CarConnection drives the BMW Z4 sDrive30i

Most of the 2009 BMW Z4 reviews we have seen lately focused entirely on the high-end roadster model, the sDrive35i. Our friends and once almost partners over at TheCarConnection decided to give some love to the “step brother” as well, the 3.0 liter in-line six model. While we all love the twin-turbo 3.0 liter engine, the truth of the matter is that many of us might have to settle for the less powerful, but still amazing, sDrive30i.

Sporting the same bodystyle as the top Z4 roadster, the BMW Z4 sDrive30i outputs 255 horsepower, plenty for many BMW fans. But don’t worry, for those of you looking to hear more about the sDrive35i, the fellows at TheCarConnection decided to combine both test drives into a single article. Talk about spoiling you……

In most types of driving, there’s not a huge difference in performance between the 30i and the 35i, though they have very different character. The 35i has a nice, linear throttle response, yet it’s incredibly responsive; peak torque is achieved at just 1400 rpm and maintained all the way up to 5000 rpm. Peak torque for the naturally aspirated engine comes at 2600 rpm. With the manual transmission, we found ourselves driving the two models quite differently; you’re rewarded if you rev the 30i’s engine all the way up to redline, but revving the 35i’s turbo engine past 6000 rpm doesn’t make the thrust all that much more urgent.

In most types of driving, there’s not a huge difference in performance between the 30i and the 35i, though they have very different character. The 35i has a nice, linear throttle response, yet it’s incredibly responsive; peak torque is achieved at just 1400 rpm and maintained all the way up to 5000 rpm. Peak torque for the naturally aspirated engine comes at 2600 rpm. With the manual transmission, we found ourselves driving the two models quite differently; you’re rewarded if you rev the 30i’s engine all the way up to redline, but revving the 35i’s turbo engine past 6000 rpm doesn’t make the thrust all that much more urgent.