2012 BMW Z4 Reviews

The BMW Z3 and Z4 are genuine roadsters, not simply convertibles. The difference being that roadsters are strictly two-seaters and the seats are set well back, almost to the rear axle. The resulting very long nose and a stubby tail mean the BMW Z-cars have a no-nonsense purposeful appearance.The BMW Z3 was launched in Australia way back in January 1997. It was BMW’s answer to the astonishing success of the Mazda MX-5, a car that reinvented the open-top car many thought had gone forever. Despite its different name, the BMW Z4 is really the second-generation Z3, it was given the new title to match the new naming system which sees the sporty variants getting even numbers.The Z series models were initially designed for the USA so in the early editions are rather American in their makeup for keen Aussie drivers. In particular, their handling was softer than usual for a BMW, though far from soft in absolute terms. When the Z3 also became a hit in many other countries, including Australia, the handling became full-on sport with the introduction of the Z4.The first Australian imports of the BMW Z4 reached us downunder in July 2003. Handling of the Z4 is exceptionally good with excellent chassis balance thanks to the setback position of the engine. Naturally rear wheel drive gives you proper throttle control. Some may feel the ride is on the firm side, but true drivers will be more than willing to overlooks this.Perhaps take along your regular passenger and get their feelings for the car on roughish roads. Though the little BMW began life with a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine, the German marque is famed for its six-cylinder engines and these were soon squeezed under the long bonnet and almost immediately became the powerplant of choice in almost all cars.In June 1999 imports of the 1.9-litre four had ceased in Australia and all used a sweet little 2.0-litre straight-six. The big gun engine in the Z3 is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder. Performance from the smaller engines is nothing to get excited about, but the free-revving nature, and great exhaust note, makes them feel faster than they really are – and isn’t that what counts?BMW Z4s have a 2.5 or 3.0-litre straight-six from their 2003 introduction until the company started to get into the small-capacity turbocharged field with blown four-cylinder engines. Some sixes remained alongside the turbo-petrol fours until 2012, when they were replaced by big-boost turbo fours. Some miss the demise of the straight-six turbo engines – ourselves included – so if you really love them it might be time to invest in the last of the line.A special engine is used in the Z4 33i models. A 3.0-litre twin-turbo six, it gives huge amounts of forward thrust and is a delight for the revheads to punt along. Manual and automatic transmission are offered in most cars and the auto isn’t as slow and irritating as in some sports models. Our choice is still the DIY shifter, though.Manuals have six gear ratios. The autos increased in the number of gears, beginning with just four speeds in 1997 and advancing to no fewer than eight in 2012, with five and six speeds being sold along the timeline. The BMW dealer network is well established in Australia and is known for its high quality of technical training.Electronic diagnosis of problems is highly refined as BMW was a leader in this field. The technician plugs in your car and it is then connected to a large computer in Germany where it is quizzed not only on current problems but even in intermittent troubles that aren’t actually present in the car at the time it was driven into the workshop. Clever stuff.This high-tech diagnoses and servicing is just one reason it makes a lot of sense to buy a used Z3 or Z4 that has always been serviced by an official BMW dealer. Spare parts aren't outrageously expensive for a car in this class, but may prove to be a factor in your decision as to whether to buy an older Z4 rather than a cheaper convertible from a lower-cost maker.Insurance may be expensive if the driver is young and/or inexperienced. Surprisingly there is seldom a big increase in premiums for the high-performance models.WHAT TO LOOK FORCarry out your own pre-purchase inspection to the best of your ability. Once it has passed your tests call your BMW dealer, or at least a qualified mechanic with knowledge of the marque. Lift the carpets for signs of dampness or even rust if the car has been caught out in the rain in a big way. It’s best to ask permission from the seller before doing this as technically it’s dismantling the car and that is often frowned upon.Check for previous crash repairs by looking for signs of paint overspray, panels with a slight waviness in their finish and for colours that don't match exactly from one panel to the next. Make sure the engine starts virtually instantly, idles smoothly within a second or so of startup and pulls without hesitation even when completely cold.CAR BUYING TIPSome sports cars are ‘fanged’ on a daily basis, others never get past the mid-range marks on the tacho. No marks for guessing which is the better bet as a used car. 

