BMW Z4 Roadster 2009 Review

BMW Z4 E89 Roadster sDrive 30i and 35i

What we liked
>> Sporting urge from both 35i and 30i options
>> More substantial, sporting styling
>> Comfortable, spacious cabin

Not so much
>> Hard ride; vague steering
>> Cabin turbulence with roof down, and that the deflector is an option

Overall rating: 4.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 4.0/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.0/5.0
X-factor: 4.5/5.0

About our ratings

OVERVIEW
-- roadster roots celebrated
The guys and gals at BMW would have you believe they've worked with the Roadster formula for ages. The company's first entry to the segment was early in the 1930s with a sports roadster version of the 3/15, called the 3 Type Wartburg, while the original straight-six powered roadster from BMW was introduced in 1934 with the 315/1.

The 'Z series' of roadsters began with the Z1 in 1988, and the Z3 and limited production Z8 in the '90s. BMW argues the Z4, as with all its open-top cars, is an authentic classic roadster which interprets the company's "traditional values" for building a convertible.

That long bonnet, local company spokesperson Toni Andreevski opines, is evidence enough. And he's right: the new Z4 more closely resembles archetypal roadsters the likes of Jag E-type in profile, and makes the most of classic roadster styling with old-meets-modern codes like fluted hood and (big) wheels in each corner of a long wheelbase.

The addition of the twin-turbo version BMW's lauded 3.0-litre six-cylinder brings an edge to its Roadster range offering. Where the outgoing E85 model's real pluck was resigned to the 3.2-litre M models, the E89 lineup is arguably more muscular all around. The new sDrive powerplants are claimed to be sportier than before, and topped by the 35i, give the new Z4 lineup wider appeal.

As well as all-new lines, the physically larger Z4 now sports a folding metal roof. This hardtop determines the new car fills the role of both the outgoing Roadster and Coupe models. BMW is counting on the clever roof to at least appease those buyers of both clothtop and fixed-roof persuasion. As a fan of the Transformers-ish benefits of open-but-metal roofed motoring, this writer has no arguments.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
-- bigger, but more bucks
Local pricing for the sDrive 30i and 35i starts at $98,100 and $116,900 respectively, equipped with six-speed manual. The 2.5-litre six-cylinder 23i version -- not available to drive at the local launch -- starts at $86,200. The full E89 Z4 Roadster range will be in BMW dealers this month.

Notably, the updated iDrive is included on Z4 models; the first time the onboard systems' control function has been added to the brand's Roadsters.

Standard equipment across the Z4 range includes luxury-end features such as rain-sensing wipers, auto-on/off headlights, active cruise control, Park Distance Control front and rear, electronic parking brake, electronic differential lock, Dynamic Driving Control and bi-xenon headlights,

Cabin highlights include multi-function leather-bound sports steering wheel, brushed-aluminium decorative trim, electrochromatic (anti-glare) mirror, heated seats in leather trim with BMW SunReflective treatment, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary input and USB interface for the in-dash CD audio system.

Over the baseline equipment list of the Z4 sDrive23i, the 30i gains satellite navigation, voice control, 11-speaker audio system and electric seat and mirror adjustment with memory for driver.

Topping the range, the Z4 sDrive35i also features Comfort Access system (keyless entry, start, etc), fold-in anti-dazzle exterior mirrors, adaptive headlights, Highbeam Assist and sports seats.

While the standard-fit list is extensive, open-top specialties like heated steering wheel ($400) and wind deflector (price unavailable at time of publish) are among the Z4's options.

BMW's six-speed sports automatic with paddle shift is $3300 more (over the six-peed manual-equipped model's price) on 23i and 30i and the seven-speed dual clutch transmission with paddle shift available for the 35i is $3500.

MECHANICAL

With BMW's new(ish) double-clutch transmission, the 0-100km/h sprint takes just over 5.0sec (manual 5.2sec). The manual-only E85 M Roadster took 5.0sec flat.

The naturally-aspirated 30i Z4's trademark inline-six-cylinder powerplant is good for 190kW at a lofty 6600rpm, and 310Nm at 2600rpm. The 0-100km/h time is 5.8sec with top speed electronically limited (like the 35i) to 250km/h.

Peak power and torque figures for the 2.5-litre six are 150kW and 250Nm respectively. The 23i auto takes 7.3sec to 0-100kmh. Top speed is still over 200km/h, at 242 for the manual or 239 with the sports auto.

Combined-cycle fuel consumption figures for the Z4 range from 8.9L/100km for the 2.5 auto to 9.8L/100km for the twin-turbo manual.

