BMW chassis engineers have made a real effort to get the Z4 to handle better than the Z3 it has replaced, especially in getting the rear end to stay stuck to the road, and they have succeeded. The Z4 grips in the corners like the Z3 never did. And even with the optional run-flat 17-inch tires, which have stiff sidewalls, it isn't twitchy over high-speed choppy undulating pavement.
The 2.5-liter engine makes a modest 184 horsepower, but it's good horsepower, ample as well as sweet. It's definitely not slow, and it sounds surprisingly great, with a built-in back-pressure deep burble at low rpm. It's got variable valve timing to make the most of its 175 pound-feet of torque, and redlines at a gentle 6500 rpm, with horsepower peaking at 6000. BMW's rev limiter is also the most sophisticated in the business, gently taking the power away when you hit it.
If you need more performance, the 3.0-liter delivers 225 horsepower, 214 pound-feet, and has a six-speed gearbox. BMW's acceleration claims are 0 to 60 in 7.1 seconds for the 2.5i, and in 5.9 seconds for the 3.0i, which is a big difference.
Changing gears with the manual was so easy and satisfying that we can't imagine wanting an automatic transmission, but the five-speed Steptronic with manual control is a good option. As for the high-tech Sequential Manual Gearbox, this is a gearbox for racers. We've tested an M3 with that gearbox, and found it interesting, aggressive, and fun but imperfect. We've also sampled one on a 6 Series coupe and didn't like it in that car. Make sure your fully try one out before opting for the SMG. Next Page