BMW Z4 2.3i – Another Way to go Topless
The BMW Z4 23i, built as a specked down version of the Z4 35i is a more affordable way to go topless – if you want the great looks of the Z4, but don’t really have the need for speed. Sold by BMW Malaysia for the price of RM411, 800, it is RM147k cheaper to buy than its more powerful big brother, the Z4 35i at RM558, 800. Interior specifications are a step down from the 35i, but the 23i will still be a head turner wherever it goes. Again, just because it is less powerful than the Z4 35i does not mean it is a pussycat on the roads. Imagine a 325i, but with a much lighter body, and that is the type of power you would be getting with the Z4 23i. Also imagine a much lower centre of gravity, and stiffer suspension, and you will get an inkling of how much better it handles, compared to the sedan.
The model numbers in the BMW range are probably the most confusing at the moment; the Z4 35i actually has a 3.0 litre engine capacity, and with twin turbochargers, it is given the model 35i number to differentiate it from a naturally aspirated 3.0 litre engine, which is not available in the Z4 series. The 23i comes with a 2.5 litre naturally aspirated BMW engine that is also found in the 3 Series; why they don’t call the 3.0 litre Z4 the 30i, and the 2.5 litre Z4 the 25i, I really don’t know – but what is important is how it drives and handles, I suppose.
The 23i has equally good driving dynamics, having the same suspension set-up as the 35i, basically a 4-wheel independent arrangement, with heavy usage of aluminium parts to maintain a front: rear balance as close to 50:50 as possible. With a smaller engine, the 23i is 95 kilograms lighter than the 35i, and the smaller capacity also makes it a little slower in the zero to 100 km/h dash – 7.3 seconds versus the 5.1 seconds for the 35i.
Also different is the 6-speed automatic transmission, which is a standard automatic versus the dual clutch transmission of the 35i – I suppose it is necessary to have lower specifications to justify the RM150k lower price. Nevertheless, the 23i has the same Dynamic Driving Control as the 35i, which is essentially a 3-mode driving option activated by the driver through a series of three switches located just beside the gear lever to select NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes. Switching between modes alters the throttle response, level of power assist for the steering, and shift points for the automatic transmission. The SPORT+ mode gives the Z4 true sports car performance and behaviour, whilst the Normal mode is very good for cruising. Sport mode is something in between the two extremes. This is a very thoughtful feature, as it allows one to change the behaviour characteristics of the car to suit ones driving mood.
Driven in isolation, the Z4 23i is just as nice to drive as any BMW – the suspension works in harmony with the chassis, providing pin-point precision through bends; straight line stability is excellent, and clever playing around with the final drive ratios keeps the acceleration respectable. The 204 horsepower engine allows a top speed of 239 km/h, just 11 km/h lower than the electronically limited 250 km/h top speed of the 35i.
Fuel consumption is claimed at 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres for a combined cycle, whilst the urban consumption figure is 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres. During our test session, the on-board computer gave us a reading of 13.7 litres per 100 kilometres, but that was with plenty of hard driving as our test team exploited the car. I would suppose a typical consumption of around 10 to 11 litres per 100 kilometres would be a reasonable figure to expect for the average user.
All things said, I think the Z4 23i is still a great car – and it would be ideal for those who just want the looks, don’t mind the slightly slower acceleration and lower top speed, but want to save the RM150k for something else.
