Automobile Magazine Reviews Z4 sDrive35is - New 2009 2010 BMW Z4

Jason · 09-15-2010, 01:43 PM

Automobile Magazine has undertaken a review of the 2011 Z4 sDrive35is.

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews...rformance.html

Among the notable quotes:

Quote:

I had a great time ripping through the gears and hitting on-ramps with more speed than normal, but like the M3 coupe, there's rarely a safe chance to take advantage of the Z4is's amazing capabilities.

Quote:

I like McCausland's description of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is as a "tarmac-seeking missile," as it indeed is that. During a very fun weekend in the car, I spent a lot of time seeking tarmac myself: long, straight ribbons of it; short, undulating stretches of it; curvy, tightening, heaving pieces of it. It didn't much matter what kind of road I was on, the Z4 was a blast. What's nice is that it also has brakes to match the performance of the powertrain. I was giving a ride to a 15-year-old who's barely been in a convertible in her life, let alone a high-performance German car, and I did a 100-to-0-mph stop on a deserted stretch of road and she was astonished. So was I. It's also true, as McCausland says, that the 300-hp six in the standard Z4 sDrive35i is more than sufficient for this small car.

Quote:

The new styling of the Z4 is a great success on the road. I have driven few cars this summer that garnered so much attention, all of it from men ranging in age from teens to 20s to 40s. This includes the teenage son of the organic free-range farmers from whom I sometimes buy eggs. This young man usually demonstrates all the enthusiasm for his mother's egg-buying customers that you would expect from a sullen teen-ager, which is to say none. But when I wheeled the Z4 sDrive35is into their driveway, he was all smiles and solicitude, cheerfully asking, "Are you here to buy eggs?!?" "Yes," I replied. "Sorry, we're out," he said. "But I LOVE your car! I am a HUGE beemer fan!!"

Read the full review at Automobile Magazine

Vertigo//SD · 09-15-2010, 02:11 PM

Nice car but the Z4 M Coupé is so much nicer in every way.

04cbm3 · 09-15-2010, 02:13 PM

does this car use the n54??

pyrat · 09-15-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lville

does this car use the n54??

yes

E60orBust · 09-15-2010, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vertigo//SD

Nice car but the Z4 M Coupé is so much nicer in every way.

True, but that is why this is a high out put Z4 and not an Z4 M. I'd be happy with a fixed roof version. Folding hard top should be a cardinal sin (fatty!)

I think BMW would have sold more Z4M cars if they optioned something other than a manual tranny. Sports coupe it is, but the "mass-market" drives slush boxes. Anyone know what number of E46 M3's were bought with SMG vs 6MT?

EmPower · 09-15-2010, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E60orBust

True, but that is why this is a high out put Z4 and not an Z4 M. I'd be happy with a fixed roof version. Folding hard top should be a cardinal sin (fatty!)

I think BMW would have sold more Z4M cars if they optioned something other than a manual tranny. Sports coupe it is, but the "mass-market" drives slush boxes. Anyone know what number of E46 M3's were bought with SMG vs 6MT?

60 + K for this car is WAAAAAY too much!! I mean for another 10K you get a 7 series (I understand its like comparing apples and oranges, but compare the standard items list and you will see the difference). I don't agree with the pricing of some of these one offs.... hell I even feel that the C segment cars are 10K too expensive.

Wraith. · 09-15-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vertigo//SD

Nice car but the Z4 M Coupé is so much nicer in every way.

Subjective opinion, shared by most ppl who already own a coupe. You love you're car, that's a great thing. However, I like a little more variety. Give me a car that is tuned from the factory, is both 'vert and coupe and is a huge evolution in aesthetic both inside and out and i'm done. I'll sell my Benz, and hop on a plane bound for Munich tomorrow.... Wait, I DID and I AM!

Vintage · 09-15-2010, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vertigo//SD

Nice car but the Z4 M Coupé is so much nicer in every way.

