Canadian Driver - Test Drive: 2007 BMW Z4 3.0si

Merc1 · 08-27-2007, 04:55 AM

North Vancouver, British Columbia - Like good mac and cheese, sensible shoes and a decent haircut, building an exceptional roadster isn’t exactly rocket science. Follow a simple recipe or formula and before you can scream “Hang on to your bratwurst!” you’re in the fast lane to two-seat Nirvana. A heady cocktail of lightweight materials, sport-tuned chassis and rear-wheel drive topped off with a retractable roof, the roadster’s classic configuration is as timeless as it is simplistic.

One of the most exciting roadsters to be built so far in the 21st Century is the BMW Z8, a sublime aluminum-bodied bullet powered by a 400-horsepower 4.9-litre V8 that in 2000 bested the Ferrari 360 Modena in acceleration, handling and braking. Though fewer than 6,000 Z8s rolled off the Munich final assembly line between 2000 and 2003, the car achieved legendary status during its relatively short lifespan.

The Z8 also achieved parenthood status of sorts, as elements of its chassis and suspension DNA showed up in the 2002 debut of the BMW Z4, the replacement of the oft-criticized Z3. But as so many offspring do, the Z4 came with distinct characteristics all its own, most notably its radical exterior penned by American designer and current Chief of Design for BMW Group Chris Bangle. The 2002 Z4’s so-called “flame surfacing” design, and its brainchild Bangle, would go on to influence the entire BMW line, and by model year 2007, every Bimmer conformed to that aesthetic.

The controversy caused by Bangle’s aggressive styling has pretty much died out today, but it remains a polarizing issue when Bimmer aficionados share a cup of coffee. What has never been disputed — at least by knowledgeable enthusiasts — is the Z4’s successful strict adherence to the simple roadster recipe.

They won’t be disappointed by the 2007 Z4 3.0si.

The 2007 Z4 is the very essence of a classic roadster. “Agile” and “nimble” are the two most recurring adjectives that come to mind when critiquing the roadworthiness of this supple two-seater, though comfortable and stylish aren’t too far behind.

On the negative side of things, “tight” could well be used to describe the cockpit for those six-foot plus in stature, though to be sure, the Z4 convertible doesn’t have nearly the claustrophobic inducing cabin as its coupe stable mate does.

While Z4 3.0i models have a 215-hp 3.0-litre inline six, the 3.0si has the 255 horsepower version. The new engine — said to accelerate the 1400 kilogram car from a standstill to 100 km-h in 5.7 seconds — has the prerequisite roadster-esque power-to-weight ratio, but also a relatively benign fuel consumption rate of 11.3 L/100 km City, and 7.0 L/100 km Highway; though in all honesty, if you drive the 2007 Z4 as it was meant to be driven, the purported consumption numbers seem to go out the window — or at least the twin exhaust pipes.

My tester was outfitted with the manual six-speed gearbox, in my opinion a superior transmission to the optional automatic, though that system’s steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters do add an interesting, and in the right circumstances, exciting driving dynamic. But in my opinion those moments are few and far between, and for everyday driving – both city and highway — I prefer the feeling of a short-throw stick and a somewhat stiff clutch pedal. The Z4 delivers on both counts.

What has always separated the Z4 from the Z3 has been more horses and better suspension, and on that latter count the 2007 Z4 doesn’t disappoint. The Z4’s multi-link suspension — the Z3 featured an inferior semi-trailing arm system — is aided by the car’s short wheelbase, but holds its own when compared to the Porsche Boxster.

Of course, without a stiff chassis, all this marvellous mechanical mayhem is a mute point. Boasting the stiffest body shell in its class, the 2007 Z4 also claims a crash-worthiness factor higher than most vehicles with a fixed roof.

Speaking of roofs, the Z4’s is a dandy, retracting into the rear is less than 10 seconds according to my watch. Blind spots aren’t too bad with the roof up, though as is the case with most roadsters, they are designed to be driven topless.

The interior has simple and easily read gauges, a relatively straightforward climate/audio interface, and an overall minimalistic attitude toward dashboard design: just as it should be in a roadster. Steering wheel controls are part of the package, though I’d be just as happy with a button-free steering wheel.

Likewise, the optional Navigation package will please button pushers, and its integration into the centre console is handled with style and grace considering the somewhat constricted space things need to fit into in the Z4’s cabin.

My tester, with a base price of $60,900, came with the optional sport and premium packages ($2,300 and $3,400 respectively), offering such performance-oriented features as dynamic driving control and M sport seats to such creature comforts as automatic climate control and electric seats with driver memory. Also, the Logic 7 THX certified stereo makes for the perfect sound alternative when you get sick of the sweet, and on downshifts burbling, exhaust note.

All things considered, the 2007 Z4 is the very definition of a roadster. It’s agile. It’s powerful. It’s fast. It eats up corners. And while its exterior isn’t what one would consider classic sports car cool, it does have a personality that is both unique and traditional all at once.

Again, it’s not rocket science. It’s just sticking to a tried and true formula.

- ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

I know there are BMW fans that don't like this model, but it happens to be a mild favorite of mine. The proportions and the general look are great IMO.

M

Mr. M · 08-27-2007, 05:01 AM

The Z4 is for anyone who's into the classic roadster thing. Okay so some lines look a little awkward, but this car makes a statement and yet retains the fundamental roadster cues - a long, seemingly endless bonnet, a rearward cabin and short rear overhang. It looks great, the facelift made it even better. Who doesn't want a straight six BMW roadster? I find it very difficult to answer that.