Transmissions across the Z4 lineup comprise six-speed manual boxes as standard, with a six-speed 'sports automatic' option for the 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated variants.

BMW's seven-speed double-clutch transmission is offered as an option only on the 3.0-litre twin-turbo Z4 35i. The cost is noted above in PRICE and EQUIPMENT.

The new Z4 uses the double-joint spring strut front axle from the BMW 3 Series Sedan, replacing the previous model's single joint Macpherson strut front end. The central link rear axle from the previous Z4 is retained.

The Roadster can be ordered with Adaptive M Sports Suspension ($2600) featuring electronically controlled dampers and enabling 10mm lower ride height.

The 35i Z4 comes standard with 18-inch wheels while the 30i and 23i are offered with 17-inch wheels. Brakes are vented discs: 300mm x 24mm for the front and 300mm x 20mm for the rear on the 23i and 30i models, and 348mm x 30mm (front) and 324mm x 20mm (rear) for the range-topper 35i.

All models also come with BMW's Dynamic Driving Control system, which peps up throttle response and shift points in auto-equipped versions. The DCC offers 'modes' for damper settings on Z4s fitted with the M Sports suspension package.

The new Z4 range is also fitted with run-flat tyres as standard.

PACKAGING
-- a more substantial two-seater
With the introduction of the E89 Z4, BMW has dispensed with the distinction between the Roadster and Coupe models sold here previously. The maker is confident the new retractable roof combines the best of both the previous variants in the one package, and that customers will agree.

The Z4's dimensions have increased over the last-gen model, now at 4239mm long and 1790mm wide. The E85 Z4 was 4091 long and 1781 wide. Wheelbase is unchanged at 2496mm and the new model is actually lower than the previous model, at 1291mm (compared to 1299 for the E85).

The Roadster's bonnet, roof panels and front guards are made from aluminium, and the door openings and windows are larger. BMW says access is easier, and the side windows are 40 per cent larger than those in the outgoing model, helping to create an improvement in all-round visibility by 14 per cent.

The Z4 has also gained weight: the previous 3.0-litre manual's kerb weight is 1310kg, while the E89 Z4 weighs 1415kg. The auto version gains 15kg.

Two women are credited with the exterior and interior accomplishments in the new Z4 (more here).

Interior stylist Nadya Arnaout says she's always owned roadsters so it was natural for her to apply open-top, two-seater requirements to styling. Arnaout's challenges included designing the interior with an asymmetrical console, having focus towards the driver rather than between both front passengers, and making it interchangeable for left and right-hand markets.

The sharp and aggressive exterior was designed by Juliane Blasi. Elements such as 'blackened' A-pillars serve to impress the "philosophy of the classic roadster", hopes the maker, and the logoed gills at the front are supposed to resemble the look of earlier roadster models.

Sure, the longish wheelbase gives the roadster a classic profile and we like the more pronounced bonnet this time around, which gives the Z4 a more serious appearance than the outgoing model. The rear is well styled, too. So well styled, it resembles a Porsche Boxster...

The Roadster's interior space has increased all 'round. By BMW's figures shoulder room has improved by 20mm and elbow room by 43mm, and if that doesn't sound significant it sure feels more spacious than the previous model.

The new-to-Z4 folding metal roof is a two-piece version, and takes 20 seconds to open or close when the car is stationary. That kind of duration is pretty standard if a little slow, and it's a shame the roof can't be operated at least at lower speeds, like Audi's version(s).

Rear cargo room is 310 litres with the roof closed and 180 litres open. The metal roof adds 30kg over the previous convertible.

SAFETY
-- all BMW's goodies
At the time of writing, crash test results for the latest Z4 model have not been published by EuroNCAP. The 2004 model was awarded four stars for adult occupancy protection, and two stars for pedestrian safety.

Otherwise the new Z4 comes standard with frontal and head/thorax airbags. So too BMW's suite of safety nannies including DSC (for Dynamic Stability Control), DBC Dynamic Brake Control, CBC (Cornering Brake Control), and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control).

The Z4's roll-over protection comes in the form of "massively reinforced A pillars" and roll bars behind the headrests.

COMPETITORS

The Boxster starts at $113,000. Can you believe it?! All that high-end convertible cool and a very special badge for 'around' 100K. More significantly, it's also priced at less than the (also manual-equipped) Z4 35i at $116K.

Question is: would you buy the 'lesser' Porsche or the top-most BMW? For a start, opting for the Z4 means you're treated to the convenience and comfort of a 'proper' roof and significantly more powerplant -- if not in size, then output.

