Car and Driver review

[TMQ]

I just saw the review of the Z4 s35i with 6MT on Car and Driver. A nice car. Unfortunately, the driving dynamics seem lacking.

"Even optioned with the Sport package ($1900)—which includes sport seats, high-performance run-flat tires, and the M adaptive suspension that can be cycled between Normal, Sport, and Sport Plus modes—the Z4 yielded a significant amount of body roll and exhibited vague steering (for a BMW)—even in the most aggressive setting. A surprisingly lackluster 0.83 g on the skidpad was the result, despite our car being equipped with the optional 18-inch wheels and 225/40 front and 255/35 rear performance tires."

"But the Z4’s overall dynamic isn’t quite the equal of the most enthralling sports cars, and our advice to true driving fanatics would be to head to a Porsche dealership and check out the Boxster".

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/roadster_roundup/2009_bmw_z4_sdrive35i_manual_short_take_road_test

[TofuTurkey]

I just saw the review of the Z4 s35i with 6MT on Car and Driver. A nice car. Unfortunately, the driving dynamics seem lacking.


:(

Thanks for posting the review. I was looking forward to driving a better driver's car. Maybe I really will look at Porsches next...

[Jakked]

BMW is just sandbagging to set the stage for the next Z4M.

Maybe.

[mapezzul]

As I said in another thread- this car is designed for the masses. Buyers spoke out last go around and said the car was too stiff, too twitchy, lacked luxury/space and was boring in the interior.

This car is designed to be more luxury cruiser than anything else. Enthusiasts can complain all they want but BMW gave us the Z4 ///M and they did not sell.

Here is the comparison from the standard 2008 suspension and the current suspension.

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=185257&d=1242096723

[bten]

As I said in another thread- this car is designed for the masses. Buyers spoke out last go around and said the car was too stiff, too twitchy, lacked luxury/space and was boring in the interior.

This car is designed to be more luxury cruiser than anything else. Enthusiasts can complain all they want but BMW gave us the Z4 ///M and they did not sell.



I agree with your assessment. The car is designed to compete with Mercedes and Lexus. It probably should have been called a Z6. I love my Z4, but it is definitely not for everybody. I drive an X3 now, and just recently, I had a couple of 3 series loaners. I can definitely feel the difference in the vehicles, Nothing I have driven drives and handles like a Z4.

(note: I have not driven an M cars, only E46's and E90's. and my old E53, and a couple of E65's)