I love M Coupes and have owned a 2001 I should have never sold, but you really should go drive a 35i or is.

mcbeee · 09-15-2010, 03:37 PM

Nice car but the Z4 M Coupé is so much nicer in every way.

yeah sure, until the sun comes out ......

I had a Z3 roadster and an M3 Cabriolet and now have a Z4 3.0i roadster and a Z4 e89 with 7spd DCT and Dinan stage II. The Z4 3.0i has a slushbox in it for the wife, she loves it and after driving about 200,000kms with BMW manual trannies I absolutely love my DCT with 385 hp pushing it. That plus the fact that I have a convertible roof is magic...

I was just at the ZFest in LA and there were very few coupes there, I do like them but what the heck are you supposed to do when the sun shines...I don't have a can opener that big. I am currently shopping for another Z3-3.0 or M (roadster of course)

BlueZ4AZ · 09-15-2010, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vertigo//SD

Nice car but the Z4 M Coupé is so much nicer in every way.

Riiiiiiiigt.

How's that chintzy looking interior working out for ya'?
The over bangled awkward styling - Still like it?
How 'bout the antiquated transmission - still happy with it?

Memphis1 · 09-15-2010, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vertigo//SD

Nice car but the Z4 M Coupé is so much nicer in every way.

so you're saying the screwdriver (Z4M) is better than a power drill (Z4 35is)???

Merefield · 09-15-2010, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbeee

Nice car but the Z4 M Coupé is so much nicer in every way.

yeah sure, until the sun comes out ......

hahah, so true

on balance, both great cars

Merefield · 09-15-2010, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Memphis1

so you're saying the screwdriver (Z4M) is better than a power drill (Z4 35is)???

no, i don't think he was!

Silver-Bolt · 09-15-2010, 06:42 PM

Didn't I read that the e89 chassis was stiffer than the e85 coupe? The Z4M coupe has about the best body lines that Bangle ever drew. However the new e89 just out shines it from every angle. Handling wise stock for stock the M likely would get the win. New tires and a rear swaybar on the e89 and the outcome would be different.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 09-15-2010, 08:20 PM

There is a fellow down the street from me he drives a Zm I think it is a 2007 or 2008

He loves my Z435i and so he should it is the ZM for me (having driven the Z4 30is 2008 for 10 months).

Memphis, love the screw driver comparison

All I need is the Z4 35i ... two cars in one what a grand way to drive.

persian54 · 09-15-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmPower

60 + K for this car is WAAAAAY too much!! I mean for another 10K you get a 7 series (I understand its like comparing apples and oranges, but compare the standard items list and you will see the difference). I don't agree with the pricing of some of these one offs.... hell I even feel that the C segment cars are 10K too expensive.

Some of us would never drive a car as large as the 7 series (at least until we get older)

and add a few options on the 7, and it's 80k+ easy

which you could get an e93 M3...

But it depends on what someone wants really.

mcbeee · 09-16-2010, 08:31 AM

On most forums, coupe drivers poke fun at roadster drivers and vice versa, it's the way of the world.

I love them both but prefer no roof on those rare sunny days...

Screwdrivers vs power drills.......WTF? The right tool for the right job I say, my e89 is right for most driving and an M roadster (IMO) is right for ripping up canyons. I just spent 3 days chasing them through the canyons and managed to keep up (with my limited experience driving roads like that). I firmly believe that the Z3 is more agile, the Z4M is a wild little machine and my E89 is a slightly more civilized version. Love them all....gonna get the set

Vintage · 09-16-2010, 09:41 AM

as I said, I have owned a 2001 M Coupe and it was truly great. However, with a factory 0-60 time of well over 5 seconds it is much slower than my wife's DCT N54 e89. The e85 M Coupe probably handles better in a purely short/twisty track environment but my wife's car will kill it everywhere else. Since almost none of us track our cars I really like the e89 and its overall fun factor for every day driving (PLUS IT IS A CONVERTIBLE). Now, add the performance mods we made and the non-RFTs just added to the e89, and it is no contest. That being said, I plan on adding a an e85 M Coupe to the stable soon and converting it to a purely track car with all the cool mods: Brembos, Volk G2s and Michelin Cup tires, Recaro seats, KW suspension, and maybe even an ESS Supercharger, (I think you get the picture).

