BMW Z4 - life in the shadow of the Boxster
I was first introduced to the E89 Z4 in 2009 by Top Gear. It felt like the car had been designed with me in mind - a sports convertible with a hardtop.
Clarkson compared the Z4 to supercar ‘dinosaurs’ - hence the T-Rex.
At the time I was shopping for a new car to replace my XR5 Turbo, and while I knew the Z4 wasn’t the hatchback I actually needed, I thought it would be fun to check it out at the dealership.
I went to BMW and they had a beautiful blue over white Z4 in the showroom. I spent some time just checking it out, and really loved how it looked and felt.
I was sitting in the driver’s seat when a salesman approached me and asked if I’d like to take it for a test drive.
The sticker price was $138,000 - way, way, way beyond my budget. Not to mention I was only 22 years old! Maybe he thought I had wealthy parents.
I desperately wanted to drive it, but I knew if I did I would become obsessed and make a terrible financial decision, so I politely declined.
Instead I downloaded some pictures and used them as desktop wallpaper on my computer. I never thought I’d ever own a Z4, but it was nice to look at.
Fast forward to 2023 and I was very fortunate to purchase a 2009 Z4 in blue over white. After taking delivery I was leafing through the documentation when I noticed the compliance information - 2009, at the same dealership I visited. I also found the original purchase invoice, which listed the car as a demonstrator.
Could it really be? I emailed the dealer principal and asked if there were any other blue over white Z4 demonstrators at that dealership — and he said there were not.
Incredibly, I’d bought the very same car that I sat in some 13 years earlier.
Timing is everything
The Z4 seemed like a great choice to me, however it appears that I’m in the minority, as despite solid sales it failed to garner the love from motoring enthusiasts that it’s competitors did.
Chiefly, the Porsche Boxster, but even the previous generation E85 Z4 seems to have a stronger following. There were almost twice as many E85s sold than E89s, despite the price being roughly the same.
The timing of the E89 release was … less than ideal. There was a little thing going on in 2009 you may have heard of, the Global Financial Crisis.
So the design decisions can’t be entirely blamed for the lower sales. Financially, the world had just ended. I doubt many people were feeling confident in splurging $120k+ on a sports car.
Furthermore, when comparing the E89 Z4 and the Boxster, both cars sold about the same quantity between 2009 and 2016 - so there’s clearly equal markets for both car’s design approaches.
The Mercedes SLK sold more than both the Boxster and the Z4 combined, a key reason BMW engineered a hardtop convertible - to try to grab a piece of that market.
It worked on me. The hardtop Z4 always appealed to me more, because of the drawbacks of soft tops:
- I think they spoil the lines of the car.
- They degrade and wear as they age.
- They’re more difficult to wash and dry.
- When driving with the roof up there’s poor visibility.
- The canvas material affects the acoustics of the hifi.
- To me, it feels like sitting in a tent.
I respect the argument for a soft top, which is to reduce weight, and increase available boot space, which is why I think the MX5s manual roof is just so great. No complex hydraulics or motors to go wrong, and ultra low weight.
Don’t listen to the press
I owned an ND1 MX5 for a few months. I bought it thinking I’d get over all the problems I listed, but I never did.
For me, the benefits of a hardtop outweigh the downsides. Emphasis on weigh.
I think hardtop convertibles have an image problem. They’re touted as heavy and unnecessary by enthusiasts. Many drivers claim to want a raw, visceral experience, and disavow anything that could diminish it, no matter how small the impact.
This could be hyperbole or masochism, but I wonder how many people are led astray (like I was) by these extreme views shared online.
My MX5 was modified by the previous owner into a bit of a track weapon. I immediately fell in love with how it felt on the test drive. However, living with it was another story.
I found I never wanted to actually drive it anywhere. Even on a mountain road it wasn’t that much fun, just very capable. I never really connected with it.
Two months after buying it, I was invited on a drive through the hinterland with some friends. I didn’t go, and it was that day I decided to sell it.
Perhaps I am secretly an old man inside, but I knew I would go on more drives, and have more fun, with something different.
Follow your heart
Truth be told, I wanted a Z4 to begin with, but talked myself out of it. Journalists say the MX5 is the perfect drivers car, and I thought I wanted a more pure driving experience, not to mention the cheaper running costs.
