Should You Buy a BMW Z4? (Test Drive & Review SDrive23i E89)
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- čas přidán 4. 04. 2023
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Today, I'm in this 2011 BMW Z4 23i. Let's see what it's like...
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#highpeakautos #BMW #Z4 #BMWZ4 #E89 - Auta a dopravní prostředky
A friend of mine just purchased one last week. It's a stunning looking car, way better looking than the latest model Z4. It's arguably one the best looking BMW's ever made.
Agree! Instant classic
For me the 1st gen Z4 Chris Bangle / Anders Warming design generation looks more timeless.I would go for the 3.0 265 hp coupe version, too ;-)
That’s what I thought too. Best looking BMW ever made. The other one being an 8 Series (E31) but that one was way beyond my reach when she came out due to big engine import tax in my country resulting in the price doubling while I was just started working on my first job.
E89 came at just a right time for me. She is not only a thing of a beauty, she’s also affordable too.
I love how this comment has 89 likes
I own an 2011 35is. but honestly Z8 and 507 are the best looking bmw's
6’0 including the quiff. You said you were 5’10 in the Jag XE videos three years ago. Never too late for a late growth spurt :) Then again nice convertibles like the Z4 make everyone feel taller.
He must be wearing his pink stilettos!!
Why are You doing him dirty like that lol
It’s a 2” quiff
You have way to much time on your hands or a memory like an elephant
Must be related to Ron Desantis - American political joke
Absolutely love the look of this generation of Z4. It's timeless. And there is nothing as smooth as the old BMW NA straight six engines. There were as silky as cream wrapped up in, err, silk (or satin, if you couldn't afford silk)!
I drive a 2009 E89 Z4 S Drive 35i with automated manual transmission and N54 twin turbo engine with just over 300 HP. This car is my daily driver and after tolerating run flats for 12 months I took the plunge and changed the tyres to medium range Falken tyres which completely transformed the driving experience so 2 years later am still enjoying the drive on a daily basis. Great in the snow and on days like Matt drove is excellent, with sun glasses on of course.....
Falkens are hugely underrated.
I had them on my Audi TTS but jumped at the chance at some wheels with brand new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.
They were less comfortable and noisier than the Falkens. It was a Quattro so traction was never going to an issue with either but I truly regretted my decision.
Last week I fitted 295/35/19 tyres to the rear and 275/35/19 to the front of my BMW Z4 M40i. Falkens were £199, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S £370 but I’m running nearly 500bhp and wasn’t sure how the Falken would cope so bought Michelin.
@@Largeone1968 The garage I bought the tyres from stated they fit Falken Azenis tyres to a customers E46 M3 and they have performed very well and a hell of a cost saving also..
Great in the snow? Are you kidding?
@@coops1964 I have owned several BMW's (1, 3, 5, & 7 series) over the last 20 years and the 130i LE that I drove was excellent except for when it snowed as no weight over the ear wheels but the Z4 performs perfectly in the snow as you as practically sat over the rear wheels so just turn the traction control off and hey presto..
@@paulbolton2085 my favourite BMW I have ever owned was my 130i LE! I was loaned the Z4 35is, my god was that car rapid, scared me half to death. Sport+ and the exhaust was the best I'd ever heard on a car, naughty car ❤❤❤❤
Another fantastic review, especially as I bought a BMW Z4 2.3i E89 two weeks ago and I absolutely love it. It’s one of the best cars I’ve ever owned. It’s a fun, engaging car with fabulous good looks. Loving my midlife crisis!
Get ready for the comments with that joke Matt 😂
Yup, he seems to make a habit of mocking celebrities in many of his videos, but seems to retreat back into his shell when the jokes on him, e.g. aka "pink sweater boy" lol..
I've got no issues with that
@@HighPeakAutos good man 👍
The BMW six cylinder engine is a gem. It's BMW's best engine. So smooth. Our 528i Touring is still smooth and quiet with 147,000 miles on the clock. 👍🙂
Thanks for review Matt, I currently drive an E36 328i convertible here in Australia. Much as I love the E36 I have been thinking about upgrading to a newer Z4. Your review has convinced me I should do it. Cheers
One of the best cars I have ever owned. Trouble free, great engine. Avoid big wheels and runflats and ride is great. I have owned two 2.3is over the years and both were totally reliable in every way and pretty economical to run.
