BMW

BMW Z4 ROADSTER sDrive M40i 2dr Auto

Fuel

FuelPetrol

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph4.5s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2181 g/km

PRACTICALITY BE DAMMED

June Neary revels in BMW's Z4 roadster

Will It Suit Me?

As a second car, BMW's Z4 is hard to beat if you simply want a roadster for fun in the sun. It comes with the kind of image that you either love or hate: fortunately, I've always found this car rather appealing. The latest version has a proper fabric roof and looks more dynamic than ever before. The only problem of course is that this is reflected in the asking prices.

Practicalities

Every Z4 I've tried has been screwed together as impressively as a top 7 Series. In truth, the Z4 could afford to be nothing less than perfect in this respect. Its job is as an image-maker for cars like the 3 Series, many of whose mechanicals it still shares. Inside, you get the nicest and classiest interior you'll find in any small roadster on sale; if anything, it's almost too sophisticated for what's supposed to be a back-to-basics sports car. Most of the fixtures and fittings are lifted from BMW's luxury saloons, including the 10.25-inch centre-dash and instrument binnacle screens that make up the Bavarian brand's sophisticated 'Live Cockpit Professional' package. Apart from that, what struck me most was the roominess of the cabin, which is one of the things that makes this car feel so everyday-usable. There's a reasonably-sized 281-litre boot. You won't really want to drive a car like this with the roof up any more than you actually have to. And once you fold back that top (in just 10 seconds), it's funny what fresh air does for you. Other likes include the positive steering, the snappy 8-speed auto gearbox on the sDrive20i version I tried and the excellent roadholding and grip. There's hardly any space inside of course - but then practicalities aren't much of an issue when you're considering a roadster. This is, after all, hardly the most logical means of conveyance. Roadsters are evocative, nostalgic and emotional. But they're also cramped, noisy and short of any kind of serious carrying capacity. As you'd expect for the premium money being asked, everything is beautifully built from the highest quality materials. Plus the extra head, shoulder and elbow room that have been built into this MK3 Z4 model give it a far airier cabin feel than rival Audi TT or Mercedes SLC competitors.

Behind the Wheel

All three petrol engines certainly satisfy on the aural front, whether you choose the 197hp sDrive20i, the 258hp sDrive30i or the 340hp twin-turbo 3.0-litre M40i variant. From the crackle at start-up to the metallic-edged bark under hard acceleration, this Z4 sounds race-bred. The top M40i derivative sprints to 62mph in just 4.6s and has to be artificially restrained at 155mph. You're probably going to want to pay extra for adaptive damping - only the M40i gets the Adaptive M Sport suspension package as standard, along with an electronically controlled 'M Sport differential' for extra cornering traction. The way the suspension interacts with the steering, the throttle and the differential is key to the way this car responds dynamically, so proactive use of the provided drive modes is crucial if you're pressing on. Do that and you'll find that this car lacks the razor-sharp steering responses of a rival Porsche 718 Boxster but the helm is quick and accurate, which in combination with superb front-end traction means that corners can be attacked with surprising confidence.

Value For Money

List prices suggest that, allowing for a few well-chosen extras, you'll probably be paying somewhere in the £37,000 to £50,000 bracket for your Z4, the same kind of money Mercedes will ask of you for a comparable SLC and much the same as you'd pay for a fabric-topped Audi TT Roadster. If you're looking at either the sDrive30i or the M40i, you'll find that you'll pay around £6,000 more for a comparable Porsche 718 Boxster.

Could I Live With One?

Of course I could - and so could you if one appeared in your driveway. No, in terms of pure handling, it's not the best roadster you can buy. But people like me - and I suspect you - don't buy roadsters just on the basis of handling. BMW have recognised that there are far wider issues at stake in the purchase of a car like this and have designed the Z4 to suit. As ever, they've done the job brilliantly.

