So I apologize about the lull in test drive questions. We’ve been quite busy with test drives, press launches and, most importantly, trying to create some new content platforms. That last bit is most important because it’s changing where the questions for our test drives will be answered from now on. While I was previously answering questions in a specific video for each car, in this case a BMW Z4, I will now be answering them in our new podcast.
At the end of each podcast episode, we’ll answer any questions you ask (or as many as I can get to in a reasonable time-frame) and will make sure to answer questions about the cars we test drive. So shoot your questions over to nico@bmwblog.com and those questions will be answered at the end of the next podcast episode.
Now that that’s over with, let’s talk about the car(s). I’ve been driving the new BMW Z4 for almost two weeks now, to be honest. First, I had the chance to test the Z4 M40i for a few days but a tire issue actually limited my time with it and I had to bring it back to BMW (thanks to whichever journalist shredded the Michelin Pilot Sport tire before me). So BMW kindly switched the M40i out for a Z4 sDrive30i while the former gets some new tires fitted. I’ll soon be bringing the sDrive30i back to BMW and jumping back in the BMW Z4 M40i for a few days to finish my test.
So I’ve spent quite a bit of time in the Z4 as of late, driving both models offered in North America, giving me quite a good grip on the brand’s newest roadster. So I’m quite well-equipped to answer any questions about the new Z4.
Here are the specs of the cars, so you don’t have to ask any spec-related questions. The BMW Z4 sDrive30i (which I’m currently driving at the moment) has an M Sport package, wears San Francisco Red paint, has Ivory White leather interior and 19-inch orbit grey wheels. It also has the Executive Package and a heated steering wheel. It’s quite a lovely spec, if I’m honest and I think San Francisco Red might be the best Z4 color. Powering the Z4 sDrive30i is a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-pot making 258 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
As for the BMW Z4 M40i, it wears Misano Blue paint with an Ivory White interior and 19-inch wheels, as well. It also has an Executive Package and is about as loaded as it gets. Under its long hood is a 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
So those are the two different Z4s I’m sampling over the next couple of weeks. Please shoot me any questions and they’ll be answered in the next podcast episode, which will go live next week.
this is tottally off the topic but why on the BMW F40 it isnt written adaptive LED on the headlight even tho its specd with them ?
Where are those roads?
I don’t know, they’re BMW photos :) Weather has been rainy and crap by me the past week or so. I’ll be taking pics soon.
Why podcasts? It seems iTunes and all those MP3 players are in museums because cell phones now do videos.
Even streaming podcasts are now on Youtube.
Podcasts are actually bigger than ever. They’re great for listening while traveling or working or doing any other sort of activity. We have video content as well. This is just another content platform to offer.
Will Ferrell just announced his – competition!
Cause people listen to them at home, while on the train, driving etc….So for now, it makes sense to be an audio file, especially for drivers.
Awesome! Couple of questions:
1) how does 30i compare to m40i in terms of driving pleasure/dynamics/feel. I know one is faster than the other, but after owning m4c I’m more into driving pleasure and feel rather than streight line performance.
2) In terms of tracking the car- I know it’s not M car but would you recommend 30i and m40i for occasional track days?
Do they both have a “Sound generator” inside ?
Those are called girlfriends.
Nico – my biggest question is around comfort. Could you provide your impressions comparing RIDE COMFORT between the Z4 and let’s say the F22 M2, the G20 (3 series) and G30 (5 series).
And also compared to the Porsche lineup, if you have experience with the 991 or the 718.
As you can probably tell, I am looking for more of a GT car than a sports car. Something that I can daily drive for my 2×60 mile commute.
This is a good question. The answer is rather interesting and I’ll get into much more depth on it in our podcast but it’s more comfortable than both the F22 and the G20.
Of the sDrive30i and M40i, which would make the better year round daily driver in the snow belt?