The best thing about the Z4 (and many other BMWs for that matter) is that wonderful 6-cyl motor. Even as a slightly gutless 2.2 its still a lovely smooth and sweet sounding unit with a nice exhaust note. No Mazda can match that. Stop comparing it with the MX-5, its a more mature and sophisticated car than that. The 3.0 especially is worth owning for the engine alone. The fact it has a fine chassis and a great looking body as well is just a bonus!
The six is lovely, it's very conceivable that someone would be cross shopping say an NC and a Z4 though even though they're actually quite different cars
> No Mazda can match that. Stop spreading bullshit this is a nice tone coming from a 4banger ruclips.net/video/ZlyHWk7hVeM/видео.htmlsi=lY1crfcOxOCbidvD&t=42, any engine can be made sound good with the nice exhaust, that's just an aftermarket resonator that replaces the stock muffler. Exahust sound is a science by itself, a mundane crossplane v8 can be made to be sound higher pitche similar to a flatplane one, and then one can add those resonators from that mazda video just to add an example. It is nice for you to like a brand but to talk so highly of a mundane sound from a bmw? you need better sounds like a rb20de, and no, this is not about jdm, i6 do not really have an interesting sound, v6 is were good sound is at.
Yeah 3.0si are common here in the US and are like $10-12k under normal market conditions. They compete with Corvette C5 and Miata NC in price bracket. Decisions decisions.
@______6879 current job: remove ABS module, send out for rebuild. The electric motor brushes eventually give way, like w many other cars. Gives me a chance to refurbish my brake calipers and a fluid flush.
The Z4 had absolutely nothing to do with the miata. It was to compete in the Boxster and SLK category. Please learn the car and study it before you talk about it.
Famously one of the best driving two-seat roadsters (if not the best in terms of playful handling). Also more than 1 Million have been sold across its generations, and a very valid comparison based on cross-shopping similar cars at similar price points.
A rip off of the MX-5? Really? An evolution of the Z3, more like! Try the 3.0 straight 6 instead of the smallest straight 6, much faster than an MX-5! The cup holders adjust and the Anders Warming ( not Chris Bangle!) design is just fine. My Z4 is my daily, and at 5’10”, I feel extremely comfortable, including road trips abroad!
Yes, really. You mean the Z3 that’s a blatant rip off of the MX-5? Talking about bigger engines sort of misses the point of a lightweight two-seater sports car. The cup holders do not hold drinks as many owners have attested to in the comments already. Chris Bangle was head of design at BMW at the time so had final sign off on the car. We’re very happy to hear it works for you, but that doesn’t mean it’s without flaws.
@@BuckleUpShow And the MX-5 being a rip off of the MGB! I thought the Z3 was an evolution of the original Z1, but without some of the more exotic features, eg the sliding doors. It was still Warming that designed the car.
The MX-5 was actually a rip off of the Lotus Elan. Keep up, Garry. The Z1 and Z3 are very different and one was not a replacement for the other, unlike the Z3 and Z4. Warming designed the car under the control and direction of Bangle, hence why it doesn’t look out of place with all the other Bangle BMWs of that time (which he didn’t directly design either).
@@BuckleUpShow The cup holders work just fine. If you can't work them problem exists between chair and cupholder. Who cares whether Chris Bangle or Anders designed it - it was signed off by Bangle so he put his reputation on the line for it. It was as much his baby as Anders and what a baby? The look is timeless. Show me another roadster that looks as stylish today as the E85. It hasn't aged a day and it never will. It occupies that timeless space and will never age. The MX-5 has always looked derivative of MGs and Spitfires or maybe tr4s I've heard many people say it's a fun car. I was more of an MR2 head in period. I had rev3 gen2 SW20 with 174bhp and a big exhaust and a K+N filter. Car was quite fast but in the car it felt like a supercar. THE best driving experience I've had to date. On the B-Roads near where I lived (out in the sticks between Perth and Dundee) it felt like a super car. I used to go out with the t-bar off and rag it to within an inch of it's life and it just lapped it up. after 150,000 miles the sills eventually gave way and I sold it to a mate who was going to restore it. The interior was still perfect with the t-bar covers and everything. Leather was in great nick. The engine still started first turn of the key and I'd T-cut the body to look glorious red again though that was always gonna fade back to pink without some treatment. All in all a really special car to own. The Z4 is better in a lot of ways but lacks the theatre of the MR2. One things for sure. The MX5 could never have matched the ownership experience of a mid engined red t-top 174bhp car with "Exciting" handling and a heavily modified soundtrack.. Luv and Peace.
