Join our host Charlie Romero as he puts the new 2009 BMW Z4 through the paces in the Los Padres Mountains. The ’09 Z4 is in its third generation, coming out with a hard top instead of the previous versions soft top which is just one of the changes to this sexy sports car. You’ll also notice the new naming conventions on the Z4. The badge, following in the footsteps of the xDrive vehicles (the four-wheel drive system), now reads SDrive 3.5, the S representing “Standard” drive and the 3 representing the 3.0 L engine.
YouTube Link: 2009 BMW Z4.
Under the hood, our tester had everything except for the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. We tested the 3.0L inline-six with twin turbochargers and six-speed transmission that produces 300 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 1,400 rpm. With this engine and transmission pairing, the 0-60 mph time is only 5.1 seconds. If we had the same engine matched to the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, we may have been able to do 0-60 in under 5. We also got pretty good fuel economy for a vehicle of this type, with an average of 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. However, if you don’t want to pony up the extra bucks or you just don’t need the extra boost from the twin turbochargers, you can always opt for the 3.0 L inline-six.
For this generation of the Z4, they made significant styling changes, interior changes, and extensive safety options. While you’ll have to check out the video for all of the safety feature and styling details, I will tell you two sneak peaks. First, one of the key feature to consider in this Z is the precautions taken to keep the occupants safe in the case of a rollover and second is the new interior, specifically the climate controls, but again, you’ll have to tune into the video to see and hear more about that.
The price points for the Z4 are definitely inline with its competitors like the Porsche Boxster and Mercedes-Benz SLK. Base price for the 2009 Z4 starts around $45,000 but after going with the turbocharged engine, sport package, and navigation, i.e. pretty much everything BUT the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, we were looking at a price tag of $60,000.
Discuss the new roadster in our BMW Z4 Forums.
Everyone can easily obtain those wheels on the E46 that has the competition bundle. Regarding the taillight revisions, this is the inexpensive approach of delivering a little refresh in to its current model to appea prospective buyers into choosing a modern model year. They do it on a regular basis with the front skirt and taillights. The E46 did not experience the taillight upgrade till the late 2003 models I believe.