2011 Z4 safety features vs. old model....

[2011Z4]

Hey all....I am in the market to lease either an sDrive Z4 35i or Mercedes SLK350.

One area I am concerned about is safety. I read online that the previous model Z4 (pre-2009) did not have a good safety rating. Can anyone tell me if the safety features on the newer Z4's have been upgraded or improved? I can't find any info on the net that discusses the latest Z4 safety features.

I have always leased 335i's and loved them. But I'm ready for a change and the Z4 is probably the way I'm gonna go. I test drove the SLk350 and while it's a nice car, it feels a little cheap on the interior and the seats were a little uncomfortable.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to test drive the Z4 35i, only the 30i model. Coming from my 300hp 335i, it was a letdown, but that's like comparing apples to oranges. I'm sure the 35i is very impressive to drive.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Dave in California...

[HerrK]

Not sure what your data source for the safety of the E 85's. 2009-2011 E89 Z4's have not yet been rated by NHSTA, but the ratings for the E85 (roadster) are pretty good considering the size of the car. The E86 (Coupe) was never rated. NHSTA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - the folks who entice the Manufactuers to recall their vehicles)

NHTSA Tests - E85 Roadster w/side air bags (Ratings: 5 Best - 1 Worst)
1. Frontal Crash Driver & Pasenger - 4 Star
2. Rollover - 5 Star
3. Side Crash - 3 Star

I doubt that the E89 BMW will go backwards in the NHTSA ratings. BMW knows the requirements and perform independant tests. The NHTSA rating standards were revised for 2011 anyway so when the E89's are rated it won't be a direct apples to apples comparison to the older results.

Same engine (N54) in the new Z4's as your 335i so you should enjoy the drive. Happy shopping.

[2011Z4]

Thanks very much! Good info!

[davidmbell]

Not the e89, but as the above poster said BNW would have improved things over previous model:

http://www.euroncap.com/tests/bmw_z4_2004/186.aspx

http://www.euroncap.com/Player.aspx?...6-43fe94af8567

David

[HerrK]

E89 Standard Safety Features (from the BMW web site)

Safety and security
Dual-airbag Supplementary Restraint System
Automatic safety-belt pretensioners
Side-impact airbags
BMW's Advanced Safety System for integrated deployment of safety features
Active Knee Protection
Mechanism for disabling the deployment of the front, knee and passenger's-side airbag; includes indicator light (see your BMW Z4 Roadster Owner's Manual for further details)
Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
Central locking system with double-lock anti-theft feature, selective unlocking and interior locking switch
Adaptive Brake Lights
Rollover Protection System
Coded Driveaway Protection
Crash sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal disconnect of alternator, fuel pump and starter from battery; automatically unlocks doors, and turns on hazard and interior lights

And then theres Traction control, Stability control, Brake Drying in wet Conditions, Anti Roll Back Brakes, etc

[persian54]

i say get a Z4 now and when your lease finishes in 3 years, get the slk

the hype of the new slk would have died down, rates will be more favorable, and you'll have a chance to own the z4