100,000th BMW Z4 Rolls-Off South Carolina Line

Back to the 2005 model, a 5-speed manual transmission is standard with a 6-speed manual standard with the 3.0-liter engine.

The Z4 remains a unique contender amongst the roadster competition, mostly due to its distinctive styling. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

A 5-speed Steptronic automatic with manual mode is optional with either engine, while a 6-speed paddle-shift actuated sequential-manual gearbox (SMG) is available with the 3.0-liter powerplant.

The Z4 goes up against a strong lineup of competitors, including a much upgraded Audi TT Roadster, an all-new Chevrolet Corvette, an entirely new Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, a revised 2.2-liter Honda S2000, the value-packed and extremely athletic Nissan 350Z Roadster, and the all-new Mercedes-Benz SLK.

BMW's Z4 continues to be a unique statement within this group, however,

Love it or hate it, there is no arguing the Z4 is popular, selling 100,000 units over the last two years. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

mostly due to the distinctive styling that some BMW fans find out of character with the German brand's DNA. Others find it the most attractive of the bunch, evidenced by its 100,000 unit volume over the last two years.

Z4s sell for $51,900 in base trim and $59,900 in 3.0-liter V6 guise, with a myriad of options available. What's more, a made-to-measure service BMW calls individual allows buyers to customize their cars with unique paint, interior trim, and more. Unlike the previous Z3, or its 3-, 5- and soon to be 6-Series siblings, no M edition of the Z4 is available.