Nice review for this BMW and a well looked after one with that 6 cylinder should be a good buy. Interesting that manufacturers have now reverted to a traditional soft top after experimenting with these complicated hard tops. At least they won’t be attacked by someone with a knife as might happen with a soft top.
I had a 3.0i, same colour, same interior. The ride on the run flats was shocking and I did get a cracked alloy wheel. Fitted Michelin PS4s which transformed the car and the experience. Great review, brought back many memories!
Great vid on the zed ❤❤❤...
I picked up a 2015 28i sdrive 3 years ago and it's been the most smiles per mile of any of the 14 bmw's I've owned.. The Facebook groups and clubs are also AWESOME! 100's of zed devotees to help with any queries
Keep the vidz coming... Really enjoy ur channel
Matt, you really are getting damn good at this! Your humour is of the scale, and your knowledge is the same. When are you going to take the leap and do this stuff for a full time job? Love it 😊
Haha thanks! I’m trying
Someone has a crush ❤️
I spent a few days recently with an E85 and totally get it. What a great thing. Not particularly good to daily for obvious reasons. But the short throw on the gearbox, the straight 6 noise, the low slung ride, its a really great experience. I can only imagine this builds on that.
Thats right! I would definitely have one as a weekend car
Same, I have a 2003 2.5 as a weekend toy and they are brilliant fun. Not easy to live with as a daily but feels so analogue and connected compared to more modern cars and so easy to work on
I came very close to buying one of these a few years ago, it was a lovely car to drive. In the end, being a Porsche fanboy I ended up paying more for an older Boxster S but was really impressed by the BMW.
Great review Mat of what is a beautiful car. I absolutely love my 2009 E89 23i which is a real joy every time I drop into it.
I’ve just bought a z4 e89 23i. So far, loving it. It’s got 18” wheels which I think helps the ride a lot as it’s comfy on bumpy roads. I’ll change to non-runflats next tire change. Really like your channel and reviews and influenced me to chose z4 over other options.
I had a 2013 z4 for a year, it spent 3 months at the dealership getting micro switches diagnosed and replaced in the roof, then another 2 months getting a new ecu as it had also gone pop.. didn’t have the best luck, but it was a very fun car to drive! One thing I remember is how creaky the hardtop was when going over bumps.. may’ve been remedied with silicone grease but didn’t have it long enough to sort it. Then got a 986 boxster S which has been trouble free and a much more engaging drive! All the issues you’d raised was all the ones I’d overlooked until I’d had it for a while! Very good review!
Hi Matt i owned a 2.0 turbo auto one of these a while back , had the engine and gearbox mapped and lived the dream for 2 years . car was producing 260 bhp with 400nm and never put a foot wrong . A great bmw for sure
Tomorrow i'm goin to get my own z4 with 2.0 turbo engine, how many issues you have with that 2.8i version? is it more common to have engine failure due to 2.0L enigne with turbo?
Always here when he posts.. Genuine information.
I appreciate that
A very fair and balanced review of this car. I bought a new one for my wife in 2011and decided against the M sport for the reasons you mentioned and even though we opted for the 19 inch wheels the ride was quite civilised. As much as my wife loved it she was never happy that she couldn't see where the bonnet ended and we both had to laugh at the number of times we reversed into a space and realised after getting out we should have gone a further meter back; the proportions take some getting used to.
Great review as always 💯🙏
I was looking at the classifieds few days ago. I truly believe that the 35i and 35is is under appreciated and that it’ll become a classic. Powerful, nice size, engaging and the interior will never age giving the fact you can hide the screen.
Agree in full. Bought a 35i in January this year and having a blast. The N54 has its kinks though, which I address one by one with my ever growing DIY skills.
