2021 BMW Z4 SDrive 30i 12-Month Impressions [Daily Driver]

[@tgregorywoodley3871]

I own a 2020 sdrive 30i and can say assuredly that it is NOT a weekend toy, but is definitely a daily driver. The comfort mode, big boot and gas mileage makes this possible. The transmission shifts silky smooth and the engine has plenty of punch. I have no desire to fly around a racetrack, so those critics can take a hike. This car is as sporty as it is beautiful 😍

[@kevintaylor1626]

Been looking at getting one, how is it in the snow? Would also be my daily driver....already drive. Rear drive convertible Bmw (135i) wondering how this would compare in the snow.

[@tgregorywoodley3871]

@kevintaylor1626 it probably wouldn't be as sexy in snow tires, but someone in Canada drove one in the winter with no issues.

[@MatthewGaither]

Thanks for doing this. Not a lot of owner reviews and videos out there on the G29 Z4. I own a 2020 Z4 M40i in Misano Blue and I like it a lot. Based on what I have seen and heard I probably would have enjoyed the 30i just as much because the 40i's extra power is hard to take advantage of most of the time without speeding. The 40i does sound great though and Misano Blue is one of my favorite colors on any car I have ever owned. I hope you continue to enjoy your Z4. I know I will mine.

[@SoA-Horseman]

I get in enough trouble with the 30i. Definitely no slouch! ;) My biggest regret not trying a little harder ti get the 40i purchase to work is because if the sound and clout.

[@SoA-Horseman]

The fact that not a lot of people are doing said reviews is precisely the reason why I wanted to do it. Especially the 30i. When I asked shopping around, it was hard to find info that would satisfy what I was looking for. Hoping that this, past and future vids will help others.

[@rembo183]

I just had a 2021 Z4 M40 test drive yesterday and yes it’s a beautiful car but sadly it doesn’t drive like a true sports car. It’s more of a luxury cruiser. In fact if you closed your eyes you feel like your driving a ordinary sedan. I was very disappointed and made me appreciate my much less expensive 2008 Miata. The z4 M40 is too heavy and the power is not satisfying in ordinary city driving. The four cylinder is probability better suited for a sports car/ roadster. So even with a great price of $56k for this 4,000 mile one owner car from CarMax - it was like new- I would not trade my Miata driving experience for this super luxury BMW. This BMW is all about styling and status NOT the true sports car experience. The Porsche Boxster is much better overall in my opinion.

[@SoA-Horseman]

Some would argue it’s a sporty car as opposed to a sports car. I’d agree. Luxury touring as opposed to track performance.

[@al1356]

I have a Misano blue s20i version. Great mix of economy (47mpg average), power (200bhp) that’s more than enough in the UK, practical for a two seater (golf clubs in the boot). Brilliant when the sun is out as the roof is down always on a dry day. I have owned lots of cars in my time, this is however my new favourite

[@grahamatsea3575]

That's great economy, I'm looking at one for in UK.

[@SyhnSeer]

Nice info, ordered one as a daily driver. Long wait. Replacing my '17 SL. Test drove the Z4. It's so much fun. Blows my SL away in fun factor.

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

I just bought the same car, white w red seats. M40.can’t wait to drive this beautiful beast. Great review.

[@clbernier2]

I’m loving the booster passenger seat!!!! 👍🏼

[@SoA-Horseman]

@@clbernier2 gotta start em young! Never to early for a love of cars.

[@stevegoomas783]

Love my 2022 Z4 m40i. I drive it a lot more than I thought I would. Love the power but can also cruise calmly and get incredible gas milage. I searched and tried different sports cars and came to the conclusion to purchase the BMW. It offered everything I was looking for. Totally satisfied and I am hearing they have already deemed it a classic.

[@SoA-Horseman]

I love seeing this! :)

[@maxmurmel9222]

How much is the min - max consumption?

[@SoA-Horseman]

As far as fuel economy? 25-31mpg.

[@JM-rn5sm]

Great Video and review. You have a beautiful car. Thank you for taking the time to provide such a great well balanced video with your likes and dislikes.

[@Jordan-rh5rm]

Great video, I’m looking at getting a 2022 30i and this video has been informative.

[@SoA-Horseman]

Very glad to see that the video helped you out. Be sure to check out the M40i comparison video as well if you’re at all on the fence about getting an M40i.

[@raeh9]

Hi I live in the UK and have owned one these cars from new I use it as a daily drive like you and love it to bits .Mine is Metallic black With white interior Looks the business can't think of anything else to say that you didn't cover Mine has heated seats and heated steering wheel but that's the UK for you, not great weather all the time but having said that I drive it with the roof down most of the time, feels great, the heating system is superb Great Video very well edited

[@kennymoss7089]

Hi. What mpg are you getting if you just drive it normally. Many thanks.

