2006 BMW Z4 Consumer Reviews

Zed 4 3.0i

Written by: Kipper on 07/12/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW Z4 3.0i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I bought this car after test driving SLKs, Miatas, Z300s, Boxsters and S2000s. The Zed 4 3.0i, although not the highest performing Zed 4, seems to be more refined than the other cars I tested. The handling is crisp and throttle response is quick. The 3.0i is not particularly quick for this class, but does provide a 0-60 mph time under six seconds. It is a good highway cruiser but a bit bumpy on the backroads. However, I never lost any confidence in handling while on bumpy roads. I'm averaging 24 miles per gallon, driving in both highway and city. The body style is a real head turner and the interior seems to fit the body style.

Favorite Features

The interior space is large compared to the other cars I tested. The trunk is larger than the other cars in this class. This car came with an automatic transmission with the paddle shifters. This car came with the optional 'sport' mode. Sport mode gives the 3.0i and extra kick in performance.

Suggested Improvements

BMW should do a better job at quality control. I found several small but irritating flaws. The clear plastic cover on the tach was smeared on the back of the glass which impedes my view during certain lighting conditions. I would add the extra 15 horsepower to the 3.0i like other BMW 3.0 engines.

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Quality with Flaws

Written by: Peter J on 05/12/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW Z4 3.0si 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Interior build quality is disappointing due to use of cheap plastics. Been back to the dealer 4 time because of annoying squeaks and rattles but dealer cannot fix. The high performance driving experience is marred by these constant squeaks and rattles, even happening at low speeds. Ride is extremely harsh. On anything other than perfect roads you can feel everything down to the road paint. The car is easily pulled from side to side by uneven roads. Tire noise is high. Of course this kind of handling is to be expected for this type of car. Otherwise, the car has exceptional performance.

Favorite Features

Great engine, fast acceleration. Sport mode provides excellent acceleration and smooth, rapid shifting. Cornering at high speeds is incredible. Engine sounds great at high rpms.

Suggested Improvements

Use higher quality plastics on interior. Lose the rattles and squeaks due to low quality plastics. Lose the run flat tires. Improve the GPS interface. Have a tech company design it! BMW should give up completely on this feature. Car should hold a straight line better on uneven pavement.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Z4 truly a great car

Written by: Olivier on 05/10/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW Z4 3.0si 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I have always been a corvette lover, but the Z4 took my heart away. Incredible handling, acceleration. The sport package in my opinion is a must to truly appeciate the driving experience of a Z4.

Favorite Features

Quick tops down; sport feature.

Suggested Improvements

Better blue tooth phone integration

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A Year Later--Still WOW

Written by: Bill on 01/12/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW Z4 3.0si 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Ok, my first review was Feb 2007 and at that time I was wowed by this car. A year later, living in Germany, this car absolutely rocks. On the autobahn this ragtop can cruise as fast as the others (135mph our top speed so far). But we prefer to take the top down on a sunny day and slow- drive in the right lane as everyone looks. It is that hot. We knew we were coming to europe when we purchased but I can truly say that the Z4 was designed with the autobahn in mind and is super cool to drive. Its handling is absolutely on point. It is truly the "roadster" it is purported to be. Hands down, she wins!

Favorite Features

Sport feature for freeway/autobahn stiffens handling well. Sport suspension rocks. The automatic 9 second top up and down is hilariously cool. Front end styling is classic Bavarian stuff. Buy one now before they change anything!

Suggested Improvements

GPS options. Nothing else.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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As good as it gets for under $50k

Written by: Jay on 10/25/2007

Vehicle

2006 BMW Z4 3.0si 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

The new 3.0 engine in the si model is incredible. Massive amounts of smooth power, beautiful sound when pushed hard, and a hard to believe 25+ mpg when driven hard. What truly makes the Z4 3.0si great is how well everything works together. The 6-speed manual tranny is perfectly matched to the engines power curve, the brakes have a perfect feel and no fade, the handling with the sport package is race car like.

