Vehicle: 2006 BMW M Roadster with Premium Package
Price as tested: CDN$72800

Performance: BMW has taken their famous straight-6 powerplant into another new height with the introduction of new M Roadster. This 3.2L 24-valver DOHC straight-6 with Double VANOS is good for 333 horses and 262 lb/ft of torque. Regardless of which rpm, this engine is responsive and willing to rev at high rpm. Its engine note simply an enjoyment while pushing through the rev range. The harder you pushed the engine, the more entertaining the engine sounds. The engine note has those wonderful German solid feel that is very BMW. The bottom-end is simply a non-issue with 262 lb/ft of torque available at 4900 rpm. Matched with this wonderful motor is a 6-speed stick shift. This stick shift has all the BMW tradition. Although the throw is a bit long, gates are very well defined and have excellent ratios. Clutch is progressive and engagement point is top-notch. After driven this straight-6, one has to wonder why BMW has to abandon their world-renowed engine in flavor of V8 in next M3.

Handling: M Roadster’s dynamic qualities are as impressive as its powerplant. It all begins with a solid and sound chassis, which is totally free of rattles and cracks. It also doesn’t have any cowl shakes going out bumps. BMW Motorsports has stiffened up the chassis and all the suspension components to take on the new powerplant. The result is a roadster that is agile and extremely fun-to-drive. The cornering is flat and predictable. Dynamic Stability Control only kicks in when necessary. This system has a very high thresold to allow driver to exercise oversteer before it starts to activate. A keen driver can turn it completely off to turn full corner. However, BMW still haven’t fixed the rather numb steering feel. For a roadster with performance as astounising as M Roadster, this electric power steering really lacks the feedback that an enthuisastic driver wanted. In terms of steering feel in this class, Boxster remains the one to beat.

Brakes: With large front solid discs, rear vented discs and ABS; the braking performance is as steller as its performance. Stopping distance is short while pedal feel is simply amazing.

Interior: Other than the wonderful sports seats, the rest of the interior remains Z4. That means the same cheap plastic and weird ergonomics. On the other hand, driving position is easily found as one expected from a BMW.

Conclusion: With the introduction of the M Roadster, BMW has finally given Z4 a new life. Not only does the facelift look much better, the new motor has transformed a once underwhelming roadster into one of the best in its segment. That really said something about the magic of BMW Motorsports Division!!

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 BMW M ROADSTER
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2.5/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5