New 2009 BMW Z4 Convertible Features And Prices

With its redesign for the 2009 model year, the new BMW Z4 has upped the ante in terms of both luxury and performance and has clearly joined the upper echelon of true luxury/performance roadsters. The '09 Z4 stands out with its head-turning sleek design, stylish interior, excellent powertrains, and new quick-folding hardtop.

The biggest change for the 2009 Z4 is the addition of a retractable aluminum hardtop roof versus the earlier soft top. And as part of this change, the previous hatchback coupe has been eliminated.

Also new is a slightly larger interior and an available 300 horsepower twin-turbocharged engine. And BMW's iDrive interface system is also available on the Z4 for the first time.

Standard Features And Options:

The 2009 BMW Z4 is available in two trim choices: sDrive30i and the more powerful sDrive35i. Although both models have somewhat different standard features, the primary difference in the two models is under the hood.

Standard on the sDrive30i are 17 inch wheels, run-flat tires, dynamic cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, a satellite-ready radio and CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dynamic cruise control and rain-sensing wipers.

The sDrive35i model has all of the above, plus a leather interior, aluminum interior trim, and automatic climate control.

There are also a number of important optional packages available for the Z4. The Premium package adds leather upholstery and automatic climate control to the 30i model, as well as power seats, driver-side memory, interior ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth and BMW Assist.

The Cold Weather package features heated seats, a heated steering wheel, headlight washers, and a ski or golf club pass-through from the trunk.

The Premium Sound package adds an upgraded sound system, a 6-disc CD changer and an iPod jack.

An Ivory White Leather package adds ... well ... exactly what it says, plus unique wood trim and sport seats that are 10-way-adjustable.

Lastly, there's a Sport package that features adaptive suspension dampers, 18 inch wheels, performance tires, sport seats and a recalibrated electronic limiter that results in a higher top speed.

While many of these options are available separately, there are several stand-alone optional items that are not part of the packages, including HD radio, a hard-drive-based navigation system with a pop-up screen, keyless entry/ignition, and parking sensors.

Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:

The 2009 BMW Z4 is powered by either of two engines, depending on the model. The sDrive30i is equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.0 liter inline-6 that produces 255 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque.

Powering the sDrive35i is a twin-turbocharged inline-6 that delivers 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both cars are front-wheel drive and come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission is an option on the sDrive30i, while a seven-speed dual clutch automated manual is optional on the sDrive35i that's very similar to the M3's "M DCT" gearbox.

The twin-turbo Z4 can go from a standstill to 60 mph in just 5 seconds and the non-turbo model is only 1 second slower.

The Z4 runs on premium gasoline and has an EPA estimated gas mileage rating for the sDrive30i with a manual transmission of 19 mpg city and 28 mpg on the highway. The automatic comes in at an almost identical 19 mpg city and 29 highway.

Gas mileage for the manual sDrive35i is estimated at 18 mpg city and 25 highway, while the automatic is rated at 17 and 24, respectively.

Safety:

Standard safety features for both Z4 models include side impact airbags, antilock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, traction control, stability control and a steel hoop behind each seat for rollover protection. In addition, the aluminum roof incorporates a support system that also provides rollover protection.

Interior:

The cabin of the new Z4 cabin has definitely gone quite a bit more upscale with both premium features and high quality materials. It's also attractively designed, well conceived and user-friendly. Space has also been maximized with features such as a practical storage area behind the seats for purses and backpacks, plus a trunk pass-through that can accommodate longer items.

Trunk storage is respectable for a small car at 11 cubic feet. And while folding down the power-operated hardtop only takes about 20 seconds, retracting it does reduce trunk space down to about 5 cubes.

Drive:

The Z4 has long been noted for its entertaining drive and the 2009 does not disappoint in this area with its smooth 255 horsepower inline-6. The twin-turbo sDrive35i offers still more of a good thing with enhanced acceleration and virtually no turbo lag ... and what a sound.

With its athletic engines, smooth transmissions and impressive cornering grip, the Z4 can only be called a "fun to drive" car.

Update: Bad Economy Leads To Lower BMW Z4 Prices:

BMW's sales have been weak for months now, evidence of a continuing poor economy and an especially weak car buying trend. There was a small bounce during the "Cash For Clunkers" program, but the market quickly returned to its previous poor condition.

And once again, the combination of fierce competition and a soft market has created an ideal opportunity for nailing down great deals.

How To Buy A New Z4 At The Lowest Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 BMW Z4, here's step-by-step instructions on how to get the best price, especially given the current slow car market.

Price:

2009 BMW Z4 Convertible (Roadster):

sDrive30i: listed retail price: $45,750, invoice price: $42,090
sDrive35i: listed retail price: $51,650, invoice price: $47,520

Other Resources

2009 BMW Z4 Roadster Features And Prices