2005 BMW Z4 Consumer Reviews

Highly recommend!

Written by: Paul in San Diego on 10/14/2009

Vehicle

2005 BMW Z4 2.5i 2dr Roadster (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

We purchased this car new in 05 and it has been outstanding. Not a single thing has gone wrong in 40k miles, it gets 32+ mpg on the freeway and combined mileage is 25-26 -- all much higher than estimated! The free services have been great too.

Favorite Features

The power top is fast and easy. There is more room in the trunk than you'd expect for suitcases or groceries. A full set of golf clubs fits too. Two sets if not too oversized. Small, so easy to park and really fast to wash and wax. Glad we got both sport and premium packages.

Suggested Improvements

Have to be ready for a bumpy, sports car ride -- you really feel the road with the low profile tires. Fit and finish could have been better -- gaps between some body panels is a bit to wide. Standard stereo should be better quality.

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Starship Enterprise for the road

Written by: Induscreed on 05/29/2009

Vehicle

2005 BMW Z4 3.0i 2dr Roadster (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This car is my first BMW having had an 07 Mustang prior to this purchase. This car is a dream to drive with me looking for an excuse to drive the car wherever I can. It handles like it's on rails. It looks like no other BMW and easily turns heads. It's driving at its purest unadulterated form with a chassis that flatters your senses.

Favorite Features

Power top, steering feedback, pretty much everything.

Suggested Improvements

Cup Holder (which is a joke), bigger glove box.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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The Civilized (and legal) go-kart

Written by: Rajan on 05/21/2009

Vehicle

2005 BMW Z4 3.0i 2dr Roadster (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is my second car (and first BMW). Good God....I just realized what I've been missing. I moved to this car from an 07 Mustang. The acceleration is blistering and the car handles like it's on rails. To make it more insane, just initiate the Sport button and it goes like stink. This is driving in its purest unadulterated form which convinces me why BMW's are the ultimate driving machine. I used to take the metro in to work everyday however after getting the car, I drive in just because it brings a huge smile to my face and is the perfect anti-dote to a hectic day and NO I'm not exaggerating. It looks fantastic and flatters you. So much for getting a bike.

Favorite Features

The low seating position just by the rear wheels. The feedback on the steering wheel, the roadster experience. Top-up or down, you are driving a pure sports car.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders are a joke. Going over a pothole can bring the fear of God in you (which means... always keep an eye on the road).

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Ultimate driving machine

Written by: Frank on 05/18/2009

Vehicle

2005 BMW Z4 2.5i 2dr Roadster (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This car may have the best design of any convertible on the market. BMW is not known for interior bells and whistles, so creature comforts are sparse but they make up for the lack with exceptional performance and safety. Great trunk room for the size of vehicle, better than stated mileage (31mpg hwy) and once you're in, quite comfortable. Entering and exiting requires a bit of agility but it's a sports car. The 3.0 probably has all the pep ever needed for this size vehicle. The 2.5, that I have is quite functional, just not quite as nimble as the styling dictates but very adequate. Traded a Miata and what a step up. This car fees much more substantial than its size and I love the styling!

Favorite Features

Styling, handling, feel, trunk size, ease of raising and lowering top, quietness relative to other roadsters, mileage, integrated rollbars. The quality at used car pricing is exceptional. I'll have this one or one like it as long as I'm able to maneuver in and out of it.

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holders, a little more interior refinement, easier access to console storage, lumbar support.

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Only 2.0L but still a lot of fun

Written by: Rene on 04/04/2009

Vehicle

2005 BMW Z4 2.5i 2dr Roadster (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I went for the 2.0L rather than 3.0L (the in between 2.5L made no sense to me) because it is a long term car so running costs are important. The lighter engine means this is the best handling car I have ever driven. I can blast round beds, be they sharp corners or sweepers at speeds that make my hair tingle. I used to race stock cars and have had a Morgan +8 - the Zed 4 is better. Blasted across Germany at 90-120mph and got 41 miles per gallon. I live in London and still get 30mpg. I love the looks (pre-facelift) and always stare at the car when leaving it. Driving does not get much better.

Favorite Features

Looks, handling, miles per gallon, the power roof, everything - more smiles per gallon.

Suggested Improvements

Ditch the run flats - I did and got a new car with much better ride!

