2006 BMW Z4 2.5si review - Long-term owner

Multimedia and safety technology: 2/10

Being an MY06, tech isn't exactly this car's strong point. The Business CD unit has Bluetooth connectivity - but only for calls. An aftermarket Bluetooth receiver can be added for about $40, which makes a huge difference. Safety tech is limited at best - but the switchable traction control is great. Well tuned in both fully on and semi on modes, with a fully off mode available at the push of a button. 

Practicality: 5/10

Rear cargo really surprised me. Two duffel bags easily fit for a weekend away, I've never gotten it to the point where i wished the boot space was larger. My only gripe with the interior is the cupholders - as all E9x BMW owners would know too - the cupholders are shocking. They pop out of the dash, but are flimsy and break very easily. As far as a two-seat roadster goes, it's pretty spacious and easy to live with.

Driving: 9/10

People who hype up MX-5's as the best two-seat roadster clearly have never driven one of these. This car is faster, handles like its on rails (especially when the standard run flat tyres are chucked in the bin), and looks a hell of a lot better. The power delivery is nice and linear thanks to a naturally aspirated 2.5L (or 3.0L in other spec) inline six-cylinder engine. A manual would make this driving experience a 10/10, but if you have to get an auto, get a 2006 onwards as they came with flappy paddles.

Running costs: 5/10 

Being a BMW it's never going to be cheap to run and maintain. The N52 is known as one of the more reliable BMW motors, but end of the day its still a Euro. I just did the rocker cover gasket - and to do it you need to buy a full set of bolts + the gasket, as it specs single use aluminium bolts. I feel like that's a fairly good insight into the ownership of this car. A job that would be fairly simple, is made much more complicated than it really needs to be on this car. Don't let that scare you, though - parts availability is great as the Z4 shares a lot of parts with the E46 and the forums are full of info if you intended to work on this car yourself Body panels are near impossible to find however - so if you see the panel you need pop up for sale, buy it then and there. I learnt the hard way trying to find a front bumper.

Reliability: 7/10

Unlike many other BMWs, this car is up there in terms of reliability. No major issues known on these. They do have smaller known issues, such as the VANOS system playing up which can be in the realm of $600 just for the parts. Oil consumption issues typically arise from a failing CCV system too, but neither this or the VANOS issue are difficult issues to fix. Biggest issue you'll have is oil leaks, but find a well maintained example that has been looked after and you'll be laughing.