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was a replacement for several past Z3’s. The meeting place, the Carding Shed and Oil Can Restaurant at Holmefirth, is always worth a visit. Then after breakfast we set off for our trip, heading for what is probably my favourite road around these parts, “The Strines”. The road links the Stocksbridge Bypass A616 and the renowned Snake Pass A57. The road was resurfaced after being chosen as part of the Tour de France route, and it is a rarity to be able to enjoy a flowing B-road with a billiard table surface. The Z4 didn’t disappoint, and in this environment the car came alive. With the powerful yet light 258-bhp four-cylinder engine set further back than previous six-cylinder Z4’s, the balance for me was near perfect, with the ample power and super reactive eight speed box making light work of the bends and undulations. Our route took us over the Derwent Dam and off towards the Hope Valley and the popular tourist trap that is Castleton. Many admiring glances were cast as we navigated our way through the village and out towards what is one of my favourite locations - “Wynatts Pass”, Derbyshire’s very own Cheddar Gorge. Taking a tea stop at Longnor before setting of for Carsington Water, we yet again enjoyed some fantastic Dale’s roads that offered a few choice opportunities for some arty pictures of our weekend with the new Z4. After parting company with our friends we set off for home. The sensible choice was to head for the Motorway, not the slower more scenic roads of Derbyshire, but having a convertible isn’t always thought of as a sensible choice, but it’s often the most satisfying.
enjoyed top down motoring on my journey back to Marshalls. All in all I did over 360 miles in the car returning 33 mpg, so based on smiles per miles it represents excellent value. If I had to be negative I would have preferred BMW stick to the slatted grill, a BMW trademark for so long and the rear styling will take some getting used to (does my bum look big in this?) and the price at just over £50k for this particular car (£8k worth of extras which I would do without) but to finish on a negative would be unfair. If you look at the Z4 as a twoseater sports car in the same context as an MX-5 it’s an expensive piece of kit, but if you look at it as a rival for the Porsche Boxster or Jaguar F-Type it’s a great car at sensible money. Now that the Z4 has grown up even more, please BMW bridge the gap with a no nonsense Z2 at under £30K (well I can dream). So now back to the E85, well, it was nice whilst it lasted. It’s always more relaxing to be back behind the wheel of your own.
Day 4 Up bright and early and although reluctant to take the Zed back, I took pleasure in giving the car a clean, returning the Alpine White paintwork back to its gleaming best. To return the car, I once again avoided the Motorway and instead www.bmwcarclubgb.uk
BMW Car Club Magazine DECEMBER 2019
47