Don’t worry about the wind noise, we can’t hear it over that shirt.😉

Imo, one of the best looking BM’s of all time

Do love the Z4 in general. I think the interior and exterior have aged fantastically well.

the bmw z4 e89 looks much better than any porsche. The long front end is signature roadster.

Lovely review. Got my Z4 35iS from 2011. Now 5 years and 175k kilometers on the odo. It's NOT a sportcar. It's a big powerful GT. I'll do fast corners, but with a bit of smoke :) My wife loves it for its comfort.... Happy wife.... :)

E89 is a car that works fast or slow, roof up or down and that is a incredibly rare and overlooked thing.

The 35is is great combination of appearance and performance. That long nose look is timeless.

I own the 35i. I wanted to go for the 35iS, but it was not available with a manual transmission and that is what I wanted to have in a sporty car. Since it is not only the most sporty car I have ever owned (after a BWM E38 728i, an Opel Astra F Estate and an Audi 80 B3 1.6l), but actually the most sporty car I have ever driven (Never sat in a Porsche or something comparable), I have no real comparison, so I stick with liking it tremendously, even if there are sportier cars. I cannot miss what I do not know

Great video and review. Enjoyed your assessment of the car and your comparisons are very informative. Still undecided

I just bought a 2014 and I completely agree with your review. It’s perfect for daily use. Very luxurious and comfortable. It doesn’t feel too sporty except for the sound and of course can’t compare the handling to a Porsche at all, but it’s right for me.

Jay, you are spot on with the Z4. Mine is a 35i which I have owned and used as a joy car for over ten years now. Personally, I found the suspension less comfy but the setup scarily soft at first. At higher speeds it would spill you all over the road more than your nerves can handle in traffic. I therefore had the regular chassis setup replaced with a KW V3 kit and tuned by an accomplished race driver. It made a world of difference, reinstating my trust in the car on winding country roads. The other issues I found were overall weight as a result of the many built-in creature comforts, and a lousy sound system ;-) I can do with the latter, especially when the top is down. In summary, it is not a car every driver may appreciate. It may polarise the interested driving world up to a point - as many roadsters would. But you when you like it, it feels like a wife with some odd habits - habits not quite awkward enough to get a divorce. And yes, she's a looker, too.

I bought one of these for my wife for driving around the coast and to the beach etc in the summer... it's a beautiful looking car gets loads of looks and pleasant remarks, and your right its a 7 tenths kind of car and therefore does the 85% of what you want all the time. But on that reflection if you rag most cars out to near their 10 tenths they normally start to fall apart somewhere... it's just a matter of how much.. . It reminds me a lot about the BMW 507 you can see the styling aspects so I got a little badge made for it which says heritage 507 and stuck it discreetly in the back window, its red with black top so named it Elvis and I think you know where that tribute is going..... if you watch the 507 restoration story by BMW. :-)

Really informative review. I've been considering this model for years. They are really good value right now.

I just bought one in this colour. Arrives in a couple of days. I'm 56 I want a bit of this and a bit of that. Maybe when I was younger I'd bought an e85m. I once had a Porsche 944 turbo but now this will suit me fine. It's horses for courses.

The e89 ages well. In my opinion it was a classic from the moment it came out. I’ll never sell mine. Instead I’ll bury it in a barn somewhere so in 50 years from now someone can have a wonderful barn find. The classic Z4

Your knowledge is vast, commentary sweet. JayEmm rockin the roads with all the cars he meets. Cheers

Great review and fast show reference, which was nice😂

Nice backdrop to your opening piece-to-camera. The barbwire was a particularly nice touch ;-)

I am from a Z4M and bought a 10k mile 2015 35iS and not looked back. I LOVE IT! A different car as you say but Oh soo good! Fast AF too and a real headturner. Even if you weren't looking, it made sure you heard it with that glorious sounding engind and pops and crackles when it changes down (I increased this in MHD flash) thoroughly enjoy this beast. Will be keeping this one!

