2006-2008 BMW Z4 3.0si

Pros :
- Look-at-me styling.
- Award-winning BMW in-line six.
- Luxurious interior.
- Great handling.
- Useful trunk.

Cons :
- Visibility through rear window.
- Exterior design still controversial.
- Expensive little car.
- Hard ride quality.
- Lots of faster and cheaper competitors.

Interior :

---

---

Press Coverage :
In 2006, BMW engineers and designers gave the Z4 its first major evolution. Heading an extensive list of updates and improvements were all-new, more powerful engines; 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions available on all models; more powerful brakes, standard 17-inch wheels and tires across the board, and a more advanced Dynamic Stability Control system.
And last year BMW introduced the Z4 Coupe 3.0si. As the Series' first closed-body model, the new Coupe encloses its two seats and a larger cargo area in a graceful fastback body that retains the Z4's unique aesthetic character while looking expressively new.
When BMW's structural engineers were developing the Z4, they created a body/chassis structure with exceptional stiffness for a roadster. In its lower-body contours, the Coupe corresponds mostly to the Z4, with its refined front end and hood lines; long-hood, cabin-back proportions; and double beltline in profile view. Even stronger in its aesthetic impact is the fastback roofline. This hatch, including the entire roof from the rear window's top edge to the bumper, opens wide and high to provide excellent access to a relatively roomy cargo area that can accommodate two golf bags.
In its interior design, the Coupe adopts the primary design themes and materials of the Roadster 3.0si. BMW's "High Performance" leather upholstery is standard; the seats, upper door-panel inserts, console-side kneepads and center armpad are in this leather and it is available in four color schemes: Saddle Brown, Black, Dream Red/Black and Beige. Brushed-aluminum trim highlights the dash and console; Poplar wood trim is available at no extra cost in Light or Dark tone. The Coupe features a cloth headliner, in Gray or Beige according to interior color scheme, and the A-pillar trim is also distinct from that of its Roadster counterpart. The available Extended Leather upholstery is described under Options.
As in the Roadster, sport seats, with prominent cushion and backrest side bolsters to support occupants during energetic driving, are standard. Their standard adjustment is 6-way manual; available in the Premium Package or as a stand-alone option is 8-way power adjustment, with memory for the driver's seat. M sport seats, also described under Options, are available in combination with the Sport Package.
The steering wheel has manual tilt/telescopic adjustment. A contemporary instrument cluster, with white-on-gray analog speedometer and tachometer, includes LED indicators in the dial faces and between the dials; fuel and temperature gauges are set into the tachometer face.
Last year the Z4 Series became the first European cars to win the coveted THX Certification for their premium audio system. THX engineers worked closely with BMW to analyze Z4 models' cabin acoustics, speakers and other audio components to determine whether they perform to THX standards. They did; the result is a THX Certified Premium Sound System that is designed to deliver a music experience as the artist intended. In the closed-body environment of the Coupe, this system promises even more enjoyable listening. It includes a reception-enhancing diversity antenna system, and an iPod adapter kit is available to broaden the range of audio inputs.
Most vehicle manufacturers' 6-cylinder engines are in the V-6 format, whose compactness is advantageous for small or midsize cars with front-wheel drive. By contrast, BMW's inline 6-cylinder engines are brilliant for their smoothness and sound, and BMW customers as well as professional auto critics have come to treasure them for these attributes. BMW has retained this inline format while developing it toward reduced weight, more compact dimensions - and even more brilliant performance, smoothness and sound. An increase in fuel efficiency and even tighter control of emissions were also set as goals for the engine.
The result of this quest is a generation of 6-cylinder engines, called N52. Compared to its predecessor, the M54 engine family, the N52 achieves notable progress on all fronts, including greater power, 255 hp vs. 225 hp, and geater torque, 220 lb-ft. vs. 214. It uses Valvetronic variable valve lift, a step beyond variable valve timing. Valvetronic varies lift to a far greater degree than other variable-lift systems; indeed, this concept varies lift so extensively that it replaces the traditional engine throttle; engine breathing is controlled by the valves rather than a throttle or throttles.
For '07, all Z4 models come standard with a 6-speed. There's also good news for those who like their shifting automated - at least part of the time. Last year, the Z4 joined the other BMW Series in offering a 6-speed automatic; compared to the previous 5-speed it's fully 10% lighter, has a more efficient torque converter and new shift programming for improved responsiveness, actually operates with fewer internal clutches, and can reduce fuel consumption, particularly at cruising speeds when 6th gear is in frequent use. As with other current BMW automatics, the STEPTRONIC feature offers drivers a choice of Normal, Sport and Manual modes.
Z4 front and rear suspension systems are evolutions of the technology that has given BMW's M3s their award-winning road capabilities. At the front, this means strut-type front suspension and at the rear is a multi-link system.
Uniquely among BMWs, Z4 steering is assisted by an electric servo motor instead of a conventional hydraulic pump.
The Coupe benefits from the same enhanced braking system as on the Roadster 3.0si. Front brakes are 12.8-in. diameter and rear brakes are 11.6-in. diameter. The brake rotors are ventilated all around.
The Coupe shares the Roadster 3.0si's wheel and tire three lines sizing and speed ratings, but adopts a distinctive wheel design for its optional Sport Package. Standard are 17 x 8.0 wheels all around. Tires are 225/45R-17 performance rubber with a W speed rating. Sport Package adds 18x 8.0 front/18 x 8.5 rear, wearing 225/40R-18 front / 255/35R-18 rear W-rated performance tires. All Z4s come exclusively with run-flat tires, which obviate any need for roadside tire changes or a spare. User convenience and cargo space benefit.
All current BMW models have Dynamic Stability Control, which provides a wide range of traction and stability functions. Like the latest 3 and 5 Series models, Z4s come with an enhanced DSC system that adds driver-relevant braking functions for safer and more pleasant driving.
Premium Package combines luxury and convenience features plus BMW Assist, a system of customer services and in-car telematics. Its contents include Xenon headlights with auto-leveling and luminous rings, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, leather, navigation and more.
BMW USA

