It's not all about saving at the pumps, obviously. The 28i reminds me of a Mazda MX-5. Although power is kind of down (old 3.0i: 255 hp), fun is up. The chassis now has less strain to deal with and better manages lateral movements and front-to-back transfers. Steering is excellent and meaty, as is the case with most performance-oriented BMWs. The lighter front end feels livelier (remember, the weight moved backwards) and more alert than the 35is' and that's where the comparison really favours the 28i.
The suspension is perfectly calibrated for track use, however, and based on past experiences (be it an M3, M Coupe or 1M) is well adapted for road application. BMW has a firm grasp on suspension performance and technology that makes even their more aggressive cars easy to deal with on a daily basis.
The brakes are well up to the task. During IMPA’s Test Days at Monticello, the line-up for a go at the Z4 was long. Never was it idle for more than a second. Myself; I went out three times for a romp in the not-so-mellow yellow Z4. There wasn't a moment in which the middle pedal felt soft, despite the repeated assault on the binders from hard diving. Roughly 100 kg separates the 28i from the 35i, and the 35's brakes are not substantially larger than those on the 28. Even so, more brakes do equal more weight, and so stopping prowess is impressive even in the base car.
As for the snug, two-passenger habitat, fit and finish are exemplary. The tested car featured yellow suede and leather inserts, perfectly matching the exterior Atacarna Yellow paint job. The overall style is sporty and oh-so inviting. Before you diss the yellow, sift through the gallery.
The seats are beautifully bolstered and kept me well in control on the track. Working the pedals for impeccable heel-toeing was a cinch, and the shifter's grip and positive action made me want to endlessly swap cogs.
The available multiple seat adjustments allowed for a perfect driving position and a spot-on-piloting, point-and-shoot-vantage view. Speaking of view, looking over the Z4's long-lined bonnet is always good, especially as it darts from apex to apex on the track.
The suspension is perfectly calibrated for track use, however, and based on past experiences (be it an M3, M Coupe or 1M) is well adapted for road application. BMW has a firm grasp on suspension performance and technology that makes even their more aggressive cars easy to deal with on a daily basis.
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| The suspension is perfectly calibrated for track use. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |
The brakes are well up to the task. During IMPA’s Test Days at Monticello, the line-up for a go at the Z4 was long. Never was it idle for more than a second. Myself; I went out three times for a romp in the not-so-mellow yellow Z4. There wasn't a moment in which the middle pedal felt soft, despite the repeated assault on the binders from hard diving. Roughly 100 kg separates the 28i from the 35i, and the 35's brakes are not substantially larger than those on the 28. Even so, more brakes do equal more weight, and so stopping prowess is impressive even in the base car.
As for the snug, two-passenger habitat, fit and finish are exemplary. The tested car featured yellow suede and leather inserts, perfectly matching the exterior Atacarna Yellow paint job. The overall style is sporty and oh-so inviting. Before you diss the yellow, sift through the gallery.
The seats are beautifully bolstered and kept me well in control on the track. Working the pedals for impeccable heel-toeing was a cinch, and the shifter's grip and positive action made me want to endlessly swap cogs.
The available multiple seat adjustments allowed for a perfect driving position and a spot-on-piloting, point-and-shoot-vantage view. Speaking of view, looking over the Z4's long-lined bonnet is always good, especially as it darts from apex to apex on the track.
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| The seats are beautifully bolstered and kept me well in control on the track. (Photo: Michel Deslauriers/Auto123.com) |