BMW Z4 Convertible 2004 review

The M Series cars are among the most explosive and efficient performance cars on world markets.

But it is difficult to fathom why BMW has chosen to switch from the elegant designs employed in its recent past to shock treatment silhouettes.

The Z4 sports car is stunning in many aspects – particularly the sporty, highly individual bootline. It is very traditional in its make-up with a long bonnet, fantastic engine, rear-wheel-drive power delivery and acceleration which is a real blast.

The car grips the road like a proverbial vice during keen cornering and maintains traction, due to the armament of electronic smart gadgetry.

But the body style has hung a huge question mark over what should be an icon car for its era.

The interplay of concave and convex panel work is an interesting approach which could have worked. Then the designers tossed in forward creases on the front wings and mounted two huge BMW badges.

Like the boot line on the much-maligned 7 Series, this single styling element has vandalised what could have been a pure profile.

And it really is regrettable to have to mark down a car which has so many facets about which one really could be going into raptures.

This said, 353 buyers have been attracted by the Z4 so far this year, which is not insignificant business for BMW.

While it could be argued that buyers are more important than critics, the status of the BMW badge does have the power to iron out perceived imperfections.

The Z4 comes with a choice of two engines: a 141kW, 2.5-litre and the wondrous 170kW, three-litre – both straight sixes with infinitely variable four-valve technology.

The 2.5i has been tested previously. This time, the "big three" manual was taken out on test.

With a 0-to-100km/h dash in under six seconds, the Z4 commands a position in true performance company.

But it is the manner in which it responds to throttle input in the mid ranges which earns this engine continual rave reviews.

Peak torque of 300Nm is available from 3500rpm, which means the car has a decent burn for quick, safe overtaking.

The Z4 boasts 50:50 weight distribution which makes a handy contribution to balanced stance on the road.

During acceleration, braking and cornering, the amount of technology working to keep the car on the chosen path is highly impressive.

The latest version of dynamic stability and traction control, plus a cornering braking system, work automatically and continuously to counter under and oversteer.

It all happens without the driver having to do anything special – so long as the car is driven within acceptable limits.

The driver does, however, have the ability to call up faster acceleration response – and shorter shifting with automatic transmission at the touch of a button.

The Z4 is simply a treat to drive in any conditions – quietly around the city or more enthusiastically when speed limits permit and road conditions allow. If one can afford to rent a race track, the driver with the skills can have a ball.

The two-door roadster starts at $78,500 for the 2.5i with five-speed manual transmission, or $81,100 for the five-speed three-mode automatic with sequential override.

The 3.0i (as tested) costs $92,000 for the six-speed manual and $94,600 for the five-speed automatic.

Both models come with quality sound system, while the three-litre version gets a 10-speaker unit and a CD stacker mounted between the seats.

In addition, the latest Bluetooth mobile phone plumbing is standard as is an in-dash mini-disc player.

Key options include satellite navigation and television.

While the Z4 line-up is hardly cheap, it does come loaded with a generous menu of standard kit.

This includes 16in cross-spoke alloy wheels on the 2.5i, and 17in on the 3.0i, rain sensing windscreen wipers, automatic headlight control, front fog lights, on-board computer, run-flat tyres, aluminium interior trim and leather cover for the sports steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake.

Xenon headlamps with a washer system come as part of the package, and a park distance control is included to prevent contact when steering into a tight spot.

The Z4 sits on the same suspension set-up as the 3 Series, but modified for compatibility with the sports.

With the benefit of such a wide variety of stability and traction control, the car turns in precisely to bends and tracks with pin-sharp accuracy. The interior is true to the tradition of both a genuine sports car and BMW's long approach to roadster motoring.

The sports seats are comfortable and ergonomic, ensuring excellent lateral support when side forces attempt to push the driver out of position.

The fascia is clear, straightforward and sporty, with every switch and lever positioned for intuitive use. A speedometer and rev counter are the dominating instruments, with hooded tubing preventing reflection.

Finally, the hood is a genuine rag-top rather than a hinged hardtop used by the competition. It lowers in less than 10 seconds at the push of a button – making it the fastest hood in the segment.

The clever Z-fold roof design ends up lying flush with the body without the need for a tonneau cover or lid.

In sum, the Z4 is a remarkable sports car with the exception of that one styling cue on the front wing. A subjective view, certainly, but one which seems to be shared by a number of critics.

One expects all the driver safety aids in a premium-priced BMW and one is not disappointed.

It would take a really good driver on a fast, flowing race track to really take the Z4 to its critical limits.

And that means it is immeasurably safe when driven at speed limits – hopefully by drivers who have taken the trouble to do an advanced driving course.