BMW, the Bavarian automobile giant, has squeezed better performance and fuel economy out of its Z4 sports coupe range while keeping the purchase price down. How?VALUEA shift from a six to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine has imbued the new top-of-the-class Z4 sDrive28i, for example, with the combination of outstanding performance at a retail price below $90,000. Not only that, this has the Z4 sDrive28i ducking under the federal government’s fuel efficient luxury car tax threshold, with the maker offering the car at a retail price of $89,400, compared with $98,700 for its predecessor, the Z4 sDrive30i.The control knob for iDrive, the BMW multi-media information system that caused so much driver angst when it first appeared, is placed in its customary spot on the centre console and, together with an 8.8-inch display screen provides easy access (these days) to many of the car’s systems including satellite navigation and audio files.The audio system itself consists of 11 speakers, a 245W digital amplifier with equaliser and USB interface enabling connection of an MP3 player, iPod or USB memory stick via the USB interface Voice Control System.TECHNOLOGYThe 180 kW TwinPower Turbo Z4 sDrive28i races from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, 0.1 seconds quicker than the naturally aspirated Z4 sDrive30i, thanks to a 13 per cent increase in torque from 310 to 350 Nm. Fuel consumption is cut by 21 per cent, from 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres to 6.7 litres on the combined urban / highway cycle.In addition to the standard six-speed manual transmission, the Z4 sDrive20i and Z4 sDrive28i are also available with the new eight--speed Sport Automatic Transmission, which includes one-direction gearshift paddles utilising M shift logic. This is unique in the class. During my time with this Z4 sDrive 28i the digital readout rated us at an average of 5 litres/100km on the motorway and 11.9 in and around town.DESIGNThe simple yet extensive instrument layout includes circular speedometer and rev counter, plus tank level and oil temperature gauges, while the plain(ish) interior is set off by brushed aluminium highlights. The standard two seats are electrically adjustable with memory function for driver’s side and heating for driver and passenger seats. Upholstery is Kansas leather with sun reflective technology that prevents it getting overheated in direct sunlight.The steering wheel is wrapped in leather, again with sun reflective properties, and includes multifunction buttons including gearshift paddles. The character of the car can be changed in 20 seconds via the retractable two-piece lightweight metal roof, which gives the car coupe status when raised, yet can be lowered automatically at speeds up to 40 km/h for conversion to a roadster.When stowed, the drop-top leaves 180 litres of luggage space in the boot. This expands to 310 litres when the roof is raised. A through-loading hatch with integrated transport bag will take long items.  One nice thing about the test car was the auto dimming headlights on the approach of another vehicle in front. Guilt free, no scrambling for the dip switch here.DRIVINGDynamic Drive Control is another of the German marque’s ways of keeping the driver interested. Operated by a switch on the centre console it offers three distinct driving modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport+ - in which suspension damper forces can be varied as well as the progressive effect of the accelerator pedal, the engine response, power steering and Dynamic Stability Control.Comfort is the default mode, with Sport summoning more direct steering and throttle response, while Sport+ brings in Dynamic Traction Control function on the DSC, allowing slight slip on the drive wheels, letting the more adventurous (and self-assured) driver take a bend in a controlled drift, all with an enhanced engine note.  Choosing between drive modes really does alter the Z4’s character – shifting from ‘cruisey’ coupe to ripper roadster, all at the press of a single rocker switch.VERDICTThe Z4 sDrive 28i caters admirably for those wanting a two-seater sports coupe experience with the added appeal of top-down motoring if desired. And with the move to four-cylinder turbo power, performance is far from sacrificed at the altar excessive fuel consumption.BMW Z4sDrive 28i RoadsterPrice: from $89,400Warranty: 3 years/unlimted kmSafety rating: 4-star ANCAPEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl 180kW/350NmTransmission: 6-speed manual; 8-speed auto; RWDBody: 4239mm (L); 1790mm (w); 1291mm (h)Weight: 1400kgThirst: 6.8/100km; 159g/km Co2