2004 BMW Z4 3.0i
Vehicle: 2004 BMW Z4 3.0i with sports and premium pkgs
Price as tested: CDN$65100
Performance: Z4 is motivated by 1 of 2 engines. These straight 6s are either 2.5 and 3.0L. Our tester is latter with 225 hp and 214 lb/ft of torque, the same impressive engine found in 3 and 5-Series. The legendary turbine-like BMW straight 6 quality remains intact, as it combines high level of refinement and flexability all over the rev range. In the sports package, when you press the “sport” button. The engine sound becomes more intoxicating and more sports car-like. The 6-speed stick shift on our tester is a joy to use. The throws are typical BMW short with well-defined gates and light clutch.
Handling: While the extra stiffness through the push of a “sport” button does provide more aggressive driving experience, there are some dynamic qualities that really turned me off. Z4′s electric power steering feels numb and lifeless. You still find the same steering response typical of a BMW, the precision and sharpness have become a history compares to a more lithe Z3. The whole car feels much less communicative than the last M Coupe I drove. DSC+3 stability control kicks in too abruptly when going into a corner. Sometimes the tail wants to go out before the DSC keeps getting into the picture, which makes driver hard to detect whether its going oversteer or not. On the other hand, its ride is more than acceptable and body rolls are very well tempted. In terms of chassis stiffness, there is no cowl shakes when going through rough roads. It proves to be a solid and well-made chassis that in need of a better steering gear and stability control.
Brakes: Typical of all BMWs, its stopping performance is world-class. Both pedal feel and modulation are wonderfully well controlled.
Interior: Z4′s interior appointment is a mix review. While the driving position is easily found and gauges are typical BMW clear, the use of plastic material is a big let-down. There are hard and brittle plastics everywhere from door panels to the flimsy glovebox. While the climate control with knobs are easy to drive, the controls have a low-rent feel that is completely unacceptable in a BMW.
Conclusion: Despite the Z4 no longer the segment beater like Z3 used to be, it remains a viable choice in a sea of roadster if you can get over its controversial looks.
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 BMW Z4 3.0i
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 3/5
Overall rating: 3.75/5