I'm looking into one of these. As you say I was kinda unpleasantly surprised when looking at one in the showroom that the cabin doesn't at all feel much more roomy than an E85 one (which I had until last year). Currently driving an '08 TTS as inbetweener but that's really A LOT more spacious than both the E85 and E89. Of course that's only half of the story, as soon as the driving starts you know which one you want ;) EDIT: Last week finally managed to do a testdrive on a 35iS. Your review definitely is on point about the driving characteristics. It feels like a much larger car than both my old E85 and current TTS (which has some suspension upgrades, so the ride is quite hard but takes corners amazingly) and beats those cars easily on comfort. But, that comes at a price and as soon as you take quick slalom in comfort mode (with adaptive suspension in normal) its feels a bit heavy, distant, and cumbersome. The engine is still great however, very powerful and fluent and compared to my TTS is ages better in department of turbo lag and sound quality. And, the 35iS has the Sport+ mode (don't say Sport mode is fine, its not if you want some pace). This tightens everything quite a bit and while it won't become a Z4M you really cannot do a good verdict in a testdrive without also trying this mode with the adaptive m suspension. Its still no Z4M, but its way better than the regular settings on a quick and twisty road. If you need even more, i guess a mechanical slip diff, great tyres, and some extra's in the bushings / sway bar department carries it the last part to bridge the gap.

Great video. Thank you for pointing out some aspects of this car that made me see it differently- like the boxster comparison. Can you please tell me what is the specific model of the OZ alloys? Thank you

I've got a Z4 e89 with the 2.5 liter straight six....with some remapping it's very amusing. Last car was a Z4 e85 2.5 liter. The "new" one is a little quicker and much more comfortable. Also it's less nervous in high speeds. However...the old Z4 was a "rawer" car...no fuzz and no refinement....Before that I had a MB SLK 320. That car was very comfortable...maybe not that sporty...but also very fun to travel with. I also had a jag e-type V12 before these cars, and it was super-quick ( especially with fuel injection)...but it broke down all the time and the quality was nowhere near a BMW or MB. I will probably buy a boxster in the future, just to tick that box on my bucket list. However, the engine is difficult to get to and parts are expensive, so I have hesitated so far.

I’m new to your channel. It’s 3:30am on Friday night, bit tipsy. Own a Z4M Roadster and have done for about 7 years. Last 2 and bit years it’s been SORN and my other half has been encouraging me to give it a serious detailing and pass it on to a new owner. 06 plate 49k miles, every extra except cupholders. It was my dream car for years.. I saved forever and love it.. but they seem to be appreciating in value (??) and I’m a tad undecided. I youtubed Z4M and it autoplayed here after a couple. Don’t mean to be rude but I’ve driven the 35iS (and like it for what it is), but not familiar with your channel and thought it was going to be a BS wash over, ie blah blah turbos, hard top, blah blah, but was pleasantly surprised. You clearly know your cars sir and I was nodding pretty much all of video. Your critique behind the wheel was excellent. You clearly aimed the video at those who have actually driven the cars you were comparing it to, and it shows. Sorry for the rant. That was a really good watch. Subscribed! Odd you have an Evora. Not comparable, but I’ve got that same 3.5l 2GR-FE lump in a mk3 Toyota Mr2 Roadster as a Black Mirror track toy (pushing 325bhp 1048kg all in). Different box (5 speed e153), but nicely savage! :) EDIT: Seen you have an Evora 400. R1900 supercharger? V Nice!

Today, when I am leaving a car park,saw a nice Evora parked. Immediately I find a car space and try to have a look. Never seen one in life. The owner is very nice and kind. We talked a lot. And guess who he is, he is the owner of this 35iS. Wow. The world is small. Amazing. I guess Jayem did a good job to introduce the Evora. Finally he bought one.

Z4m is nowhere near as harsh in ride quality as you state. You are probably not used to the chassis stiffness. i think you suit a convertible.

Great review.... now I want one!

I think your shirt matches up with the newer car better. A black T shirt would be appropriate for my z4m coupe. Raucous, sinister, hard to drive smoothly- everything a weekend fun car should be!