I'm 6'5 and fit in mine fine! You had the seat at 45 degrees lol! That car is also an incredibly povvo-specced one (and not only in the engine department!) - mine has Xenons, heated seats, auto dimming rear mirror and door mirrors, 10 speaker sound system etc. The 3.0i is a supoerb car for the money nowadays. Oh and the cupholder has a ratchet arm that moves in to hold bottles like that...
The seat was so lent back because we couldn't gate the base back any further, I think a runner was broken but Rob was adamant that's just what they're like
@@BuckleUpShow Hah fair enough, it does sound like it might be broken - mines goes all the way back with the seat upright. The Z4 has a very spacious cabin for its size, I've had 2 MX5s and they were tiny inside and very uncomfortable. Great to drive though!
Quick tip on the cup holders. While they are not the best, they do adjust or ratchet in to fit a smaller can or water bottle. Open as normal then press the small finger in until it is against the item- you should hear a clicking noise as you adjust inward.
@@BuckleUpShow They work. I can drive with a Starbucks in each of them, Better still if I have one of the cool green stirrer sticks in each coffee I can really push it round the 4 roundabouts between my work and my starbucks. 🙂 Luv and Peace.
Love my 3.0 Z4, most M5s even at only 10 years old are rotten with rust and a gamble as a lot of the rust is hard to see when viewing but my Z4 at almost 20 is still solid.
Actually, Bangle didn’t design this. In fact, he did not design one single model during his years at Bmw. The Z4 in particular was designed by danish Anders Warming. He sort of invented ’flame surfacing’.
He was the head of BMW design at the time, so even though seperate projects had different design leads they were still under his supervision and were being instructed to create with his design elements.
"Admittedly, his junior at the time, Anders Warming, is credited with the Z4's styling but, as the man pushing flame surfacing, the E85 was the epitome of the Bangle-era brief that arguably Warming was merely executing." from PistonHeads
Like many designers in the automotive industry, the head of the design department gets credit, even if he didn't do the actual work. At the time, "flame surfacing" was unique in an industry afflicted with copycat designs. You know an E85 z4 when you see it instantly, from a mile away.
I suggest everyone go and buy that Honda S2000 and make a tons of videos to perpetuate the value of that poopbox. And as for you, stop picking on Chris Bangle. All his designs have aged like wine including this Z4. The BMW designs in the last 10 years look like horse poop.
Look im not a bangle hater by any means, the E92 and E60 look brilliant. However, the E63 and E65 not so much. The E85 is somewhere in between, a handsome car but not a timeless classic.
its a lovely car, I just bought a Z4 2.5 its basically a drivers car im 6 foot and fit in the cabin fine, the only problem I had was realising there was a unlock button to put the roof down, good review in general but I kinda think you need to drive the car more to appreciate it
Of all the things I said in the video the one I thought least likely to cause contention would be saying these cup holders, like all other pop-out skeleton frame cup holders I've ever come across, aren't very good.
The cup holders are ok but the plastic fatigues and fails eventually causing a lap full of coffee :( some bottles can be awkward needing you to make the clamp too tight accelerating the fatigue on the arm.
@sonof69star It really is. Ideally get one of the later N52 SI models. They rev higher and have the 3 stage Vanos. Much more responsive engines. 7k redline vs 6750. I have the 2.5si and it's about as potent as the old 3.0 M54. The SI models also have 6 gears and the M Sport suspension. Amazing cars. Luv N Peace.
This car is NOT an Mx-5 competitor! Not even close. Just because it has two seats, rear drive, and a convertible top, that doesn't make it similar to an Mx-5. Is a Mercedes SL, or SLK a Miata competitor? How about the Corvette roadster? Not the same customer base, they were seldom cross shopped when new, and the fact both are rear drive 2 door convertibles didn't make them equals then, nor does that make them equals now, unless you're not that into Automobiles. If you're looking for of these, then an MX-5 won't cut the mustard, just like this wouldn't be for you if you were shopping for Miatas. Let me help, the Z4 is a direct competitor to the SLK, and Audi TT. Not a 4 banger, 130ish hp, cheapest roadster you could buy new at the time, Miata. Apples and oranges are both round, but those oranges won't make cider.
The SLK is an MX-5 competitor, also I don't know how to tell you this but a great deal of Z4's, SLK's and TT's we're 4 cylinders also. Also the NC MX-5 had 158 - 170 horsepower in the 2 litre. And finally you can make cider from oranges, it just won't be apple cider...
The mx5 is a better car in every way .. i am a mechanic and have owned both and if you get the miata you will thank your wallet and not have a headache.
