To introduce its all-new 2009 Z4 Roadster, BMW utilized its mostly-unknown DesignworksUSA studio in Los Angeles as a starting point to illustrate how passionate design captures customers’ attention – and their wallets. Ironically, BMW heavily utilized its California design studio to design the car, but unlike its South Carolina-built predecessor, this Z4 hails from Germany.
The cutting-edge design firm has been a part of BMW Group since 1995. Known for influencing many of the company’s latest designs, BMW requires 50 percent of DesignworksUSA’s revenue to come from outside clients. As a result, Designworks brings ideas to life for firms such as John Deere, HP Computers, Boeing Aircraft, Nokia, Piper Aircraft, Adidas and Magellan.
Oh, and BMW, of course. Reeling from criticism over the flame surfacing of the last Z4, the automaker took a more holistic, conservative approach to the redesign. And we think it paid off.
Talking ‘bout my generation
The 2009 Z4 – all new, despite arriving late in the model year – is the second generation of this roadster, but it is the eighth generation topless BMW two-seater dating back to 1935. To merely call it a topless roadster would be to shortchange the new Z4 because the 2009 is the first to have a folding hardtop roof that stows in the trunk, eliminating the need for the coupe version of the car.
Constructed of aluminum, its electrohydraulic mechanism can fold and stow the top in 20 seconds. Tight, and without the characteristic creaks and groans seen in other topless models (not to mention residents of Boca Raton), it will surprise drivers with its tautness and exacting build quality. It has a handsome look that will soon cause some to forget that the firm once offered separate coupe and roadster versions of this car. BMW is now having a two-for-one sale – perhaps that’s why the price has increased.
Subtle changes have occurred to the Z4 since its last iteration. The new version is longer, wider, and taller than the one it replaces, but not so much that it looks radically different from its predecessor. It is still characterized by the long nose, short rear grand-touring-style packaging that has characterized the Z4. And, as we have said before about other vehicles, although the new Z4 has grown up and out a little bit, it is still comfortable in its skin.
The interior has been thoroughly worked over and it now features a more refined, and slightly roomier feel. Bisected by the transmission tunnel, the Z4 comes complete with two excellent seats that offered good bolstering for extended stints behind the wheel. We felt refreshed after about six hours of driving through mountain roads and valleys north of Palmdale, California.
Various trim options allow a little more personalization than before. Our tester was decked out in wood trim, which saw the driver’s controls framed by an Ash grain insert that also carried over to the shift lever console. A brushed aluminum option was shown to the media with the sDrive30i model.
BMW offers an optional navigation system which features a retractable screen appearing from the center-top of the dashboard. Using the newly revised iDrive is now a relative pleasure, thanks to an interface that has operating characteristics similar to that found in Audi automobiles. Operating the entertainment, information, telecom, and navigation controls, it is so much easier that the previously infamous version of the system that dates back to the 2001 7-Series model.
Two engines, two trannies
The Z4 model will be offered with two inline-six cylinder engine choices: The Z4 sDrive30i which is the 3.0-liter, normally aspirated double VANOS Valvetronic engine with 255-horsepower and 220 lb-ft. of torque, or the Z4 sDrive35i which features the a same-displacement six-cylinder twin turbo engine with direct fuel injection. Both engines, when equipped with the Sport Package are capable of 150 mph top speeds. For our testing we hung with the sDrive35i. Additionally, you get your choice (if the dealer orders correctly) of a six-speed manual for both engines, a six-speed automatic for the 30i, and a seven-speed double-clutch automatic that to this point has only been available with an M badge on a BMW.
New and standard on all Z4s is BMW’s Driving Dynamics Control. The system allows for driver control over ride comfort, engine response (mapping) and stability control. Can you say “track day?”
Hitting the 101 after leaving Designworks, we managed to trespass at an oilfield on the way to Ojai (an honest mistake). The field foreman followed us to make sure we got off the lot, but not before commenting on how good the car looked. We probably broke federal, state and Department of Homeland Security rules but the picture was worth it.
Steak, anyone?
Further on down the road, after winding through low-level twisties, we had a chance to try out the Dynamic Stability Control with brake fade compensation and brake stand-by. While driving across a state road that apparently cuts through a ranch, we performed a sudden stop for a herd of cattle – including a cow and calf that felt the need to nurse in the middle of the road. The system worked, and the brakes didn’t fade otherwise we might have been having steak for dinner that night.
Technologically, the Z4 is pretty close to the top of the heap. Adaptive M Suspension is part of an optional Sport Package and enhances the Z4s handling characteristics. Operating from a CPU, it is constantly monitoring road conditions, and is so quick that BMW boasts that a front wheel crossing a hole sends compensating info to the rear wheels and shocks before they have a chance to reach the same hole.
