2008 BMW Z4 Review

PROS  Go-kart handling, Zippy engine, Stunning looks

CONS  Firm ride, No back seat, Minimal cargo room and interior storage

If you think of cars as a fashion accessory, the BMW Z4 is gold tennis bracelet--certainly not a necessary accoutrement, but perhaps the eye candy that completes the ensemble. While the Z4 is anything but eye candy from behind the wheel, it does posses attention-grabbing style that demands to be noticed and is sure to garner top spot in most valet parking lots.

Two seaters like the Z4 occupy a very small niche within the automotive landscape. They are second cars, often weekend-only transports that require owners to make compromises and, of course, part with disposable income. Competitors include the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Pontiac Solstice, Porsche Boxster, and Saturn Sky.

BMW's Z4 is available in coupe or convertible form. Both are rear-wheel drive two seaters with six-cylinder engines. The $36,400 3.0i convertible comes with a 215-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline six. The $40,400 si coupe and $42,400 si convertible get a 255-horsepower version of that same engine. The high-performance M model starts at $50,100 and comes with a 330-horsepower, 3.2-liter inline six. All come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. 3.0i and 3.0si are also available with a six-speed automatic transmission that lists for $1,275.

Standard safety features include antilock four-wheel disc brakes, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, and dual-front, front-side, and knee airbags. Convertibles also get integrated rollover protection bars. A rear-view monitor and park assist are not available.

3.0i models come with air conditioning, tilt-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, height-adjustable bucket seats, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital-media player connection, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/45R17 run-flat tires, and alloy wheels. 3.0si models add automatic climate control, leather upholstery, center console, aluminum interior trim, THX sound system, and trip computer.

M models drop the cruise control and THX sound system and add HID headlamps with washers, sport suspension, 225/45R18 front tires, and 255/40R18 rear tires. All convertibles come with a fabric soft top that includes a heated-glass rear window. Power operation is standard on the M, optional on other models. Key options include a navigation system, Bluetooth cell-phone connection and a Sport Package for 3.0i and 3.0si models. It includes a driver-selectable sport mode, sport suspension, 225/40R18 front and 255/35R18 rear run-flat tires, and unique alloy wheels. A bolt-on hardtop is available for convertibles as a dealer-installed accessory.

All Z4s have a $775 destination charge and are assembled in BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina factory that also builds the BMW X5.

Get Up and Go  With 255 horsepower on tap the Z4 3.0si is never short on power. The engine pulls smartly away from stoplights and has strong passing power regardless of transmission. BMW quotes a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds, that's class competitive and surely won't embarrass in the stoplight grand prix. Buyers wanting more pep might choose the high-strung M, those preferring less will be happy with the power of the 3.0s.

The inline design is rare among six-cylinder engines. In an inline engine, the cylinders are arranged in a single row rather than in two rows. While an inline six isn't as compact as a V6, the design makes for an engine that's inherently balanced when operating. That smoothness is immediately obvious from the first turn of the key (or push of the starter button). The engine willingly revs up to redline with a silky growl that lacks any hint of typical V6 rasp.

Complementing the inline six is a delightful six-speed manual transmission. That's refreshing in today's age of computer-controlled automatics and paddle shifters. The fun-to-drive manual sports short throws, a firm clutch, and well-spaced ratios. The manual transmission also incorporates a hill-holder clutch that eases takeoffs on inclined surfaces.

The Z4's rear-wheel-drive design and light weight conspire to make traction an issue on slippery surfaces. Thankfully, traction control is standard on all models, its effective but only to a point. Care should be taken when driving the Z4 on wet roads. If you plan to drive on snow or ice-covered roads, snow tires are a must.

The 3.0si with manual is EPA rated at 18 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Those numbers fall mid-pack among two-seat sports coupes. Four-cylinder competitors like the MX-5 Miata, Solstice, and Sky have higher ratings, but V6-powered competitors have lower ratings. BMW claims that all Z4 engines require premium-grade gasoline.

In real-world driving the Z4 is quite frugal. Daily commuters will likely average about 21 mpg. If your drive includes lots of low-stress highway cruising, expect to average better then 25 mpg. Straight highway driving is likely to yield 27 mpg.

On the Road  With three distinct models to choose from, Z4 buyers have a choice when it comes to ride comfort--as long as that choice includes the word firm. The 3.0i is the most softly sprung and has the most forgiving tires, the 3.0si places more emphasis on sport, and the M is downright hard. No Z4 rides with the smoothness of a typical family sedan--or most sports coupes for that matter. However, the ride quality is appropriate for the class.

Given its compact dimensions, grippy tires, and sport-tuned suspension, the Z4 may be the best handling BMW in the stable. The steering is direct and has a very low boost level that's great when the road grows twisty. The brakes are arrestingly strong with an easy to modulate pedal. The wide tires grip dry roads with tenacity. Body lean is minimal.

Regardless of model, there's plenty of engine and road noise. Not so much so that casual conversation is interrupted, but you may have to turn the radio up a notch or two on the highway. Top down, convertible passengers suffer from some wind turbulence at highway speed, but no more than in other two-seat rag tops.

Overall the Z4 has the feel of a grown up go-kart with the rough edges smoothed just enough to make it tolerable in day-to-day driving. Enthusiasts will feel most comfortable with the 3.0si's blend of comfort and sport while weekend-warriors might want to consider the uber-performance M.

Behind the Wheel  The Z4's cockpit is cozy but quite functional. Gauges and controls are placed for ease of access and overall functionality. Materials are appropriate for the class, but subdued rather than flashy. The standard audio and climate controls are conveniently placed on the center stack. The optional navigation system confuses controls a bit takes some getting used to.

Seats are typical BMW firm and highly bolstered. That's a boon for track driving, but not so comfortable on longer trips. Surprisingly, head and leg room are quite good, perhaps the best in the class, and it's easy to find a relaxed diving position thanks to the infinitely adjustable tilt-telescope steering wheel.

The Z4's low-slung stance and long doors take some getting used to. Instead of just sliding into the seat, it's more of a controlled fall. Getting out is also a big step up. Outward visibility is restricted by the low roofline. Coupe models get a smallish rear window and convertibles suffer from large blind spots to the rear three quarters.

Honestly, no Z4 is going to carry much, but both the convertible and coupe have decent-sized trunks for two seaters--the coupe's being slightly larger. One golf bag and a couple soft-sided overnight bags is the useful limit. Interior storage is also marginal. There are a couple of roomy bins behind the seats in the center console, but they are hard to access. Otherwise, there's a single center console bin and a small glove box. Cup holders are mounted outboard at the edges of the dash. It's an interesting location, but they only hold cans or narrow bottles.

Bottom Line  I can't think of any reason why anyone would actually need a BMW Z4, or any other two-seat convertible. Yet, the car is appealing on so many levels. On one hand, it's frugal with fuel, has adequate cargo room, and isn't a chore to drive in traffic. On the other, it's a blast to drive when the road grows twisty, is drop-dead gorgeous, and it's exclusive enough to garner top-billing at the country club parking lot.

Of course, the firm ride, noisy engine, and cozy interior aren't for everyone. Still, the Z4 strikes an interesting balance between an all-out sports car like the Chevrolet Corvette or Nissan 350Z and a comfortable cruiser like the Mitsubishi Eclipse or Volkswagen New Beetle. Among direct competitors it's expensive, but also more polished and more rewarding to drive.

If you have the extra income and are looking for a weekend fun car, it's hard to pass on Z4.