BMW Z4 2.2
We had hoped that BMW would be able to resist temptation. The omens were good. When they launched the Z4 range, they focused on the meaty 2.5 and 3.
0-litre versions, giving the car a more macho reputation than its predecessor, the Z3, ever enjoyed. The 2.2-litre version that followed rendered the Z4 slightly more affordable but BMW couldnt combat the urge to stretch the brand any further downmarket and a 2.0-litre car joined the ranks.
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To date, the Z4 has been a big success for BMW. Of course, it helps that the car itself is perceived as a winner, several magazines placed it ahead of the erstwhile class leader, the Porsche Boxster in their tests. With the Z3, BMW introduced the weedy 1.9-litre models first, saddling the car with a fey reputation that no end of increasingly powerful versions could shift.
This time round theyve been a little savvier in taking a top down approach. The 2.2-litre car doesnt represent the first rung on the Z4 ladder, its illuminating to consider quite what we get for the £24,850 BMW are asking for it. The 170bhp straight-six engine is one of the better engines in the BMW panoply and there are a number of notables included.
Its got enough mumbo to punt the Z4 from standstill to sixty mph in 7.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 140mph. Although this may not place the Z4 2.2 in the premier league of sports roadsters, its still enough to satisfy most customers.
Whats more, the 210Nm of torque the engine delivers is more than Hondas raucous S2000 can develop. As with its 2.5-litre big brother, the 2.2-litre version is fitted with a manual five-speed gearbox although there is the option of a Steptronic automatic gearbox.
This is a sequential automatic that can mimic a manual but it does sap performance and ups the fuel consumption. Our advice would be to stick with the manual car unless you really are just using your Z4 to tool about the city centre which, incidentally, would be a criminal waste. Of course, even cars as hedonistic as two seater roadsters still sell on more sensible virtues. The Z4 2.
2 is no exception and its fuel economy figure of 32.1mpg is comparatively saintly as is the CO2 emissions figure of 214g/km. Early indications suggest that the Z4 is holding up a good deal better than its predecessor when it comes to residual values, so combine all these factors together and the Z4 2.2 shouldnt be a hugely expensive car to run.
"Take the residual values, the fuel economy and the CO2 emissions into account and the Z4 2.2 shouldnt be a hugely expensive car to run"
The pounds, shilling and pence will probably be the icing on the cake for Z4 2.2 buyers but the feel good factor will be what attracts them to their local gleaming BMW dealership and the Z4 delivers that in spades. The shape still takes quite some getting used to, especially if youre over a certain age. Its an unusual car, but spend a little time with it and youll see the genius in its styling.
This is a car that really does grow on you, challenging the eye with its so-called flame-surfaced flanks and its unorthodox detailing and proportions. Of course, there are those quite happy with unchallenged eyeballs and no amount of waxing lyrical about the styling will convince those that find the Z4 beyond the pale. Their loss. If the exterior design generates a little controversy, the same cant be said of the cabin styling.
Its typically low-key but classy, BMW at their best. Theres a broad centre console and clear dials. Space in the footwell is especially generous and its possible to hunker down into a low driving position and feel really ensconced in rather than on the car. Tipping the scales at less than 1,260 kg does wonders for the power to weight ratio, BMW having sought lightweight componentry wherever possible.
An example is the suspension system. Whereas the Z3 used the ancient semi-trailing arm suspension of a 1985 vintage 3-series, the Z4 is bang up to date, using a proper alloy multi link arrangement. Yes, the chassis may be based on the 3-series but its been radically revised. Not only is the wheelbase significantly shorter, but the Z4 sits more foursquare on the road due to wider track at the front and rear.
It becomes the first BMW to use electric power steering and is also hugely torsionally stiffer than the somewhat wobbly Z3. The commitment to appearing a proper drivers car can be seen in certain key areas. The traction and stability control systems can both be disabled at the touch of a button, something you wont be able to do in a Mercedes SLK for instance. Although it does require you to hold the button in for what seems like an eternity when the control systems are disabled, when it does shut down, track day fiends will find a car thats as benign as a Mazda MX-5.
As long as you can afford the tyre bills, youll find it makes a great car to learn the finer points of oversteer and understeer control. The hood is a superb fully automatic affair with no manual intervention required whatsoever. Simply prang a button on the dashboard and the whole thing retreats in less than ten seconds with no clips, latches, poppers or stress. BMW claim the hood will retract in less than ten seconds making it the fastest electric hood in the world.
Early publicity material claimed it was the fastest hood full stop before Mazda demonstrated that the manual hood of their MX-5 could be thrown back in about three seconds flat! As an ownership proposition, the BMW Z4 2.2 takes some beating. As long as you can afford the initial asking price, it wont be expensive to run, it offers a well-balanced chassis and a sweet six-cylinder engine coupled with brave styling and a bulletproof, well thought out interior. Perhaps the only gripe would be pricing insofar as its pitched quite close to the 2.
5-litre version - although this strategy may not be entirely accidental. Tempted?
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: BMW Z4 2.2
PRICE: £24,850 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 214g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 140mph/ 0-60mph 7.4s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Combined) 32.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS with EBD, DSC WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE? Length/Width/Height(mm) 4091/1781/1299
