CTC Review: 2009 BMW Z4

[rrocket]

I disagree, I'd say the chassis is the most important aspect.

Well I guess this new Z4 fails then.  The last couple reviews I've read in the big mag comparos have said the handling was rubbery and flaccid and not terribly inspiring....

It seems the new Z4's mission is decidedly more luxury than sporty...

[The Mighty Duck]

Why do people always say this, it's a pointless argument. You could say the same about any car, Boxster, M3, Elise etc.  If everyone bought Miata's/S2000's and spent the extra money on something else the world would be a very boring place indeed...

That would depend what they spent the extra money on. 

I guess if you're a Z4 buyer you're after the prestige and luxury, which the aforementioned do not offer.  I was looking at the Z4 as a sports car, and as a sports car if you compare it with the Honda or Mazda it looks expensive and I couldn't justify it.  But if you compare it to the SL, then yes, it's good value.

I thought the 6-series was supposed to be BMW's SL, though.

[Factger]

In effort to increase total sales volume, BMW hopes to attract more women to dealerships with its latest, 2009 BMW Z4. According to BMW spokesperson, Friedbert Holz estimated men presently make up 80 to 90 percent of total Z4 sales.

Holz says, the new design should appeal more to females. "The design of the new Z4 is not as masculine as it was before," he said. "it is more floating and round."

BMW also wants to steal customers away from its Mercedes-Benz SLK competition."Our goal is to sell more than we did with its predecessor," Holz said.

Friedbert Holz, communications manager for the Z4 and 3-Series at BMW

[Flinter]

I must say, this is one absolutely gorgeous car.

The pricing is hard to swallow for a value minded person like me, but if BMW is trying to go after the MB-SLK then it is in the same ball park.

Sad to hear that the suspension is tuned more towards the luxury end of the spectrum. That said, perhaps BMW is thinking the more performance orientated driver in this price range will gravitate towards the M3. I know I would. 

[ovr50]

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.  IMO, of course. 

[Blueprint]

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.

[Root Moose]

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.

[samej]

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!!).

[Mitlov]

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bch3B5d1Tmc

[Matt]

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.

[ovr50]

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. 

[vdk]

Dyno.

[ovr50]

Dyno.

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).

[airbalancer]

"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

[vdk]

Dyno.

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.

[silverbullet3]

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!!

[Mitlov]

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!!

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.

[Mitlov]

Wing,

The steering wheel chart on Day 4 says "Ford Fusion SEL."

[wing]

Oops thanks!

[ovr50]

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!!

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.