  • Heated windscreen washer jets
  • Fingertip control / anti-trap function on electric window
  • Windscreen wipers with adjustable interval
  • Green tinted heat protection glazing
  • Electric heated rear window

  • Dry braking
  • Front and rear brake discs with interior ventilation
  • M Sport brakes
  • Electromechanical parking brake with automatic drive away release and auto hold function
  • Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)
  • Anti lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist
  • Braking readiness
  • Brake energy regeneration
  • CBC - (Cornering brake control)
  • Dynamic brake control
  • Dynamic Traction Control - DTC
  • Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

  • Front and rear velour floor mats

  • Adaptive M suspension
  • Drive performance control with ECO PRO comfort + sport mode
  • Double joint spring

  • Active Guard
  • Variable sport steering
  • Electric power steering

  • Auto start-stop
  • Pull away assistant

  • BMW ConnectedDrive online services
  • Speedometer with mph readout
  • BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 10.25" high resolution instrument and control display
  • Tachometer
  • Run flat indicator
  • Fuel gauge
  • BMW emergency call
  • BMW Teleservices
  • Instrument cluster
  • Oil temperature gauge
  • Oil sensor for level and grade, warning by check control system
  • Optimum shift indicator

  • Exterior mirrors - electrically folding with anti-dazzle
  • Cerium grey exterior mirror housing
  • Interior rear view mirror with automatic anti dazzle function

  • Sensatec instrument panel

  • High precision injection
  • Safety battery terminal clamp
  • Fuel tank breather system
  • Double VANOS

  • USB connection
  • BMW advanced loudspeaker system

  • Tailgate release handle
  • High gloss shadow line
  • Lightweight engineering
  • Front and rear bumper system
  • Model logo
  • Door sill strips
  • Visible VIN plate
  • High gloss black window recess finisher
  • Door sill finishers with M designation
  • Exhaust tailpipe - split left and right
  • Kidney grille in mesh design
  • Dynamic braking lights comprising activated hazard warning flashers and third brake lights

  • Preparation for high beam assistant
  • LED daytime driving lights
  • Two stage brake force display
  • Follow me home headlight function
  • LED Indicators
  • Automatic headlight beam throw control with load dependent regulating reaction, dynamic compensation of braking dive and acceleration squat
  • LED rear lights

  • Two zone automatic air conditioning
  • Microfilter and active carbon filter

  • Battery in luggage compartment
  • Extended storage - Z4 - 4 lashing eyes, storage net, 2 hooks and strap
  • 12V power socket in front storage compartment
  • Height adjustable mechanically and infinitely variable steering column
  • Vernasca leather upholstery
  • Cupholder
  • M leather steering wheel

  • Ambient lighting
  • Welcome lighting
  • Activation of interior lighting

  • Connected package professional - Z4

  • Seat occupancy protection
  • Airbags - Front driver and passenger, front and side impact protection
  • Plastic fuel tank
  • Pyrotechnic seat belt tensioners
  • 3 point front seat belts
  • Crash Sensor - activates hazard/interior lighting + unlocks doors
  • Roll over protection
  • Two tone horn
  • Seat belt force limiter
  • M Seatbelts
  • Deactivation of fuel pump in the event of a crash
  • Tyre pressure monitoring with three level warning strategy

  • Driver and front passenger heated seats
  • Front headrests
  • Driver + passenger electric lumbar support
  • M Sport seats for driver and passenger
  • Electrically adjustable front driver and passenger seats with memory
  • Child seat ISOFIX attachments for passenger seat

  • Centre lock switch
  • Thatcham cat 1 remote alarm
  • Electronic vehicle immobiliser
  • Start/stop button with Comfort Go keyless engine start and auto Start/stop deactivation button
  • Closing system with central locking

  • M Sport differential
  • Eight speed steptronic sport transmission, with gearshift paddles

  • Sunvisors with vanity mirrors

  • Reduced rolling resistance tyres

  • 19" Double spoke M light alloy wheels in bicolour cerium grey - style 800M

  • BMW Mobility Kit

  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 259
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 177
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 157
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 174
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 181
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - Min: 259
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - Max: 260
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - Min: 177
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - Max: 177
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - Min: 157
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - Max: 157
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - Min: 174
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - Max: 175
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Max: 181
  • WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - Min: 181
  • CO2 (g/km): 168
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6
  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N

