Z4 3.0si not only looks like a star, it'll make you feel like one when you plop down behind the wheel of this exceptional car
People are enthusiastic about convertibles in spring, but the BMW Z4 3.0si hatchback coupe has far more visual drama than the Z4 3.0i convertible, with an artful combination of crisp lines, sharp creases and intersecting geometric forms.
The small Z4 two-seat coupe was introduced last year and is built at BMW's South Carolina plant. It looks better than the mechanically similar Z4 convertible with its reworked rear end and sloping, shapely roof, which has a center roof channel that looks as if from Zagato, an Italian exotic car stylist. The hard top provides more rigidity than the Z4 convertible, which outsells the coupe.
The Z4 coupe is reminiscent of elemental, fun-to-drive 1960s British MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey sports cars. It also has the flowing, tapered lines that made 1960s sports cars such as the Jaguar E-Type coupe so enchanting.
My test Z4 was white, and most small cars with white paint look bland to me. But not the Z4 coupe -- it would draw admiring stares painted virtually any color.
A driver sits low and far back in the cocoon-like coupe's interior, looking down a long hood that covers an inline (not V-shaped) six-cylinder engine. But the small outside mirrors must be used a lot because the roofline causes rear blind spots. The stylish-but-small inside rearview mirror and small back window show only what's immediately behind you.
BMW builds superb V-8s but is historically best known for its smooth, potent inline "sixes." The standard $40,400 Z4 3.0si coupe I tested comes with a silky, quiet 3-liter 255-horsepower six, while the hotter $50,100 M version has a 3.2-liter, 330-horsepower inline six.
The Z4 convertible has a 215- or a 255-horsepower six-cylinder -- and also comes as a 330-horsepower M model. Prices for the convertible range from $36,400 to $52,100. All Z4s have only minor changes, such as standard auxiliary audio input and a tire pressure monitor.
Many Z4 coupe buyers might be tempted to pocket the $9,700 extra cost of the Z4 M version, which also has a $1,000 gas guzzler tax. That's because the standard Z4 coupe is plenty fast (0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds) and more comfortable than the harder-edged Z4 M coupe I drove last year with its stiffer suspension and wider tires.
A $1,275 six-speed automatic transmission that can be manually shifted with steering wheel paddles is available for the standard Z4 coupe, but not the M. I would have preferred the standard six-speed manual gearbox, but the responsive automatic makes the car easier to drive in congested Chicago area traffic.
Estimated fuel economy with the 255-horsepower engine is 20 mpg in the city and 29 on highways with the manual and 21 and 30 with the automatic. The more ferocious M delivers an estimated 16 city and 24 highway.
The Z4 coupe's standard equipment includes air conditioning with automatic climate control, tilt/telescopic wheel, cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player and power heated mirrors, windows and door locks with remote entry. The M version adds such items as a firmer suspension and larger tires.
Safety items include side and knee air bags and stability and traction control systems. Run-flat performance tires are standard.
A direct rival to the front-engine Z4 coupe is Porsche's $49,400 Cayman with 245 horsepower and $58,900 Cayman S, which has 295 horsepower. Both Caymans are mechanically similar to the Porsche Boxster convertible and have swoopy styling. They're also offered with an optional automatic.
This Porsche's mid-engine location (behind the driver and ahead of the rear axle) gives a handling edge on the twisting California mountain roads I've become familiar with during auto previews. Illinois has no such roads.
And, my goodness, look at the higher Cayman prices. However, my test Z4 coupe had options that raised its price to $49,625. Besides the automatic transmission, extras included a $2,150 Premium Package with power seats, $1,300 Sport Package with a sport suspension, $1,800 navigation system, $1,700 extended leather upholstery, $500 heated seats and $500 M sport seats.
The Z4 coupe's steering is almost too quick off the on-center position, so drivers who let their attention wander might quickly find that the car has partly moved into the next lane.
This BMW's 50/50 weight distribution enhances its responsive handling. Powerful anti-lock brakes stop it quickly and surely. The brake pedal is touchy on initial application, but allows easy brake modulation for smooth stops.
The standard Z4 coupe's suspension is firm and lets you feel some bumps, but isn't harsh. However, the ride gets choppy on rough streets and some expressway pavement, partly because the car has a short 98.3-inch wheelbase.
The quiet cockpit is snug, but there's decent room for two tall occupants. This is one of those low-slung "drop-in/climb-out" sports cars that calls for athletic moves to get in and out. The optional M-style sport seats provide great support but impede entry, as do the long doors in tight spots.
Gauges can be quickly read, and the transmission shifter and dashboard controls are easily reached. Climate controls are fairly large, and the smaller sound system controls are set high. But the sun visors are tiny and seat belts are hard to reach. Interior storage space is sparse.
The hatchback design allows decent cargo room for a small sports car, although its opening is rather high.
The Z4 convertible and coupe are generally outstanding. But the Z4 coupe is more of a sports car.
2007 BMW Z4 3.0si COUPE
PRICE: $40,400-$50,100.
LIKES: Striking styling. Fast. Superb handling and braking. Responsive automatic transmission.
DISLIKES: Touchy brake pedal. Occasional choppy ride. Limited rear visibility.