 2007 BMW Z4. Click image to enlarge |
| Related articles on Autos Test Drive: 2007 BMW Z4 3.0si Manufacturer's web site |
By Chris Chase; photos by Andrew McCredie
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2007 BMW Z4
Successor to the Z3, the BMW Z4 roadster improved upon the Z3’s cramped cabin, unsophisticated rear suspension and lack of structural rigidity, but it drew plenty of flak for being far less pretty, even though the Z4’s styling was more distinctive. The first-gen Z4 might have held some appeal for North American (and particularly U.S.) buyers, as it was built at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant.
While the Z4, like many BMW models, was offered with a wide variety of engines worldwide, three variants were sold in Canada. These were the 2.5i and 3.0i models, which used 2.5- and 3.0-litre six-cylinder engines (189 hp and 228 hp respectively). The high-performance M versions – sold in roadster and coupe form – used a 3.2-litre six borrowed from the M3 that made 338 horsepower.
The 2.5-litre engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 3.0-litre came standard with a six-speed, and a five-speed automatic was available with either motor. M versions only came with a six-speed manual.
Starting in 2006, the 2.5-litre engine was dropped and the Z4 got BMW’s newer 3.0-litre engine, a more-powerful unit rated at 255 horsepower. With this motor, the Z4 was still offered in two trims: 3.0i and a sportier 3.0si.
 2007 BMW Z4. Click image to enlarge |
For non-M cars, fuel consumption ratings average around 11.6/7.6 L/100 (city/highway), with small variances depending on engine and transmission choice. These numbers would come closer to 11.0/7.0 closer to the end of the car’s run. M versions (coupe and roadster) earned much thirstier ratings of 14.5/9.0 L/100 km (city/highway), owing to their high-strung engine.
Surprisingly for a high-end German car, the Z4 appears to be quite reliable, earning Consumer Reports’ “good bet” rating for used vehicles. Their reliability data shows few trouble spots and nothing to indicate any serious, common issues. Like any mechanical device, though, things break, and there are a few things to look out for.
Many Z4 owners complain of electric power steering units that don’t provide enough power assistance in hot weather, and steering that flat-out behaves oddly.
An electronic component in the power top mechanism commonly goes bad. Thankfully, according to this thread, the repair isn’t too difficult.
As with many convertibles, the Z4’s side windows are designed to drop slightly when the doors are opened, and zip back up when the door is shut. Frequently, though, the windows “forget” to do this, and the window either won’t drop or won’t roll itself back up. Again, the most common cause is minor and the fix, easy.
 2007 BMW Z4. Click image to enlarge |
It’s not uncommon for the convertible top motor to fail due to exposure to water.
The 2003 Z4 earned four stars for driver and passenger protection in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) frontal impact tests, and three stars in side impact testing. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) didn’t test the Z4. All Z4 variants came standard with side airbags and stability/traction control.
According to Canadian Red Book, used values range from $20,850 for a 2003 2.5i model, to $55,950 for a 2008 M Roadster. You should be able to find a 2006 model for well under $40,000, and Canadian Red Book puts 2005 models right around the $30,000 mark.
With the arrival of a second-generation, 2009 Z4, many enthusiasts will prefer that new car’s smoother styling. Sadly, the new car signifies the end of an era in a way, as the second-gen Z4 will no longer be built in South Carolina - BMW chose its Regensburg, Germany plant to build the new model.
| Pricing Red Book Pricing (avg. retail) January 2009:
Online resources A couple of the usual suspects turned up in my online search for BMW Z4 information. The Z4 discussion sections at BimmerForums.com and Roadfly.com figured in my search, as did a more specialized source, Z4-forum.com. Related stories on Autos Manufacturer's Website Recalls Transport Canada Recall Number: 2004123; Units affected: 456 2003-2004: Certain vehicles contain a defect involving the electric fuel pump. Under certain environmental conditions, for example, driving during high outside temperatures in combination with high altitudes (over 5,000ft.), vapor lock in the fuel pump could occur. This could cause the engine to stall. If this were to happen, the engine could be unable to be restarted for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Correction: Dealer will install a resistor in the electrical line leading to the fuel pump. This will reduce the power output of the fuel pump and preclude an occurrence of vapor lock. Transport Canada Recall Number: 2008307; Units affected: 16,112 2004-2005: On certain vehicles, the front passenger's seat occupant detection mat can fatigue during field usage depending on the seat configuration, vehicle geometry, manner and frequency of front passenger's entry/exit. Over time micro cracks could develop in the side flanks of mat, which could lead to a break of the conductive path and the system will recognize a failure and with exception of head protection system the front passenger air bag will be deactivated. The air bag "On/Off" lamp will be illuminated to make the occupants aware of the deactivation. Correction: Models will receive an extended warranty of 10 years on the related occupant detection mat only. Crash test results Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy. For information on recalls, see Transport Canada's web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov. For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com. |
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