BMW Z4 roadster (2009-2016) review - Carbuyer / Mat Watson

BMW Z4 Roadster 2014 review: bit.ly/1f7SVb0
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The BMW Z4 is the firm's best roadster yet -- and it gets a folding metal hard top instead of a cloth roof. It also has smooth, supple suspension, and a chassis that is tuned for comfort. That means the car is slightly less fun to drive quickly than a pure sports car, but it's much more relaxing to use on a daily basis. The new roof shuts out more engine, wind and tyre noise from the cabin, but it eats into boot space when it's folded down.

[@rawr4444]

1:00 Glad to see Mat hasn't changed and had his wonderful personality on display already in 2011! 🥳

[@Superblyme139]

last week i was looking at this video, right now she is my garage... amazing car

[@TheIrishSpectre]

I'm tall and I don't give a shit if it's considered a "girls' car." It looks damn good and is a blast to drive. It's also more comfortable and "practical" than a straight-up sports car. More importantly, you can get it in a manual configuration. To me, at least, it sells itself.

[@Jasmineliketheflower]

how tall are you

[@TheIrishSpectre]

Jasmine liketheflower 6 feet, 1 inch.

[@DaybreakPT]

You mean like a girl magnet, because all the girls flock to it? A girl's favorite kind of car? Yeah I'll take one of those "girls' car" any day mate.

[@jeanviloria1988]

TheIrishSpectre My ain’t owns one in Black with the White leather and I remember her pressing on the Gad and the you just get pushed back it is amazing 😊

[@Stubba1961]

I have one of these and they are great fun especially in sport mode with the roof down. Watching that roof fold into the boot using the key fob never stops being cool. 200bhp around country lanes is plenty adequate. People bitching about it have never owned one. You are unlikely to be disappointed especially with the deals BMW offer these days.

[@daniellevitt3589]

You have taken the words out if my mouth, everytime I arrive somewhere, I need a few minutes to calm down and get my heart beating normally! I got a 2014 black with red interior and even with the top up in the rain its a special feeling.

[@flybobbie1449]

Had mine 7 years now, still a great car.

[@jeanviloria1988]

My aunt has one in black with the white interior and it’s beautiful 😍

[@walthefl]

Was surprised to find Mat Watson here...

[@lhrmeonom]

Diesel? "It's the fuel of Satan!" - Jeremy Clarkson

[@FlightSimX007]

My father has the previous gen Z4 with the 2.5si i6 engine. Has 214bhp, goes like hell and still looks good even today!

[@edphilipse9938]

where stands the Z fore?

[@טרחןטרחנובסקי]

Why are you so aggressive with it? Are you trying to make it break up with you?

[@redknightricky]

Complaining about handling while on comfort mode. SMH!

[@azizhachimi8744]

araick Schiffer You see, that's a huge lack of professionalism!

[@ankurkumarsaha4622]

I came here after watching ur review on new bmw Z4, n I m really amused by watching this video, had no idea about this channel 😅, u r still the same , same attitude since years , love ur work man ♥️

[@derrickjezy5638]

Been watching his previous videos ever since and I came across this one I was a little surprised lol

[@nelsonclub7722]

"Its more of a GT" Which is why a bought one and it is superb - and I have had everything from TVR's and Ferrari''s = love it

[@tristandavid581]

I like how this guy has to continuously tell people that it's okay if you're a guy and you want to drive this car because it doesn't make you look like a 'hairdresser' and it's a "man's car". If you wanna drive this car, just drive it. If you don't want to, then don't. He definitely doesn't want his masculinity damaged

[@Toisestars619]

+Tristan David It's a common stereotype of people who drive these types of cars. He's just making fun of that stereotype. Calm down.

[@azmike3572]

I could easily see John Cleese handling this part of the video.

[@SpencerLowe-kg4rg]

I love the feeling of pleasure in this car. I worked in a BMW Pre Owned dealership last year as a lot attendant. I drove every type of car. But I really love the Z4.

[@Korawitbeam12]

Glad to see Mat 9 years ago

[@PalfraDK]

What's up with britons calling every car that looks somewhat good a hairdressers car?