I should have trusted myself, and not motoring journalists telling me what I’m missing out on.
This brings me to the Porsche Boxster - the gold standard for roadsters, and indeed sports cars in general.
I have no doubt that on a twisty mountain road, a Boxster would be a more engaging and rewarding drive than a Z4. But when these comparisons are made in reviews, people hear ‘the Z4 is not engaging or rewarding’ - which is not true. It’s just slightly less excellent than the Boxster.
Having lived with the Z4 for two years now, I can say it is marvellous to drive and continues to excite and reward me.
An important part of an emotive purchase like a sports car is the look. Styling is subjective, but I think the Z4 is one of the prettiest cars around.
In my opinion, the 981 Boxster is beautiful too, but is let down by it’s fabric roof. The R172 SLK isn’t quite proportioned right. The R231 SL fixes this - it’s longer and wider and looks great roof up or down, but is less sporty and more a GT cruiser.
The E89 Z4 has the best of both worlds. Its smooth flowing lines and concave / convex shapes play with the light, and are especially beautiful in Deep Sea Blue, which shifts between bright blue and almost-black.
It’s very difficult to capture on camera, but occasionally I get lucky like in the photo below.
It’s one of the few cars from BMWs Chris Bangle era that looks good from the rear too.
Most importantly for a convertible, it looks great with the roof up, which is how I usually see it.
A Girls’ Car
BMW held an internal design competition for the Z4 and Juliane Blasi won with her exterior design, and Nadya Arnaout, the interior.
Thus the Z4 became the first BMW designed wholly by women.
The interior is bespoke for the Z4. The four circular controls pay homage to the gauges used in cars from eras past, and are nicely tactile and solid even in my 15 year old model.
My car has the ivory white extended leather package, which adds to the premium feel with a leather dash and upper door cards, as well as alcantara on the doors and sides of the seats.
I do however question some of the lines in the interior, such as the air vents nearest the doors. The leather doesn’t line up. Odd.
One of my favourite features is the iDrive display, which I can fold away with a single button press, for more focused driving and a cleaner look. This makes the interior timeless.
I’ve brought the car up to date by adding a Mr12Volt MMI that provides lossless audio through the MOST fibre optic loop, and wireless Android Auto (or Apple Carplay).
My car is also optioned with the top spec ‘HiFi Professional’ sound system, which somehow crams 14 speakers and 650w of power into a two-seater. This is why I chose a digital Android Auto MMI, to maintain the best possible audio quality.
The hifi is good, though not as great as the DynAudio in my Golf R, but I think it can be improved with some EQ tuning. More on this at another time.
A criticism I have of the touch points is the paddle shifters, which feel a bit cheap compared to the much more solid ones in my Porsche Macan. They do have a nice positive click though.
Space inside and above
There’s just enough room in the Z4 that it feels comfortable but still focused. The seating position is very low, and I feel cocooned inside. For comparison, in my MX5 I felt like I was sitting on-top of the car rather than in it.
The windshield in the MX5 blocked a lot of the view, I found my peripheral vision of the world outside the window was limited. This may be due to a combination of seating position and window location / rake.
I hadn’t yet fitted Android Auto when this photo was taken, hence my phone mount.
It didn’t really feel like I was seeing scenery pass by in the way I expected from a convertible. Whereas in the Z4, I see more of what is around me, the sense of open-air motoring is greater.
These photos are from a GoPro on my hat, so it’s higher than eyeline, but hopefully illustrates my point.
Driving through a dense forest is a delight, seeing the tall trees stretching up to the sky, or the perspective shift as I pass under lower clouds in the cool afternoon.
Continuing the MX5 comparison, it’s boot space was insufficient for my needs, especially the small opening which made it hard to load things in.
The Z4 however is big enough to fit two carry-on suitcases, even with the roof down. Plenty for a week away. With the roof up, this is expanded to three suitcases, or two and some soft bags. It’s really quite practical.
A photo from the Z4 forum showing everything that fits for a drive holiday.
It’s always cool to see the roof folded neatly away in the boot. Even with it down, there’s enough depth underneath for two carry on suitcases.
Powertrain
The N54 straight six makes other engines feel like a bag of spanners, save for perhaps a rotary. It’s syrupy smooth, which means I have no qualms sitting at 4,500rpm in 2nd gear waiting for an overtake. It reminds me of my Mazda RX8, but with far more power of course.
