7th November...

[philbo909]

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-dri ... iven/39087

[ph001]

From the pistonheads article:

"The Z4 is just a little too heavy, a little too blunt, a little too soft around the edges to make it a truly stellar contender."

...sounds just like that last one then! Although it does sound considerably better then the E89 in every other area.

[PerryGunn]

From the pistonheads article:

"The Z4 is just a little too heavy, a little too blunt, a little too soft around the edges to make it a truly stellar contender."

...sounds just like that last one then! Although it does sound considerably better then the E89 in every other area.

Quoting individual lines can give a slanted view, the final two paragraphs of their summary is more balanced...

Arguably, of course, it doesn't need to be, and the Z4's considerable advances over its predecessor shouldn't be ignored. This is now a credible proposition for those after an accomplished roadster, one that on pace alone has the ability to take on the best from Stuttgart, Ingolstadt and Dieppe. But on pure driver appeal? It's just not quite there. The Z4 is just a little too heavy, a little too blunt, a little too soft around the edges to make it a truly stellar contender.

Still, with a more engaging powertrain than Porsche currently offers and better (i.e. rear-driven) handling than Audi provides, there's still a lot to recommend here. BMW has delivered an appealing blend of talents - more so than ever as far as the Z4 badge is concerned - which means it still ranks as a very competitive, if not wholly compelling, convertible sports car.

[Rathean]

Where is the drama!??

the interior of my E89 z4 could have been plucked from a speedboat, its exterior sweeping lines running lengthwise from its sweeping bonnet tailing off its stubby but perfectly formed rear end

This looks like a modified saloon and although I'm sure it'll get some double-takes when we see them on the street, its just so... sensible

[ph001]

Quoting individual lines can give a slanted view, the final two paragraphs of their summary reads

...which is why I substantiated with "Although it does sound considerably better then the E89 in every other area".

I did identify with one of the comments which was:

"It sounds like BMW has nailed everything I hate about poorly executed sports cars. Too much weight, too soft, vacuum cleaner exhaust sounds, MP3 fake exhaust, lifeless steering, and unpredictable behaviour on the limit. I have no idea why they were talking up the car’s sharpness, it’s clearly anything but. "

...but the big deal breaker for me is the lack of a manual box.

[john-e89]

They might as well write about flying to the moon on a star spangled banner full of spacedust....the only way to tell if it’s any good or not is to go and try one for yourself and see if it fits your feet so you can buy one or not depending on the outcome.

[ronk]

They might as well write about flying to the moon on a star spangled banner full of spacedust....the only way to tell if it’s any good or not is to go and try one for yourself and see if it fits your feet so you can buy one or not depending on the outcome.

[Rathean]

They might as well write about flying to the moon on a star spangled banner full of spacedust....the only way to tell if it’s any good or not is to go and try one for yourself and see if it fits your feet so you can buy one or not depending on the outcome.

Very good point, well made. If I'd made a decision on the back of E89 reviews I'd have run for the hills but it's still a marvellous sports car to drive and its quirks make it all the more engaging.

I just fear that the edginess of the previous model might have been engineered out... but as you said only a test drive will tell and I can't wait to give one a blast

[Angelus666]

The interior is just so similar to every other new BMW model, is that bad, not sure, but definitely takes away from the quirkiness of the previous generations. IMO it feels like they've missed a real chance to raise the brand excitement/perception with this car.

[ph001]

The interior is just so similar to every other new BMW model, is that bad, not sure, but definitely takes away from the quirkiness of the previous generations. IMO it feels like they've missed a real chance to raise the brand excitement/perception with this car.

...except the fully digitised dash of course. Genuine improvement or Playstation city?

[ronk]

Seems like only the 40i is the only 6cyl car ?

[Angelus666]

The interior is just so similar to every other new BMW model, is that bad, not sure, but definitely takes away from the quirkiness of the previous generations. IMO it feels like they've missed a real chance to raise the brand excitement/perception with this car.

...except the fully digitised dash of course. Genuine improvement or Playstation city?

That’ll be a feature on every car from 2019 onwards, and it’s not really anything new today is it. I’d much prefer it if they would have been really bold with their design flair on this, so you either loved or hated it, but it’s just so bland, feels like the current gen Audi TT, all feels very forgettable...

[john-e89]

Looking at the options list, bar the ‘black pack’ all options ticked come to roughly 56k, spec up a Boxster or F type to the same spec and you’re north of 75k, nigh on 20k more if you want the toys on a car that’s perhaps looking dynamically better, or on a par with, the Jag, and maybe just a little off the 718, but not enough to be a problem, it seems a great choice......looks depending.....

[Jembo]

Is that a removable tow bar hitch on the rear bumper?

[Z4 Beemer]