BMW Z4 Coupe - a Pleasurable Sports Car

The BMW Z4 coupe is a direct descendant of the Z3. It originated as BMW´s answer to fill the gap between cheap, playful sports cars and high-performance, high-priced luxury sports cars. Prices for this sports car start around $40,500, making it a relatively affordable mid-life crisis purchase.

Efforts were made to eliminate the "cute" factor that the Z3 tended towards. The Z4 is all macho, with a crouched down look and metallic exterior.

Engine

The BMW Z4 comes equipped with a 3.0 L six cylinder in-line engine. It features four-valve technology. The engine is insanely powerful and is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission for utmost control.

Body

The Z4 coupe has a very interesting exterior feature. The "impact zones" or areas most likely to be banged into (bumpers, doors, etc.) are designed to return to their original shape if dented or dinged at a speed of less than 2.5 mph. No more worries about the car next to you parking too close, this coupe is self-regenerating!

Apart from Wolverine-like qualities, the Z4 also boasts twin exhaust pipes, a metallic paint job, halogen headlights, and run flat tires. It even has a rain sensor that will automatically switch on the headlights when the weather worsens, heightening visibility and possibly preventing an accident.

Frontal fog lamps are also included in the standard package, along with adjustable mirrors in the same color as the body. The headlights are self-cleaning and there is also a kidney grill for extra good looks.

Hidden from view, but just as important, is the suspension system. A rear stabilizer bar keeps things steady, along with front and rear coil springs. This suspension system also uses gas charged shock absorbers for a smoother ride. In fact, this car drives so smoothly that you might not even notice that you're speeding. The suspension is major improvement over the weaker system originally featured in the Z3 model.

Interior Details

The interior of the BMW Z4 coupe is just as gorgeous as its exterior with brushed aluminium trim and Oregon leather seats. It also has several special features, including a chrome-line interior, trunk illumination and an onboard computer.

The fully carpeted interior is made nearly anti-allergenic with a special pollen filter. This keeps air flowing in nice and clean. For entertainment, there are nine speakers connected to the radio, which is a basic model, but could feasibly be upgraded.

Safety Features

As with any car, safety is a very important part of the buyer's purchase decision. The BMW Z4 coupe has a full airbag system, including knee airbags, dual side airbags and also two-stage front airbags on both passenger and driver's side. Should there be a crash; the three-point seatbelts with their pre-tensioners will help keep passengers safe.

When a car like this tempts you to step on the gas pedal, you need good brakes and the Z4 has got them. Four wheel anti-lock breaks, corner brake control and electronic braking assistance are just a few of the special braking aids included in this vehicle. The coupe also has built in dynamic traction control and dynamic stability control, all designed to help consumers driver more safely.

Other safety features include crumple zones and weight sensors on all airbags to prevent accidental deployment when a child or baby is in the seat.

Anti-Theft

The Z4 is high on the priority list for car thieves, but BMW has anticipated this problem and included several anti-theft devices. The doors can be remotely locked as well as from the inside of the car. If someone does try to steal it, there is an engine immobilizer in place to prevent them from getting anywhere.

Other Versions

Also in existence are the Z4i 3.0 Sport and the Z4M, slightly more advanced versions of the Z4 coupe. Each has its own set of features, with the Z4M being the most impressive. It comes with an aerodynamic spoiler out front and a rear valance with a diffuser.

Consumer Reports

One complaint about this car was that it is too stable when driving and doesn't allow the moves made famous by the movie "Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift".

It is generally agreed that the BMW Z4 is a man's car. From the high powered engine to the extra thick steering wheel, it was designed from a male point of view and fairly drips with testosterone.