Merc's SLK 350 is more expensive, starting at around $116K but you'll have to stump up for the AMG 55 version to really better the 35i in performance terms. That said we like the latest 350's Sportmotor powerplant and styling tweaks but the Beemer is equally tempting.

At the other end of the range, if owning a luxury roadster is all you want and performance is lower down the list of priorities, the 23i Z4 model offers a price competitive choice to M-B's SLK 200 Kompressor.

So, is the 30i Z4 a bit of an outsider? Would we save the money and settle for the 23i? To confirm we'll have to wait for a drive in the entry model but at this stage we can safely say no -- the 30i is far from a forgettable middle child.

ON THE ROAD
-- smooth road operator
Lately launches in Victoria have required organisers to find decent roads away from fire affected areas. Off limits largely are the great runs around Kinglake and Yarra Valley. So we were back on the GO (Great Ocean Road) only weeks after the Mazda MX-5 launch (more here) -- great for familiarity, and even a glimpse of roadster performance options at very different price points.

The Z4 is indeed the "classic roadster" the maker is spruiking it to be; for its cabin comfort, body styling and that it has the option of a serious powerplant.

Neither the 30i or 35i we drove will disappoint roadster fans. Much like its application in the 3 Series models we've tried (more here) the BMW twin-turbo six adds serious power to the 'mainstream' convertible segment.

The 30i is a close runner-up for its tractable power, and that it's somehow more wieldy. Dare we say, better balanced and more approachable.

In both models the steering is responsive and quick on turn-in but there's an impression of more understeer than we'd like (perhaps this is more pronounced by the almost over-the-rear-axle seating position in the Z4). What we especially disliked was the impression that the wheel becomes vague and overly light when winding lock off out of bends.

While the suspension absorbs most conditions (aside from nasties like overbanding and sharp-edged potholes) reasonably well, it runs out of travel, resulting in a rattled rebound that will unsettle the Z4's otherwise planted manners. It's almost like you can feel it get air...

In terms of ride, the Z4 is the type of car that's not meant to exhibit softness, but on less-than-ideal roads it becomes nervous and is easily unbalanced.

On smooth European mountain passes this might not be a problem. On roads like those in the Otways (and other parts of Australia) it's less than ideal.

Truck-worn backroads and 'Cruiser-and-caravan traversed scenic routes don't do sharpened sporties like the Z4 any favours. Aside from undulations that resemble a decent first set at Jan Juc, the ribbons of coastal and hinterlands road are often damp and usually covered with leaf litter or even half-done roadworks gravel. In such conditions we have quite some praise for the grip of the Bridgestone Potenza rubber fitted the launch Z4s.

The DCC system's sport setting is best, if not requisite, when pushing it for the extra throttle response and flexibility with shift points. As the roads were wet and at times littered with debris we didn't test the Sports+ mode, which interacts with allows for some slip in the rear wheels. The DCC control is well-located, unlike the iDrive knob which seems too far back in the console.

The new Roadster's contours are attractive in part due to a well-integrated windscreen that doesn't intrude on looks or vision, but it's low and sharply angled, meaning compromised protection to occupants. Wind noise to the rear is noticeable, along with turbulence -- we've experienced more serene open-top cabins than this one, at half the price.

BMW's optional-fit deflector wasn't fitted nor available at the launch event. Company spokespeople at the time told the Carsales Network that generally owners of previous-model Z4s had not bothered ordering the wind deflector, preferring the "real wind-in-hair experience".

As observed by our own Kenny G during last year's SLK launch (more here) neck-level heating (Benz calls it Airscarf) is a worthy add to open-top motoring and "every drop-top should have it" at least as an option.

For exclusion of all doubt, there's no such option offered up on the new Z4.

Victoria's weather (especially by the coast) is changeable so BMW considerately offered up beanies and scarves, which did the trick and probably cost a whole lot less than ticking an option box. Perhaps we're going soft.

BMW's PR boss drove the entire return route with the roof down -- sans beanie. But he might've been just trying to prove a point.

Occupant footwells include knee-level vents which in this season provided a nice source of extra heating. The vents don't intrude on the tidy look and layout of the cabin, and are simple yet effective.

Bluster and beanies aside, the Z4 is as structurally composed roof down as it is closed -- betraying no creaks or wobble without its lid. Those mourning the loss of the Coupe shouldn't worry: this Roadster is sound.

As for soft top fans? Get with the program! Especially at top level this is the best value serious, authentic roadster on the market today. And even if you can't stump for the six-figure version, you won't be disappointed with the 30i.

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