German Car Zone

Can a good-ol’ manual gearbox improve BMW’s redesigned roadster?


When automakers launch their latest creations, a showcase of their newest technology is expected. Today, that means stuff like forced-induction engines, torque-vectoring differentials, and dual-clutch transmissions, a couple of which can be found in the redesigned 2009 BMW Z4. We’ve already sampled the new roadster in twin-turbo sDrive35i guise with the company’s new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. And now we’ve finally gotten our hands and test gear on a good-ol’ manual-transmission version of that car, with the hopes of finding out if our left foot and right hand could wrangle some extra spirit from BMW’s lone sports car.

Loaded-Up Interior

The new interior of the Z4 is a giant leap forward from the previous generation. A quiet, comfortable place with gorgeous styling—and, hallelujah, a little room to wiggle and stow cargo—it is light-years better than the gloomy cabin of the old. The execution of the interior styling is reminiscent of the Z8, especially when equipped with the optional Extended Leather package ($2050) that covers the dash and other interior bits with fine cowhide. But perhaps opt for a darker color, as although the Ivory White leather added a rich feel to the cabin of our tester, it already showed signs of soiling during our short time behind the wheel. The optional sport seats were very comfortable during long jaunts and the Premium Sound package ($2000) sounded great even with the top down. Ergonomically, the Z4 is well laid out and includes the latest version of iDrive, which boasts a far more intuitive interface.


Full Story: Car and Driver - Short Take: 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i Manual


M

One word to sum up this car - PERFECT !

This car needs sportier rims than the ones on the pics, but apart from that, this Z4 is perfect, the interior is the best desing BMW has done in ages.

I spotted a blue and silver diesels Z4 at a BMW dealer today. I took pics but I cant find the cable so I can upload the photos to my computer.
Although silver is the most popular colour in Europe, the Z4 look stunning in silver.

You should get a USB memory card reader. I got one similar to this. It came with my mobile phone. Probably cheaper than the cable.



Or a multi-card reader that can read 30-40 types of memory cards:

I really like the new Z4. The exterior is much better, the interior is much better and best of all I might even be able to fit my 6'5 frame in this one.

Through more aggressive rims and have one gorgeous car

Did any of you guys actually read the full article?

THEY DIDNT LIKE THE CAR.

Lows: Vague steering, lackluster roadholding, disconnected chassis

Why?? This is a BMW roadster; a very expensive one at that. When since did us BMW guys freak out over style and overlook the substance?

.83g on the skidpad? I think a base boxter would sure embarass.

Really? Well why is that article still there? Mods, remove it immediately!

Yes, the lack of feel and very low skidpad grip were big dissappointments for me when reading the article. The 135i with run flat tires blows this car away on the skidpad (around 0.9g's). Maybe this will be just an anomoly of one particular car........

Or....aybe they ARE going to do a M version to rectify this.......