mcbeee · 09-16-2010, 10:05 AM

Vintage, just a comment . Most of the Z's I was touring the canyons with at ZFest were from Texas. If you are into the clubs there you may know them.
Ciao.
Mcbee

tranquility · 09-16-2010, 02:09 PM

This all started because some random dude w/ a Z4M started bagging on the latest (and greatest) version...who's really the insecure/defensive one? It's esp annoying when that comment just came out of nowhere. Considering that the E89 resembles a large formidable projectile, I put it down to penis envy.

1-series is nice but too much of an entry-level/kid-racer look for me. SLK is dated like crazy and I don't consider MB a sporty brand at all, whether it's AMG'd or not. If I'm looking for a luxury sedan, maybe I'd consider a Merc. A coupe? No way man.

Btw, who the hell would cross-shop a Z4 with a 7-series???? Talk about shopping at opposite ends of the spectrum.

mcbeee · 09-16-2010, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranquility

Btw, who the hell would cross-shop a Z4 with a 7-series???? Talk about shopping at opposite ends of the spectrum.

I was ....I seriously looked at a 745 and an M6 coupe. but then I sobered up. kidding aside,I was looking at 5 and 7 series cars to replace my M3,somehow ending up with an E89 ....

tranquility · 09-16-2010, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcbeee

I was ....I seriously looked at a 745 and an M6 coupe. but then I sobered up. kidding aside,I was looking at 5 and 7 series cars to replace my M3,somehow ending up with an E89 ....

What?! I'm gonna call Citizenship Canada to revoke your citizenship LOL...j/k

Well, my path to the Z4 wasn't that extreme, but went from sedan to coupe as well, like this: 335 xdrive--->S4--->TTS--->Cayman/S--->Z4.

09-15-2010, 03:37 PM	#9
mcbeee Lieutenant Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Calgary Posts: 446 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 3.0i [0.00] 2001 Z3 3.0i [0.00] 2009 Z4 s35i [0.00]	Nice car but the Z4 M Coupé is so much nicer in every way. yeah sure, until the sun comes out ...... I had a Z3 roadster and an M3 Cabriolet and now have a Z4 3.0i roadster and a Z4 e89 with 7spd DCT and Dinan stage II. The Z4 3.0i has a slushbox in it for the wife, she loves it and after driving about 200,000kms with BMW manual trannies I absolutely love my DCT with 385 hp pushing it. That plus the fact that I have a convertible roof is magic... I was just at the ZFest in LA and there were very few coupes there, I do like them but what the heck are you supposed to do when the sun shines...I don't have a can opener that big. I am currently shopping for another Z3-3.0 or M (roadster of course) __________________ Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps '03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers) '01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine) Last edited by mcbeee; 09-15-2010 at 03:50 PM.

09-15-2010, 08:20 PM	#15
Mr. ///M3 RD Major General Drives: M3 Summer & C350 4MATIC Winter Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada Posts: 7,540 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 M3 Coupe e92 [3.00] 2011 Benz 350 4MATIC [1.00] 1967 Restored Merce ... [0.00] 1987 BMW 535is [0.50] Cars from the Past [1.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [3.50]	There is a fellow down the street from me he drives a Zm I think it is a 2007 or 2008 He loves my Z435i and so he should it is the ZM for me (having driven the Z4 30is 2008 for 10 months). Memphis, love the screw driver comparison All I need is the Z4 35i ... two cars in one what a grand way to drive. __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well ---> Click here for some good stuff I found