What kind of lighting is that at the end of the video? That is a very good sunlight simulator.

I just bought the exact same one, same colour! Love it. Goes like shit of a hot stick. Got a 2.7 Boxter too and the Z is much quicker

I love your videos. In all honesty I'd rather watch them than the new top gear.

Hi Jayemm. In regards to the harsh ride in your old Z4 M, I wonder if that could have been improved. Do you recall the size of your wheels are whether you had run flats?

This Z4 works very well with the The 2.5 wheel spacers, sports suspension, an ECU remap to unlock the 400hps. with a rear wing and front splitter and It then becomes the Monster BMW shouldve made in the first place. Similar to the Z4 GT3 SERIES.

I like it - I really do. But looking at the used market, I’d struggle to buy one of these over the older, slower, less refined Honda S2000.

I was never really a fan of BMW, always thought them to be overpriced for what they are. Then I drove one a these belonging to a friend. I ended up buying it. Not a true out and out sports car I thought, perhaps more of a GT? But what fun with it's Michelin Pilot Supersports that I ended putting on it, and more engaging with the roof down. It was a bit disconcerting at first, as I thought the front suspension would rise to much when accelerating at full throttle part way around a bend. Couldn't help thinking that it was upsetting the front geometry to much, but the front end never seemed to loose grip In those circumstances. Always puts a smile on my face.

Great Video Sir Nice car but 😂 Another Lotus for me along with an M2 CS for the everyday stuff

Beautiful car,,,,,,,,, the shirt burnt my eyes. Had to pause video to get my sunglasses.

Speaking of warm it is 30 damn degrees today.

The old z4m had issues with bump-steer at the rear from the lower trailing arm bushings moving around and causing changes in dynamic toe, there is a correction kit for that. Slap a set of Ohlins DFV at a road biased setting and it might give it the compliance it didnt have from factory?

Funky credits..... think I’ve seen that colour scheme somewhere before.....

I have the Z4M Coupe and judging by this vid, my car looks to be a lot more fun and this just has no soul to it. You can’t beat a proper “M” car that’s for sure, especially a straight 6.

If you equip the 35i or 35is with proper coilovers and get a professional to adjust the vehicle, you will see very tight cornering abilities! All of the E89s OEM suspensions are just comfy and feel unpleasant in fast corners. More camber on the front axle is needed to get rid of the massive OEM understeer. Furthermore, the suspensions really needs to be stiffer. KW coilovers will work miracles.

There's no doubt about it the 35iS is a forgotten gem. Had one of these for the last 18 months. 7 years old but drives like new. On the basis of "bang for your buck" there seems to be little to beat it. Very well equipped. Roof is lowered at every opportunity. The drive train is simply fantastic. The engine just pulls, pulls, pulls and once the revs reach 3500 the sound is simply sublime. Yes, the handling is not quite up to Boxster standards but the engine and gearbox are better in my opinion. It's a car you invent reasons to drive. If you want a great value convertible and are independently minded then you won't regret buying one of these!

That color is awesome!!

Seen one for sale in that colour with a black roof. Looked amazing.

I have the 2016 E89 28i in sapphire black metallic with red leather interior and I LOVE IT. It really is the most perfect car: good looking and luxurious on the inside, very sexy and agressive on the outside, and all possible options, like parking sensors rear and front, a marvellous pop-up screen that does almost EVERYTHING, great blue-tooth connection, and USB-connection, and even a hard-disk to store all my favorite music on. It really is the best all-round sexy toy you can have, IMHO. I drove a porsche cayman before and I loved it (although the interior was more spartan), a ferrari (which was too agressive for my taste) and even an Aston Martin (the interior is sooo clinical). This BMW hit everything on the right note. I am not too overly careful with it like I was with my Ferrari, and it is such a better Grand Tourer than the previous Cayman. I JUST LOVE it. There are simply NO downside. And even if you want to mention the boot-space as a down-side, you can order a set of bags that are specifically designed to fit perfecty under the cover when the roof is down and that maximizes all the luggage you need. I went from Holland to Italy in the car once with my partner an we could easily carry what we needed. My advice: LOOK AT THE CAR IRL and take a test-drive for a fw days and you will be smitten also, I am sure. And the quality is soo great.

