Surprised with the Z4

[pnirenstein]

I've owned an e90 330i and currently have an e39 M5, so I'm pretty familiar with BMW's sedans. But I had always wanted to drive a 2 seater. The sedans handle very well so logic says the 2 seaters have to handle like a dream right? Well I had to opportunity to drive an e85 Z4 and very much enjoyed it. Filmed a brief "review" of my experience with the car which you can watch below if you wish.

Cheers.

[GP20]

Nice video! Actually enjoyed it and brought back some of the memories of my old 2.5i roadster. But you're holding the steering wheel wrong. </Jobs>

[Devious21]

Well done. I expected it to be a little boring or maybe repetitive but I watched the entire thing and was genuinely entertained. I've watched "professional" reviews that were worse.

Nice work.

[mousitch]

Great review. The 2.5 was my first z4. Spot on.

[Incompatible]

Nice video review. Now that you've tried the 2.5, get your hands on the 3.0Si, you'll be even more impressed.

[3002 tii]

2932 lbs? Wish my coupe was less than 3000#

[pnirenstein]

Thanks for all the great feedback guys! Glad you liked it.
DSC_OFF, I did significant research to find the curb weight, and all the sources I found claimed it was under 3,000lbs. However I didn't weigh it myself, so it could definitely be heavier! Wish my M5 was 3,000lbs...

[krusty]

Enjoyed it too ... you have a neat natural presentation style, and seem to pick up the essence of each car. Yerp Enjoyed your Fiat 500 Abarth review too.

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P.S. Take a Z4 coupe or Z4M coupe for a spin ...

[rkstar9]

My 2.5I is just shy of 3500lbs where did you get the under 3000lb number?

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by rkstar9

My 2.5I is just shy of 3500lbs where did you get the under 3000lb number?

3500 with the driver and a full tank of gas?

[pnirenstein]

Originally Posted by krusty

Enjoyed it too ... you have a neat natural presentation style, and seem to pick up the essence of each car. Yerp Enjoyed your Fiat 500 Abarth review too.

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P.S. Take a Z4 coupe or Z4M coupe for a spin ...

Thanks so much krusty! Definitely want to drive a Z4M.

rkstar9, here is one of a few links
http://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2003/...-Z4-2-5i/Specs

who knows how it was measured though.

[Z4inAZ]

Originally Posted by rkstar9

My 2.5I is just shy of 3500lbs where did you get the under 3000lb number?

What? Where did you get 3500 pounds? Did they replace the aluminum in your chassis with lead and iron? That weight would make it much heavier than even a Z4M Forget the Z4M, that would make it heavier than the E46 M3... these cars are not that much of pigs!!!

To my knowledge, OP is correct, the 2.5 weighs under 3,000 lbs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Z4_(E85)
http://www.auto-data.net/en/?f=showCar&car_id=9904
and many more sources if you just look

To add 600 pounds with a driver and a tank of gas... either a lot of gas, or a very fat driver (gas weighs about 6 pounds per gallon, I doubt a driver big enough to make up the difference wouldnt be able to fit in these cars)

[rkstar9]

I just checked and the number I was looking on my driver door was GVWR 3483lbs 1580kg

I guess it's the weight rating not the actual weight of the car?

[pnirenstein]

Originally Posted by rkstar9

I just checked and the number I was looking on my driver door was GVWR 3483lbs 1580kg

I guess it's the weight rating not the actual weight of the car?

Yep. Gross vehicle weight rating includes full fluids, two people and luggage.

[ANUSTART]

Excellent review. I have the 2005 2.5i version and agree with all of what you mentioned. I've been tempted from time to time to "upgrade" but love this little thing so much I couldn't possibly do it. It's no powerhouse, but it's an incredibly fun time. And the lack of power probably keeps me out of trouble anyway. Well done!

[Incompatible]

Originally Posted by ANUSTART

Excellent review. I have the 2005 2.5i version and agree with all of what you mentioned. I've been tempted from time to time to "upgrade" but love this little thing so much I couldn't possibly do it. It's no powerhouse, but it's an incredibly fun time. And the lack of power probably keeps me out of trouble anyway. Well done!

Most of us have heard at one time or another that "it"s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow." The 2.5 may not be a powerhouse, but with a competent driver it can definately be fast. All versions of the Z4 are fun!

[doyle4281]

I recently just became a Z4 M coupe owner and am enjoying it very much thus far. Coming from Evolution 8 MR, I am thrilled with the response of these NA I6 M engines, and am even pleased with the handling in comparison too. The drivetrain is a little loud, but not uncommon in M cars from my experience. For not being an "exotic", it sure turns a lot of heads, and leaves most wondering what it is.

[Vanne]

Great review bud, and as others have said, I like your easy presentation feel. Also your speech is professional and easy to understand.

Keep it up and good work. : D

[ricanbandit]

Impressed, I also truly enjoyed the review. Keep at it, you have something special going on.

[pnirenstein]

Thanks so much guys! Really appreciate the positive feedback.

[The HACK]

Originally Posted by pnirenstein

Yep. Gross vehicle weight rating includes full fluids, two people and luggage.

Gross vehicle weight is the MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE weight, meaning as much as the chassis is capable of carrying AND tow.

So while technically "correct" that in a 2 seater it's 2 passengers plus full compliment of luggage, you have to keep in mind that the 2,9xx lbs curb weight typically includes a 180lbs driver and 3/4 tank of gas. So unless the passenger weighs 400 lbs with another 100 lbs of luggage, it falls quite short of the actual GVWR.

[yousefnjr]

Originally Posted by rkstar9

My 2.5I is just shy of 3500lbs where did you get the under 3000lb number?

The manual that came with my 3.0i sport said the car weighed in at 2,997 lbs... I remember because I liked bragging that it was under 3k

The M is a bit of a piggy by comparison, 3,2xx lbs IIRC