2007 BMW Z4

For 2007, the BMW Z4 has a tire-pressure monitor that replaces the flat-tire monitor on the standard features list. The Premium Package now includes a four-year subscription to BMW Assist, and an auxiliary audio input jack is now standard.

The 2007 BMW Z4 two-seat roadster or coupe is available in two trims for the roadster: 3.0i and 3.0si. Meanwhile, the coupe is available in the 3.0si trim only. The roadster has a traditional, manually-operated convertible soft top with a defroster-equipped glass rear window. The 3.0i roadster comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers with heated wiper jets, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and heated outside mirrors. The 3.0si trim adds nothing significant to exteriors of the roadster or the coupe. The Sport package includes upgraded wheels and tires, a sport-tuned suspension, and BMW's Dynamic Driving Control feature that quickens throttle response and reduces power-steering assist. A one-touch power operation feature for the convertible's top can be added via the Premium package.

On the inside, the 3.0i comes standard with manually operated six-way adjustable seats, full power accessories, vinyl upholstery, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, and a 10-speaker audio system with a CD player. The 3.0si trim then adds a center armrest, leather upholstery, aluminum interior trim, a premium audio system, a trip computer, and automatic climate control. Most of the 3.0si features are available as options on the 3.0i. The Premium package includes cabin gear such as power seats, auto-dimming mirrors, memory for the driver seat, and Bluetooth connectivity. Stand-alone options for the BMW Z4 cabin include sport seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and a navigation system.

The Z4 is a driver’s machine and has the interior to match this theme. While the cockpit is rather simple and thus not a driver distraction, it is made of reasonable quality with nice materials and an intuitive system for lowering the convertible top. Trunk space in the convertible is not sacrificed with the top down. All in all, the interior of the Z4 is nice and subservient to the driving-machine theme.

The rear-drive Z4 is available with two engines. The 3.0i comes with a three-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 215 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0si has a high-output version of the same inline six that makes 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. Both trims come standard with a six-speed manual transmission while a six-speed automatic with BMW's Steptronic sequential shift control is available as an option. BMW’s tests have a manual-equipped 3.0si covering the zero-to-60-mph sprint in a respectable 5.6 seconds.

As for handling, the Z4 isn’t just a BMW, it’s a BMW sports car. Fortunately, the Z4 meets all expectations: acceleration, braking, and handling are all excellent. The sport package increases the handling quality even more allowing the Z4 to breeze through twists and turns, but the handling prowess is accompanied by the typical stiff ride. Despite the sporty handling, the Z4 still works as a regular driver, although roadsters aren’t typically quiet and pleasant on the highway.

All BMW Z4 models feature standard safety equipment, including a tire-pressure monitoring system, anti-lock disc brakes, run-flat tires, and a sophisticated stability control system. There are passive safety features as well including side airbags, rollover protection, active knee protection, and child-seat anchor points for the passenger seat. In government crash safety tests, the Z4 received above average scores in all categories.

• Driving dynamics
• Standard safety features
• Powertrains
• Build quality

• Pricey options

• Honda S2000
• Chrysler Crossfire
• Nissan 350Z
• Mazda RX-8
• Infiniti G35
• Mercedes-Benz SLK