Very good review! I think many car journalists, youtubers and influensers misunderstand the concept of the roadster. I myself an owner of a 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG think that is sad... You could perhaps do an episode where you define the roadster and the sportscar. I see my car as a GT with a folding top but not a sportscar even though it has performance to match a few. What is your take on the roadster vs the sportscar? Happy New Year! P.S. If you are in Sweden - shout out if you want to test a SLK55 AMG (R172) with all the AMG packages and an open exhaust.

Don’t worry about the wind noise . I have a cold so cannot smell anything.

I recently bought a Boxster 986 3.2S. Originally I was considering a Z4, but couldn't believe I could get a 986 for around 30% less than the Z4 35i. I think you're absolutely spot on to say they are totally different beasts and comparing to the Boxster is utterly pointless. As you said, the comparison to the SLK (which i've owned) is much fairer. Before I purchased my 986 I had it independently inspected by a guy who is a Porsche specialist. When I mentioned to him that I had been considering the Z4, he pulled a disapproving expression. I probed a little and he said the chassis isn't strong enough and that if you put one up on the jack points, it will flex enough that the door often wont open. To the trained eye, he said you can see the whole car bend a little. If you're looking for a no-frills thoroughbred sports car experience, and are willing to take the possible expense of maintaining an older car, go for a Boxster all day long. If you want more comfort and luxury with all the mod-cons, go for an SLK or a Z4. This review is spot on, they should be considered totally separate categories.

I’d go for the Z4M Coupe anytime, with the Eibach Pro springs. Better comfort & looks too.

I own a 2015 Z4 35i and you pretty much hit the nail on the head about everything. The Z4 is mainly a luxury GT car that happens to be somewhat tight around corners. I test drove a new Boxster S before I got it, and realized the Z4 makes a better daily driver. If you're just looking for a weekend or track car then the Boxster is definitely the way to go. Winters and long and snowy here so my hardtop is up most of the time and that was another factor, because I personally hate the look of the Boxster with the roof up.

I drove an e89 28i and a gt86 back to back today. GT86 had WAY better handling (steering better and it stuck like glue apart from the playful back end) and sounded nicer to my ears (though not as much grunt to the noise as the zed). The 86 felt like getting on a roller-coaster but the interior is so drab, jayemm was right when he said you really have to commit to wanting a drivers car with it cos you can get so much more for you money. I'd say the e89 was about 80% as fun as the gt86. Steering was lacking in feedback, however it had much more power. The drop top definitely adds to the fun. The e89 is much more comfortable and has a much nicer interior. It would definitely be the easier car to live with. Verdict: Gt86 for weekend toy if you can deal with or prefer not having a drop top. E89 if you want a daily driver that still puts a smile on your face (I'll be getting the zed!)

I just brought a z4m and it’s been amazing.

So if you don't want a true analog sports car like the E85/86 Z4M with an 8K rpm naturally aspirated engine and 6 speed manual - buy the Z4 SDrive 35iS, cruise in "drive", and be comfy to your heart's content.

Try driving that Z4-M class in Los Angeles. Punishing you say? Quad triple that over here. But I still love it.

I'd like to see you try the new one. From what you describe this car sounds like a nice relaxing car to cruise around in. That would be nice enough a lot of the time. However, I need more so when I want to trash it I have an amazing exhilarating time. Would your opinion change much with a few modifications like suspension etc? The way you describe it sounds like its more a car for an older gent or business man. I guess MX-5 / Boxster would be better for me. A car with a split personality disorder. I don't tend to like cars that feel big and wide either on narrow roads. The 981 Boxster felt pretty wide and big to me.