Though our test car lacked the optional Sport Package, we were pleasantly pleased with its handling tenacity We found, thanks in part to a 50/50 balance, that steering response was very direct and easily adaptable via the Driving Dynamics control button (located to the left of the shift lever). While the Normal setting proved relaxing enough for everyday city driving in stop and go traffic, we couldn’t wait to get out of Malibu to put the Z4 through its paces. A definite difference was felt in Sport mode, which saw the throttle remapped for quicker starts and more direct steering response, while Sport+ went so far as to allow slight wheelspin from a standing start.
Leftlane’s bottom line
The new 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i features crisp new styling for the post-Bangle era of the company. The combination coupe/roadster sportscar offers the choice of covered or topless motoring in a high-performance setting with infinite driver controls to custom tailor the car’s performance and handling to suit its owner. The only Achilles heel in the whole shebang is the price. Though we had not even reached the tip of the options iceberg, we still found our tester priced at a near stratospheric $62,420.
2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i base price, $51,650. As tested, $62,420.
Orion Silver metallic paint, $550; Premium Package, $2,500; Premium sound package, $2,000; Automatic transmission, $1,525; Ash wood trim, $500; Through-Loading System, $175; Navigation, $2,100; Satellite radio, $595; Destination, $825.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
05/11, 2:38 PM
posted by:
A4
Ohhh now I understand why this looks like my lawnmower had sex with my printer/fax/copier combo.
05/11, 2:43 PM
posted by:
shane train
It was designed by two women. I’m impressed!
05/11, 2:46 PM
posted by:
A4
^i’m not surprised.
05/11, 2:51 PM
posted by:
shane train
Surprised at what? Surprised that women, who are not exactly huge in the auto industry, can turn out a sporty, cohesive, slick design that lacks the tackiness and gimmickry of it’s predecessor, while recalling BMW’s past (507, specifically) WITHOUT blatant retro add-ons?
Or are you surprised that I would dare to give them credit for it?
Clarify.
05/11, 2:54 PM
posted by:
shane train
Anne Aselsio, Chelsia Lau, Diane Allen, Susan Lampinen.
Look them up before you count yourself unsurprised.
05/11, 2:57 PM
posted by:
Borat
The last good looking topless bimmer was Z3. Perhaps it was a bit feminine, but it was good looking and was selling like hot cakes. Let see what this model will do, especially at this price in today’s world.
05/11, 2:58 PM
posted by:
shane train
Honestly, I think the price is a total kick in the nuts, but aside from that, I really like the car.
05/11, 4:27 PM
posted by:
A4
i’m not surprised that women designed this car, it looks like they took the old Z4 and had a box of tampax facelift it.
05/11, 4:28 PM
posted by:
A4
dont get me wrong its a pretty car, but it is much more feminine… and probably higher maintenance.
05/11, 5:33 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Mark, is the picture in the oilfield meant to be a visual metaphor for how much this car will pump out of your wallet?
05/11, 6:50 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
god…60k+…owie…good luck, bmw, w/that strategy…
05/11, 7:07 PM
posted by:
Bavarian_818
National Base Price MSRP Invoice Real World Pricing
$50,700 $46,645 $48,266
Regional Adjustment
for Zip Code Change - - -$629
Optional Equipment $13,750 $12,420 $12,746
ZMP M Sport Package $3,250 $2,960 $3,031
541 Active CC $2,400 $2,135 $2,200
609 Navigation System $2,100 $1,910 $1,956
ZPP Premium Package $1,650 $1,500 $1,537
217 Active Steering $1,550 $1,365 $1,410
ZSP Sport Package $1,400 $1,275 $1,306
494 Heated Front Seats $500 $455 $466
302 Anti-Theft Alarm $400 $365 $374
6FL iPod and USB $400 $365 $374
2XA Sport Steering $100 $90 $92
Color Adjustment - - $0
Not Sure
Destination Charge $825 $825 $825
Total with Options $65,275 $59,890 $61,208
05/11, 8:07 PM
posted by:
S1L1SC
They also have a Z2 coming out soon – hence the bigger dimensions on the Z4 and the higher price.
05/11, 8:47 PM
posted by:
shane train
S1L1SC- Heard of that. The Z4 has moved upscale before the Z2 has slotted in, so it would be in their best interests to get it out soon, otherwise Miatas, Skys, TT’s, etc will keep mopping up that price slot.
05/11, 9:55 PM
posted by:
oldraven
Is anyone else seeing the real benefit of the GINA design in these newest Bimmers? We all laughed at the fabric, but the metal looks good.