[@DaybreakPT]

Jealousy and a fragile ego.

[@cheesecrumpets]

I'm British and I don't get it either.

[@abstract0014]

IDK

[@lunafringe10]

Jealousy!

[@mhasting3376]

Homophobia

[@guywerb]

I had one of these a few years ago, before switching to an AR Giulia Veloce. And although I love the Alfa (best riding car I have owned, so sadly underrated, including on reliability, I rode 80000 km in it without a single issue or even little squirting noise), but I have to admit I regret the brilliant design, exterior an interior, as well as the sturdy build quality of the Z4. In other words, I wish I had a bigger garage... 😀

[@ElZato]

Who the hell says roadsters are hairdresser cars?

[@Incudius]

+Alejandro Diaz I dunno. I alwasy though it was convertibles that were hairdressers cars and that includes some roadsters but was always more about people who buy something like a Golf Cabriolet. The Z3 was never in that class.

[@tormenmashi_]

they said if you drive a MX 5 (a Mazda roadster) you are a hairdresser / gay ,so when they talk about roadster they bring up the MX 5 joke

[@yasmousey]

Alejandro Diaz I know right! I'd say Audi tt's are more hairdresser cars lol

[@LlamaDrama142]

Alejandro Diaz that’s such a random comment, right?? Lmfao “roadsters are often known for being pizza bakery chef cars, but etc etc.” uhhh...ok?

[@lorenioooooas]

Usually jealous people, all this hairdresser nonsense. If the car is good, it's good.

[@timsmith3229]

Owned one from new since 2015 - model shown here s20i in blue with cream leather interior - never gone wrong - performance is enough, interior and seats are lovely. Hairdresser's car? no way (salon manager, maybe)

[@somyapareek5690]

I just love this car

[@jegan1867]

Never knew mat Watson had this yt channel

[@jegan1867]

I was looking for ur review of this particular car.. And finally found it

[@videomaniac108]

I got a 2019 Nissan 370Z sport coupe with 6-speed manual transmission instead of one of these. Great power and handling, good price and good build quality.

[@nicktubara]

cool, me too. will be picking it up in a couple days :D

[@LamboSpyder99]

I think this guy was born for this job.

[@alchoholicsementhful]

I still think the Z series peaked at the Z3 M Roadster. It was just like the classic british roadsters... With a touch of Shelby Cobra. Such power(At the time... with an S54) in a car barely bigger than a Miata.

[@johnnyjunior963]

Thats my dream car ,this year im gonna get a used 2007 z4 3.0 roadster

[@tradskinhead28]

Good choice mine is a 2006 3.0 si 255 hp 6 speed manual. I am looking for a Z4M 3.2 with 330 hp just to add to the z4 family haha

[@KhaosGT]

Is it weird i watch these videos just to see Mat?! lol

[@secretlyscary1221]

I love the z4 look amazing and its a great drive. Plus the interior is spectacular

[@norcalsportscards6428]

I have the 2010 Sdrive 30i and all i can say is that i love this car... it is a great car and fast

[@bigd901122]

Best car reviewer on the Internet

[@OlympusGuardian]

i bet Mat is going to be the next TopGear presenter !!!! :D

[@robertbidochon7949]

"the cabin feels claustrophobic" It's a big plus for me. I love when my car's interior is very dark, no wonder why I love 5% tint...

[@Max-fd4px]

Mat was so young and serious

[@sixtiesmods]

Luv it - Picking up a 2014 White 2.0 M Sport soon.

[@johnnyfreespeech5815]

I’m thinking of buying one of these second hand as they seem to be really cheap these days. My only concern is the fit. I’m 6’5 so not sure how comfortable I will be. I work at a Mazda garage and have drove MX-5s on several occasions and whilst they are lovely cars an I do fit, I don’t fit well and couldn’t justify the lack of space on an everyday car. I like the idea of a convertible for when the weather improves but we’ll just have to wait and see I guess.

[@johnnyfreespeech5815]

@Floyd1504 Yeah, I’d imagine so. In the end I bought a summer time fun 1981 Porsche 911. So much for my concern about space… lol.