That was a great review. I currently have the E89 30i (which I love, by-the-way). Actually, I like it so much that am going to buy a 2016 35iS... Like you said, it's not a go-cart like some other sports cars, but you can get in this car and drive literally 1,000 miles, get out, and your body doesn't hurt at all; anywhere; knees, back, etc.. It feels like you have been driving a 4,500 lb 1979 Oldsmobile. The closest thing I can compare the Z4 to (from personal experience) is my old Twin-Turbo Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4; which also had a great combination of acceleration, speed, handling, nice looking interior, and comfort. I wonder if this SDrive35iS BMW twin turbo engine is as bullet-proof as the 3.0L in my VR-4?? I take care of my engines, but love to push them to their recommended limits.

I love my Z4MC, I’m not sure how you get frustrated with it, I don’t find it stiff in the slightest. My 130i suspension is way more stiff. Daily drive my coupe without any problems. You sure yours didn’t have stiffer springs fitted?

194.750 km on the clock and still loving it :)

Best colour, I have an M135i of the same generation in the same shade

Got a choice 306hp 18in v 340hp 19in. Is there much in it?

750hp with tdo 4 turbos at $1200 if you fit yourself a massive upgrade, will blow supercars away, the N54 a rock solid engine with just a few upgrades.

Good review. I own the E89 28i and it is definitely fun in the corners with the manual box and a 5 second to sixty in the straights. I have driven many other BMWs (no E85) but the E89 has been the most fun. I think the Boxster / E85 is like my MINI. Very fun and precise but may be too harsh for public roads. I would still take the E89 and it's metal roof over a Boxster or Cayman. The BMW E89 looks like a super model next to the Porsches.

E85 z4 was a sports car, so was the Boxster. This is more of a Grand Tourer, half way towards a 6 series.

Seeing as you've had both jay...e46 m3 or z4m? as an m3 owner I can say it's not as crashy and hard as your describing the z4m to be.

Good video

I’d love a video on the 135i convertible, pretty much the same engine as this but more cabin space. I’m heavily considering one. I “need” a fun 2+2 RWD manual convertible, was looking at 997 cabs to begin with but might take a bit more saving up for a nice one.

u gotta to love inline sixes..

Thank you bro Dose anyone know about BMW Z4 2012 v6 turbocharger Any common problem with this car?

My brother has a 23i and it is every bit the cruiser as this is, however, since it's slower, it doesn't fall apart as much when you're pushing it Though my money would go to a Z4M with some aftermarket coilovers with the dampers soften up

i have an e85 Z4 3.0i 6-speed manual and it’s way more fun than those newer ones. the M is a jump beyond that and it’s a diamond in the rough

Jay, good to c u test driving other cars. I have both a evora and a z4 like toe one ur driving here but the citrus package. Ur review is spot on. Z4 never gives me the cornering confidence of evora but in sport mode the paddle shifts work so much better with the dual clutch.

Well. I know a guy who builds n54 motors. His shop is near Birmingham, AL The most power I've seen him get out of an n54 was 1200 hp to the crank. Imagine that in a Z4 35i!! It wouldn't be just be better than the z4m it would blow it away.

You have to put it in Sport + . Mine is very stiff in sport + with no traction control. If you leave it in the the standard mode it is a boat. Sport + with traction control off is very aggressive in the shifting. You did ZERO justice to it. While it is nothing like my NSX it is surprising in the most aggressive modes. With a performance flash it can be a beastly tourer.

from 12.55 onwards... no holding back! the owner must have enjoyed listening to that!

Very much for the TT/SLK driver. I’d personally got for a 981 Cayman S.

I'd take this over a boxter... Comfy when you need it to be, fast when you want it to. Plus itl beat a boxter of the same price in a straight line, which lets be honest is the only time youll ever be against a porsche on the roads. Very tunable

I have a previous gen E86 3.0si Coupe, the engine down from the Z4M engine. Still kicks out 265hp and 0-60 in 5.6 but that also has a pretty harsh ride, although great fun in the twisties. I keep seeing the newer model and I try hard to like it but the rear lets it down IMO. The original Z4 Coupe, whether M or not, still looks amazing from the rear / side, ignoring the Angry Bird Pig front end. Fact you get best of both worlds with removal lid a real bonus on the newer gen but still, I'll stick to the hardtop older Coupe for now, it's 'proper'!