05/11, 11:58 PM
posted by:
desertdriver
so a fully loaded M version would be >80k???
it better have the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 found in the X5 M and X6 M
05/12, 2:42 AM
posted by:
3deuce27
My only complaint is with the article writer and the industry misusing the word ‘Roadster’. When the windows roll-up, it’s a ‘Convertible’ folks.
05/12, 5:04 AM
posted by:
batmobile
Ah – that explains it – it looks like it was designed in America.
> Reeling from criticism over the flame surfacing of the last Z4
lol – do you make this stuff up yourself? The 2006-8 Z4 coupe design is the full nuts.
P.S. You forgot to mention in your ‘review’ that the new design is about 500 pounds heavier than the previous coupe was, and not surprisingly, the new model is slower for each comparable engine size. Yes – 500 pounds extra – that’s like carrying a family of 4 Europeans in the car around with you every time you make a trip, or 2 Americans.
05/18, 12:24 PM
posted by:
atoms
well as long as the Z2 is styled by the same two women, I think BMW will have two more winners to add to their stable, this is one of the most stunning cars I have seen BMW crank out lately
05/18, 12:50 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I drove this car 2 days ago. All i got to say is, NICE!!!!!! It looks SOOOO much better in person! And the interior is one of the best offered by BMW imo!
05/21, 8:25 AM
posted by:
n2k
Cracking stuff. Nice transition from Bangledom (which I will miss)
05/21, 8:50 AM
posted by:
n2k
At its highest point the bangle era really did stir hearts, minds (and mouths.) It created a flared contributory discussion and polarised popular opinion. Never in a long time has an entire product line caused so much simultaneous serenity, bewilderment, joy and outrage. It really put a spotlight on design and what is possible: In my opinion? some truly inspired avant garde and bold execution on the part of bangle and co.
05/26, 2:16 PM
posted by:
tombat
For that price I could buy (3) Pontiac Solstices GXP’s with 300 hp and better looking. (include MAP and computer upgrade which is now available from GM) Oh, yea, but no one here would ever buy American or be seen in one.
These BMW’s are UGLY !!!!! Looks like they tried again to copy Pontiac’s styling again, like their changes to the “kidney” shaped grills to look more and more like Pontiac’s. (They tried to sue Pontiac for their infringement…and lost !!!) Nothing original here, just another make-over.
I wouldn’t waste my money on another overpriced and under styled european import. What can I say I drive a Pontiac Solstice (even with a manual top), but my house and cars are paid for…..
I’d put my $25,600 Solstice GXP up against it anyday….performance, fun and a reasonable price. Don’t forget the 100,000 mile warrantee. ( Sorry only 3 cup holders CAR & DRIVER)
05/30, 9:21 AM
posted by:
AutoCritical
In regards to its looks, I think they lost that ‘Concept’ feel about the last model. Remember when it that first came out, you couldn’t believe it was a production car! – Click my name for more opinions on the Z4
06/05, 1:02 PM
posted by:
chinaghost
sorry tombat… your wrong. i know that arguing with you wont change your stubborn little mind. but you are wrong. and i know, ive owned bmw and gm over the past 10 years
1998 a bought a brand new pontiac grand prix. it was terrible for the money, and it broke down twice within the first year. so while it was still under warranty, i sold it and bought
a 1999 bmw 525i. i drove that car until 2001 and it never broke down, handled the snow great for a 2wd.
in 2001 my wife sold her minivan for a 2001 x5 and i bought a 2001 m3. we still have both of those cars. nothing has ever broke on those cars. each has around 100k miles. and the only new things are tires. they both drive like they are new.
in 2005 my son bought a chevy cobalt. i know that he is a spirited driver, but the spark plugs failed at 10k miles, the fuel injector at 17k and the exhaust system developed a hole in it somewhere around 20k. we sold that car, and for his 18 bday, we gave him his grandma’s same as new 2005 hummer h2.
the hummer was the worst of the lot. the build quality was terrible and it has developed all sorts of creaks and groans throughout the entire frame. it rattles like a metal can filled with bb’s… its bad.
so, last month, he got a great deal from the kansas bmw dealer and they sold him a 2008 750li for 60k instead of 90k cuzz they were trying to clear their stock and we’re faithful customers (does gm do stuff like that?) then, with the money he got for selling the hummer. he bought a brand new 2008 bmw750li sticker price -$89,000 for $37,000…. and i guarentee you that gm doesnt have any car that can match up with that 7series for its combination of performance AND luxury at the same time
09/18, 10:01 AM
posted by:
rollingrock
great looking car, especially the interior but why the heck would you pay 60 grand for a Z4 when you could get a Pontiac Solstice or a Nissan 370Z and yourself 20 grand? it must be the country club snob appeal.