[@aaronming8466]

Very nice antenna on the BMW Z4- keep it cool BMW, style 2015

[@Narrowcros]

Looks much better with the roof down

[@flybobbie1449]

Thought it was claustrophobic, what till you sit in the G29 replacement.

[@toymancustoms]

BMW z4 is amazing

[@jubjub13483]

Only thing, no cup holders as standard, now that is mean!

[@NickLiang]

they sit inside the arm rest

[@crossfireisawsome]

why would you eat in such a sexy car??

[@WhileTrueCode]

mine came with one, that snaps into the center console. the glovebox actually has a specially designed receptacle for when you're not using it. mine is used to hold my vape because it holds quite solidly and i can't say that about any other item-stashing spot in the z

[@DukeofSerbia]

This is the best looking BMW model for me, and I was in Z4 with M package :-D.

[@jettchong6566]

Man's car !!!

[@tahsin28]

Better interior DESIGN than latest 7series

[@nzana55]

Nice

[@sebasfd21]

Hi, Matt Watson here from Carwow

[@daniellevitt3589]

Oh. You are right about height though. I am 5'7 and she fits purrrfectly

[@mooddog07]

im thinking about getting one. thx for the info bro

[@octavianpopescu1959]

Ok, I’m going to buy a tractor to look more like a man and it’s convertible two seats 😂

[@al3zmi]

I regret selling this car to buy the 350z but only issue with it is the resale value in my country it drops quite fast

[@eddiem828]

all nissans have bad resale value. im sorry.

[@Mystyfication]

+alazmi Alameera Hey, wondering how different the 350 would feel? Does it feel like lot faster/sharper? Interior is not as good, that's true (though in 370 they've improved so much).. And why would you change the Z4?

[@WhileTrueCode]

the 350 is like "hey i'm modern and sleek" and the z4 is like "will you be taking tea in the batmobile, sir?"

[@carlosandleon]

@@WhileTrueCode yeah I also get a Bruce Wayne vibe with the z4

[@azmike3572]

Maybe I'm missing something--how does this video on a 2014 car get published in 2011?

[@MapMonster25]

The car was released in 2009 as far as I know

[@azmike3572]

@@MapMonster25 Okay, thanks for the info.

[@DiddyD0904]

he has the greatest job in the world!

[@josephbingham1255]

pretty with the top up

[@ucmmachampionsaviour4778]

I AGREE ITS A MANS CAR, I'M 18 YEARS OLD, AND I AM THINKING OF BUYING A BMW Z4 AS MY FIRST TEENAGE CAR, THE INSURANCE IS SO HIGH, BUT I DON'T CARE, IT'S SO FAST, EXCITING, AND SO SO COOL.

[@daniellevitt3589]

Mine has an eight speed that stays in the gear you put it in via the paddle while in auto mode during the whole corner and then the straight, unitl you lift off the gas for enough time. Its like driving in NFS bit for real, lol

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

I think this is one of the last BMWs that Chris Bangle designed

[@Top_Gear_Clips_Central]

no wonder it looked so sexy

[@msbond700]

Yes

[@TheOne42]

Mat you're the best!

[@dillbudson3823]

I like the metal goof

[@henksingewald7959]

hey mat, when are you going to make a review of the new bmw z4? thx

[@jimquantic]

reliability, cost of repair, insurance, and is it quiet at highway speed, top up of course? Thanks

[@timar4o]

Which one? Tiff Needell , Jason Plato , Jonny Smith or Vicky?Have you looked one of their reviews? i think you confuse Fifthgear with Topgear

[@Speck1119]

My parents loves Mercedes, (they do like BMWs too but the service sucks) but I would choose this over a SLK anyday!

[@azmike3572]

Seems like we should be asking one of the Monty Python members to comment on the "hairdresser" image...perhaps a lumberjack may be a suitable owner...

[@LRS905]

Is it me or that central console is the same one as for the left hand drive version, only with the Idrive control transposed? It is similar to the E90, and kind of remember that sweeping curve is in the same side than this one.