  • Engine Code: B58B30M1
  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6
  • CC: 2998
  • Cylinders: 6
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 24
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH
  • Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
  • Transmission: SEMI-AUTO
  • Gears: 8 SPEED

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False
  • EC Urban (mpg): 30.7
  • EC Extra Urban (mpg): 46.3
  • EC Combined (mpg): 38.7
  • WLTP - MPG - Low: 24.8
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium: 36.2
  • WLTP - MPG - High: 40.9
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 37.2
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb: 35.8
  • WLTP - MPG - Low - Min: 24.8
  • WLTP - MPG - Low - Max: 24.8
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium - Min: 36.2
  • WLTP - MPG - Medium - Max: 36.2
  • WLTP - MPG - High - Min: 40.9
  • WLTP - MPG - High - Max: 40.9
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High - Min: 37.2
  • WLTP - MPG - Extra High - Max: 36.7
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Min: 35.8
  • WLTP - MPG - Comb - Max: 35.3
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 11.4
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 7.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 6.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.6
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 7.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - Min: 11.4
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - Max: 11.4
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - Min: 7.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - Max: 7.8
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - Min: 6.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - Max: 6.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - Min: 7.6
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - Max: 7.7
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Min: 7.9
  • WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - Max: 8

  • Generation Mark: 3
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: False
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999
  • Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N
  • Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 97
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 91
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: 76
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • Badge Power: 340
  • Badge Engine CC: 3.0
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • AdBlue: False
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 37E
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False
  • Coin Series: M40
  • Coin Description: i sDrive

  • Engine Power - BHP: 340
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.5
  • Top Speed: 155
  • Engine Power - KW: 250
  • Engine Power - RPM: 5000
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 369
  • Engine Torque - NM: 500
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 1600
  • Engine Torque - MKG: 51

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

  • Tyre Size Rear: 275/35 R19
  • Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT
  • Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY
  • Tyre Size Front: 255/35 R19
  • Alloys?: True
  • Space Saver?: False
  • Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE STYLE 800M

  • Width (including mirrors): 2024
  • Height: 1304
  • Height (including roof rails): N
  • Length: 4324
  • Width: 1864
  • Wheelbase: 2470

  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1555
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 1860
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 52
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 281
  • No. of Seats: 2
  • Max. Roof Load: N
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11
  • Max. Loading Weight: 305

  • Bluetooth hands free telephone connection with USB audio interface + audio streaming: Included
  • Enhanced bluetooth with wireless charging: £350

  • Driving assistant: £0
  • Parking assistant - camera & ultrasound reversing, lateral with self parking facility: £500
  • Active cruise control with stop and go: £0
  • Cruise control with brake function: Included
  • Front/rear Parking distance control: Included

  • Wifi hotspot preparation: £0

  • Aluminium tetragon interior trim: Included
  • Mesh effect aluminium interior trim: £0
  • High gloss black interior trim: £0

  • Solid paint: Included
  • Metallic paint: £0
  • Wind deflector: £170
  • Individual paintwork: £1,880

  • High beam assistant: £0
  • Adaptive LED Headlights: £0
  • Low and high beam headlights in Bi-LED: Included

  • Soft top - Anthracite silver with opening/closing function up to 30mph: £250
  • Soft top - Black: Included

  • Through load system: £100
  • Heated steering wheel: £170

  • Comfort package - Z4: £750
  • Visibility package - Z4: £900
  • Driving assistant package - Z4: £900

  • Metallic - San Francisco red: £0
  • Metallic - Misano blue: £0
  • Metallic - Black sapphire: £0

  • Solid - Alpine white: £0

  • Individual paint - Frozen grey: £1,880

  • Comfort access system with smart opener: £0

  • Vernasca leather - Ivory white with decorative stitching: £0
  • Vernasca leather - Magma red with decorative stitching: £0
  • Vernasca leather - Black with decorative stitching: £0
  • Vernasca leather - Cognac with decorative stitching: £0

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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