2007 BMW Z4 M Roadster

Description

Replacing the long-running Z3 as BMW’s frontline sports car at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the all-new Z4 was designed by Dane Anders Warming and, like its predecessor, was manufactured exclusively in Greer, South Carolina.  Codenamed E85, the Z4 roadster was joined by the E86 coupe variant in 2006 and both were initially sold with either 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre in-line sixes under the bonnet, while transmission choices included either a five or six-speed manual, five-speed automatic or the latest SMG-II version of BMW’s patented automated manual ‘box.  Despite being a larger car in every dimension, BMW managed to keep the Z4’s weight in check through the extensive use of lightweight materials including an aluminum bonnet and suspension components.  Compared with the Z3, the Z4 boasted a stiffer chassis with a similar front suspension set-up but a multi-link rear suspension instead of the semi-trailing design found on the Z3.  Electric speed-sensitive power steering replaced the Z3’s traditional hydraulic power steering and the Z4 also featured the latest safety technology, including electronic stability control, ABS and traction control.  Naturally the ultimate Z4 variant was the M version announced in 2006, sharing the same glorious S54 3.2-litre in-line six found in the outgoing E46 M3 series, making 338 horsepower at 7900 rpm and peak torque of 262 lb/ft at 4500 rpm.  Other notable changes included hydraulic power steering and the E46 M3 steering rack for better feel, the upgraded brake package found on the mighty CSL variant of the M3, revised suspension and wider wheels and tyres.  BMW only made 5,070 Z4 M Roadsters (and a further 4,275 M Coupes) and sales were limited by the high asking price – the list of $130,800 was on par with that of chief rival Porsche Boxster S.  An open-topped sports car with exhilarating performance thanks to the weight savings over the heavier M3, combined with a traditional gated six-speed manual gearbox makes for an intoxicating recipe and values of the Z4 M have begun rising in line with appreciation shown by the E46 M3 in recent years.