money. I really hope Bimmer and Benz could focus on the quality aspect. Just look at LEXUS...very few problems.
July 01, 2009, 03:52:00 am That's quite funny.....buick has actually beat toyota (I mean lexus) in quality. I'm on my second bmw and no problems at all...can't say the same for my other japanese cars that I've owned.
I agree bmw's are expensive to purchase, but Lexus charges way to much for pimped out Toyota.
My regular maintenance on a 3 series is on par with my honda accord.
July 01, 2009, 11:21:32 am Ah, the old BMW vs Lexus argument......
ALL vehicles depreciate the minute you drive them off the lot. Traditionally, BMWs held their values better and had higher residual value in leases than most other vehicles. Formerly, a 4 year old BMW was worth somewhere between 50 and 60% of it's original MSRP. Current market conditions have caused used car values to drop (mainly because makers are selling new cars for reduced prices). I would estimate that an (say) 2 year old BMW is worth (on the used car market) about 10% less than it would have been before the recession. But this applies across the board to ALL makes; in fact, some makes are far worse than this (eg. some of the Detroit iron is being sold so cheaply new today, that 2 or 3 year old vehicles are worth a lot less than one would expect).
Regarding reliability, using CReports stats, the Lexus marque has had less problems than BMWs. Anecdotally, all of us have had experiences that match that or do not. My 19 month old BMW has had zero issues, and runs flawlessly. Another guy where I work had trouble with his Lexus 460, and got rid of it at a rather brutal loss. Anecdotal evidence proves very little.
Some of us would rather have the driving dynamics of a BMW over the comfort and numbness of a Lexus (another generalization, I know). Within each of the marques, there are cars geared to sportiness and there are cars geared to luxury. In a general way, all BMWs tend to be more sporting than do Lexus. I guess I would say a Lexus tries to add some sport to the luxury; a BMW adds some luxury to the sport.
An argument that really has no resolution. Drive what you like and can afford and be happy with it.
July 01, 2009, 11:28:26 am
July 01, 2009, 02:25:05 pm
You mean $0? There's NO way a German car will cost <= to maintain than an Accord.
July 01, 2009, 03:19:39 pm I just did lease return on a 2006 330I which had a couple small glitches, however were covered under warranty so it cost me $0.00 for 3 yrs.
I currently drive a 2006 330xi with 135000 kms on it and it drives like new, and all I've done is change fluids.
My 2004 honda accord with 150000 kms has had more parts replaced than the other 2 bimmers which makes it more costly to operate so far.
I've changed the brakes on the the accord twice until now...the bimmer will be done soon, however cost wise if I added it up the honda brakes are more expensive.
The point of this story; I try to find an excuse to drive the 330xi every day,
and as Borat would say; the Honda not soo much.