So I got a chance to see and sit in the 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster today. The dealership had both sDrive 30i and 35i variants available for viewing. Since I had limited time today, though, I wasn't able to do a thorough thrashing. Thus the "part 1" bit in the title. 
Overall, I am definitely warming up to this car. However, it is nowhere near my shortlist of cars that could replace my beloved M. Overall, the formula just isn't there. Looking at the individual components, though, I appreciate what BMW is trying to do with the Z4's future.
Front End: Definitely looks nicer in person than in the pictures. The massive grilles and thongline (i.e. the ridges on the hood) don't seem so annoying when viewed in person. I really like the headlights and proper angel eye treatment. I prefer the darkened grills of the 30i vs. the 35i and am disappointed BMW didn't have the darker more aggressive looking grilles in their more powerful trim.
Engine Bay: Big bonnet allows for a very open view into the engine bay. It's a tighter layout inside compared to the E85 and I like that. However I dunno if this car can accept a STB since the airbox sits up quite high. Also I noticed that the engine sits too far forward of the towers (what were they thinking???), a la Audi style.
Side Profile: Character lines are subdued... conservatism works well in this case, but it is just that... too conservative. Wheel gap is just atrocious (~3.75 finger gap). I hope it's just the dealer forgetting to remove the shipping blocks, but highly doubtful.
Rear End and Boot: Again, the view is nicer than in pictures. Boot space is laughable with the hood down. I noticed that there is no way to access the trunk via key? The handle on the E86 had a key slot, but not in the new one.
Interior: LOVE the leather(ette) treatment of the dash. Gives it the upscale feel. Steering wheel is comfortable although not as thick as in the M. Plastic headliner is cheap, but at least it's blacked out. Shook my head at the naff E-brake. Interior storage is minimal. Seats have ZERO thigh bolstering and no thigh adjustment.
I think that's all I could remember for now. Again, overall this is a good package, but nowhere good enough for the price being asked for it.
Overall, I am definitely warming up to this car. However, it is nowhere near my shortlist of cars that could replace my beloved M. Overall, the formula just isn't there. Looking at the individual components, though, I appreciate what BMW is trying to do with the Z4's future.
Front End: Definitely looks nicer in person than in the pictures. The massive grilles and thongline (i.e. the ridges on the hood) don't seem so annoying when viewed in person. I really like the headlights and proper angel eye treatment. I prefer the darkened grills of the 30i vs. the 35i and am disappointed BMW didn't have the darker more aggressive looking grilles in their more powerful trim.
Engine Bay: Big bonnet allows for a very open view into the engine bay. It's a tighter layout inside compared to the E85 and I like that. However I dunno if this car can accept a STB since the airbox sits up quite high. Also I noticed that the engine sits too far forward of the towers (what were they thinking???), a la Audi style.
Side Profile: Character lines are subdued... conservatism works well in this case, but it is just that... too conservative. Wheel gap is just atrocious (~3.75 finger gap). I hope it's just the dealer forgetting to remove the shipping blocks, but highly doubtful.
Rear End and Boot: Again, the view is nicer than in pictures. Boot space is laughable with the hood down. I noticed that there is no way to access the trunk via key? The handle on the E86 had a key slot, but not in the new one.
Interior: LOVE the leather(ette) treatment of the dash. Gives it the upscale feel. Steering wheel is comfortable although not as thick as in the M. Plastic headliner is cheap, but at least it's blacked out. Shook my head at the naff E-brake. Interior storage is minimal. Seats have ZERO thigh bolstering and no thigh adjustment.
I think that's all I could remember for now. Again, overall this is a good package, but nowhere good enough for the price being asked for it.