[@javiermorales5106]

Superb review, man! I’m seriously considering trading my car for the Z4 and your review has been very, very helpful. Thank you!!!

[@PeteSQ]

I bought a 2019 Z4 M40i 2 weeks ago in exactly those colours ! I've hardly had a chance to drive it yet due to the poor weather here in the UK. But I'm really looking forward to the Spring !

[@SoA-Horseman]

Outstanding!! Congratulations. I’m more than positive you’ll love it!

[@PeteSQ]

@@SoA-Horseman I've had one top down drive so far, 6 degree C temperature (42f) with my 14 yr old son. it was pretty epic in sport plus. I've not had a powerful car for years due to family commitments, but this Z4 feels very special already ! Just mean to say, thank you for the great video. This car is so underated, but I think it being a unicorn bodes well for future value and classic status. I bought mine as a potential keeper for life.

[@domagojburic1912]

IMO best looking roadster on the market currently. Looking forward to buying one myself :)

[@SoA-Horseman]

Check out my SDrive 30i and M40i comparison before you decide! I do agree, though, she’s a great looking roadster with all the right lines.

[@domagojburic1912]

@@SoA-Horseman Ohh I will!! Thank you for the review :)

[@jahmirjones2597]

I thank you so much for making this video in like full detail considering the fact that I am about to rent this car only for a day for a special occasion but the only difference is the color way it’ll be in blue but everything you had in this video is what I need to know. I appreciate you a lot

[@javiermoraleshosteleria8227]

Felicidades por tu video y por tu Z4. Estoy valorando la compra de uno. He visto todos los vídeos en Español y ahora estoy viendo los vídeos en inglés. Tu vídeo es muy sincero y me identifico contigo en muchas cosas, entre ellas la de los problemas de las articulaciones, cada vez las tengo peor, pero creo que para un uso exporadico y de capricho, me sirve. Quiero ir a por el 40I, más que nada por el sonido del motor. Muchas gracias y saludos desde España

[@SoA-Horseman]

Thank you for watching! Last October I upgraded to the M40i and I made a video on that as well, so please check it out to get my opinion on the comparison from a very regular person point of view. Come October I plan on putting out another 12-month review on the M40i. I also upgraded to the M40i more for the sound of the engine hahaha!

[@javiermoraleshosteleria8227]

Si, ya lo vi. Muchas gracias.

[@dionpettipas5846]

Just ordered mine in the identical interior and exterior colour as yours.

[@SoA-Horseman]

Outstanding! Congratulations! You will love it!

[@davegenet]

You know, if BMW makes this car as an EV with around the same performance for around the same price I’ll buy one. I had the two previous generation Z4s and enjoyed them.

[@SoA-Horseman]

Dunno about EV, but they have been moving towards hybrid. Though I’ve been hearing rumors that 2025 is end of the line for the Z4.

[@isondd]

Great video thanks. I ordered a ‘19 through Carvana😳 and it’s still in process so we’ll see lol. Talk about a unicorn I haven’t even seen one here in New England!

[@SoA-Horseman]

Outstanding! Hope you get it soon and can enjoy that too down living!

[@shaunmcinnis1960]

I’d say that water is coming from the tire inside the wheel well and getting thrown / blown out the vent. You can see how that ledge lines up with the bottom of the vent..

[@lavery0365]

Question: DO you have regrets about NOT having the Hardon Karmon stereo system & most importantly have you driven the M version, if so have you noticed the considerable difference in it's power?

[@SoA-Horseman]

Definitely questions worth asking! As far as the HK, I can’t really tell because I haven’t been able to compare all that well. The base sound system still sounds extremely well. I really wish I could demonstrate that for y’all effectively. People in forums with the HK system has been noting some disappointment with it. Base system has a ton of bass, great crisp sound all around, but of course not very effective with the top down. More if background noise when driving with the top down. You can still feel bass, but without really cranking it… it’s not very loud. Top up is a completely different story. I have driven the M40i. However, it was in the rain, so I could not really do a great comparison as well as I would have liked. Full disclaimer, I am looking to trade up to an M40i (don’t know when) for reasons other than power and performance. Mostly exhaust sound, some cosmetics, and the self gratification of having an ///M badge (full well know it’s not a real M).

