Looking at the Z4's dash and one has the impression that the engineers at BMW just didn't care enough about it to try very hard. For all the design elements and styling that went into the exterior look of the car, they could have at least put some thought into the interior middle console. At first glance, the stereo is painstakingly plain -- not to mention downright difficult to use. There were times when it seemed the stereo just chose not to work. Information would be displayed on the small, one-liner screen, but no sound would emit from the HiFi, THX-Certified, with Digital Sound Processing sound system. But, I quickly learned that CDs were not the music one should be listening to while driving the Z4 Roadster.
Let your sense guide you
The experience of driving the Z4 is one that envelopes each and every one of your senses. From the dropped top exposing you to the blazing summer sun, while the wind whips up your hair and cools you down perfectly, to the feeling of the perfectly-contoured leather steering wheel, to the glorious sound of the guttural exhaust that seems almost too big and powerful to come from the car you are sitting in.
The transmission noise is almost nonexistent in the Z4, however the exhaust more than makes up for its muffled engine bay. The sheer pleasure brought on by depressing the throttle just so, feeling the 2-seater leap forward and hearing the burst of aggression and strength spew from the back end is thoroughly exhilarating and something, I believe, one would never get tired of. In fact, should you have the extra cash floating around, spending $60,900 (base MSRP) just for that sound alone, is well worth the investment.
The feeling of openness, freedom and sheer excitement that flows through you while driving along in the drop-top BMW Z4 is something truly unique to this vehicle. The 3.0si model offers more power than the base 3.0i, but otherwise the options are standard on both models, and frankly, that's just fine.
This car has been bred a certain way and it shouldn't be messed with or changed for anything. It's meant for a certain driver, a certain experience and a certain feel -- all of which come down to one important fact: The BMW Z4 Roadster is meant to be driven... not Sunday morning I've-nowhere-to-be-and-I'll-just-putz-along "driving," but more of a breath-stopping, heart-pounding, euphoric adventure... get it? Now, drive.
Sound of the exhaust
Flawless transmission
Great headroom and legroom
Badly-designed stereo
Must be at a complete stop to put down/up top
Zero cargo space up front
photo:Colin Styker
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| The instantly recognizable BMW kidney grille. |
Let your sense guide you
The experience of driving the Z4 is one that envelopes each and every one of your senses. From the dropped top exposing you to the blazing summer sun, while the wind whips up your hair and cools you down perfectly, to the feeling of the perfectly-contoured leather steering wheel, to the glorious sound of the guttural exhaust that seems almost too big and powerful to come from the car you are sitting in.
The transmission noise is almost nonexistent in the Z4, however the exhaust more than makes up for its muffled engine bay. The sheer pleasure brought on by depressing the throttle just so, feeling the 2-seater leap forward and hearing the burst of aggression and strength spew from the back end is thoroughly exhilarating and something, I believe, one would never get tired of. In fact, should you have the extra cash floating around, spending $60,900 (base MSRP) just for that sound alone, is well worth the investment.
The feeling of openness, freedom and sheer excitement that flows through you while driving along in the drop-top BMW Z4 is something truly unique to this vehicle. The 3.0si model offers more power than the base 3.0i, but otherwise the options are standard on both models, and frankly, that's just fine.
This car has been bred a certain way and it shouldn't be messed with or changed for anything. It's meant for a certain driver, a certain experience and a certain feel -- all of which come down to one important fact: The BMW Z4 Roadster is meant to be driven... not Sunday morning I've-nowhere-to-be-and-I'll-just-putz-along "driving," but more of a breath-stopping, heart-pounding, euphoric adventure... get it? Now, drive.
 |
Flawless transmission
Great headroom and legroom
 |
Must be at a complete stop to put down/up top
 |
Zero cargo space up front
photo:Colin Styker
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