2017 BMW Z4 Reviews

The BMW Z4 could well have been called the Z5. If it had followed the logic of the Z3 and Z4 that came before it, this new-generation model might well have adopted a new badge to accompany its new body, new chassis, new engines, new underpinnings and new technology. But it's not - it's still the Z4, but its very different, all the same.

Buying a sports car is a bit like getting a tattoo - it’s not a sensible, practical or necessary choice, it’s an emotional one, and, if we’re honest, the most important factor is that it looks good, and makes us look good. At least in our own eyes.

Move beyond the middle child in the Z4 range, and you hit the wild-child variant, the range-topping M40i, which scores the more traditional, straight-six-cylinder engine, albeit a very modern, turbocharged version.

It might sound cruel, but there’s a reasonable chance that the sDrive20i will be referred to by BMW dealers as “showroom bait”.

BMW Z4 has one of the purest body shapes on the road whether it's used as a closed coupe, or a top-down roadster in which to appreciate the joys of cruising in Australia.

BMW Z4 is a true roadster, with a very long bonnet, a stubby tail and seats all the way back, within a few centimetres of the rear wheels. We love the shape of this sporting little BeeEm, which has just been given a mild update with extra equipment packages.The model range for the new BMW Z4 is: Z4 sDrive 20i: $79,900 (automatic), Z4 sDrive 28i: $89,900 (automatic), Z4 sDrive 35i: $119,545 (automatic). Prices are virtually unchanged from the previous series and represent considerable savings when the added equipment is factored in.These prices aren’t likely to hold for long. Phil Horton, the MD of BMW Australia, admits they were set when the Oz dollar was close to its peak and that his company’s profits will be trimmed because of the recent drop in the dollar’s value.Upgrades for the 2014 model year include the installation of the BMW Professional satellite navigation system. There are several optional packages as BMW Australia is continuing its strategy of bundling items that had proven popular as individual features. The Design Pure Balance package includes sport seats, wood trim and leather upholstery to the seats.The M Sport Package is offered for the four-cylinder models and includes 18-inch alloys, sports seats, aluminium and carbon fibre interior trim, a leather steering wheel, M sport suspension, and an aerodynamics package.Finally, the new Design Pure Traction package, available across the range, features sports seats, Alcantara/leather upholstery, interior trim finishers in ‘metal weave’ design and an individual roof-liner in Anthracite trim.Styling changes to the body of the latest Z4 are minimal, with the headlights now having DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) running rings around the quad headlights; there are metal arches over the lights and more chrome around the front blinkers. Reshaping of the side ‘gills’ gives a tapered effect. New paint colours complete the picture.Inside the cosy cockpit a bolder effect has been achieved by using piano-black in several key locations, as well as mild revisions in style.Engines are all turbo-petrol units; choices are 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol in two stages of tune, 135kW and 180kW, and a 3.0-litre six-cylinder with a rip snorting 250kW. A big change from the previous BMW Z4 is the use of an eight-speed automatic transmission with the four-cylinder engines. The six has a dual-clutch seven-speed unit.During our road testing we fell in love with the 180 kW four-cylinder unit as mated to the new eight speed automatic transmission. It provides almost as much performance as the six-cylinder and its lighter weight adds to the already good agility of the Z4 in the twisty bits.Then again, the lower powered four-cylinder costs significantly less and still gives good push in the back. And when we floored the pedal in the six-cylinder model the smoothness and ease of acceleration was exhilarating. As you may have gathered, I couldn't quite make up my mind...On the road, the Z4 continues to be an excitement machine, with excellent chassis balance, huge levels of grip in corners and the ability to answer to steering and throttle inputs in a pure sports manner. Anyone who doesn’t come off a drive in the Z4 on mountainous roads with a big smile on their face hasn’t been trying hard enough.On the downside, there’s a lot of tyre noise on coarse-chip bitumen, to the extent that conversation can be difficult even when the roof is closed. Noise that, frankly, became rather wearing after an hour of cruising on sub-standard roads.As seems to be the norm at a media launch of any open top car, it rained on our parade; fortunately not to the extent of curtailing our driving pleasure for too long. In any case it gave us the opportunity to test the sealing of the folding hardtop. Which was, no surprises here, excellent.