[@SoA-Horseman]

It's been over a year, and I've been fortunate enough to upgrade my 30i to the M40i. That being said I have the HK system now, and comparatively speaking, the base system sounded much better. I had to tweak the upgraded HK system quite a bit just to catch up to the base system. Only caveat here is that the upgraded HK system sounds cripser and cleaner, but not $875 better. I will be doing a new review on the M40i and already did a comparison video between my 30i and M40i.

[@LuxembourgDriveUA]

Thanks for the video. Great job. What is the average fuel consumption?

[@SoA-Horseman]

Definitely depends on the time of year. When school is in, I do a lot of idling. Getting about 28-30 MPG. Otherwise between 29-32 MPG.

[@LuxembourgDriveUA]

@@SoA-Horseman thank you. Now I want this car even more :)

[@SoA-Horseman]

Well, 2023 is the LCI! Last year model and could even be the last model/generation of the Z4. I’m actually looking to trade up to the LCI M40i.

[@SoA-Horseman]

And the trade up has occurred. :)

[@mrkongster]

Good video, thanks for sharing; your car looks fantastic, how often do you've to clean/condition the leather seat?

[@SoA-Horseman]

Hey thank you! Though I’ve since upgraded to an M40i Portimao Blue/Cognac spec. I posted a video on some of the differences between the two specs. To answer your question, I wipe them down with a leather cleaner every time I wash which could be 2-3 times a month. As far as conditioning…. I haven’t yet. Though it’s not a bad idea. I also posted my wash routine in another video.

[@fan_cool_007]

Came across your video. Nice walk through with it. Was thinking of getting the 2023 version later this year. I heard in one of your comments that you might trade up to the M40i. If you do, I would love to see a video of the difference between the 30 vs. the 40.

[@SoA-Horseman]

Oh believe me when it comes to it, I’ll be making that comparison. Unfortunately, probably won’t be till later this year or early next year. Economy isn’t great right now lol Did you ever get yours?

[@SoA-Horseman]

My M40i is on the way and looking to take delivery first week of October with any luck. Expect to see a video likely sometime early November. :D

[@maxmurmel9222]

Very nice car!

[@SoA-Horseman]

Thank you! Check out my follow up vid showing comparisons of the 30i and the newly acquired M40i!

[@nishdroidx]

I am renting this for a day. Do you think I can slide in a standard large travel luggage bag in the front seat?

[@SoA-Horseman]

hmmmmmmmmm Maybe... I've never tried. Thinking of my larger suitcase, I think so.

[@alijj4125]

Would u get the 18 inch wheels if u go back? For more comfortable driving

[@SoA-Horseman]

Honestly? No. I like the look of the 19” and the ride is still leagues above other sports cars. I also put on some all seasons that makes it a little better but doesn’t lose the handling edge.

[@alexpiacentini9950]

I’m thinking of getting one do tall guys like 6”2 fit ?

[@SoA-Horseman]

Best bet is to try and find one to test drive. My step-father is 6’4” and he was able to drive it comfortably.

[@skipepperly5765]

With regards to off the line tire spin, try start out in 2nd gear with helps in snow and rainy streets. We have m40i. Cheers

[@syncprism6283]

Great Video! I wonder if you think the Z4 is quieter or noisier than an economic household vehicle (corolla etc.) when the top is up? Is it mostly the engine, the tire/road noise, or wind noise?

[@SoA-Horseman]

As a rag top convertible it will naturally be noisier. The top is great, insulated and thick to block out a vast majority of road noise, but it’s a night and day difference between your regular coupe or otherwise. 30i engine noise isn’t terribly loud and yes performance tires will be noisier too. I had put on all seasons meant more for performance cars when I had to swap them out and it made a pretty decent difference too.

[@syncprism6283]

@@SoA-Horseman Thanks for the info! What's the "quieter" tires you are running called?

[@SoA-Horseman]

www.tirerack.com/tires/michelin-pilot-sport-all-season-4?gclid=CjwKCAjwxLKxBhA7EiwAXO0R0HFX0LFIitYpEpB9EOkf9UWJ0qbHnIC7ghop4pLIbDHIn53NLVjsAxoClncQAvD_BwE&ef_id=CjwKCAjwxLKxBhA7EiwAXO0R0HFX0LFIitYpEpB9EOkf9UWJ0qbHnIC7ghop4pLIbDHIn53NLVjsAxoClncQAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!3756!3!!!!x!!&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1 I put these on my 30i. Now…. Keep in mind I traded up to the M40i, but will likely get these again when it’s time.

[@syncprism6283]

@@SoA-Horseman Congrats!! M40i must be so much fun : )

[@SoA-Horseman]

Yeah it’s a blast. I have a “comparison” video as well.

