2005 BMW Z4 Consumer Reviews

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

Report inappropriate post

Driving has never been this fun!!

Written by: Mike Smith on 04/01/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

This car is so much fun it puts a huge smile on my face every day! Fantastic blend of power and elegance. Economical too, I have consistently gotten 27 MPG with mostly highway driving. This car has a sporty ride but absorbs the bumps well, despite the 18" alloys that come with the sport package. You must have the sports package, the standard 17" rims make the whole car look bland. The red leather interior is gorgeous. No reliability problems whatsoever. No rattles or electrical issues. The upgraded sound system is awesome. The trunk space is good, even with the top down! You can easily fit two suitcases in there, or a couple sets of golf clubs. Buy this car, you won't regret it!

Favorite Features

Great acceleration yet also great gas mileage. Upgraded sound system is fantastic. Navigation system works flawlessly. I love this car!

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holders. Get the 3.0i. I test drove the 2.5, and it lacks the punch you want in this type of car.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Performance, economy & reliability!

Written by: Don Durant on 11/23/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I've owned lots of foreign cars & sporty cars, but never a BMW before & if the Z4 is indicative of all BMWs, I'm a convert. In 42,000 miles, the care has only been in the shop for regular maintenance (FREE!) & that's only about every 15,000 miles. The Z4 is hands down the most practical sports car I've owned. Combined fuel economy is 25.5 mpg. The original tires lasted 40,000 miles. I'm 6'2" & it's comfortable, even for long trips. I drive lots on 2 lane country roads & the passing power is excellent. The Steptronic transmission is fun or easy & I love the sport drive feature. My next car will definitely be a BMW if this one ever wears out!

Favorite Features

Sports car performance & good looks.

Suggested Improvements

I don't have the Xenon headlight & really wish I did. Compared to my wife's Acura MDX, the lights are barely adequate.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Too many problems

Written by: Jishnu Kinwar on 06/26/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

The car is good performance wise, fast, fuel economy better than expected. But it is not reliable and poorly built. Had problems with the retractable hood, steering wheel jammed, side windows not going down, memory reset all with in 18 months of ownership. Even today, sometimes when I close a window it goes all the way up and then comes down and one has to repeat several times before it shuts. After filing a formal complaint no action was taken by BMW. I have paid a lot of money for the car and at least expected a formal apology. Will never buy another BMW.

Favorite Features

Good speakers, fast.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

A Class Apart

Written by: fasteddie on 01/12/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I tested a number of convertibles under $35K before buying the Z4 but none came close to the value and performance of the BMW. The Z4, even with the smaller 2.5 liter engine, is an impressive performer. It has a strong power curve in gears 3-5 and plenty of torque in 1st and 2nd. The Z4 is plenty fast, but if you want to run with the big boys, get the 3.0 liter and the six speed. The cornering and handling is very good but a notch below more serious sports cars like the Boxster. You will fall in love with the sound of the exhaust. My only complaint is the noticeable electronic steering assist at low speed. You can buy a one year old low mileage Z4 fully loaded for the low $30s!

Favorite Features

Power top, self dimming mirrors, Xenon headlights and a stereo whose volume increases with the speed of the car. What a hoot! Very comfortable seating with height adjustment for short people!

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the electronic assist steering.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Love it!

Written by: Jannet on 07/15/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I love my Z4! It handles extremely well in the rain. It's a great looking car inside and out. I leased it but am planning to buy it because I can not be without my Z. :)

Favorite Features

The silver chrome inside.

Suggested Improvements

More room inside.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

A real value

Written by: Desert Fox on 06/03/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

There's little I would change or request. Just wish they would refine the lines on the back like they did in front!

Favorite Features

Drives great.

Suggested Improvements

Needs a sleeker rear portion to match the front! In dash multi CD player should be standard.

Report inappropriate post

My red Z4

Written by: Joe Wilson on 05/09/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

The car is my daily driver. I love the ease of the manual roof. Opens and closes in one quick motion, can close it at 40 mph (do this when it rains). Smooth engine and excellent 5 speed is addictive. Good torque. Unbelievable handling. Good ride. Phenomenal standard stereo. Get heated seats (my only option). Had a few problems but BMW fixed them. A hoot to drive with the stability control off. Winter traction excellent if you buy winter tires (mine are Hankook), but snow and ice traction is terrible on stock tires. Recently drove new S2000 and Solstice; both very nice. I like the feel of the BMW. Nothing compares. Buy the standard transmission and engine is my advice.

Favorite Features

Smooth engine and Tranny feel, no doubt. The top open and close system is exceptionally good. This car has a large trunk (golf clubs no problem). Roof latching is ingenious. Also, with top up, a quiet convertible. Thick multi layered insulated top is second to no other car. Superb stereo!!

Suggested Improvements

Ditch the electric steering, make it hydraulic. That is my only dislike on the car. Put 18" wheels on the car like the Solstice comes standard with. Make the bluetooth over radio a standard. Put an mp3 player jack in the car. Seat backs should be cloth to reduce noise at certain adjustments

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Z4

Written by: jon on 03/26/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

the car is fun to drive with impressive performance and excellent fuel economy. I'm 6'4" and 240lbs, and have all the room I could ask for. the car is comfortable for me on long trips, and I have no tendency to "kink up"

Favorite Features

I like the style, the ease with which everything operates and is in reach, and the security features (both anti theft and the bmw assist).

Suggested Improvements

a power lumbar adjustment would be nice

Report inappropriate post

Jim's viewpoint.

Written by: Jim Mercon on 03/18/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I've always wanted a roadster. At 55, I finally decided to quit talking about it and just do it. It's been going on a year of ownership and I must say.....this is one awesome automobile. Everytime I drive it...it's a transformation. The car is beautiful. It handles great! It's been totally reliable with zero problems. It turns heads. My daughter loves to drive it. Two of my friends bought one. It's been a blast.

Favorite Features

My favorite feature is the option to shift and use the gears the way they were intended to be used. It's been a way to take advantage of the engines performance as well as the cars overall handling performance.

Suggested Improvements

Takes bumps in the road hard. I'm not sure if you can soften the blows when hitting small pot hots or bumps.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post