2006 BMW M Roadster Road Test

2006 BMW M Roadster (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

The dashboard is pure BMW; it's sober and stark, but it's highlighted with metallic trim. There's no cupholders, but it's not a bad thing, because you'll spill your hot coffee on your lap in no time. There's not much storage space either, besides a compartment between the seatbacks. Despite the tight cockpit, BMW crammed 10 speakers in there; no need to mention that the output of the sound system with MP3 playback is impressive, top up or down.

Speaking of which, it can be raised or lowered in about 5 seconds, which is mighty quick. There is no latch to unfasten; just pressing a button gets the top moving.

The low turbulence level in the cockpit is much appreciated; the wind deflector helps a lot and, combined with the heated seats, you can drive with the top down even when the temperature is less than 15 degrees Celsius, which is not the case with all convertibles.

2006 BMW M Roadster (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

The M Roadster sports a menacing and serious look. The 18-inch wheels and cross-drilled brake discs almost completely fill up the wheel wells. The long hood and short deck which houses a miniscule trunk are reminiscent of the BMW 507 and various English roadsters of the '50s. Needless to say that behind the wheel is this car, we attract attention. And for many buyers, that's an important purchase factor.

My test car was equipped with the $2,900 Premium Package, which includes the aforementioned wind deflector, power-folding mirrors and power seats with memory feature. The bill then climbs to $72,800. That might be a lot of money for a small, impractical car, but people who are financially at ease and who are looking for a road rocket to fill up the last space in their quadruple garage, and to give them a good time on sunny weekends, will probably consider this car a steal.

The BMW Z4 is already a superb machine, powerful and fun to drive. By creating the M Roadster, the German carmaker fueled its fire with gasoline. Are you brave enough to withstand the heat of the flames? If you are, you'll have a damn good status symbol in your hands, and an outstanding car to get your adrenaline fix.

2006 BMW M Roadster (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

What I like:
Thrilling powerful engine
Rapid-fire top
Mix of retro and modern styling

What I don't like:
Tight cockpit
Not much storage space
Hard-pounding suspension