BMW introduced the current generation Z4 quite a few years ago now and they have moved to keep the Z4 pot boiling with a Gen II version of the classically styled two seater.Kick off point for the latest line-up is the Z4 sDrive20i at $79,900, with extra features adding up to as much as $9000 additional value compared with the previous Z4. The updated version now features an eight speed automatic transmission with paddle shift as standard in the two four cylinder variants along with launch control.Also included this time around is BMW’s ConnectedDrive system that is filtering through the entire BMW line-up featuring an 8.8-inch hi-res screen. It networks features such as the internet, music interface with a smart phone, telephony, voice control and navigation among other things.The optional packages, give a different take on Z4 ranging from classy to lairy and sporty. Possibly the most popular will be the M Sport with 18-inch light-alloy wheels and an aerodynamics package with large air intakes in the front and a rear bumper inlay painted Anthracite metallic. Something similarly sporty applies inside. The brutally quick Z4 sDrive35is has a version of the M Sport package as standard -- with 19-inch alloys.Drivers will no doubt appreciate the standard-fitted Driving Experience Control to select a configuration to suit the situation at hand and satisfy personal preferences. COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes can all be called up using the rocker switch on the centre console. As well as adjusting the responses of the engine and DSC stability system, the different modes also alter the shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox, the responses of the Servotronic function and the mapping of the electronically controlled dampers, if these items are specified. These modes allow the driver to choose from a selection of distinctive and clearly differentiated set-ups for the car. Other items of equipment fitted as standard are xenon headlights, air conditioning, a heated glass rear window, the Soft Close Automatic function for the boot lid and run flat tyres with a run-flat indicator.The new Z4 is slightly tweaked externally and cosmetically inside and is a hardtop-only these days, with a two piece lid that takes a scant 19 seconds to deploy at speeds up to about 40kmh. You’d be hard pressed to pick the exterior changes but Z4 has reshaped headlights with a reflective strip along the top edge, family bixenon headlights with white LED corona ring driving lights and an elongated kidney grille.A variety of paint finishes includes a stunning metallic orange called Valencia Orange and a number of interior packages are available to virtually customise the car's passenger compartment including Traction, Balance and M Sport.The three model local range consists of the Z4 sDrive20i, Z4 sDrive28i and the Z4 sDrive35is, all petrol turbos with four cylinders for the first two and a 3.0-litre straight six twin turbo in the latter. The 20i is good for 135kW/270Nm, a 6.9 second 0-100kmh sprint and 6.8-litres/100km.The 28i (same engine in different state of tune) is good for 180kW/350Nm, 5.5-seconds and 6.8-litres/100km. The fabulous 35is is good for 250kW/450Nm (500 on over boost), 4.8 seconds and 9.0-litres/100km. All pass EU6 emissions regulations and feature TwinPower technology _ direct injection, variable valve timing and lift and twin scroll turbocharging on the four bangers.We drove all three variants in sunny Queensland and to be honest, would be entirely satisfied with the entry 20i model. It has superb dynamics and plenty of punch for those legendary mountain road drives on a crisp Sunday morning. No matter which dynamic system you single out, the Z4 will not be found lacking.The 28 is a quicker and more engaging device because it has a lot more mumbo under the bonnet and is probably going to be the biggest seller. The 35i is a Boxster competitor with the required exhaust not and brutal acceleration but you have to concentrate harder as a result which can detract from the drive. The car looks sensational and we really liked the Traction package fitted to one drive car complete with orange leather inserts in the seats and dash.In terms of performance, the Z4 was and always has been a crackin' good drive regardless of the engine or transmission. High levels of driver engagement and sharp responses have been a hallmark of the model since way back.

