2005 BMW Z4 3.0i

Technical

Two powerplants find their way on the Z4 list of features. The first is an inline-6 cylinder displacing 2.5L that delivers 184 hp at 6 000 rpm and 175 lb/ft of torque at 3 500 rpm. The other is also a straight-6. This one is a 3.0L that develops 225 hp at 5 900 rpm and 214 lb/ft of torque at 3 500 rpm. The 2.5L receives a 5-speed manual transmission, the 3.0L, a 6-speed manual. Both can be mated to an optional 5-speed STEPTRONIC semi-automatic transmission for the sum of $1,400. The 3.0L can also be delivered with a 6-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG). It retails for $1,700. This roadster is obviously a rear-wheel-drive affair and is obtained with a 4-wheel disc braking system.

On the road

Of the two engines that are available with the Z4, the 3.0L of our tester is by far the more interesting. Its output numbers may sound shy however the car surges forward as though it really had 260 hp. The really nice thing is that power delivery is very linear from the top to the bottom of the rpm band. BMW's inline sixes have always sounded like a perfectly tuned instrument. It may be because I drove around with the top down most of the time but I thought that it was the best sounding yet. Easy driving with this car could easily return an average fuel consumption of 10L of fuel per 100 km. Since my time driving these cars is so short, I tend to push them a little harder however I still managed a respectable 11.9L per 100 km.

I normally praise BMWs for their ability to impress me on every level of the driving experience. For the first time since I test-drove my first 3-series nearly six years ago, I found the steering to be too artificial and isolated. The variable assistance was too apparent and distracted me every time I took the wheel. To be fair, it still has great turn-in (along with a very short turning circle) and precision. It may only be that I literally expected the World from this car's driving dynamics.

The ride is taut but not harsh. It remains pliable enough when traversing rough surfaces. Over repeated undulations, the rear drivetrain does get a little bouncy. I also heard a few rear trim panels rattling on occasion. The brakes impress by their performance and their resistance to fade. The Sport mode, which sharpens throttle inputs, is best suited for highway cruising. I found it very difficult to drive in the city smoothly when it was activated, more so than any other BMW. The use of the shifter and the clutch is headache-free.

Safety

The Z4 has standard dual front and side air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) in a frontal impact for both passengers and 3 out of 5 stars (an average result) for the occupants in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has not yet rated the BMW Z4.