Z4 Reborn: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Full Test

CHECK OUT FULL ARTICLE @ INSIDELINE.COM:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=149607?tid=ed...

There's this guy at work (let's call him Dan) who never warmed up to BMW's Z3 and Z4 roadsters. Something about them simply didn't ring true.

"The original Z3 seemed like a reactionary car," says Dan, "a concept BMW didn't really believe in themselves. But everyone had to respond after the Mazda Miata reinvigorated the demand for small two-seat sports cars."

And the result seemed like an über-Miata, too — except the super-suit didn't fit well.

BMW must have felt the same way, because the redesigned car received significant changes and a new name: Z4. Attempts to tailor the suit included a wheelbase stretched by nearly 2 inches, a stiffer chassis and a much improved rear suspension.

But the magic still wasn't there and the Bangle-administration styling was polarizing, if not confrontational. Doubters like Dan remained unconvinced.

"I remained unconvinced," says Dan.

So the recent arrival of the new 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i roadster at our offices was met with considerable suspicion. Some approached it carrying a grudge, in fact, because its new power-retractable hardtop signals the end of dedicated fixed-roof versions like the M coupe, considered by some to be the best thing about previous Z roadsters.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• 2009
• BMW
• Z4
• sDrive35i
• Full
• Test
• car
• hardtop
• convertible
• auto
• motor
• engine
• Bavaria
• German

[sharonspaintings]

i'm a girl, and this car gives me a serious hard-on :)

[arturasa]

Haven't driven such yet but it's one of the most beautiful new cars in the market. Although I'm a Porsche fan, i would rather choos new Z4 than Boxter S in this segment :)

[peeps2142]

@cantugabe i agree, and bmw makes very good I6s, i drove my friends dads 530d a few months ago before i got my car, and it had a turbo diesel 6, it was quick as hell and i immediately fell in love with the steering, this was back when i had a 2010 vw Polo 1.2 with only 80 bhp =P. Then when i drove this, i loved it. Lots of power and toque and its so smooth in its power delivery...

[cantugabe]

@peeps2142

yep my car is underpowered. i wasn't aware the z4 had an inline 6. i love inline 6 engines and its a shame there not in many cars anymore

[peeps2142]

@cantugabe i've driven an old celica, they handle pretty well but it seemed a little underpowered to me... The z4 is great cause bmw has nearly the best steering feel of any car in the world. I think that its damn sexy though, and so do chicks ;)

[cantugabe]

@peeps2142

yeah i never liked the car that much but thats because i based it on looks. i'd still rather drive one rather than my car. its not bad or anything but i just have a celica. but if i could have a standard z4 i'd definitely take it

[peeps2142]

@cantugabe yep =) Nothing drives like a BMW, its beautiful, leased for 3 years, its not that expensive....

[cantugabe]

@peeps2142

I take it you're 19 or were 19 and you got one? lol

[peeps2142]

@cantugabe hahahahaha cheers

[cantugabe]

@peeps2142

too late for me. I'm 20 :(

[peeps2142]

@cantugabe not if you get one at 19 ;)

[ilovespca94]

Hi I was wondering, If you could have your pick would u pick a BMW Z4 or z8? for me the Z4 looks more BMW-ish and i love BMW's. To me the Z8 looks like a porsche and i don't really like porsche's