[@Mephistopheles71]

u r amazing mat...a very very nice review....

[@hakman239]

you should do a video on the smart roadster convertible or coupe

[@nat0106951]

elegant car but isn't the retractable roof a bit too slow?

[@mrbigtime81]

yeah you are right

[@TheJoeMB]

Small roadsters such as this should not have diesels.

[@nowphoenix]

Nice Mat! This one's on the short list. Still curious about any updates to the Audi TT before dropping the cash on the BMW...or possibly the Merc.

[@ColteeYT]

The steering wheel on the right side has to do with ancient roads. See i think it has something to do with the fact that when knights were riding on horses, they usually kept their lance on the right side. Though, i really don't know how that makes a difference. Suffice to say, some countries have kept the right side "tradition", but most of the world has it on the left, which is really annoying if you're travelling, cause then you're stuck with the wheel on the other side.

[@garethstroud5586]

Torn between a z4 or an abarth 124, really difficult choice that one 🤔

[@jack8916]

I don't get it. He complain about those seat adjustment in the X3 but love it in the Z4...

[@jaybirch43]

How tall are you I'm just curious

[@outsidethepyramid]

+Scotish nightmare he is 5 foot 4 inches.

[@nathanielfoo7835]

5ft 10

[@nathanielfoo7835]

5ft 4 inch is rebecca

[@quarantinejet2312]

He's about 5'10.5

[@MechZ4]

steering wheel on the right means next video for me

[@isackger4154]

This vedio broke my heart

[@zirwinn]

NICE! This I gotta see... Thanks for the upload man =)

[@TECMANPRO11]

You can put it down with the key, but that is not the only way.

[@crashlove768]

can you imagine how much would these seats cost in a porsche as an option?!

[@weedmastersr]

Matt please, if you can, review the Camaro that just started selling in Europe, I'm very curious what's your opinion on it !

[@minityper]

Z4 3.5 Huey. Much much more special then a slk or even a Porsche

[@robin8516]

It is weird that you put the top down with the key.

[@angelofthehorror]

How about a review on Audi A8?

[@ashkot5453]

Do you always review the new model? How about second hand car? no?

[@bencrockett593]

Pretty sure this is an e89? It doesn’t say but I assume so

[@Th3Bl00dyN1n3r]

i wouldn't - just think about it - a sport-roadster as a first car? imo you should get a car with a lot less bhp, e.g. a 1 series 1.6i

[@byAudiQuattro]

@Mickys0ul I think it's "Space Grey".

[@TheVeTP]

Hi, i love sports cars but i'm a bit taller, what height are you? you think a 6'2" like myself would enjoy the Z4's ride?

[@lhrmeonom]

Zed is how British people pronounce Z.

[@CSzezerense]

Those were the designers of the E85 Z4, not the E89 Z4, genius.

[@Rage4Liberty]

also South Africa and Australia

[@ratner6138]

Now should I get this or a Miata?

[@zuleyemarn4823]

beauty sports car

[@StandUrGroundNFight]

Matt did you try the steering in M Sport mode? It gets really nice with that.

[@renuagarwal8984]

anyone else on carbuyer video streak?

[@R4ss3]

You're buying your first car. Learn to handle the power of a Civic or Corolla, then get a roadster. The FMR(engine behind front axle, rear-wheel drive) layout in the 2.0l i4 version shares a lot of the properties of a genuine middle-engined car, so if you make one mistake it will bite you.

[@cfenus]

mat is a great reviewer =)

[@Siper2]

I personally like this revision of the Z4 - far better-looking than its predecessor, and a far cry better than the ugly Z3 was. I'd buy one, absolutely.

[@narutosakura144]

is this the only Version they have cause i looking to buy one but idk if the got the Wheel on the left side or U.S. side

[@alexdavila1356]

will they ever bring back the hard top?

[@TheGetawayer]

Haha, you copied the hairdresser-phrase from my Z4-review, Mat ! Well done mate :)

[@The70srockfan]

under 7 seconds? the 528i can do that, come one bmw! this is a sportscar.