View Full Version : Edmunds Review: 2011 Z4 s-drive35is
http://www.insideline.com/bmw/z4/2011/2011-bmw-z4-sdrive35is-first-drive.html
Hmmm...
No stick, no LSD and nearly 500lbs heavier than a 987S for MORE money?
:lol:
I don't care if it's a bit torquier or faster in a straight line.
For 62K, I'd buy the Boxster Spyder and be nearly as fast, almost 650lbs lighter, far more exclusive, with an LSD, serious brakes, and MUCH better resale all in a mid-engined Porsche.
Once again, pricing will kill the Z4's success.
I think it's more trying to compete with the SLK, with it's hard roof and lack or performance orientation.
Which is sad, regardless of the price.
What I don't understand is why BMW moved the Z4 up market.
Made a ton of sense when it was priced at a slight premium over a 3-series sedan (Edit -- in the Z3 days...)
Doesn't make as much sense now that its priced in 5-er territory...
lemming
03-19-2010, 10:25 AM
What I don't understand is why BMW moved the Z4 up market.
Made a ton of sense when it was priced at a slight premium over a 3-series sedan (Edit -- in the Z3 days...)
Doesn't make as much sense now that its priced in 5-er territory...
make room for a z2?
wdc330i
03-19-2010, 10:25 AM
We still waiting on a Z1?
lemming
03-20-2010, 10:45 AM
We still waiting on a Z1?
yep.
probably on the backburner during the global recession, but i wouldn't doubt it's back "on".
as the Z4 moves more upmarket, it seems logical that it could become a modern Z8. this iteration of the z4 is a lot less edgy and more mainstream.
a z2 would be awesome, IMHO.
Sharp11
03-20-2010, 11:29 AM
BMW had a Z1 back in the early 90's - it was the one with the funky doors.
The mistake they made with this newest car is calling it a Z4, I think, seems like it should've been the Z5, or Z6.
Going after the SLK or even SL market makes sense to me they're basically going after my age group (50's plus) who want a lot of style, creature comforts and exclusivity but are not ever going to the track or autocross. We were in our 20's and 30's when the Z3 came along - that car was always meant to be a Miata alternative - original iterations were cheaply made and had 4 cylinder motors.
I'm sure the economy has killed off whatever success BMW was hoping for with this newest car.
I like the styling of the new Z4, but when I sat in one while the E90 was being serviced, I walked away very disappointed of the interior materials. For what it cost they should be of a higher quality.
I've yet to see one in person.
I've yet to see one in person.
I have seen two on the road, both driven by a female.
Apparently one of my father's partners recently purchased one.
Sharp11
03-21-2010, 12:07 AM
I like the styling of the new Z4, but when I sat in one while the E90 was being serviced, I walked away very disappointed of the interior materials. For what it cost they should be of a higher quality.
About the interior materials - I couldn't agree more, what a disappointment. That was in the base 3.0 model, apparently there are high-end (or higher end) treatments available in the 35i.
I wrote about it in my X5 diesel review.
Ed
lemming
03-21-2010, 10:55 AM
About the interior materials - I couldn't agree more, what a disappointment. That was in the base 3.0 model, apparently there are high-end (or higher end) treatments available in the 35i.
I wrote about it in my X5 diesel review.
Ed
:thumbdow:
SARAFIL
03-21-2010, 11:01 AM
:thumbdow:
My best friend replaced his 535i with a Z4 35i and I think the interior materials are fine. :dunno: And no, he did not get the upgraded leather package... just the standard leather.
I actually like the car a lot, and I think that the interior materials are of higher quality than what I had in the MZ4. I actually enjoy driving the car and I think that the overall feel of quality is higher than what I had in mine too.
lemming
03-21-2010, 08:32 PM
My best friend replaced his 535i with a Z4 35i and I think the interior materials are fine. :dunno: And no, he did not get the upgraded leather package... just the standard leather.
I actually like the car a lot, and I think that the interior materials are of higher quality than what I had in the MZ4. I actually enjoy driving the car and I think that the overall feel of quality is higher than what I had in mine too.
really?
because i hated the materials used in the first gen z4. so you're saying this is actual improvement over that?
SARAFIL
03-21-2010, 11:04 PM
really?
because i hated the materials used in the first gen z4. so you're saying this is actual improvement over that?
Yes... BMW has always used lower quality materials on the roadsters, I guess. The Z3 was absolutely horrible... the interior would fall apart in your hands if you touched touched something the wrong way. :eeps: 1st gen Z4 got a bit better... and second get Z4 got a bit better than that. Still not the best, but its reasonable.
Sharp11
03-21-2010, 11:43 PM
really?
because i hated the materials used in the first gen z4. so you're saying this is actual improvement over that?
Keep in mind a better interior was always an option for the prior gen Z4 for the 3.0 (and later 3.0si models), it was the extended leather option and it was quite nice, I had it on my 05 Z4.
First gen Z4 2.5 base cars had faux aluminum and vinyl seats, however, moving up to 3.0's, even before x-leather, got you real aluminum trim or wood.
The new gen car also comes with an extended leather option, but only on the 35 - I haven't seen one yet so I can't comment on the base materials used in that one let alone the upgrade.
The car I saw at the dealer a couple of weeks ago was a base 3.0, it had faux aluminum and a lot of hard plastics.
After having the 987S with full leather I'm spoiled. It really is pretty comprehensive. All the seats, the entire dash (top, bottom, glove box) roll bar, radio/hvac surround, and basically all of the door panels are covered in leather (and of course wheel, e-brake and shifter+boot). The only areas left (that I bring up only because they are black on an otherwise cocoa car) are the A-pillars and visors.
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