The BMW Z3 and Z4 are genuine roadsters, not simply convertibles. The difference being that roadsters are strictly two-seaters and the seats are set well back, almost to the rear axle. The resulting very long nose and a stubby tail mean the BMW Z-cars have a no-nonsense purposeful appearance.The BMW Z3 was launched in Australia way back in January 1997. It was BMW’s answer to the astonishing success of the Mazda MX-5, a car that reinvented the open-top car many thought had gone forever. Despite its different name, the BMW Z4 is really the second-generation Z3, it was given the new title to match the new naming system which sees the sporty variants getting even numbers.The Z series models were initially designed for the USA so in the early editions are rather American in their makeup for keen Aussie drivers. In particular, their handling was softer than usual for a BMW, though far from soft in absolute terms. When the Z3 also became a hit in many other countries, including Australia, the handling became full-on sport with the introduction of the Z4.The first Australian imports of the BMW Z4 reached us downunder in July 2003. Handling of the Z4 is exceptionally good with excellent chassis balance thanks to the setback position of the engine. Naturally rear wheel drive gives you proper throttle control. Some may feel the ride is on the firm side, but true drivers will be more than willing to overlooks this.Perhaps take along your regular passenger and get their feelings for the car on roughish roads. Though the little BMW began life with a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine, the German marque is famed for its six-cylinder engines and these were soon squeezed under the long bonnet and almost immediately became the powerplant of choice in almost all cars.In June 1999 imports of the 1.9-litre four had ceased in Australia and all used a sweet little 2.0-litre straight-six. The big gun engine in the Z3 is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder. Performance from the smaller engines is nothing to get excited about, but the free-revving nature, and great exhaust note, makes them feel faster than they really are – and isn’t that what counts?BMW Z4s have a 2.5 or 3.0-litre straight-six from their 2003 introduction until the company started to get into the small-capacity turbocharged field with blown four-cylinder engines. Some sixes remained alongside the turbo-petrol fours until 2012, when they were replaced by big-boost turbo fours. Some miss the demise of the straight-six turbo engines – ourselves included – so if you really love them it might be time to invest in the last of the line.A special engine is used in the Z4 33i models. A 3.0-litre twin-turbo six, it gives huge amounts of forward thrust and is a delight for the revheads to punt along. Manual and automatic transmission are offered in most cars and the auto isn’t as slow and irritating as in some sports models. Our choice is still the DIY shifter, though.Manuals have six gear ratios. The autos increased in the number of gears, beginning with just four speeds in 1997 and advancing to no fewer than eight in 2012, with five and six speeds being sold along the timeline. The BMW dealer network is well established in Australia and is known for its high quality of technical training.Electronic diagnosis of problems is highly refined as BMW was a leader in this field. The technician plugs in your car and it is then connected to a large computer in Germany where it is quizzed not only on current problems but even in intermittent troubles that aren’t actually present in the car at the time it was driven into the workshop. Clever stuff.This high-tech diagnoses and servicing is just one reason it makes a lot of sense to buy a used Z3 or Z4 that has always been serviced by an official BMW dealer. Spare parts aren't outrageously expensive for a car in this class, but may prove to be a factor in your decision as to whether to buy an older Z4 rather than a cheaper convertible from a lower-cost maker.Insurance may be expensive if the driver is young and/or inexperienced. Surprisingly there is seldom a big increase in premiums for the high-performance models.WHAT TO LOOK FORCarry out your own pre-purchase inspection to the best of your ability. Once it has passed your tests call your BMW dealer, or at least a qualified mechanic with knowledge of the marque. Lift the carpets for signs of dampness or even rust if the car has been caught out in the rain in a big way. It’s best to ask permission from the seller before doing this as technically it’s dismantling the car and that is often frowned upon.Check for previous crash repairs by looking for signs of paint overspray, panels with a slight waviness in their finish and for colours that don't match exactly from one panel to the next. Make sure the engine starts virtually instantly, idles smoothly within a second or so of startup and pulls without hesitation even when completely cold.CAR BUYING TIPSome sports cars are ‘fanged’ on a daily basis, others never get past the mid-range marks on the tacho. No marks for guessing which is the better bet as a used car. 

BMW, the Bavarian automobile giant, has squeezed better performance and fuel economy out of its Z4 sports coupe range while keeping the purchase price down. How?VALUEA shift from a six to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine has imbued the new top-of-the-class Z4 sDrive28i, for example, with the combination of outstanding performance at a retail price below $90,000. Not only that, this has the Z4 sDrive28i ducking under the federal government’s fuel efficient luxury car tax threshold, with the maker offering the car at a retail price of $89,400, compared with $98,700 for its predecessor, the Z4 sDrive30i.The control knob for iDrive, the BMW multi-media information system that caused so much driver angst when it first appeared, is placed in its customary spot on the centre console and, together with an 8.8-inch display screen provides easy access (these days) to many of the car’s systems including satellite navigation and audio files.The audio system itself consists of 11 speakers, a 245W digital amplifier with equaliser and USB interface enabling connection of an MP3 player, iPod or USB memory stick via the USB interface Voice Control System.TECHNOLOGYThe 180 kW TwinPower Turbo Z4 sDrive28i races from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, 0.1 seconds quicker than the naturally aspirated Z4 sDrive30i, thanks to a 13 per cent increase in torque from 310 to 350 Nm. Fuel consumption is cut by 21 per cent, from 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres to 6.7 litres on the combined urban / highway cycle.In addition to the standard six-speed manual transmission, the Z4 sDrive20i and Z4 sDrive28i are also available with the new eight--speed Sport Automatic Transmission, which includes one-direction gearshift paddles utilising M shift logic. This is unique in the class. During my time with this Z4 sDrive 28i the digital readout rated us at an average of 5 litres/100km on the motorway and 11.9 in and around town.DESIGNThe simple yet extensive instrument layout includes circular speedometer and rev counter, plus tank level and oil temperature gauges, while the plain(ish) interior is set off by brushed aluminium highlights. The standard two seats are electrically adjustable with memory function for driver’s side and heating for driver and passenger seats. Upholstery is Kansas leather with sun reflective technology that prevents it getting overheated in direct sunlight.The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, again with sun reflective properties, and includes multifunction buttons including gearshift paddles. The character of the car can be changed in 20 seconds via the retractable two-piece lightweight metal roof, which gives the car coupe status when raised, yet can be lowered automatically at speeds up to 40 km/h for conversion to a roadster.When stowed, the drop-top leaves 180 litres of luggage space in the boot. This expands to 310 litres when the roof is raised. A through-loading hatch with integrated transport bag will take long items.  One nice thing about the test car was the auto dimming headlights on the approach of another vehicle in front. Guilt free, no scrambling for the dip switch here.DRIVINGDynamic Drive Control is another of the German marque’s ways of keeping the driver interested. Operated by a switch on the centre console it offers three distinct driving modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport+ - in which suspension damper forces can be varied as well as the progressive effect of the accelerator pedal, the engine response, power steering and Dynamic Stability Control.Comfort is the default mode, with Sport summoning more direct steering and throttle response, while Sport+ brings in Dynamic Traction Control function on the DSC, allowing slight slip on the drive wheels, letting the more adventurous (and self-assured) driver take a bend in a controlled drift, all with an enhanced engine note.  Choosing between drive modes really does alter the Z4’s character – shifting from ‘cruisey’ coupe to ripper roadster, all at the press of a single rocker switch.VERDICTThe Z4 sDrive 28i caters admirably for those wanting a two-seater sports coupe experience with the added appeal of top-down motoring if desired. And with the move to four-cylinder turbo power, performance is far from sacrificed at the altar excessive fuel consumption.BMW Z4sDrive 28i RoadsterPrice: from $89,400Warranty: 3 years/unlimted kmSafety rating: 4-star ANCAPEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl 180kW/350NmTransmission: 6-speed manual; 8-speed auto; RWDBody: 4239mm (L); 1790mm (w); 1291mm (h)Weight: 1400kgThirst: 6.8/100km; 159g/km Co2

