BMW Z4 M Roadster Review

Reviewed by Ryan Chua

It isn’t everyday that you get paired up with a roadster with more than 300 horses under its bonnet. Nonetheless, I was fortunate enough to review the latest BMW Z4 M Roadster last weekend, and after recovering from a heady buzz from 2 days with it here’s my experience with this beast in red.

The 2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster is the long-awaited sequel to the BMW Z3 series which was introduced back in 1998. Since then, BMW has come a long way in redefining their latest “ultimate” roadster and the way driving was meant to be. Sporting a aluminum-magnesium engine derived from the BMW M3 Coupe, this power unit has been clinching the highly-acclaimed “International Engine Of The Year” award every year since 2001, a testament to the engineering geniuses behind it.

After pleasantries were exchanged, paper work filled in, a basic introduction and run through with the car carried out, I was handed the keys to take this roadster out for a long run.

Walking to it, I couldn’t help but do a double take. The striking Imola Red paintwork, the long sweeping “flame surface” design from the front, sinister twin power creases on the bonnet, and the shorter rear stood out visually as sophisticated avant garde art. 3 ///M badges are strategically placed on the sides and rear boot, with an aggressive front bumper and quad exhausts peeping out under the rear bumper, all emblems of pure motorsport breed. Looking at it from any angle, you know that this isn’t just another ordinary Z4.

Getting into the car, I was immediately familiarized with the clean and uncluttered dashboard, dials and knobs which were all within easy reach and intuition. I usually don’t care much about the radio, the air conditioning or other frills which in other cars, only serve to distract. The bolstered M sport seats were comfortable and supportive, electronically adjustable with memory options. (As living proof, it was only 8 hours later that I got out of the car, still feeling fresh and experiencing no discomfort in any way).

The red and blue-stitched M steering wheel is thick and offers a firm grip, although smaller female hands may find it a tad too big. Thumb grips at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions provide your hands proper positioning.

The most exciting part was igniting and awakening the beast, which at a swift turn of the key, grunted and roared to life – a deep and soulful rumble, with a hint of metallic rasp, emanating throughout the cabin, sending shivers down my spine. A tap of the pedal confirmed that this engine was willing and responsive to even the gentlest prod

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The BMW Z4 M Roadster comes only in a 6 speed gear box, without the option of SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox). Even after a year of “stick hiatus”, it was still extremely easy to drive. The clutch pedal was sensitive enough to manage while mid-slope in a car park, and shifting gears was just a joy with its short throw. Miniscule vibration cues transmitted from the gear knob will make you feel like you are in full control of the very being of this car. It was only a good 20 minutes later before I started to coax out the power from the 343hp 6 cylinder 3.2l engine.

As I tested how long I could put my foot down on the accelerator pedal, power delivery in the Z4 M came like a hidden adrenaline shot right through the heart, as the red colored needle on the illuminated speedometer swung from 5,000 rpm to 8,000 rpm and back again. With each gear shift, an immense pull to the horizon with the engine breaking out in a full harmonic symphony, pushing me back into the driver’s seat with intense ferocity and exhilarating speed. It only took 3 smooth and crisp shifts before I entered the dark realm of license-revokeus-infinitus, by which I had to calm myself down and lift off the throttle, initiating exhaust burbles which resembled thunderclaps in the distance.

BMW Z4 M Video (1:31)

When summoned upon, the Z4 M performs like an over-eager wild roadrunner on steroids, easily rocketing past 6-7 cars on the straight with a single blip of the throttle. With a power-to-weight ratio of 4.3kg per hp, the ///M Roadster does the century in a blistering 5 seconds, with a top speed of 250km/hr limited electronically. Engaging each gear was a delightful pleasure you could derive just by getting the RPM right, tapping into the magical sweet spot of 5,000 to wickedly chew and spit out all other “sport” car wannabes on the road.