The long bonnet helps make it easier to work on than other BMWs like the 335i.
The twin turbochargers are small and work together to fill torque across the powerband. When cruising in ‘drive’ at low RPMs, there’s sufficient boost that upshifts are rarely needed, but BMW also got this engine to rev freely to a whopping 7,000rpm! The power builds into a crescendo that is addictive and demands the open road to access.
Thanks to these small turbos, there’s no discernable lag - throttle response is excellent as befits a sports car.
The Z4 is the only car I’ve driven where the DSG gearbox will actually do what it’s told. If I’m in 2nd gear crawling at 8kph, and ask for 1st, theres a ‘woof’ as the car dutifully blips the throttle and smoothly notches in.
Brilliant.
My Porsche Macan and Golf R refuse, or when they do, the car lurches around like a learner who can’t quite find the clutch grab point. It’s immensely satisfying and reassuring to know the car will do what it’s told.
The little things
I much prefer a floor mounted accelerator pedal over the hanging style. It’s more comfortable to drive for long periods and feels like it has more travel and resolution.
This might be the case for all BMWs, but the cruise control is the best calibrated of any car I’ve driven. It’s super smooth when braking and holds the speed exactly even when going up and down hills.
Unlike most modern cars, the Z4 has what I think is a TFT screen. Or, it’s got some clever coating. Either way, the iDrive display is perfectly legible even in bright direct sun - perfect for a roadster.
Character
I think the car has a few distinct personalities:
Grand tourer
If you want to enjoy the best driving roads, first you have to get there.
In Australia this means a lot of motorway - it’s a big country.
With the roof up, cruise control on, and some good music on the hifi, the Z4 eats up the kilometres.
Road noise is pretty low as long as you’re on a motorway. On rural 100kph roads with poor asphalt, it can be very loud, which is my only complaint. You sit very close to the rear axle and 255 section tyres, which doesn’t help.
I am currently running Pirelli P-Zeros but will try some Michelin’s next to see if this can be improved.
With the car in comfort mode, the steering is very light, but also very sharp. I can drive with my fingertips and feel in complete control.
The dual clutch gearbox is impressive. It’s very smooth, even when creeping at slow speeds. Much better than the PDK in my Porsche Macan, though admittedly not as fast to change gears.
There’s enough legroom to stretch out and the seats are fine, though I do find the integrated headrest angled too far forward for me. I use a small cushion to support my lower back, and recline the seat a little to compensate.
I can easily drive the Z4 for a few hours without fatigue.
Cruiser
The joy of the Z4 is that it feels special to me, even when just cruising around.
I can drive to grab a treat from the bakery, or go to a restaurant for a takeaway, and the car feels elegant and stands out without being obnoxious.
Don’t let the rain stop you from taking your car out.
Drop the roof on a cool afternoon, invite in the smells of nature, and watch the scenery passing by.
The suspension is surprisingly comfortable - even better than my MK6 Golf R, which belies it’s performance potential.
In comfort mode, the DSG smoothly upshifts with a satisfying ‘blap’.
Enjoying the cool evening air.
Sport
Approaching a good driving road, a press of the Sport button wakes up the car.
The suspension firms up, limiting body roll and passing on more information about the road beneath.
The throttle response sharpens, and the steering weights up.
There’s decent feel through the wheel - not as good as a hydraulic system, but it’s enough to give confidence when pressing on.
In sport mode, there’s a nice burble from the exhaust on overrun.
It feels well judged, you can have a lot of fun in this mode without giving away any safety.
What’s better than one zed?
Driving the Z4 quickly takes a while to get used to. The long bonnet and rearward seating position makes it a challenge to place on the road, but invest the time and it’s rewarding - more on this later.
With the car warmed up, the twin turbo N54 comes alive. It’s at this point you may realise that you’ve barely used 1/3rd of the RPMs available.
Of course, with the DSG in manual you can shift whenever you want, but auto-short-shifting and riding the plentiful torque is all you need in comfort.
In sport, and with sufficient space, you can begin to explore, perhaps shifting at 5,000rpm. The exhaust begins to sing, and upshifts are punctuated by a ‘whump’ and a dollop of torque transmitted through your spine. The gearbox forgoes the usual DSG ‘blaps’ in pursuit of faster shifts.
