M Roadster/Coupe

Vehicle: 2007 BMW M Coupe with Premium Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$71600

Performance: The M Coupe, as it stands, is powered by BMW’s world-renowed M-tuned straight-6 engine. This DOHC 24-valver straight 6 3.2L with Double VANOS is identical to the one available in the awe-inspiring M Roadster, as well as in current M3 variants. Its good for 330 horses and 262 lb/ft of torque. As one expected from a BMW straight-6 powerplant, the engine note is simply amazing. Merits like excellent throttle response, smooth-shifting 6-speed stick shift with progressive clutch take-off. Not only this powerplant has excellent torque, as its maximum torque plateau reaches at 4900 rpm. It never run out of breath at higher rpm, at the same time, the music is equally astounishing from the moment you step the throttle all the way to the 8000 rpm.

Handling: Simply put, M Coupe could well be the best handling BMW to date. It all begins with a wonderfully stiff chassis and perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Its lightweight and tossable driving feel have been unfound in recent M3 and M5. The nimbleness has reminded me of E36 M3, which has a light-on-its-feet tactical control without losing German car’s usual rigidty. Push the M Coupe into corners, this puppy reacts instantly without any drama. Its totally controllable while Dynamic Stability Control, or DSC-3, won’t stepped in until the last moment. This allow enthuisasitc driver to have oversteer fun. The DSC-3 has 3 threshold for driver to control. The lowest setting is driver has total control of how the tail reacts. The medium setting is the DSC will kicked in once the tail is “about” to get out of hands. The highest setting is the standard setting, which I highly recommended leaving it for daily driving. Both the lowest and medium settings are perfect for track events. As usual, M Coupe’s steering is razor sharp and precision is superb. The path tracking is right on the spot. Consider the ratio BMW Motorsport has set of M Coupe’s steering, it doesn’t feel any kind of oversensitivity during minor corrections. While the ride maybe a bit too stiff for most people, its suppleness is perfect for track driving or eating any curvy back roads.

Brakes: With front solid discs/rear ventilated discs and standard ABS, M Coupe’s braking performance is nothing short of spectacular. The stopping distance is short, while both pedal feel and modulation are simply astounishing.

Interior: The only area seperates M Coupe and Roadster is the available with a little hatch. While it doesn’t offer as much cargo space as a typical hot hatch, its more than enough for a weekend getaway to those entertaining back roads. On the other hand, the interior layout and ambience are typical M Roadster. Superb sports seats with typical BMW instrumentation gauges.

Conclusion: Just like the original M Coupe, this latest iteration is a result of a program developed by BMW Motorsport engineers before handling it for approval by board of directors instead of the other way around. The desired effect is best handling BMW ever. If you already tired that the “other” car on the street is an E46 M3 while Cayman S is simply too expensive, M Coupe could well be your perfect track machine!

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 BMW M COUPE
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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: 3/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

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