I have been working for some time trying too convince my wife that it’s her idea to have one of these as her next car😉. But I also have to convince her that I don’t want her to have one of them because only then will she insist I have to get her one 😂👍🏽

I owned both simultaneously. Z4m is a true driver’s car, e89 is a bmw-badged slk. I still miss my z4m, and yet disappointed by whole e89 generation.

I'm on my 2nd set of Goodyear F1, can recommend them. But no matter what tyres, can feel a bit unstable on rough roads with it's wooden steering. And manual box a bit notchy, would love to try an auto.

Funny reading the inevitable Porschists comments "I'd rather a Boxter or Cayman". Lol. The Z4M is a pure sports, punishing as a daily but with bags of character and very competent in the right hands. OEM suspension was a little misguided (too soft and not enough "civilian geometry") as it was a sports car that wanted GT credentials (but was not so good at that) but also was a little porky for a sports car. Still a hell of a lot more fun and much faster that a Cayman. Good accurate video, thanks.

The e89 is pure art.

Nice vid. i would disagree on the 35iS as better than the old Z4M. from the vid, the car does not have soul. It was summed up well when Jay sad - pull a button; then the car up shifts or down shift.. BMW should be the ultimate driving machines, not the ultimate POSH machines.

what would happen to the handeling if you put some nice coilovers one?

It needs stiffer springs and ARB's to make it handle and feel like a real sports car in the bends.

Where's the poll? Anyway, I'm afraid it'd still have to be Porsche in that segment. Maybe a 2nd hand Cayman or Boxster with the 6-cylinder engine.

i have a 2003 3l z4 which is so visceral and raucous. feels more powerful than my other car amg c 63

I would have one of these in a heartbeat but the N54 scares me a bit, need to accumulate more of an "oh shit" fund

I'd buy the SLK or SLC now, if it was a daily driver. In fact, that may be my next car. The BMW is still not quite as refined and the Porsche is better as a weekend car.

FYI if the cars giving 370BHP on a dyno, it has a stage one ECU map

"They understand it in Munich" had me laughing so hard 😂😂😂

just remapped my 35is....now have 369 rampant horses under my bonnet... when the roof is down, and in the boot with the back window, the traction is unbelievable.. bring on any boxerS... . M-power all the way.......

I still dont understand why BMW made the gear shift pedals that way.... left is down / right is up anyday!

These are stupid beautiful

I'm a very happy owner of a Z4M and I hope to keep it for as long as I possibly can. BUT... there is one critical mod that one must get to truly enjoy their Z4M. And that... is another car. Commuting day in and day out, made me begin to hate my M. I picked up a B5 S4 to commute in and now LOVE my M. The S4 is supple, fun, a little squishy at times, but truly enjoyable. It's like a bottle of Pino that both my wife and I can pick up and enjoy any time. The M is a hairy bottle of whiskey. You look at the bottle and admire it, but you kinda don't want to touch it during the work week. I like the feeling of getting out of the S4 and into the M and back. Keeps me appreciating both cars. More importantly, it keeps me loving that M.

You're also driving a nodded z4 jay. I drove one that was stock with OEM run flats and the drive quality was not fun. Very stiff and bumpy ride and felt like there were no dampers. Of course this can be fixed with better tires and some coilovers but a stock z4 is not a luxurious ride. Boxster is a much better roadster or even a miata.

This looks like the car that can bridge the gap from an E85 to a 981 Boxster (pricewise).

Did the car in this review have standard suspension or M adaptive suspension? Standard suspension is said to be rather soft, but M adaptive suspension varies with the mode you are in. If you are in normal its really soft and floaty(softer than standard). Good around town. Sport is the middle setting: stiffens up a bit. Sport+ is alot stiffer, according to Bmw near the levels of Z4M. i own a fully optioned havana brown e89 35i so i do know what im talking about :) Never owned a z4m though...

Plenty of room in the Z4 - less pies and you'll be fine.... Manual gear box is excellent in the BMW and of course much more reliable...

What does the M stand for?