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BMW Z4 3.0i - BMW Z4 Car Review

Review

Added: 03 Nov 2003
Last update: 24 Dec 2009

JUST coincidence of course, but having driven BMW's slick new Z4 roadster to the cinema I was overcome by a feeling of deja-vu.

It was that vegetarian shark in Finding Nemo, the one who battles with his instinct to proclaim that "fish are friends, not food".

With his brooding menace, Bruce the 'Great White' looked like he could leap off the screen at any moment and sever your head.

He may have a soul mate in the Z4, both visually and under the bonnet, because this is an aggressive-looking car with real meat-on-the-bone performance.

I didn't care much for its predecessor the Z and, to be honest, I'm still not entirely sold on the shape of the Z4, though you have to hand it to the men from Munich for persisting with the quirky two-seater's shape.

What's undisputed is that this range-topping three litre model is a magnificent piece of engineering, putting it right up there in Porsche Boxster territory.

The Z4 arrived in the UK during June with a choice of 2.5 and 3.0 litre six cylinder engines, and within weeks nearly 2,500 had been sold.

Even with last month's launch of an entry-level 2.2 litre version, the waiting list already stretches into May next year.

Why is it so popular? No doubt that blue propeller badge has something to do with it, along with the shark-like presence on the road.

But where the Z4 has made huge strides is in its dynamics. This is a terrific car to drive - with 231bhp on tap and a shedload of torque, its acceleration is fiery while the six-speed manual gearshift affords perfect entry to that power.

Once familiar with the snatchy nature of the clutch, there's marvellous enjoyment to be had from this car. A touch of the Sport button on the centre console activates a Dynamic Driving Control system that delivers quicker acceleration and reduced power steering assistance, making for a more involving drive.

The motorway, though, is where this BMW really excels. Not only is the ride relaxing for a sports car, but it's also very comfortable and devoid of wind noise.

What you do hear is that lovely roadster roar courtesy of something they call the 'Engine Sound System', designed to transmit engine pressure tones into the passenger compartment.

Of course there are a few criticisms. The car's long snout takes some getting used to, especially when parking, and while the interior is beautifully appointed, I like neither the brushed aluminium dash nor the shiny steering wheel spokes.

What's unmatched is the speed of the world's fastest retracting electric roof. At the touch of a button it lowers in a fraction more than 10 seconds.

Standard kit on the 3.0i is comprehensive, though it's still possible to bump up the bill with options. For instance a six CD changer adds £275 to the tab, sat-nav another £1,755, park distance control £275 and xenon headlamps a further £395.

But the likes of the wind deflector at £160 and storage compartment at £50 should really be included in the asking price.

BMW has been building roadsters since the 328 first appeared in 1938, so the heritage is firmly in place. The Z4 is certain to continue a sequence of almost continual success.

FAST FACTS

BMW Z4 3.0i

Price: £30,855 on the road

Mechanical: 231bhp, 2,979cc 6-cylinder 24-valve petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 155mph

0-62mph: 5.9 secs

Combined mpg: 31.0

Insurance group: 19

CO2 emissions: 221g/km

BiK rating: 28%

Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 6yrs anti-rust.

Words: Mike Torpey

Keywords: bmw, z4


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