Favorite Features

Engine, styling, tranny, ohh did I mention the engine?

Suggested Improvements

Tone down the active steering assist a little bit.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Aw Yeah

Written by: Bill on 02/12/2007

Vehicle

2006 BMW Z4 3.0si 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Sold the Cooper S and amped up from 194 hp to 255 on this 3.0si and we definitely appreciate the increased horsepower. Initially test drove the 3.0 and were quite dissatisfied. Same engine in the 3.0si as in the 07 335si and it shows. Sports and Premium pkgs make this car all muscle and well worth going into a "Roadster" as opposed to a "Sedan" with muscle. The one touch automatic ragtop is absolutely great because it truly is engineered right--tucks in snug and perfect. What else would we expect from Bavaria? Exterior is solid and didn't change in 2007 - so pricewise we scooped up a waiting 2006. Great move. Very glad we did.

Favorite Features

High performance wheels and tires; both analogue and digital readout on the speedo; exterior design is hot.

Suggested Improvements

BMW needs to shake hands with Garmin and get that fantastic Nuvi product in the dash - factory GPS is like a stick and ball in a virtual world.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Nothing more fun to drive

Written by: eastofeden on 01/31/2007

Vehicle

2006 BMW Z4 3.0si 2dr Hatchback (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This car is amazing in terms of overall styling and quality. This model looks like BMW designed the coupe first and then sliced the top off to make the convertible. There aren't many of the coupes around so if you like to have an unusual car that performs well, this is it. I've had mine for 7 months and have never seen another one on the road.

Favorite Features

It couldn't be more fun to drive, and it looks great from any angle.

Suggested Improvements

Rear wheel drive has some obvious limitations when driving in ice and snow. It sits very low, so if you are tall, be prepared. Remote lock/unlock is not cooperative.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Roadster

Written by: Uol_Koras on 01/30/2007

Vehicle

2006 BMW Z4 3.0si 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I tested all of the competition (SLK 350, Boxster S, S2000, etc.), and I found the Z4 to be the best in class, especially considering the price. The Z4 has excellent power (and the sound of the I-6 is like tearing silk!), great fuel economy (averaging 26 mpg+ in mixed driving), tight, buttoned-down handling, plenty of room and great safety features.

Favorite Features

Powertrain - smooth, sonorous I-6, rifle-bolt six-speed. Heated seats are nice, and I love the long nose, short deck styling.

Suggested Improvements

Ditch the run-flats to improve the ride a bit, switch to hydraulic steering assist a la the Z4M for improved steering feel.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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What a ride!

Written by: bcubed on 01/03/2007

Vehicle

2006 BMW Z4 3.0si 2dr Hatchback (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I am very critical when it comes to my taste in sports cars. My Z4 coupe is without a doubt, the best sports car that I have ever owned. The car does what it is designed to do - be driven! Some reviews suggest a harsh ride and limited visibility due to the coupe's distinctly low profile. For a driving enthusiast, these are attributes, not faults. The build quality is on par with other vehicles in its class, and the smile this thing puts on my face every time I turn the key is priceless.

Favorite Features

Bold and eye catching design in spite of the mixed automotive press reviews. Cabin is nicely appointed for the driving enthusiast. The ride is firm, but not too hard. Acceleration is terrific (even compared to the G35 coupe that I owned previously).

Suggested Improvements

Better ergonomic placement of shoulder harness. Access to CD changer is not DIY friendly. This car is not for the timid, it takes patience to master proper clutch timing.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love my new BMW rag top!

Written by: Billy Salts on 12/12/2006

Vehicle

2006 BMW Z4 3.0si 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I am having a blast with this car! This car has it all, great looks, (Metallic Silver with Red Leather), 6 speed all with 255HP. This car sounds like an F1 race car when it winds up. Great clutch, great gear box and push button top. Gas mileage is about 24 mpg. I love this car.

Favorite Features

Easy push button top, great gear box and the power is on target.

Suggested Improvements

The steering feels a little slushy. I popped a run flat and paid $275 bucks for a replacement.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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