It's pretty reliable in terms of stats and reliability surveys, but even the youngest e85's are now 16 years old so really it's more about finding one in good condition that's been serviced well than just assuming it will or won't be reliable
@Buckle Up putin was pushed to invade by the yanks. Do a bit of research before swallowing the party line. In the 90s Russia was promised nato would not move an inch to the east. Again and again that agreement was broken. How I see this conflict is Cuban mislile crisis mark 2
Cup holder.....move the adjustable side arm in and you'll hold the cup better. That's all I have to do on mine. Tbh, can't say it was the best review. But hey. I watched it and added to the analytical data🤣
The best thing about the Z4 (and many other BMWs for that matter) is that wonderful 6-cyl motor. Even as a slightly gutless 2.2 its still a lovely smooth and sweet sounding unit with a nice exhaust note. No Mazda can match that. Stop comparing it with the MX-5, its a more mature and sophisticated car than that. The 3.0 especially is worth owning for the engine alone. The fact it has a fine chassis and a great looking body as well is just a bonus!
The six is lovely, it's very conceivable that someone would be cross shopping say an NC and a Z4 though even though they're actually quite different cars
> No Mazda can match that.
Stop spreading bullshit this is a nice tone coming from a 4banger ruclips.net/video/ZlyHWk7hVeM/видео.htmlsi=lY1crfcOxOCbidvD&t=42, any engine can be made sound good with the nice exhaust, that's just an aftermarket resonator that replaces the stock muffler.
Exahust sound is a science by itself, a mundane crossplane v8 can be made to be sound higher pitche similar to a flatplane one, and then one can add those resonators from that mazda video just to add an example.
It is nice for you to like a brand but to talk so highly of a mundane sound from a bmw? you need better sounds like a rb20de, and no, this is not about jdm, i6 do not really have an interesting sound, v6 is were good sound is at.
I am on my third Z4, all 3.0 engines, all great to drive. Easy to maintain by yourself if competent.
Thanks for watching
What’s the biggest job you’ve had to do yourself?
Yeah 3.0si are common here in the US and are like $10-12k under normal market conditions. They compete with Corvette C5 and Miata NC in price bracket. Decisions decisions.
@______6879 current job: remove ABS module, send out for rebuild. The electric motor brushes eventually give way, like w many other cars. Gives me a chance to refurbish my brake calipers and a fluid flush.
@@BuckleUpShowhow tall you're?
The interior is timeless. No screens and esoteric buttons.
It got off by the skin of its teeth though cause 1st gen iDrive is the epitome of dated screens and esoteric buttons
The Z4 had absolutely nothing to do with the miata. It was to compete in the Boxster and SLK category. Please learn the car and study it before you talk about it.
You're right, it's ridiculous to compare it to the best selling car in class
@@BuckleUpShow 🤣
Please stop comparing it with a mx5….. and stop changing gears so fast. Let’s hear that engine and wait a little longer between gears. 😊😊
But I gotta go fast Kees, to outrun my existential dread
Yeah your right mx5 is awful
Famously one of the best driving two-seat roadsters (if not the best in terms of playful handling). Also more than 1 Million have been sold across its generations, and a very valid comparison based on cross-shopping similar cars at similar price points.
A rip off of the MX-5? Really? An evolution of the Z3, more like! Try the 3.0 straight 6 instead of the smallest straight 6, much faster than an MX-5! The cup holders adjust and the Anders Warming ( not Chris Bangle!) design is just fine. My Z4 is my daily, and at 5’10”, I feel extremely comfortable, including road trips abroad!
Yes, really. You mean the Z3 that’s a blatant rip off of the MX-5? Talking about bigger engines sort of misses the point of a lightweight two-seater sports car. The cup holders do not hold drinks as many owners have attested to in the comments already. Chris Bangle was head of design at BMW at the time so had final sign off on the car. We’re very happy to hear it works for you, but that doesn’t mean it’s without flaws.
@@BuckleUpShow And the MX-5 being a rip off of the MGB! I thought the Z3 was an evolution of the original Z1, but without some of the more exotic features, eg the sliding doors. It was still Warming that designed the car.
The MX-5 was actually a rip off of the Lotus Elan. Keep up, Garry. The Z1 and Z3 are very different and one was not a replacement for the other, unlike the Z3 and Z4. Warming designed the car under the control and direction of Bangle, hence why it doesn’t look out of place with all the other Bangle BMWs of that time (which he didn’t directly design either).
@@BuckleUpShow The cup holders work just fine. If you can't work them problem exists between chair and cupholder.
