BMW

BMW Z4 ROADSTER sDrive M40i 2dr Auto [Tech Pack]

Fuel

FuelPetrol

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph4.5s

WLTP - CO2 (g/km)

WLTP - CO2181 g/km

BMW knows a thing or two about roadsters and this third generation Z4 is one of its best, especially in this improved form. It may not be the sharpest car in its class to drive but on the right day, in the right mood on the right road, you may not care. The engines are efficient and willing, the looks are stunning and the feeling you get behind the wheel still makes you feel twenty years younger. This, it seems, is a Z that might be very hard to catch.

ENOUGH Z?

BMW's Z4 roadster has been lightly improved. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

BMW knows a thing or two about roadsters and this third generation Z4 is one of its best, especially in this improved form. It may not be the sharpest car in its class to drive but on the right day, in the right mood on the right road, you may not care. The engines are efficient and willing, the looks are stunning and the feeling you get behind the wheel still makes you feel twenty years younger. This, it seems, is a Z that might be very hard to catch.

Background

It took BMW some time to discover a profitable sweet spot in the roadster segment but the Munich maker got there in the end. Having first brought us an exclusive low volume model in this sector (the Z1 of 1989), the brand finally launched an affordable volume contender (the 'E36'-series Z3 of 1995). That sold well enough to be replaced by the slightly larger and more mature first generation 'E85'-series Z4 in 2002. Which itself was replaced by a second generation metal folding-roof 'E89'-series Z4 design in 2009. With the history lesson completed, let's acquaint you with what we're looking at here, a MK3 'G29'-series Z4 model launched in late 2018 after development shared with the new-era Toyota Supra. It claimed to be something its direct predecessor really wasn't and BMW sold 55,000 units globally in a diminishing segment before the light mid-term update that we profile for you here. As before, this Z4 sets out to be a really serious driver's car. And a really serious Porsche 718 Boxster rival. But is it a really serious roadster? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

There are no mechanical or handling changes for this updated Z4, but it's worth pointing out that the specification for the four cylinder Z4 20i now includes M Sport suspension and variable sport steering as standard. That 197hp TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre model is now the only four cylinder Z4 you can have, the previous 258hp Z4 30i variant having been deleted. Still, the 20i is pretty rapid, making 62mph from rest in just 6.6s on the way to 149mph. At the top of the range, you can still have a traditional BMW straight-six unit, courtesy of the 340hp engine fitted to the flagship M40i derivative, which sprints to 62mph in 4.6s and has to be artificially restrained at 155mph. Both variants come fitted with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport auto gearbox with gearshift paddles. If you want a manual gearbox with the M40i, there's a special 'Handschalter' version to consider. On the 20i, you're probably going to want to pay extra for adaptive damping - only the M40i gets it as standard, along with uprated brakes and an electronically controlled differential lock. 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. Which is the kind of driving experience you'd want a proper roadster to be able to deliver. The fabric roof suits this car far better than the metal-folding top fitted to the pre-2018-era 'E89'-series version. It can be opened or closed in ten seconds at up to 31mph.

Design and Build

Changes to this updated Z4 are subtle, with a revised grille aiming to make the car look wider; and detail touches like smarter 18 or 19-inch wheels, exterior mirror caps in Cerium Grey and trapezoidal tailpipe trims for the exhaust. 'M Sport' trim is now a non-negotiable for the four cylinder version, which gets you three-section air intakes in the front apron, distinctive side-sill contouring and a rear apron with bold edging at either side. The side air intakes have been remodelled too. As before, hallmark Z4 exterior features include large air intakes, LED headlights with vertically arranged light sources and a long bonnet, which stretches over the wheel arches. And of course there's a fabric top, in contrast to the folding metal top of the pre-2018-era 'E89'-series version. This operates in around ten seconds and allows for the same amount of luggage space whether the roof is up or down (281-litres). In proper roadster style, there are no rear seats. There are no changes inside, so the same customisable screens for the fully digital instrument cluster and control display remain, both of which have a diagonal of 10.25-inches. The centre screen's functionality includes the BMW Maps navigation system, a hard-drive-based multimedia set-up, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control, smartphone integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The instrument panel is trimmed in stitched leather-like 'Sensatec'. And seat heating, a wind deflector, extended load-through storage, Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear, an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and two-zone automatic climate control all feature as standard.