09-16-2010, 08:31 AM	#17
mcbeee Lieutenant Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Calgary Posts: 446 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 3.0i [0.00] 2001 Z3 3.0i [0.00] 2009 Z4 s35i [0.00]	On most forums, coupe drivers poke fun at roadster drivers and vice versa, it's the way of the world. I love them both but prefer no roof on those rare sunny days... Screwdrivers vs power drills.......WTF? The right tool for the right job I say, my e89 is right for most driving and an M roadster (IMO) is right for ripping up canyons. I just spent 3 days chasing them through the canyons and managed to keep up (with my limited experience driving roads like that). I firmly believe that the Z3 is more agile, the Z4M is a wild little machine and my E89 is a slightly more civilized version. Love them all....gonna get the set __________________ Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps '03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers) '01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine)

09-16-2010, 09:41 AM	#18
Vintage Colonel Drives: 2010 Z4 35i and 2010 X5 35d Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 2,048 iTrader: (0)	as I said, I have owned a 2001 M Coupe and it was truly great. However, with a factory 0-60 time of well over 5 seconds it is much slower than my wife's DCT N54 e89. The e85 M Coupe probably handles better in a purely short/twisty track environment but my wife's car will kill it everywhere else. Since almost none of us track our cars I really like the e89 and its overall fun factor for every day driving (PLUS IT IS A CONVERTIBLE). Now, add the performance mods we made and the non-RFTs just added to the e89, and it is no contest. That being said, I plan on adding a an e85 M Coupe to the stable soon and converting it to a purely track car with all the cool mods: Brembos, Volk G2s and Michelin Cup tires, Recaro seats, KW suspension, and maybe even an ESS Supercharger, (I think you get the picture). Last edited by Vintage; 09-16-2010 at 12:26 PM.

09-16-2010, 10:05 AM	#19
mcbeee Lieutenant Drives: '09 Z4 s35i & '03 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Calgary Posts: 446 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 Z4 3.0i [0.00] 2001 Z3 3.0i [0.00] 2009 Z4 s35i [0.00]	Vintage, just a comment . Most of the Z's I was touring the canyons with at ZFest were from Texas. If you are into the clubs there you may know them. Ciao. Mcbee __________________ Member ZSCCA 2009 Z4 s35i with Dinan Stage II software, Sport and Exec packages, 19" 296 rims , a stubby and mud flaps '03 Z4 3.0i Sterling Grey (Hers) '01 Z3 3.0i Sapphire Black, M sport package (Mine)

09-15-2010, 02:11 PM	#2
Vertigo//SD Second Lieutenant Drives: '13 X1 xDrive28i M-sport Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 295 iTrader: (1)	Nice car but the Z4 M Coupé is so much nicer in every way.

09-15-2010, 02:13 PM	#3
04cbm3 Private First Class Drives: E46 m3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: AL./ky Posts: 160 iTrader: (0)	does this car use the n54??

09-15-2010, 06:42 PM	#14
Silver-Bolt Captain Drives: 2011 Z4 35is Melbourne Red Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 777 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Z4 35is [5.00]	Didn't I read that the e89 chassis was stiffer than the e85 coupe? The Z4M coupe has about the best body lines that Bangle ever drew. However the new e89 just out shines it from every angle. Handling wise stock for stock the M likely would get the win. New tires and a rear swaybar on the e89 and the outcome would be different.

09-16-2010, 02:09 PM	#20
tranquility sportscars only Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,169 iTrader: (0)	This all started because some random dude w/ a Z4M started bagging on the latest (and greatest) version...who's really the insecure/defensive one? It's esp annoying when that comment just came out of nowhere. Considering that the E89 resembles a large formidable projectile, I put it down to penis envy. 1-series is nice but too much of an entry-level/kid-racer look for me. SLK is dated like crazy and I don't consider MB a sporty brand at all, whether it's AMG'd or not. If I'm looking for a luxury sedan, maybe I'd consider a Merc. A coupe? No way man. Btw, who the hell would cross-shop a Z4 with a 7-series???? Talk about shopping at opposite ends of the spectrum.

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