Who cares whether Chris Bangle or Anders designed it - it was signed off by Bangle so he put his reputation on the line for it. It was as much his baby as Anders and what a baby?
The look is timeless.
Show me another roadster that looks as stylish today as the E85. It hasn't aged a day and it never will. It occupies that timeless space and will never age.
The MX-5 has always looked derivative of MGs and Spitfires or maybe tr4s
I've heard many people say it's a fun car. I was more of an MR2 head in period. I had rev3 gen2 SW20 with 174bhp and a big exhaust and a K+N filter.
Car was quite fast but in the car it felt like a supercar. THE best driving experience I've had to date. On the B-Roads near where I lived (out in the sticks between Perth and Dundee) it felt like a super car. I used to go out with the t-bar off and rag it to within an inch of it's life and it just lapped it up.
after 150,000 miles the sills eventually gave way and I sold it to a mate who was going to restore it.
The interior was still perfect with the t-bar covers and everything. Leather was in great nick.
The engine still started first turn of the key and I'd T-cut the body to look glorious red again though that was always gonna fade back to pink without some treatment.
All in all a really special car to own.
The Z4 is better in a lot of ways but lacks the theatre of the MR2.
One things for sure. The MX5 could never have matched the ownership experience of a mid engined red t-top 174bhp car with "Exciting" handling and a heavily modified soundtrack..
Luv and Peace.
I'm 6'5 and fit in mine fine! You had the seat at 45 degrees lol! That car is also an incredibly povvo-specced one (and not only in the engine department!) - mine has Xenons, heated seats, auto dimming rear mirror and door mirrors, 10 speaker sound system etc. The 3.0i is a supoerb car for the money nowadays. Oh and the cupholder has a ratchet arm that moves in to hold bottles like that...
The seat was so lent back because we couldn't gate the base back any further, I think a runner was broken but Rob was adamant that's just what they're like
@@BuckleUpShow Hah fair enough, it does sound like it might be broken - mines goes all the way back with the seat upright. The Z4 has a very spacious cabin for its size, I've had 2 MX5s and they were tiny inside and very uncomfortable. Great to drive though!
Watching this it was pretty obvious from the start you already made your mind up if you liked the car lol, not the best review tbh
I'll try to work more suspense and a twist ending into my next review Lucas
Quick tip on the cup holders. While they are not the best, they do adjust or ratchet in to fit a smaller can or water bottle. Open as normal then press the small finger in until it is against the item- you should hear a clicking noise as you adjust inward.
I think "not the best" is still far too complimentary for those cup holders
Yeah - that section made me groan.
@@BuckleUpShow They work. I can drive with a Starbucks in each of them, Better still if I have one of the cool green stirrer sticks in each coffee I can really push it round the 4 roundabouts between my work and my starbucks.
🙂
Luv and Peace.
Love my 3.0 Z4, most M5s even at only 10 years old are rotten with rust and a gamble as a lot of the rust is hard to see when viewing but my Z4 at almost 20 is still solid.
Have you rust proofed it?
@@BuckleUpShow Have put waxoyl on lots of the underside to preserve it.
Don’t worry about any negative comments mate. You do you. I like your style. Fresh humour, rather than plagiarised from other RUclipsrs
I actually copy all of my humour from Colleen Ballinger.
(For legal reasons this is a joke)
Actually, Bangle didn’t design this. In fact, he did not design one single model during his years at Bmw. The Z4 in particular was designed by danish Anders Warming. He sort of invented ’flame surfacing’.
He was the head of BMW design at the time, so even though seperate projects had different design leads they were still under his supervision and were being instructed to create with his design elements.
@@BuckleUpShow Search for ”E85 design Warming”
"Admittedly, his junior at the time, Anders Warming, is credited with the Z4's styling but, as the man pushing flame surfacing, the E85 was the epitome of the Bangle-era brief that arguably Warming was merely executing." from PistonHeads
@@BuckleUpShow Naaah. Watch the clip
Like many designers in the automotive industry, the head of the design department gets credit, even if he didn't do the actual work. At the time, "flame surfacing" was unique in an industry afflicted with copycat designs. You know an E85 z4 when you see it instantly, from a mile away.
The exhaust note of this straight six trumps the dull blat of the fourpot in the MX5.
You tell 'em boss, call that Ford Duratec a Ford Durawrecked
I suggest everyone go and buy that Honda S2000 and make a tons of videos to perpetuate the value of that poopbox. And as for you, stop picking on Chris Bangle. All his designs have aged like wine including this Z4. The BMW designs in the last 10 years look like horse poop.
