Other BMW Z4 (2003 - 2008) models:

  • Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    It still draws heads without being poserish. A car that wants to be driven rather than paraded outside of a coffee shop, but while still looking good. Says that you want performance and 'sporty' over posing and compromised, but still gets the ''nice car'' commnts.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Not had a bad comment yet. It has a strange way of having a presence without jumping out like a swore digit.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Absolutely. Not a common sight on the roads, the straight six screams on tap, handling is as tight or as lairy as you want to make it. Good equipment levels, performance lets it dance with some ''more exotic'' or bigger engined machinery, muscular looks over the standard Z4.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Vantage v8, Ferrari 360 or Nissan GTR.

  • Buying experience

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £35,000

    When did you buy the car?

    May 2012

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Not a bad deal, not a good deal. Car prices here are higher than I'm accustomed to back in the UK, but car was at about market value.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Had never given it thought, saw it on the forecourt and it stole my heart instatnly.

    What was the dealer like?

    Friendly if not a bit slow..

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    First and foremost it's worth noting that the reviews you read of it being a bit 'edgy' are true. It's a raw roadster which means the ride is firm (I personally have no problem with this in a car, some do). The throttle takes some getting used to but once you do is rewarding to blip open (sports mode exacerbates this but again I use it constantly as I perfer the map of the throttle position that it gives), and the long, low slung bonnet means that you have to give it thought around carparks and town. Visibility is as good as you'd expect from a drop top, I'd like to see a bit more of the bonnet in an ideal world to be able to gauge out kerbs etc a little easier. Engine is a gem, and I'm never caught short for pace.

    What's it like to park?

    Reverse park and you'll not really have any issues. You're quite far towards the back so it's easy to judge , parking sensors help if you have them. The long bonnet makes swerving front forwards into parking bays a bit nervy - so I don't.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Window washer motor has died after two years.

    What's most practical about your car?

    Suprisingly large boot, usable with the roof down.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Bluetooth/nav/tv system. A bit old compared to modern attempts, but it's simplistic nature makes it a doddle to use on the move and offers all the essentials.