Nice review! I have an e85 Z4, use it everyday and I'm 6'3. Love it!
I have the 2005 2.5, its not fast by modern standards, but as a summer driver with the roof down its a dream I had as a kid, and still love driving it
Cute little convertible, i love the saddle brown interior, they were quite stylish for their time :D
Great video as always Matt! :D
Another great video Matt. I'm a big fan of the Z4 and own the super rare Alpina Roadster with it's 3.4 straight six. A big 👍🏻s up again
Interesting to see how these Z4s are quite affordable, the ride quality is key for me so glad you pointed that out.
What a great car for the summer months. Can just imagine driving country roads in that thing with the sun out!
then hit a pothole.. lol so you better be prepared for the ongoing loud bangs . My gf jumps and screams every time we go over a speed bump slowly.
Couldn’t believe the start of this review. The sun was actually shining in the Peaks! Good point about the unique dials on the dash.
You’d never believe it today. Miserable again
great video and I loved the i8 too. please keep more BMWs coming
Great review, as ever. Stunning shots of the car - in particular at 09.30. Many thanks
Many thanks!
Been waiting for you to review this Z4 for ages. My dream drive. It's gorgeous.
Hope you enjoy it!
Always liked this car 🚗 Another great Review 🎉
That car, in that colour, with that interior looks stunning against the blue and green of the scenery. Gorgeous 🙌🏻
I had the very same car as a daily driver for a few years and everything you said is exactly how I would sum it up.
I've got the same car and although I've had it from new in 2011 I've absolutely no inclination to change it in my opinion it's the perfect blend of power handling looks quality and a touch of practicality. Just don't have 19" wheels especially with RFT I've gone to 18" with PS4s and it's brilliant. A future classic IMHO.
I love the Z4, I had the E89 35is and it flew like a rocket 🚀 I had to sell prior to Covid and I've regretted it ever since. Been desperately trying to find who owns it now as they've only put 500 or so miles per year on it judging by the MOT. It was in Deep Sea Blue with the same alloys as this and lovely Beige & Wood Interior.
Thanks Matt for another brilliant and honest review.
I'd like to see you do a road trip around the best driving roads of the UK.
Thanks! Good suggestion
Incredible scenery there Matt. Peak District is 👌🏼
Honestly you're living the dream, trying out new cars every week in those beautiful northern england hills
I did 30k a year in mine, loved it. If you're going for one, make sure it's got the idrive and big subs behind each seat, the sound system was brilliant
Another class video’ I had one of these pre children & loved that straight 6 engine….
Great video! I have an SDrive 3.0 M Sport in black with tan leather interior with the automatic gearbox and do actually use it on a daily basis. Would thoroughly recommend changing to non-runflat tyres as the ride is noticeably improved and the tyre roar is far quieter. Admittedly not a lot of space inside to be fair, but with the roof up and no one in the passenger seat you've got enough room for most occasions, unless you're moving house, in which case get a van🤷🏽
Love your work 👍
Aside from the top
Class commentary, analysis and another beautiful summer car the jokes are always inline with our current mad world. Definitely don’t change your humour. Most definitely speak my language and someone who I would do business with.
Excellent review 👏
Love the roads, gr8 vid...
My 6ft late dad had a 2014 Z4 sdrive28 (2.0 turbo 4) manual in M-sport trim used when he moved back to the UK. In Melbourne red which is ironic as thats where he moved from. He really liked it although I think he preferred his NC MX-5 2.0l RC just a bit more. Both were surprisingly practical for garden centre runs and he picked me up from Heathrow in the Z4 and it was big enough roof up to hold my suitcase.
Another great video Matt. Polished charismatic presenting as always buddy 👌👏
I appreciate that
Thanks for this. I actually bought a 2013 2.0L last year, 4 cylinder twin turbo, 22000 miles(UK) full history. Only because at the time, the specs you suggested were so rare. Not super fast, but nice torque low down in the rev range thanks to the twin turbo. Same colour, same wheels, black leather trim. I love mine. very pleased. Definitely not a daily driver., small fuel tank so not for long range.
