BMW Z4 3.0i
The Razor-Edged
BMW Z4 Has Put The Credibility Back Into The Munich Companys Roadster Portfolio. Andy Enright Tries The Powerful 3.0-Litre Version
Its improbable that any eulogy to the BMW Z4 3.0-litre will convince you to plump for one if you cant live with the looks. The controversial lines seem to attract or repel in equal measure but underneath the scalpel sharp bodywork beats the heart of a sports car. After the disappointment that was the Z3, fans of the Munich marque are rejoicing.
Although tantalising spy shots have emerged of a fire-breathing M version of the Z4, for the time being the 3.0-litre car sits at the top of the four car line up. Initially, enthusiasts took heart from BMWs decision not to introduce a weedy 1.8-litre version designed to mop up the volume sales against
Mazda MX5s and
MG TFs.
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The lure of the lucre proved too strong, however, and an entry-level 2.0-litre engine is now available. Above this base model the Z4 gets a more satisfying all six-cylinder engine line up. Choose 170bhp 2.
2-litre, 192bhp 2.5-litre or, if funds permit, the rather more satisfying 231bhp 3.0-litre version as tested here. Of course, the 3.
0-litre car is faster but it also feels more of a sports car than the 2.5-litre model. Much of this can be put down to the more spirited aural accompaniment thats apparent as soon as you twist the key. The 2979cc engine snarls into life and fills the cabin with a malevolent grumble quite unlike what youd be served in a 3-Series with the same powerplant.
The reason is a piece of tubing that runs from the inlet manifold to the bulkhead. This contains a diaphragm that flexes like a drum as the engine breathes, channelling noise into the cabin. Whereas other manufacturers strive to quell cabin noise,
BMW has taken the opposite route. It works too, but the sound effects are only part of the story.
The £31,840 Z4 3.0-litre also has to do the business when the blacktop is twisting into contorted shapes, throwing dips, bends, duplicitous cambers and blind brows at the driver. Whereas this scenario would tie a Z3 in knots, the Z4 is made, quite literally, of much stiffer stuff. In fact the chassis is extremely torsionally stiff, which helps when transmitting that power to the tarmac.
With a 155mph top end and a sprint to 60mph occupying just 5.9 seconds, the BMW should be plenty fast enough for most.
"The BMW betrays the relentless march of technology"
It can also more than hold its own as a drivers car. Although the steering feel cant match the
Porsche, in almost every other area the BMW betrays the relentless march of technology. The stability control system does little to interrupt the enthusiastic driver, the gearbox can be slotted between the six ratios with a delightful firmness and the brakes are superb. Jab the Sport button on the dashboard and the Z4 sharpens up its act still further, beefing up the steering and giving the fly-by-wire throttle a more aggressive software map to work with.
It inspires enormous confidence and the little yellow triangle on the fascia strobes furiously through full commitment cornering, the only indicator that you are not, in fact, blessed with the car control of Juan Pablo Montoya. The difference in philosophy between the Z3 and Z4 is immediately apparent as soon as you take a look at the dirty side. 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 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, youll be aware quite how potent the 3.0-litre in particular is. BMWs paddle shift SMG sequential gearchange can also be specified. 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. Always a good start.
The hood is a superb fully automatic affair with no manual intervention required whatsoever. Simply push a button on the dashboard and the whole thing retreats in less than ten seconds with no clips, latches, poppers or stress. The Z4 promises an easy life but who will these laid back takers be? Its an open secret that the Z4 like its predecessor has been targeted at the lucrative US market and a catchy advertising campaign featuring Gary Oldman and the Godfather of Soul himself, James Brown, received quite some acclaim. The BMW Z4 3.
0-litre is an enormously impressive achievement, better than we expected and better than we probably hoped for. With a charismatic and burly engine, beautifully designed cabin and fine road manners it is, if one takes pricing into account, the new class standard. Of course, there are a number of very capable Plan Bs if the styling proves a little too much for your palate, but give it time and itll grow on you. And time behind the wheel of a Z4 3.
0-litre is time very well spent.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: BMW Z4 3.0i
PRICE: £31,840 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 18
CO2 EMISSIONS: 221g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 155mph/ 0-60mph 5.7s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Urban) 20.9 (Extra Urban) 42.9 (Combined) 31mpg
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
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