UPDATED: Added a few more details to the review; summary section.
The 2004 BMW Z4, largely unchanged from the 2003 edition, is a hoot to drive, gets decent gas mileage (largely irrelevant for roadsters, but what the heck), and attracts attention. Some missing standard features otherwise detract from an excellent package.
Exterior Styling and Features
Initially a love/hate deal, I've grown to like the Z4's exterior styling. If nothing else, its unique appearance will garner attention from pedestrians and fellow motorists, especially with the top down. The long-ish nose, when I'm sitting in the cockpit, appears to rise slightly before falling off at the nose. It reminds me of roadsters from three decades ago.
The optional xenon headlights adequately light up the road and are auto-leveling. I can't say whether they are worth the upgrade price over standard halogen lamps.
The tail is perhaps the least attractive part of the car, with a slight "duck tail" on the trunk (boot) lid. A small notch on the inside lip of the lid offers a place to grab onto, in order to close the trunk. It's rarely a one-motion maneuver, though; I always have to push down on the duck tail to fully close the trunk. If you pull hard/fast enough on the notch, you could close it in one stroke.
BMW claims that owners can fit two golf bags in the Z4's trunk. Who are they kidding? I think the number is closer to 1.5, and only if they aren't the really huge golf bags.
The convertible top requires the premium package in order to be fully automatic, but the motor requires only 10 seconds (give or take 1) to open or close the top. A few plastic guards in the top, when it's up, cause rattling noises if the road is not smooth. Distracting. Wind noise is lower than my expectations, though there is a small "gap" between the window and the rubber seal, so I can hear a definite whistling sound at speeds over 65 MPH.
Another (minor) disappointment is the sound of the door closing. I'm pretty used to the determined sound of a Mercedes Benz door closing. The BMW, on the other hand, had a door that sounds like it's taken out of a 5 year old Ford Focus (actually, Focus might have a better sound).
Engine and Transmission
I selected the 6-speed SMG transmission as a compromise between the directness of a manual and the convenience of an automatic.
If you're not familiar with SMG, it's a 6-speed manual with a computer-controlled electro-hydraulic clutch. The car has no clutch pedal, yet there is no "forward creep" when the brakes are released. The shifter is rather simple: center is neutral; pull to the left and up is reverse; push to the right is drive. Tap to the right again and the transmission goes into full-auto mode, where gear changes are completely handled by the car.
Once the transmission is in drive, I tap the shifter towards the front of the car to downshift and towards the rear to upshift. Paddle shifters are mounted to the steering wheel, so I don't have to use the center-mounted shifter to up/downshift. It's worth noting that the paddle motions are different compared to Ferrari's; pull on either side to upshift and push on either side to downshift. I suspect that BMW's implementation for the Z4 is unique, even compared to the M3's SMG transmission.
The steering feels overboosted for a car of a sporting nature but still provides decent feedback. The console contains a "Sport" button. When engaged, the steering boost is reduced, increasing steering effort and (presumably) road feedback. I can attest that the steering effort is dramatically increased, but I can't sense the road any better. Throttle response is improved, as well, making the 225 HP 3.0 in-line 6 even harder to keep under posted speed limits.
The engine never makes a large racket, but BMW has designed what some call an engine "subwoofer". Essentially an audio conduit from the engine bay into the cockpit, the subwoofer is supposed to give more of a roadster, be-one-with-the-machine experience. Anyway, the engine makes a nice gurgling sound and pop when I release the throttle, and the grunt when the RPMs are in the 1500-2500 range sound quite satisfying.
There is definitely more than enough power to spin the rear tires in turns (not that I've done that - the stability control kicks in before it happens, but it can be turned off). The sport package lowers the ride and shods the car in 18" rims, making the ride firm but never too uncomfortable on Northern California roads.
Interior Styling and Features
The use of brushed aluminum trim gives the Z4 a sporty look within, and it's much thicker and solid-feeling than the trim in my 2003 Infiniti FX35.
The Z4 with convenience package comes with the standard array of stuff: auto-dimming mirrors, auto-headlight control, and automatic air conditioning. Oddly enough, an alarm system is not standard with the Z4, though the starter immobilizer is standard. The BMW alarm system, which works with the BMW key-transmitter, is extra. It was a real surprise to me when I learned this, since most luxury makes today have alarms with remotes as standard equipment.
The instrument binnacle contains two large binocular-like gauges (speedometer and tachometer). I'm 6 feet tall and have no problem with gauge visibility. The speedo also contains an amber LCD, which displays mileage, outside temperature, and trip-computer-related data, though I have to switch between them via a stalk-mounted button. Between the speedo and tach are some warning indicators and a this-is-your-gear LCD (very useful with the SMG - see above).
The standard leather seats are some of the most comfortable I've sat in. However, in tight turns they do not hold me in place very well - I find the side bolstering somewhat lacking. The M-style seating arrangement should solve that problem. Long distance cruising should be comfortable, but thigh support may be found lacking.
Carver provides the amplification for some of the speakers in the 10-speaker, single-CD audio system - standard equipment for the 3.0i Z4. Quality is decent with the top up; a bit less than decent with the top down. The woofers located behind the seats do generate audible and tactile "kicks" when the music wants it. But when the top is down, it doesn't really matter that much.
Bluetooth is supposed to be part of the offering, so that drivers can use their Bluetooth-enabled cell phones with the car's integrated audio system. Unfortunately, I have BMW Assist (similar to On Star), which conflicts with the Bluetooth module. Rumor has it this problem will be resolved in a future release.
Parting Words
While the roadster's styling isn't for everyone and lack of a standard audible/visible alarm system for a $40,000 car is unthinkable, the BMW Z4 3.0i is 3000 pounds of most excellent driving entertainment. There's plenty of power on tap to get the driver in trouble, and the low ride height and BMW 3-series suspension makes carving up asphalt while picking some groceries a joy (just don't spill the milk). Don't say I didn't warn you.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 39500
Condition: New Model Year: 2004 Model and Options: 3.0i, SMG, Convenience, Premium, Sport, Xenons
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