2008 BMW Z4 Review Summary & Specs
3.0i Roadster Convertible
Superb Bavarian sports car.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The BMW Z4 is one of the finest sports cars on the market. It offers the open-air fun of a roadster as well as the rigidity and utility of a hatchback coupe. Models range from a fun and affordable roadster to an all-out high-performance sports car. If you're shopping for a second car that can provide some weekend excitement, make sure to put the Z4 on your list.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Sam Moses reported from the Columbia River Gorge; with Kirk Bell reporting from Chicago.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sports Cars |
| Editor |
New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup |
BMW Z4 3.0i Roadster ($36,400); 3.0si Coupe ($40,400), 3.0si Roadster ($42,400); M Coupe ($50,400), M Roadster ($52,400) |
| Engines (standard) |
3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve inline-6 |
| Engines (optional) |
215-hp 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve inline-6; 255-hp 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve inline-6; 330-hp 3.2-liter DOHC 24-valve inline-6 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
6-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) |
6-speed manual; 6-speed Steptronic automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front knee airbags, LATCH-style child safety seat anchors on the passenger seat, ABS, brake fade compensation, brake standby, brake drying, EBD, traction control, antiskid control, tire-pressure monitor, run-flat tires, hill-holder brake |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
|
| Basic Warranty |
4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Spartanburg, South Carolina |
| Manufacturer Phone |
800-334-4BMW |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.bmwusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$36,400 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
BMW Z4 3.0si coupe ($40,400) |
| Standard Equipment |
leather upholstery, automatic climate control, center console, interior air filter, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, heated power mirrors, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, aluminum interior trim, THX audio system with AM/FM/CD, iPod connectivity, trip computer, rear defogger, rain-sensing variable intermittent wipers, automatic headlights, fog lights, theft-deterrent system, map lights, alloy wheels |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
eight-way power sports seats ($995), heated seats ($500); Sport package ($1,300) includes 225/40R18 front tires, 255/35R18 rear tires, sport suspension, and Dynamic Driving Control |
| Destination Charge |
825 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$44,020 |
| Layout |
rear-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
255 @ 6600 |
| Torque |
220 @ 2750 |
| Fuel Economy |
18/28 |
| Wheelbase |
98.2 |
| Length/Width/Height |
161.1/70.1/49.9 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
32.2 |
| Seating Capacity |
2 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
37.3/NA/42.0 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Trunk Volume |
12.0 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
|
| Front Suspension |
struts, coil springs, twin-tube gas shock absorbers, antiroll bar |
| Rear Suspension |
multi-link, coil springs, twin-tube shock absorbers, antiroll bar |
| Ground Clearance |
|
| Curb Weight |
3108 |
| Stock Tires |
225/40R18 front, 255/35R18 rear run-flat |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc, vented, with ABS, EBD |
| Fuel Capacity |
14.5 |