BMW's Z4 Gets Its Props

by Thane Peterson

Editor's Rating:

The Good: Flame-surface styling, handling, plenty of trunk space

The Bad: Flame-surface styling, relatively high price

The Bottom Line: A classic sports car that may finally be getting the respect it deserves

Reader Reviews

Spring is upon us and with it the season when a car buyer's thoughts turn to convertibles. For me, that means it's also a good time to say a few kind words about the BMW Z4 Roadster, a great little ragtop two-seater that has never gotten the sales or critical acclaim it deserves. Until recently, at least.

In terms of increased sales, the Z4 is the hottest-selling BMW in the U.S. market so far this year, though admittedly from a small base. Sales of all Z4 models combined soared 90.6%, to 1,906 units, in the first quarter of the year vs. the same period in 2006, partly driven by the addition of the new Z4 Coupe to the lineup. But what I find encouraging is that the plain old Z4 Roadster saw a 68% sales increase during the quarter, an early indication that consumers may be wising up to the fact that this is a much better car than auto reviewers have rated it. If you're looking to splurge on a midlife-crisis car this spring and have a fair amount of money to spend, the '07 Z4 definitely merits a test drive.

One thing I like about the Z4 Roadster is what many reviewers revile it for: its looks. Perish the thought, but the Z4 actually looks different from all the other cars on the road. The Z3, the model the Z4 replaced, had a classic, almost retro, look to it, while the Z4 is perhaps the most unabashed example of BMW designer Chris Bangle's "flame surface" styling, in which the car's sheet metal is sculpted to have multiple surfaces reminiscent of a flickering flame. Adding to its distinctiveness, the Z4 has an extra-long front end and a stubby, humped rear end with an odd little ducktail on the rear deck.

In an age of curvy, rounded vehicles that all look alike, the Z4 is instantly recognizable when you see it coming down the road. But it's a love-it-or-hate-it sort of design that has turned off many BMW aficionados. There are persistent rumors that Bangle's protege, Adrian van Hooydonk, who became chief designer for BMW's car company when Bangle moved upstairs to oversee design for the entire BMW Group, will redo the Z4 for the '09 model year and give it a less radical design. I hope Z4 sales will continue to soar?proving that Bangle's bold design isn't a detriment to the model's commercial prospects.

Exterior styling aside, the Z4 Roadster is a classic sports car?quick, tight-handling, and with a catlike grip on the road. The engine lineup was also upgraded as of the '06 model year, so all versions of the car have plenty of power.

Like any BMW, it isn't cheap. The basic 3.0i, which is powered by a 3.0-liter, 215-hp, inline six-cylinder engine, starts at $37,175, while the more powerful 3.0si, which has a 255-hp, inline six, starts at $43,175. If you prefer a hardtop, the Coupe version of the Z4 3.0si starts at $41,175. And if blinding speed is your priority, the M version of the Z4?which has a 330-hp 3.2-liter engine?starts at $53,875 for the ragtop and $51,875 for the Coupe (see BusinessWeek.com, 7/26/06, "Hard Core Z4").

However, my feeling is that if you want a classic ragtop sports car, you don't necessarily have to spend a lot of money going for the biggest engine and adding bells and whistles to the Z4. You buy a sports car mainly for handling, not raw speed. And going with the entry-level Z4 is a little like going with the BMW 328i rather than the 335i: You give up a little speed and save a lot of money (see BusinessWeek.com, 10/17/06, "BMW's Super Coupe").

If my own money were on the line, I'd go with the basic Z4 3.0i, and about the only option I'd pay up for is the $3,550 Premium package, which includes an automatic convertible top, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, power seats, and a few other add-ons. If you want an automatic transmission, add another $1,275 to the price.

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