Sorry to be a nerd but its a single turbo twin scroll. 4 cylinder twin turbo are VERY rare. Can only think of one Subaru Legacy B4. There is not enough displacement for twin turbo on a 4 cylinder, hence why they start with 6 cylinders
On trips, the range is 600+ km (350+ mls), even with my sdrive30i. I agree, the 50 liter fuel tank is a disadvantage, but the car can still be used as a daily driver, even for travelling (I do it a lot).
I have an identical car to the one you reviewed and agree with everything you said. It's a real occasion to drive , and you can't say that about most mainstream cars! It feels better weighted with the roof down and looks great with it up. The exhaust note is superb. I'd have this or a 30i over any of the turbo ones all day long. I'm currently selling mine 😢
I've never liked the look of these Z4's and must say you've not convinced me to buy one. Your Jaguar XJ video convinced me to buy one last year and I will be eternally grateful as I love driving the XJ!
Love the review! Covered a lot of great points! Never knew the design team fact!
Glad it was helpful!
Such a nice car that. Looking forward to watching 👍🏼
Thanks 👍
I bought one of these on a whim last year on a very sunny day. It was glorious, so good in fact that I forgot I was 6 foot, that it had no storage and that it was bone-shakingly firm. Still glad I had it for the year I did though, even though I spend the whole time walking with a limp because of my dead leg from changing gear.
Everything you say about engine and ride I agree with having had an E46 320msport coupe since 16 . It looks and sounds glorious but it's firm and as a daily I am passed those days . Weekend with the wife isn't a thing either as she says it's too low . So under 1800 miles since September 2021 tells you what's going to happen. Great video again , cheers
Nice vid. I have the 2012 2.0l 4 cylinder turbo model. Those 19in wheels are like glass, and WILL crack if you hit a pothole. I had to swap them out for some 18in wheels and ditch the runflats, and it made it a much better ride 👍🏽
You sir are quite witty 😅 I love cars of course but the humor has kept be returning everyday anticipating a new upload. I’m hooked.
I appreciate that!
When BM fist came out with this style of sports car (I think mid 80s), I sort of wanted one. I was going through my BMW phase , at the time, got into one, (have shrunk a bit since then), but I found I couldn’t really fit into it comfortably. Actually, the same applies to my favourite classic : the Egyptian Jag. Your review was very ‘ down to earth ‘ as usual - so thanks. Good to hear some real ‘Matt) humour back again - you should have taken up a career as an actor - never too late! It’s a pity it didn’t come with 2.8i - that was a sweet six engine. We are both lucky to live in the foothills of the Peak District - fantastic roads & niothing like the traffic where I come from - where I can no longer afford to buy a house!😊
I accompanied my friend to his car showroom a few years back, he showed my friend around a car, Nick is just under 5ft 9 and he was taller than Matt 😂
That must have been about 20 years ago for that to be the case 😂
T........... I guess the car was a Mini then!! 😉
Another great and witty review! I have an e86 3.0 si coupe and absolutely love it. Bought it two years ago this month and have no plans to part ways with it anytime soon. Yes it is the hardtop version but I tend to favour those as I'm not much of a soft top sort of person although I do like the looks of the e89. I think my car has the larger version of the engine in your test car and yes it sounds glorious and granted the 3 litre has 260 odd hp but it is still more than quick enough to have a load of fun without really breaking speed limits. My car is more of a weekend toy as I have a van for work duties and it's always something to look forward to when it gets taken out now and again. Impractical to a point yes but that's not why you buy a sports car - and 6 cylinders on a BMW? Well that's the only way really. Keep up the great reviews - good work!
Really nice cars. Love the coupe version, looked like a classic 10 years ago, now it certainly is.
Have one as my daily drive. Rain wind or shine. Love it!
I have an M Sport with 19" rims. Ditched the runflats and its fine. Probably even better with smaller rims and adaptive dampers but just changing the tyres completely transformed mine.