The magic of the roadster is how alive it feels at legal speeds. The isolation and comfort that makes the Z4 a good grand tourer doesn’t diminish the fun that can be had.
I think many people skip Sport and go straight to Sport+, myself included, but I was recently reminded of how well calibrated it is on a drive through the southern hinterland.
The roads were rougher than I was used to, but Sport was just right for giving good feel without being punishing, and maintaining good contact with the road.
Sport+
Press the button again and Sport+ is engaged.
The difference between Sport and Sport+ is not as dramatic as the previous, but effectively you get more of everything.
Faster, more aggressive DSG gearshifts, firmer suspension, heavier steering, sharper throttle response.
What makes the biggest difference is the longer electronic leash.
In Comfort or Sport, the Stability Control takes data from sensors and driver inputs to calculate whether the car is following the driver’s desired path. If not, it can take actions like cutting engine power, or applying brakes to one or more wheels.
Sport+ activates ‘Dynamic’ Traction Control, which is a variant of the Stability Control system that allows more deviation before it intervenes.
This frees the car to move around more on the road, and I feel more connected to the driving experience as it is responding to my inputs with less filtration.
A quick stop for breakfast at the mountain top.
Un-leashed
I put my foot to the floor and the Z4 lights up the rear tyres, but DTC keeps me from ending up in a ditch even as they squeal and scrabble for grip.
As I snap through first into second, the tyres hush and begin to stick. Third gear is a monster, full power and torque is unleashed and the world goes backwards. The unrelenting twin turbo straight six pulls and pulls and pulls, all the way to the 7,000rpm redline. I glance down, expecting to see the long nose turn from blue to red like a space shuttle on re-entry.
As the exhaust warms up, it’s vocal chords relax and the zed announces its presence with BMWs distinctive howl under power. Downshifts are occasionally accompanied by a loud whip-crack of thunder, but it’s never overdone - one must always leave the audience wanting more.
Exit a corner with a jab at the throttle, and the rear steps out predictably, a little opposite lock (and DTC) gets me straight again, followed by a cackle from the driver’s seat.
Flattery.
I mustn’t forget, I am in fact, not a drift god. The computers did it. I just got to enjoy it.
You could turn the aides off all together and destroy the rear tyres with some donuts, but I haven’t the pockets for that.
Launch Control
Speaking of destroying the rear tyres. Launch Control. Yes, it has it, but I think BMW should have just called it ‘Burnout Mode’ because that’s basically what it does. It produces a lovely fishtail for a few seconds and then catapults the car towards the sunset.
I think it might be faster off the line to just plant my foot, but I applaud the Germans for having a sense of humour. Sports cars should be fun and a bit silly.
Dynamics
As I’ve learned to drive the Z4 quickly, I’ve found it is a car which rewards smooth driving. Progressive braking, entering the corner at the right speed, gently feeding in the power on exit and then blasting onto the next.
When I get it right, I enter a wonderful ‘flow state’ and the whole experience is elevated.
The rearward seating position and long nose become an asset as I feel the car pivoting around me, and I ride the balance point between under and over-steer.
A great driving road, an award-winning engine howling, and a thousand miles of blue sky above - what more could you ask for?
Value
No car exists in a vacuum. I’ve already compared the Z4 to others, and everyones preferences and budget will be different.
I wanted a convertible with a hardtop, which is a very short list.
The Z4 is not my ultimate dream car - I’ve written about this in Little Joys and Meeting my Heroes.
However I encourage you to go out and get something that brings a smile to your face, or if you already have it, enjoy it! Find all the little but great things, and make some memories.
Remember that comparison is the thief of joy. I haven’t given up on an Aston Martin one day, but owning the Z4 has shown me I can be really happy with a car that aligns with what I value.
It will forever be the underdog to the Boxster, but that just makes it more affordable, so I get most of the fun with far less financial burden.
Conclusion
I have never been a BMW fan, but I have always been drawn to the Z4. It stands out to me as a unique offering that ticks all the boxes in my mind and heart.
With the world changing, I don’t expect there will be something like it ever again, and whilst there are many other cars I’d like to experience, there are none that I’d want to own when weighing the financial burden.
The Z4 is that sweet spot for me, and I expect I will have great adventures with it in the years to come.