There's always a bit left over when you divide six by four. For BMW's Z4 20i what's left is a lighter, nimbler roadster that uses 20 per cent less fuel than its six-cylinder predecessor. It still hammers harder than a nailgun and its pose value is up there with Miranda Kerr in a Victoria's Secret outfit.The Beatles reckoned money can't buy you love. Z4 buyers will disagree. Owners will adore it and others will lust after it, so the $77,000 starting price is pretty much irrelevant.That cash buys a 135kW/270Nm direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder that is a better engine in every aspect than the in-line six-cylinder it replaces. It is housed in a hardtop roadster that spins heads as quickly as the twin-scroll turbo spools up. Spend another $12,500 and the same engine is fettled to produce 180kW/350Nm in the Z4 sDrive 28i.Brake energy regeneration is standard on most European cars these days - it recharges the high-output battery and lets it deal with the on-demand ancillary systems rather than have them suck power and petrol from the engine. It is the engine that does the job, though.A decent run in the base Z4 saw it use just 8.0 litres/100km. Sporty cars - the 20i hits 100km/h from rest in 6.9 seconds - aren't meant to be that efficient, especially not when they're being pushed. Push the button to drop the top and cruise and the fuel figure will fall accordingly.The original Z3 was derided for its soft looks. The same can't be said for the Z4. It's a classic roadster style with a bonnet you can land a small plane on arching up to a curved roof and stumpy tail. BMW says there's 180 litres of space in the boot, but you'll be buying bags from Ikea to fit - flat-pack is the name of the game.A smarter option is to lift the plastic cowl in the rear and not drop the top until you reach your destination. That then gives 310 litres of much more practical space. Put the bags in your room and then you can go topless.The expected safety systems are all there ... and then there's the options list for those who want the best of everything. That runs from adaptive headlights with a high-beam assist that automatically dims the light for approaching vehicles to adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and emergency phone calls.The basic structure is a five-star vehicle - the roof is effectively a rollover hoop and there are pop-up bars behind the seats if things go pear-shaped with the lid down, while four airbags cushion the blow.City running in the Z4 shows a lot of work has gone into keeping the interior quiet. There's a mild mechanical turbine whine from standstill but it is all pretty muted until you stand on the go-pedal. Then it snarls and gets down to business. The manual gearbox is notchier than most Beemers but the throw is precise.Given how good the eight-speed auto is, though, I'd seriously consider spending another $3500 to have it. Blaspemy? Not in this day of computerised nano-second gearchanges and steering wheel paddle-shifts. The button next to the gearshift has Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings for the suspension, steering, throttle response etc.Keep away from Sport+ - it loosens the stability control and makes the rear end twitchier than a bridgroom on the wedding day, despite the claimed 52/48 weight distribution. Sport is the sweet spot for the Z4 and coupled with the spot-on steering makes this an engaging drive rather than a too-entertaining one.