Great informative video matt
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you Matt 🤘🏻
A real head turner indeed 👌👌
Wow, what a great review of my fav car. Owner of a mineral blue 2009 2.3i automatic, black leather interior, I can not agree more with the pleasure I enjoy driving this beauty. Unfortunately my boss demands me to drive a company car, cabrio’s are forbidden, otherwise it would be my daily drive. Keep up the good videos. Love them!
Great review; great editing; your channel is just great viewing; Top Gear..........old world!
Glad you enjoy it!
I bought my sDrive23i M Sport (manual) brand new in 2010. I traded in after 9 years after putting 20k miles. I loved it.
I've had one of these for a few years in blue and cream. Agree with the review, especially around design and power, but the hard ride is due to run flats. Get rid and make sure you have breakdown cover. A world of difference. I'm 6' 2" and it's fine size-wise.
Mate at work has a previous gen Z4 Coupe Si with the M54 3.0lt straight 6 manual. Dailies it and absolutely loves it. 160k odd on the clock still pulls strong.
Another great review 👍
Thanks again!
I have the exact same car; colour, options, interior, but with the 20i engine. It is a fabulous ‘all year round’ car although I run on 17” wheels with a slightly higher profile tyres. Well worth sacrificing a bit of practicality for the rewarding drive! And yes, I’m on non-run flats too. Much nicer ride and great grip!
A friend had one of these as his daily. Was a beautiful dark blue with cream leather interior, was absolutely stunning. Would defo have to have the straight 6 petrol engine though, sounds great!
Another great video pal,,I used to drive all those roads in a bulk milk tanker collecting from farms year ago so no them all well.👍👍
Thanks 👍 lovely area
I have it for almost a year and daily driving it. AND I LOVE IT. There is just one downside I learned - do not trash it with roof up especially on rough roads. The roof mechanism may move a bit and it is pain to adjust it back.
Consumption is not the greatest, I found out that while using cruise controll I can lower the consumption by 2 liters per 100 km easily in a city. Even if I fether the gas pedal I can not get so low as with cruise controll.
I love this car, absolutely stunning 🎉
Another great video Matt. I have one of these and it’s for sale very shortly. MY 2011. Absolutely mint. Impeccable BMW main dealership service history. A stunning car. Garaged always. Always hand washed and waxed. Seriously low miles at 54k. Message me here for further details Matt, or anyone else for that matter 😎😎
I have 2.5 petrol bmw manual with no solid roof.But my one is 97 reg.
Just drove easter friday.Lovely feeling.
Owned one of these many years ago. The sports suspension on most UK roads made the ride truly painful at times. Had to swap cars in the end, but that's our pothole-galore road system, not so much the car, really enjoyed owning it and it never failed me
I did too. Before children. 53 reg 3.0. Loved the car but knew ever imperfection in every road I traveled.
@@jonathanclarke3769 convertible or coupe?
Great review i have the exact same model . and yes every time i drive it i have a big smile on my face, Yes its uncomfortable but i love it
Great video!
Thanks!
Nice video. Some points to add…..S-drive merely means “sport drive” a.k.a. rear wheel drive; on some models the box for your keys in the centre is for the on board computer wheel which also controls the Navigation screen which would occupy the dash cubby. You could have used the sun visors when without your sunglasses.
Ditch the run flats and make sure it has the optional adaptive suspension and the ride is vastly improved for everyday use👍🏼
The ride will be better but the car will still be cramped for taller people.
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH Funny that, I’d have thought chasing the suspension would increase interior space… 😂👀
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH I'm 6'2 and it's not cramped at all. The seats are extremely adjustable, and whilst the roof is low so is the distance between your seat and the floor, it's no less roomy than say a Ford Fiesta
I agree....I have RF's on my 5 tourer and you would think it had sports suspension. Problem is there isnt enough room for a spare wheel....unless you carry it in the boot.
Definitely DONT get adaptative suspension. They're really not reliable, and expensive to change. Regular ones are great if you throw the RF tires.
Good choice Matt. Mine is the 30i 2009 I am keeping it forever. the sound of the engine is addictive.. I sometimes rev her up just to hear it.
