|
BMW Z4
by Peter Bleakney
 My initial problem with the 2004 BMW Z4 3.0 was illustrated soon after I picked up the car. While cruising along the QEW, a fellow motorist in a Z4 pulled up beside me, flashed me a grin and waved his hand high in the glorious breeze rushing above his head. All I could do was hammer my fist against the metal roof that had me cocooned in this $65,000 roadster and shrug. He gave me a consolatory look and sped off.
You see, the good folks at BMW gave me a Z4 that was still in winter mode - shod with Bridgestone Blizzack tires (225/40x18 front, 255/35x18 rear) and wearing the $4790 optional hard top.
No worries. I made a quick trip to my local BMW dealer and they showed how to remove the top with the simple tool in the trunk that works the three quick-release latches. Presto.
The styling of the Z4 caused quite a stir when it was launched in 2002. While this second effort by BMW design head Chris Bangle took some people aback with its radical "flame surfaced" body panels and truncated tail, it has come into its own, and to these eyes it represents an exciting and fresh take on the classic roadster proportions. Judging by the looks my dark blue tester received, the general populace agrees with me.
The soul of any sports car is its engine, and the 24-valve 3.0 litre straight six that lurks beneath the long prow of the Z4 is a gem. Putting out 225 hp at 5900 rpm and 214 lbs/ft of torque at 3500 rpm, it is smooth and linear, and launches a visceral and aural charge when the tach swings past 4000 rpm. Featuring Double VANOS "stepless" variable valve timing and drive-by-wire-throttle, it is mated to a slick shifting six speed. The shifter is prefectly placed and operates with a firm, mechanical precision.
 Clutch take-up is BMW trademark smooth and progressive.
BMW obviously knows the sound of a sports cars' engine is half the experience, and have tuned an exhaust system with extra resonators designed solely for the benefit of the passengers. The resulting melodious howl and muted burble on over-run is ear candy of the highest order - right up there with the Porsche Boxster's music.
Yes, it is inevitable that this roadster be compared to the Boxster, and although they're similarly priced and powered, the Z4 is dynamically very different. In the mid-engined Boxster you get the sense the car rotates on a central axis that lines up with the driver - in the Z4 you're sitting way back with everything is happening out in front. Like my Golden Retriever, this car follows its nose. Any steering input has the sculpted prow hunting for an apex, with the rest of the car following suit. At first it feels a little darty, but overall the car is well balanced and always entertaining. Even with the Blizzacks, there was plenty of grip. Start pushing the Z4 and the Dynamic Stability Control (DTS) kicks in to keep the rear end in check. With the system disabled, tail happy oversteer is at your beck and call. Included in the DTS is Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC).
My tester had the optional Dynamic Drive Control. Push the Sport button on the console and the computer dials up more aggressive throttle and steering response.
The Z4 has Electromechanical Power Steering (EPS) which keeps effort light for parking maneuvers and firms up with speed. It's a tad wooden and slightly numb on centre - not as lively as the Boxster's.
Where the Z4 trumps the Boxster is in low end flexibility. The fatter torque curve of the 3.0 litre six fairly rockets this roadster through the twisties, and the six speed enables you to be in the sweet spot of the motor at all times. An absolutely wonder combination.
The structure of the Z4 in incredibly rigid. Even over the roughest of surfaces, I didn't detect a trace of cowl shake.
 The fully automatic roof retracts quickly and neatly stows under a partial tonneau cover, leaving the sexy roll hoops exposed. The interior is a modern take on a retro look, with a prominent instrument binnacle and a large swath of brushed metal sweeping across the dash. You sit low in this car, and the expanse of hood disappears out in front of you. There's more nose there than you think, so care must be taken when parking.
The ride is typically sports car firm, but not crashy and well within acceptable comfort levels. Considering the low profile 18' footwear. this is a testament to BMW's chassis tuning.
While the leather seats are firm and supportive, a sharp convex crease in the door molding did not get along too well with my left leg.
The base MSRP for a 2004 BMW Z4 3.0 is $59,900. My tester had the $3500 Premium Package which included multi-function steering wheel, power fold mirrors, wind deflector, auto dimming mirrors, electric seats with driver memory, automatic climate control and upgraded sound system. Also present was the $1700 Sport Package (Dynamic Driving Control and 18" wheels).
The aforementioned hard top pushed the price to just south of seventy grand.
And I'm really glad I got the thing off. Granted, it is great to have one if you plan on driving your Z4 in the winter, but the true character of this car does not come through until the lid is gone. Let's face it, the only reason to buy a roadster is for top-down motoring, and this little convertible dishes up a heaping plateful motoring fun.
On a warm afternoon, while blasting along some sweeping back roads near Orillia, the fragrant breeze, the song of the straight six, and the sharp handling conspired to create one of my all-time great drives. I couldn't help but think, "This is as about as good as it gets."
|
