2009 BMW Z4

Rating from Dutiful Husband

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I bought this car for my wife, although I occasionally get to sneak a drive in. The looks of it are great, with just enough muscle look to not be a complete chick car. I put a Dinan Stage II package on it and it goes very fast (4.5 0-60, 7.2 0-80, even in Colorado). I love it when normally aspirated 500 hp cars are left in the dust because they lose so much hp at altitude. My only handling complaint is too much understeer in aggressive turning. It has great looks with the top (hard-top) up or down, as opposed to most ragtops that look bad with the top up."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Having fun

Rating from Mephistopheles

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		4 out of 5

"I owned an 08 Z4 for a year and 1/2 when I was creamed in the back by a pickup. I soon began shopping for it's replacement and drove the BMW Z4 35i twin- turbo. My wife and I loved it, but my research showed problems with the N54 twin-turbo, and nearly scared us away. I'm so glad it didn't. The issues with the fuel pump have led to a recall, but the repair seems to have resolved the issues. I have gone 17k miles and nearly 2 yrs w/o any problems, and I hardly baby this car. I've even done the launch control a few times w/ no adverse effects. BTW, the launch control is reason enough to buy the excellent 7 speed dual clutch tranny. Why shift when the car can do it better? In an abundance of caution I follow the "old school" recommended service schedule in lieu of the "free" maintenance offered by BMW, and use premium gas. The more frequent oil changes cost 80 bucks at my dealer, but I won't argue with the results-a problem free car. BMW service is actually quite good, and they don't shy away from timely brake services, and other useful maintenance other makers do not offer free. A mistake many people make when car shopping is to listen to auto journalists. Few people ever visit a racetrack, instead using their car in more mundane circumstances, so buying a car that performs well on the track makes little sense. Journalists focus on things like skid pads and top speed, things that mean little to most drivers. I don't mean to criticize them, just to point out that their preferences may not be the taste of all drivers. Do your own evaluations. You need to determine what you want in a car, and what the prospective car really is. This Bimmer is heavier than many of it's competitors, but it was designed so. Therefore, it won't have the nimbleness or quickness some lighter models provide. All wheel drive can improve performance, and the rear-drive Z is a little tail happy at the limits. But if you want a car that can give you a comfortable, economical ride for your typical daily journeys, while offering some real dynamic prowess at the tap of a button, give this car a chance. I've owned other sports cars, but replaced them with a BMW because fighting that heavy steering day after day wears thin. It also takes high revs, and risky speeds to feel the grunt of many roadsters, and you will feel every road imperfection. This Z4 offers a surprisingly comfortable ride, and the sport seats on mine are GT caliber. My 72 yr old Mom, suffering from arthritis, went for a long ride expecting to be bounced around in this sportscar, only to realize that my Z4 was more comfortable for her than her luxury sedan. Then, when the urge arrives, press the sport button (sport+ is unnecessary) and those twin turbos offer immediate thrust as soon as you engage the throttle. With the top down you'll love the roar of that engine as you pass 3500rpm, and with the dual clutch auto in manual mode, the pop of each gear change at around 5000 rpm let's you know you're in a real performer. With the a/c pumping on a warm summer day, you'll get above 30mpg on the highway if you keep it below 80. Top down at the same speed, with an optional wind screen I installed myself in 5 minutes, you can have a conversation with your passenger without raising your voice, or simply enjoy the very nice stereo. I changed the Flintstone-like run flat tires for a set of French aviators which made a huge difference as well, and was worth the additional cost. I'll concede other cars have a nominal advantage on track day, but for normal driving, the kind most of us do, I think the BMW is the better choice. You may prefer the more sporting nature of other cars, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that, but you will sacrifice the comfort and ease of driving the Z4 provides. In my personal opinion, the Z4 is also the better looking car, top up or down, by a wide margin. Choices always involve trade-offs. Despite claims to the contrary, no car can give you top level comfort with top level handling. It can't give you top performance with comfort and economy, and it can't offer top quality, technology and safety without adding weight to both it's chassis and it's price tag. For my money, the BMW Z4 twin turbo comes closest to bridging those gaps. It's not perfect, but drive one and I doubt you'll be disappointed. TIP: I bought a dealer demo w/ just 1700 miles and saved a bunch of dough while adding a CPO warranty, for a small delivery charge as the car was out of state."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Having fun

Rating from Dep H

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		4 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Wonderful Sports Coupe. I've own several convertavles and BMW's. This one is far the best. The Z4 far exceeds my previous Z3 and MB 32AMG. The car is fully loaded and worth every penny."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting

Rating from Boy's Toy

(5)
Comfort:		4 out of 5
Performance:		4 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"The Z4 with retractable hardtop is a great car for a man retiring after a life of hard work but that still has a desire for thrill and adventure in his new life. It has power when desired but is not a monster that threatens. It doesn't handle as smoothly as the much lighter Audi TT but it is definitely a German machine of quality and precision. The 255 bhp delivers plenty of brawn but is easy on gas and cruises smoothly and quietly at speed. The exterior design and flowing lines invariably attract attention and draw favorable comment whenever you stop."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Having fun

Rating from always looking for sports cars

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		5 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"Love the car....great gas mileage.....and a head turner wherever we go...great value! Awesome sound system Don't break the drink holde another one will cost you $50."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Having fun

Rating from LYL

(5)
Comfort:		5 out of 5
Performance:		5 out of 5
Handling:		5 out of 5
Exterior Styling:		5 out of 5
Interior Design:		5 out of 5
Features:		5 out of 5
Value for the Money:		4 out of 5
Reliability:		5 out of 5

"I spent over a year researching roadsters and at the last minute discovered the Z4/ 3.5. Fell in love with the hardtop convertible, sexy lines when top is up or down, interior comfort and quickness. I've taken it on several long trips with a nine hour drive as the longest. I was pleasently surprised not to feel worn or fatiqued. The car rides extremely smooth and quiet with the top raised."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Having fun