Look im not a bangle hater by any means, the E92 and E60 look brilliant. However, the E63 and E65 not so much. The E85 is somewhere in between, a handsome car but not a timeless classic.
its a lovely car, I just bought a Z4 2.5 its basically a drivers car im 6 foot and fit in the cabin fine, the only problem I had was realising there was a unlock button to put the roof down, good review in general but I kinda think you need to drive the car more to appreciate it
Glad you're enjoying yours
The cup holders are adjustable to fit all cup and bottle sizes
Of all the things I said in the video the one I thought least likely to cause contention would be saying these cup holders, like all other pop-out skeleton frame cup holders I've ever come across, aren't very good.
The cup holders are ok but the plastic fatigues and fails eventually causing a lap full of coffee :( some bottles can be awkward needing you to make the clamp too tight accelerating the fatigue on the arm.
@@warrmr imagine drinking coffee in a z4😂 what a tool one must look like
@@SlightlyDank Pahahaha You made me spit out my coffee LAMO.
@@warrmr Glad i could be of service. all banter aside i'm getting my z4 in 2 weeks!
I have a 2003 Z4 3,0 sport, love the thing.
That's good
Good review. Incredible car. My dream car. Imo, better than the S2K and the MX5.
Thanks for watching
@sonof69star It really is.
Ideally get one of the later N52 SI models.
They rev higher and have the 3 stage Vanos.
Much more responsive engines. 7k redline vs 6750.
I have the 2.5si and it's about as potent as the old 3.0 M54.
The SI models also have 6 gears and the M Sport suspension.
Amazing cars.
Luv N Peace.
If this pulled up next to grease lighting, in period, people would wonder where you found a convertible spaceship. 😂
I think the same would be said for many modern sports cars
just bought a 3.0 manual, replaced the w.screen rubber easy. also carpet wet, enjoying a car that's sort of fixable
Is there such a thing as a car that isn't fixable
This car is NOT an Mx-5 competitor! Not even close. Just because it has two seats, rear drive, and a convertible top, that doesn't make it similar to an Mx-5. Is a Mercedes SL, or SLK a Miata competitor? How about the Corvette roadster? Not the same customer base, they were seldom cross shopped when new, and the fact both are rear drive 2 door convertibles didn't make them equals then, nor does that make them equals now, unless you're not that into Automobiles. If you're looking for of these, then an MX-5 won't cut the mustard, just like this wouldn't be for you if you were shopping for Miatas. Let me help, the Z4 is a direct competitor to the SLK, and Audi TT. Not a 4 banger, 130ish hp, cheapest roadster you could buy new at the time, Miata. Apples and oranges are both round, but those oranges won't make cider.
The SLK is an MX-5 competitor, also I don't know how to tell you this but a great deal of Z4's, SLK's and TT's we're 4 cylinders also. Also the NC MX-5 had 158 - 170 horsepower in the 2 litre. And finally you can make cider from oranges, it just won't be apple cider...
@@BuckleUpShow Remember the MG Midget or the Sprite. Not a competitor to the Austin Healey 3000?
That's your comparison here.
Luv and Peace.
I'm 6'1 and my knees don't hit dash. Additionally, cupholders are adjustable
That's nice
Great video as always
Cheers Matt!
The mx5 is a better car in every way .. i am a mechanic and have owned both and if you get the miata you will thank your wallet and not have a headache.
I'm glad a mechanic is finally happy to admit that ford make better engines than BMW
Good video well done BUT it would have been better if you could have talked about reliability. Keep up the good work
It's pretty reliable in terms of stats and reliability surveys, but even the youngest e85's are now 16 years old so really it's more about finding one in good condition that's been serviced well than just assuming it will or won't be reliable
I dont know if i watched a review of a z4 or an mx-5 really..,😒
This is actually an MR2
@@BuckleUpShow Not even close.
Luv and Peace.
Respect from Russia, Ural!
You get your government to stop bombing my friends in Ukraine and then we can talk about respect
@Buckle Up putin was pushed to invade by the yanks. Do a bit of research before swallowing the party line. In the 90s Russia was promised nato would not move an inch to the east. Again and again that agreement was broken. How I see this conflict is Cuban mislile crisis mark 2
What a lovely MX-5
Isn’t it just
Cup holder.....move the adjustable side arm in and you'll hold the cup better. That's all I have to do on mine.
Tbh, can't say it was the best review. But hey. I watched it and added to the analytical data🤣
I can't say this was the best comment. But hey. I read it.
@@BuckleUpShow yeah bad review
What height are you
About 2 Yards
Well, you are 300 lbs
Lionel Richie actually wrote the song brick house about me