[@Bebik22]

good review, I have same in 2020. No issues with the car, but sound system is very weak. When p[laying anything with a base I hear buzzing, especially when top down and sound is up.

[@SoA-Horseman]

Good point, I also hear some rattling around at times and it's annoying lol.

[@tsmith05081982]

How is it driving this car in heavy rain conditions

[@SoA-Horseman]

Pretty great actually. It’s a solid car and handles admirably even with performance summer tires. Now I have all seasons and still amazing.

[@kevintaylor1626]

No Hk sell it! Love the Hk system in my BMW....

[@SoA-Horseman]

Actually…. Check out my latest car video in the playlist and you’ll see that I did…. Not for that reason. I have the HK system now and I can honestly say the base system sounds much better. Very disappointing for an $875 option!

[@kevintaylor1626]

@@SoA-Horseman will check it out.....thanks

[@danmills7084]

I own a 2022 Z4 s drive 30i. Question I see a speed limit indicator next to the vehicular speed I don’t see that. What option provides the current speed limit for the road your driving on.

[@SoA-Horseman]

Heya! I’d say it’s tied to the GPS. I, personally, didn’t go through options to enable that. Matter of fact in the HUD the vehicle speed also turns red when going above the posted limit.

[@tomhanhart5921]

Speed limit indicator requires Driving Assistant Package or Active Cruise Control option. For my i3s which hasn‘t none of this packages I ordered a 3rd party solution from The Netherlands (EU). It works with the Navigation Data and it’s quiet reliable. Product name is: Motive Suplies Speedlimit Info (SLI) Retrofit Emulator. Not sure if it works with the G29 (it should I guess). Receive my Z4 without the above mentioned packages only in February and will then look deeper into it.

[@barneysman9116]

Paint protection film. Does it prevent car from keying?

[@SoA-Horseman]

Something like that probably not…. They are meant to stop things like light door dings, rock impacts and even like if you brush up against it. No worry for spiderweb scratches either.

[@XiaoHanChen]

Hi there, i got 2019 Z4 30i, and just wonder, what is the chair brand you using for your baby?

[@SoA-Horseman]

The kid’s seat is Graco.

[@XiaoHanChen]

@@SoA-Horseman Thanks

[@Rob-hw5wr]

looks like the steering wheel was vibrating. Was that just the camera or road condition?

[@SoA-Horseman]

Wheel is solid. Probably camera shake. :)

[@edzyutuc4046]

How is the soft top when it comes to the heat of texas? Does it affect the airconditioning?

[@SoA-Horseman]

Soft top has multiple layers. Of course it isn’t as insulated as a hard top, but it does a great job on its own in keeping noise out and heat/cold in. The A/C works exceptionally well.

[@edzyutuc4046]

@@SoA-Horseman Thank you. I'm planning on getting one mid to late next year and i live in a tropical country. Do you have any idea if they will be facelifting the design or upgrading the interior soon?

[@ystebadvonschlegel3295]

@@edzyutuc4046 They did LCI facelift already for 2023 models, no changes upcoming. God help us if they put idrive 8 in there.

[@edzyutuc4046]

@@ystebadvonschlegel3295 Awesome thanks! Can't wait to get mine

[@danmills7084]

The AC is really good especially since it’s cooling a small space with the top up.

[@doublettube7224]

I am 24 years old and I am thinking of buying a z4 30i 2019 but I was wondering, what should I expect for the monthly/annually expenses such as fuel consumption or services. I would really appreciate any infos.

[@SoA-Horseman]

Fuel... depending on where you are can vary greatly. Now that I work completely from home, I don't drive it nearly as often. You will need 93 gas though. Oil changes are like... every 9000 miles, they often ask if you want to flush out your coolant or do alignment which can take on a couple hundred to your oil change bill.

[@danielnemec5631]

Bro, love your video, but when you're talking, please put the volume of the background songs down. Especially when there are some lyrics. :-)

[@haldriver1378]

I have a 2020 and I love the car. Note: I never listen to loud ghetto music.

[@SoA-Horseman]

Glad you like your car, but ... I don't really care for your description of whatever you consider "ghetto" music.

[@haldriver1378]

@@SoA-Horseman Sir, I apologize.

[@filoniz]

I notice it so easy to speed.

[@SoA-Horseman]

Oh yes

[@andrewm9413]

Bro did you finish running a marathon before you filmed? Your heavy breathing is very distracting

[@SoA-Horseman]

Well…. Just gotta deal with it, or don’t watch it. COVID did a lot of long-term damage to my body, and I have severe outdoor allergies.