A few slip-ups here. The first part of the steering's movement is slow-witted and vague, which makes this wide car feel even wider and sometimes hard to place accurately. Also, if the driving seat is set low as befits a sporting drive, shorter people can't see the bottom part of the minor dials. Otherwise the Z4 is easy to drive: both manual gearchanges are very smooth and easy, and the switchgear is simple and logical to use with nothing remotely like an iDrive system to learn - the Z4 isn't complex enough to need one. Dynamic Drive Control, which sharpens steering and throttle response, is standard in the UK. With it switched off, the steering is light and easy; switch it on and there's more heft to the helm. Electrically assisted power steering systems are lighter than hydraulic ones and save on fuel, but can lack feedback. Not so much with the Z4's, though, which is one of the best electric systems on the market. Why just three stars? The Z4 is almost great fun, thanks to its powerful engine, excellent chassis balance, rear-wheel drive and strong roadholding, but the steering responds too slowly from straight-ahead to make it a really precise, invigorating drive. Once the Z4 is turned into a bend the steering sharpens up and with DDC engaged, it becomes much heavier - that contrast can be unsettling. The Z4 is most rewarding on tight, twisty roads where you're hauling it round bend after bend, rather than gently deflecting it off course.
Channel 4 UK

Too right it is. The car has so much power it’s actually quite difficult to change gear smoothly. You think that’s the price of lightening quick gearchanges when accelerating hard. Yet, perversely, it’s also difficult to make quick gearchanges. And the quicker you go, the lighter the steering becomes, making the car tricky to aim accurately through fast corners. With that light steering, neither of us felt inclined to switch off the ESP. The trick variable diff digs in hard at the back. Yet still, as a driver, you’re conscious of just not being able to pilot the car smoothly. And as a passenger you feel like the co-driver in a rally car. It’s also very noisy, but instead of listening to an orchestra your ears get assaulted and battered by a hard rock band. So yes, it’s quick. I’ve no doubt it does do 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and 0 to 1,000 metres in 23.7 seconds. Comfortably ahead of the 300bhp Nissan 350Z, for example. But I for one did not feel anything like as confident as I did driving Nissan’s squashed toad. I can only guess it’s something to do with the BMW’s aerodynamics allowing too much lift at the front.
Honest John

---

---

History:
2003-2006 BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0i
2,979 cc / 225 hp / 214 lb-ft / 2995-3050 lbs / 0-60 mph 5.4 sec.
1996-2002 BMW Z3 Roadster 3.0i
2,979 cc / 225 hp / 214 lb-ft / 2910-2998 lbs / 0-60 mph 5.6 sec.