Yeah it does. Nice
I own one with that same engine spec and do agree with everything you said. On point. If I had to add something to your review, it would be that in the rain, the hard top doesn't insulate noise that much better than soft tops. You hear quite a bit of "plastic like" noise from drops hitting the roof. But it's indeed a head turner, especially with the roof on. (I feel cabrios look a bit the same with roof off, personal opinion, but the hard top on this is very well done) Overall I'm very happy with it as a daily driver, despite agreeing with what you said about the ride. It does put a smile on your face, without needing to go very fast, because of that lovely (civilized) noise.
My mum had a Z4. Probably around the time this car was new. It was ok and nice drive but like you say the comfort when driving over the roads was a killer, specially with the run flats. She ended up getting rid not long after and bought a Honda CRV lol. However most convertibles/sports cars I have driven (granted theres only a few) they have all had quite uncomfortable rides but still a thrill to drive on the right road
Just picked up a Z4 35is a couple of days ago, the algorithm does work wonders
Ah very nice!
Matt been meaning to ask for ages what happened with the ep3 typeR you got? Had a catch up on loads of your video’s today while the weather was dismal and came across the typeR one! It just reminded me. Great channel by the way keep up the fantastic work 👌👍
Easily the best looking Z4. Thanks for the video.
My friend had a Z4 23i in I think SE trim in manual configuration which I found for him on marketplace it was at the time only 6k which was a bargain.
Afterwards he sold it and bought a Z4 35is in which we added an intercooler and had a MHD and XHP tune. When I drove it it scared the living daylights out of me, I really like these Z4’s even though it was cobbled together by bits of other BMW’s!
Spotted the cheeky Land Rover product placement just after 3 minutes and also as it was warm sunny with a blue sky everyone in the Uk knows which two days you filmed this video on 😎😁
I've bottled it twice buying the same Z4 in your review. It would be my Sunday car and at the last minute I pulled out of the purchase. Damn you for uploading this as I'm now looking again and trying to justify buying one
Top video as always. Not sure I could live with the “Air hostess orange” interior though.
I've got a manual 2009 3.0 sdrive without the runflats and I wouldn't swap it - gorgeous to look at, ride quality is absolutely fine for all occasions, sensational engine and with the roof down on a fine Day it's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face! They don't make roadsters like this anymore ☹️
I have the twin to your e89. I've been taking my e89 to car's and coffee events all over So. Cal and have yet to see another, that in itself makes me like the car even more...
I have the 35is and I love mine. I use it as a daily I the summer...in the winter is more of a weekly. And my wife and I take it on three day trips quite often. They make custom luggage that actually holds quite a lot.
I have been watching you for a long time and this is the video I have been waiting for. This is the car I need. Will I still want it when this video is over……
I have the 3.0L and in sport +mode it is rapid. If I want to cruise around I leave it in normal mode , it's really comfortable , i'm 6ft1" and have no issues with room . I think this car is massively underrated ,it's a nice looking car with the roof up or down and much easier to keep clean than a rag top. I won't be selling mine anytime soon !!
I have just sold a E89 23i M Sport with those 19 inch wheels. My advice would be if you are buying this car take the run flats off and throw them away IMMEDIATELY. They completely ruin the car and make it undrivable and dangerous. It will skip over imperfections in the road and you will end up with cracked alloys in no time. I replaced mine with Uniroyal Rainsport 5s. What a difference. For a roadster you soon realise with the non run flat tyres it is actually set up for quite a compliant ride. I daily drove mine and it was perfectly tolerable. It will also massively improve the grip round bends as it will no longer skip over the service. Instead, you actually feel the tyre morph and adapt to the shape of the road. It will also massively reduce rattles when you have the roof up. In summary with the run flats it's a rock hard punishing ride with poor handling. With non run flats it's a beautifully smooth daily drivable vehicle with lovely handling and grip. I swear it even makes it faster due to the improved traction. I should also add that this car was the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I bought mine on 40k and sold it on just under 60k and the only thing that went wrong was a sensor for the electric roof and one of the wheels cracked.