(ENG) BMW Z4 sDrive28i - Test Drive and Review

The BMW's Z4 roadster just underwent a facelift. The changes include new engines, like this 2-liter turbocharged sDrive28i model, revised styling, new exterior colors, as well as new interior trim. The updated infotainment system now offers Internet access. The updated Z4 is definitely a looker. Watch this review to find out more.
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Filmed with Lumix GH3 panasonic.net/a...

[@rjwassenaar7511]

I have owned several sportscar and I (also) own the BMW Z4 E89 now, and compared to many other sportscar it really has many advantages, at least for me: the Z4 is extremely goodlooking, both from the outside and from the inside. My porsche Cayman is sharp, but the interior is not as enticing and lucurious as my Z4. Also, the outside of the Z4 is PRECISELY what one can expect from a sports-car: low, pointy, broad hips, etc. And the GT qualities of the Z4 combine perfectly with the more sporty qualities. Also, in winter, the folding hard-top is so much more convenient than a cloth-roof. To summarize, this is truely one of the highest quality, most fun, and most usable exclusive cars that were ever produced and the maintenance costs are suprisingly low, compared to other sportscars. There is just one (minor) disadvantage, and that is the boot-space. But even that is comparable goof with the roof down, unless you need a lot of luggage. I had custom suitcases made for my 2016 35i, and I am amazed what I can bring with me and still put the top down. Last summer we went on a road-trip to Switzerland and Austria and I never had any issues with my luggage. And it was one of the most wonderful two weeks of my life.

[@joseroma2669]

Thinkin of buying one 12 years later, prices are great nowadays

[@Krezo200]

4:35 exactly what i can say as well Bmw is about grip and not tail happy fun driving like a mazda mx5 or corvette or even old slk Therefore the bmw tends to understeer extremely (which i hate the most about the car) Tbh im not satisfied with the way the bmw behaves I would love a bit more of the oldschool rwd experience

[@ihatesignups1]

I'm picking up a 35i this weekend. Can't wait.

[@Krezo200]

ihatesignups1 still enjoying it?

[@Krezo200]

5 more weeks and i will own that beauty :) Btw my first bmw 4 cylinder And my first turbo 4 cylinder

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Best of luck!

[@Krezo200]

@@MarekDrivesENG thank you marek!

[@charleybrewster6363]

I actually really appreciated this review. Was about to drive 2hrs to test drive one but this saved me a trip. The car is absolutely gorgeous, but I'm driving a Miata at the moment and the dead steering feel would probably keep me from buying it if it's that pronounced a difference.

[@jeankloot1]

I had a Miata once and now I'm driving a Z4. You can't compare the 2, it just wouldn't be fair. The mazda is perfect to start with. The Beamer is for later, when you're bit older and have more money to spent. Love both of them though

[@valicourt]

Ive got the mx5 and the Z4. The Mx5 connects better to the road. MX5 is probably more fun to drive. However the Z4 is much better for long distance driving and I think it looks better then the mark 3 MX5 that we have. Also as a minor point. The standard radio in the BMW isn't very good. In fact it is one of the worst radio's I have ever had in a car. I am talking about the sound quality here.

[@flemit35]

@@valicourt people wouldn't pay for the upgraded sound if it started off good. MX5 is more fun, then the Z4 I28, it's been bought for the added luxuary and power still fun, but more comfortable. could have perhaps gone for an Merc SL a 2+2

[@flybobbie1449]

Steering is dreadful on these cars (ok not that bad just a bit wooden). You need to ditch the RFT and get some Goodyear or Michelin tyres that transform the car. Also go for 18 inch wheels and after market shocks don't go a miss. (23i owner love the car)

[@TheSaint491]

Marek, while I agree the z4 is a very likeable car, how do you feel it stacks up to its main competitors, the slk and (debatably) the 370z? Well that'd probably be the rivals for 35si, but I believe the. 370z is about the same price as this 28i, if you like your z4 spartan of equipment.

[@MarekDrives]

The SLK always feels heavy. There is nothing light or sporty about it ;) And I find the 370Z roadster pointless. The coupe is a very sharp car to drive though.

[@TheSaint491]

Haha fair enough on the slk, I feel it's lots some of it's looks with the facelift it got all those three or so years back. Not as handsome as the Z4 in any case ;) Never quite sure how the 370Z stacks up, because in the UK, you can get a GT86 for a smidgen less than the 370Z, and while it's quite expensive, I'm nigh on confident the GT is a better car for driving and living with. What do you think?

[@MarekDrives]

TheSaint491 370Z is considerably faster and more powerful, than the GT86. It's also more difficult to drive with the systems off. The GT86 is a car you have to force to drift, and the 370Z is a car you have to control. With traction control on both are relatively similar in city driving. Toyota may be slightly more practical because of the back seats. Once a year you can drop your mates off, and they will never want a ride from you again ;) In Poland the price difference between base GT86 and base 370Z is around 15k euro, so the cars are clearly slotted in different price/power segments.

[@TheSaint491]

Fair dos, sorry, saw a Chris Harris comparison of the two and thought it a bit bizarre of him to put them together, even if in the UK there's "only" a 5 grand difference

[@MarekDrives]

Or maybe we aren't what we used to be. I just got back from Frankfurt motor show. 12 hours driving down the motorway. Boring regardless of the car. If I could, I'd put the autopilot on, and go to sleep.

[@marvalouslegend30]

"calls it fast" 😂

[@alvaroffdelamo]

this question comes a bit late given the video is from 2013... But regarding the fake artificial feeling of the steering wheel, was the car equiped with the optional servotronic that BMW offers for around 200? Do you know if that does any good to the tact? Thanks!

[@MarekDrives]

It's been a while, so I have no longer access to the options list for that car. Over the years steering in BMWs is becoming increasingly artificial. It's the case even with M cars, which have light steering during normal driving, but it weighs up, as you start pushing the car harder. As far as I can tell only Porsche knows how to do electric power steering feel more natural. That said BMW is much better (less bad) than Audi or Mercedes in the steering department.

[@alvaroffdelamo]

if go and configure a bmw online, all models have the option called "servotronic" (not just the z4) which is supposed to increase the effort required to turn depending on the speed. But I dont know how well does that work

[@MarekDrives]

I'd have to drive a car without it (most press cars have it). As far as I'm concerned it's not a good option.

[@skillsessions8547]

Servotronic is horrible, you can actually feel it being so artificial in the worst way: if you're thinking of getting a BMW, do NOT get that option. The Z4 steering adapts to your driving style and is very tight now. In the beginning it was admittedly loose so it is a weird programming as now it is great. Check out my channel for my driving vlog!

[@cl6772]

The main issue with steering feel is the tires it has bridgstone run-flats which are terrible. I have a 35iS and the first mod that i did was to drop those and pick up a set of Pilot Super Spots, which changes the way the car feels dramatically.

[@raugil1mx]

Cars are not what they used to be...

[@shuangshuang3837]

in china this.car more than 100000+ eu

[@kevinwaller2487]

Knows nothing 😊about

[@thomaspowell3739]

44.000 euro for a pretend sports car ??? Insane