Review: BMW E89 Z4 Roadster (2009-16)

Review: BMW E89 Z4.I Roadster (2009-13)

Overview

Released in May 2009, the BMW E89 Z4 Roadster was a two-seat convertible with a retractable two-piece aluminium roof. Manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, the rear-wheel drive Z4 Roadster was initially available in sDrive23i, sDrive30i and sDrive35i variants. In November 2010, however, the range was expanded with the high-performance sDrive35is.

Compared to the E85 Z4 Roadster , the E89 Z4 Roadster was 148 mm longer (at 4239 mm), 9 mm wider (1790 mm), 8 mm lower (1291 mm) and had a 1 mm longer wheelbase (2496 mm). The E89 Z4 Roadster had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

November 2011 updates

In November 2011, the Z4 Roadster range was updated as the sDrive23i and sDrive30i were replaced by the sDrive20i and sDrive28i, the latter both powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the E89 Z4 Roadster included dual front airbags, front side (thorax) airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control, rollover hoops and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the Z4 sDrive20i and sDrive23i included 17-inch alloy wheels with runflat tyres and active ride control, electronic differential lock, eight speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary inputs (MP3/USB/iPod), climate control air conditioning, cruise control (with downhill braking), sun reflecting ‘Kansas’ leather seats, heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, ‘through loading’ rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, footwell lights, height adjustable front seats, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, an electromechanical parking brake, electrochromatic rear view mirror, a cargo net, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.

The Z4 sDrive28i and sDrive30i were further equipped with an eleven speaker stereo, satellite navigation with 8.8-inch monitor, power adjustable seats with driver’s seat memory settings and voice recognition. Beyond this, the sDrive35i added 18-inch alloy wheels, directional headlights, proximity key (BMW’s ‘Comfort access’ system), heated electrochromatic door mirrors with power retracting function and automatic dipping on reverse.

Finally, the range-topping Z4 sDrive35is was distinguished by its ‘M’ suspension with adaptive dampers (and selectable ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’ modes), ‘M’ leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, ‘M’ contoured sports seats, anthracite roof lining and ‘M’ body kit.

EfficientDynamics

From November 2009, the E89 Z4 Roadster was fitted with ‘Brake Energy Regeneration’ which controlled alternator output to charge the battery when the vehicle was braking or coasting; the sDrive23i was also fitted with low rolling resistance tyres. Beyond this, the sDrive20i and sDrive28i models with manual transmissions also introduced BMW’s ‘Auto Start-Stop’ technology which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle was stationary.

Related links

• Specifications: BMW E89.I Z4 Roadster (November 2012)

Review: BMW E89.II Z4 Roadster (2013-16)

Overview

Released in August 2013, the E89 Series II (E89.II) Z4 Roadster could be identified by the its standard bi-xenon headlights with LED light rings, LED accent lights with metal inserts which arched over the headlights and chrome-coloured surrounds for the integrated turn signal indicators; the side indicators also had a new tapered surround. Inside, changes included high-gloss black surrounds for the central air vents and iDrive folding control display.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a left-hand drive 2015 BMW E89.II Z4 sDrive18i received a three star safety rating which included a 69 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 61 per cent child occupant protection rating. This rating, however, did not include points for the pole test since it was not performed and it is unclear why Euro NCAP did not subject the vehicle to the pole test. In the frontal offset test, protection of the front occupants was generally rated as good, though protection of the driver’s lower legs as rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). In the side impact test, protection of the driver was rated as good and maximum points were awarded.

Features

Compared to its E89.I predecessor, standard features for the E89.II Z4 Roadster were extended to include BMW’s ‘Professional’ navigation system with a high-resolution 8.8-inch colour display, 3D maps, internet functionality, music interface for smart phones, DVD drive and bird’s-eye view, and, bi-xenon headlights with daytime LED light rings.

The sDrive28i gained 18-inch alloy wheels and contoured sports seats, while the range-topping sDrive35is was fitted with new 19-inch alloy wheels and a wind deflector.

Option packages

The E89.II Z4 Roadster was available with three option packages:

• Design Pure Balance: contoured sports seats, leather upholstery for the seats, doors and armrests, and Fineline Anthracite fine-wood trim;
• Design Pure Traction: sports seats, Alcantara/leather upholstery for the seats, armrests, doors and dashboard, ‘metal weave’ interior trim finishes, BMW Individual roofliner in Anthracite; and,
• Available for the sDrive20i and sDrive35is (and standard for the sDrive35is), the M Sport Package included 18-inch light alloy Star-spoke alloy wheels with mixed tyres, M sport suspension, BMW sport seats, an M leather steering wheel, aluminium carbon interior trim, BMW Individual roofliner in Anthracite and an aerodynamics package.

Related links

• Specifications: BMW E89.II Z4 Roadster (April 2014)
• BMW Australia: BMW Z4 Roadster
• Wikipedia.org: BMW E89 Z4 Roadster