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First Bimmer

Written by: babyjoe on 03/01/2009

Vehicle

2005 BMW Z4 3.0i 2dr Roadster (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I thought a Harley would satisfy my craving for a "fun" vehicle. It didn't. Few months after selling it, I found myself looking at the Miata. Drove one and immediately decided nope. Next found myself looking at the Z4. I absolutely love the styling. Knew nothing about them. Saw a Merlot 05 and fell in love. Drove my first BMW a couple of days later and knew I was hooked. Well I bought an 05 Merlot and haven't looked back. Best car in the galaxy. Fun, fun, fun and it does turn heads. Gas mileage ensures the fact this was a great decision. Need to change out the run flats and need warmer weather then the fun begins again. You gotta try one of these if you don't do anything else with your life!

Favorite Features

Scary performance with terrific gas mileage. Looks and style. Lots of bells and whistles.

Suggested Improvements

A little easier getting in and out of with the top up.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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This car is a Gift

Written by: Dustin on 11/28/2008

Vehicle

2005 BMW Z4 2.5i 2dr Roadster (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I just came back from driving this car from Montreal to California and back with my 12 year old son. I logged 10000 miles without a problem except worn rear wheels and a nail, the red light came on telling me I had a flat, nice feature, but not a problem with runflat, drove 10 miles to a garage that could fix it. It was a dream to drive on route 1 of the California coast and through the Arizona Desert. This was a trip of lifetime, and lots of room in the trunk for 2 people on a month long trip, really, well summer time in the heat, not many pants to take space, packed light, but lots of room, I would drive 12 hours straight, not sore at all no need to stop and 'stretch'. fun great car!!!

Favorite Features

Big trunk, superb road feel, very tactile, enough power with 2.5, I'm not heavy with the right foot, this car is quality, I've tried the Jaguar v8 290 hp blah blah blah, crap car, hp far from everything on a car. Enjoy the ride.

Suggested Improvements

I don't know, well actually, I did by an aftermarket armrest made by leather z and that had really added a lot of comfort to the car and has given me extra storage for small items, a must have. Otherwise, no it's all good.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love My Merlot Roadster!

Written by: kgmilliron on 09/12/2008

Vehicle

2005 BMW Z4 2.5i 2dr Roadster (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I've waited 40 years for this narcissistic NOT a "mom" car and was debating b/w the mercedes slk and the Z4. I could not be happier with my choice! Fun to drive, had it a week and its great! I was worried about road noise compared to the hard top SLK, but there was very little difference. We replaced the run flat tires immediately and it made a huge difference in the "comfort" of the ride. BMW service is unsurpassed and the style is unbeatable. For the price and reliability I give it a "10". If you're on the fence, commit, it's worth it! The power top is a must!

Favorite Features

Handling, power top, sexy style. Love the Merlot Red!

Suggested Improvements

Front curb sensor to avoid hitting the apron on the parking curb... almost killed my husband on that one!!!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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rear ended after owning car for 4 days

Written by: Jeanne S on 08/10/2008

Vehicle

2005 BMW Z4 2.5i 2dr Roadster (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

For the short time I had this car before being rear-ended, I loved it. If you ever have the misfortune of being hit (3 times before she stopped) from behind by someone doing 45 mph, know that this car is definitely well-engineered. I walked away from the accident with only whiplash. It could have been much worse had I still been driving the miata mx5 I owned previously. Fun to drive, I just hope I can look at it the same way after I get it repaired.

Favorite Features

Safety features!! Nice sound from the non-premium stereo (and I love my music.) Power top, nothing to do but push the button!

Suggested Improvements

improved cup holders, standard cd changer, homelink, standard xenon headlights.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Two years plus

Written by: George Warren on 05/18/2008

Vehicle

2005 BMW Z4 2.5i 2dr Roadster (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Being a master diesel mechanic for at a Freightliner truck dealership for close to thirty years I believe I am a fair judge of quality. I have really enjoyed this car for over two years. When you get off work there is nothing better than jumping into your Z4, dropping the top and hitting the road. I have owned many new cars but this is the only one that is as much fun to drive now as it was when I bought it! If there was anything I would change I would redesign the drink holders as they spill hot coffee on your leg on turns, the seats should have higher side bolsters so you don`t slide around so much on turns. And get the Xenon lights which was the only option I didn't get. BMW - great car!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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