Cruising on the expressway, the Z4 M turned into a sonorous cruiser, moving over bumps and indentations in the tarmac with ease and poise, never providing any harsh feedback even with its stiffer springs, forged-aluminum front control arms and dampers common to the BMW M3. Body roll is non-existent with an extremely stiff chassis and a stock anti-roll bar. The engineers at BMW have definitely made this a high performance car without compromising on driver comfort.

Having crisscrossed every major and minor expressway at least twice, I decided to put the Z4 M to the test at one of my most favorite driving spots at Neo Tiew Road. I last took on this stretch of road with a 2.5l SMG-equipped Z4, and it was no surprise that the surliness of the menacing M brother on this winding 2 lane would be well-tested. Going through the paces, the Z4 M took each corner with confidence and tightly-hugged the road with each turn, giving no signs of body flex (the BMW Z4 chassis has 14, 500 Nm/degree of static torsional stiffness), common in most other convertibles given the same driving condition. At one particular sandy corner, the rear kicked out a notch but the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) brought it back into line without any drama or fuss, which was followed almost immediately by a well-intended dive right into the next corner. Surging out into the straights and repeating it again, it was no surprise that the Variable M Differential Lock (BMW’s driving stability and optimum traction management) was in play, and no wonder that I was grinning from ear to ear.

Activating the “Sport” button on the center console causes the pedal to be hyper-sensitive, turning the Z4 M into a slightly twitchy car when you prod it with your right foot. I kept it off most of the time as it was a tad too sensitive when I was cruising on the roads. The latest BMW technologies, run flat tires and Active Steering, are not present in the M, given that their reasoning was that they would detract from the driving experience. In place is the traditional M-hydraulic steering system, which is precise and provided great feedback on any kind of surface I was traveling on.

BMW Z4 M Exhaust & Launch (0:54)

Built with aluminum-hubbed, cross-drilled brakes from the lightweight BMW M3 CSL, slowing the Z4 M was sure and without squealing even after hours of hard driving in and out of the city. From previous experiences from BMW CSL owners, it would have matched up on the track as well.

Driving with the roof down (which takes just 9 seconds to close and open), with the engine playing the ranges of notes, you can’t help but feel enveloped by the experience of a complete sensory overload. Pushing the pedal completely elevates you and your heart to another level. Some of the passengers I brought along to ride had nothing but praise for it, sans mother who complained it was too fast. Another associate, after an hour’s ride, stated that the Z4 M roadster belonged in his must-own cars’ list. I really couldn’t blame him.

Verdict

It is without a single doubt that the BMW Z4 M Roadster was built for drivers who appreciate the beauty of man and machine being one on the road; simply because it seems to be built based on that single, raw principle. A perfect harmonious blend between a stylish roadster and an absolutely menacing wolf in sheep’s clothing, it comes in a package which will never fail to thrill you each time you put yourself in it.

We won’t disguise the fact that the Z4 M Roadster is meant for serious drivers who can handle both the power and handling, but for the purist driving aficionados among us, we wouldn’t have it any other way either.

BMW Z4 M Roadster Specifications

Engine
Type:	Inline-6
Displacement cu in (cc):	198 (3246)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:	343(252) / 7900
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:	269(365) / 4900
Redline at RPM:	8000
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R:	ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R:	225/45 ZR18 – 255/40 ZR18
Driveline:	Rear Wheel Drive
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in:	160.4 × 69.5 × 50.8
Weight lb (kg):	3273 (1485)
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph s:	5
Top Speed mph (km/h):	155 (250) – electronically limited
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):	n.a. (12.1)
Price (SGD)	$298,000

Many thanks to Performance Motors Limited for providing the BMW Z4 M Roadster for our review. For more details, visit their showroom at:

Performance Centre
BMW Showroom
315 Alexandra Road
Performance Centre
Singapore 159944
Tel: +65 6319 0100
Fax: +65 6474 7770

Sime Darby Centre
BMW Showroom
896 Dunearn Road, #01-01
Singapore 589472
Tel: +65 6319 0500