Market and Model

Take a long deep breath before looking at the asking prices, which start at around £45,000 for the four cylinder Z4 20i M Sport and rise to just under £57,500 for the top six cylinder Z4 M40i - which also comes in manual 'Handschalter' form. Those premium figures do now include more equipment, notably with the 20i version the uprated 'M Sport' trim level you'd probably have wanted to stretch to anyway. That brings a smarter look and standard M Sport suspension. Plus 18-inch M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design (with 19-inch rims optional); and, inside, Vernasca leather upholstery, which can be specified in Black, Ivory White, Cognac or Magma Red. There are three new exterior metallic colour choices - 'Thundernight', 'Portimao Blue' and 'Skyscraper Grey'. And the fabric soft-top will continue to be offered in Anthracite Silver effect as an alternative to the standard black. New to the options list is the 'M lights Shadow Line' styling pack, which can be ordered in conjunction with optional Adaptive LED Headlights. The headlights' dark inserts help imbue the front end of the car with a discreetly sporting aura. And they form a neatly judged composition with the car's 'M high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim' which has extended elements. A host of state-of-the-art driver assistance systems come included: Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Lane Departure Warning including lane return, and the Speed Limit Info function with no-overtaking indicator. Among the drive assist items on the options list are the Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Lane Change Warning, rear collision warning, crossing traffic warning, the Parking Assistant and the Reversing Assist Camera. Also available is the BMW Head-Up Display, which projects driving information onto the windscreen.

Cost of Ownership

These days, even barnstorming sports cars need to keep running costs in check while treating the environment with kid gloves. The Z4 does a better job of this than you'd credit for a car in such a lofty performance bracket, mainly thanks the BMW's EfficientDynamics programme. Thanks to this, assuming you keep an eye on the optimal gearshift indicator, you should be able to get somewhere close to a combined cycle fuel figure which for the four cylinder engine is quoted at up to 40.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 157g/km of CO2. As for the six cylinder M40i model, well you're looking at up to 35.8mpg and up to 179g/km. For the manual 'Handschalter' M40i, it's up to 35.3mpg and up to 191g/km. Routine maintenance is dictated by 'Condition Based Servicing' that monitors oil level and engine wear, taking into account how long it's been and how far the car has travelled since its previous garage visit. To help plan ahead for the cost of regular work, at point of purchase you'll be offered a 'BMW Service Inclusive' package that lasts for three years and 36,000 miles. BMW offers a warranty that lasts for three years, no matter how many miles you complete.

Summary

For the magazines, the definition of success for this MK3 model Z4 continues to lie in whether it handles just like the equivalent Porsche Boxster. But for most potential owners, that won't be the over-riding priority. BMW has been building roadsters for over 80 years - and it shows with this third generation design, a model that's matured extremely well, slowly and methodically developing into an all-rounder that's tough to beat. In fact, I can't help feeling that this is probably the ideal car of its kind for most potential buyers. True, it isn't the driver's machine that its Porsche rival can be, but it gets close enough for many likely customers to start prioritising the lower pricing and nicer cabin that you get with this Munich model. What it all means is that though the Z4 might not be the first car you look at when choosing a sports roadster, look at it you must. It's now just too good not to.

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

  • Front and rear velour floor mats

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

  • Variable sport steering
  • Electric power steering
  • Active Guard

  • Pull away assistant
  • Auto start-stop

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

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

  • Sensatec instrument panel

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

  • USB connection

  • Tailgate release handle
  • High gloss shadow line
  • 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
  • Model logo
  • Door sill strips
  • Front and rear bumper system
  • Visible VIN plate
  • Lightweight engineering

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

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

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

  • Ambient lighting
  • Welcome lighting
  • Activation of interior lighting

  • Connected package professional - Z4
  • Technology package - Z4

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

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

  • Start/stop button with Comfort Go keyless engine start and auto Start/stop deactivation button
  • Electronic vehicle immobiliser
  • Centre lock switch
  • Thatcham cat 1 remote alarm
  • 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: 260
  • 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[Tech Pack]
  • 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

  • Cruise control with brake function: Included
  • Active cruise control with stop and go: £0
  • Driving assistant: £0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Solid - Alpine white: £0

  • Individual paint - Frozen grey: £1,880

  • Comfort access system with smart opener: £0

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