2006 BMW Z4 Review
2006 BMW Z4 Review
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Used Z4 for sale
Appraise This CarBMW Z4 model years
BMW Z4 types
- Hatchback
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Exhilarating driving dynamics, long list of standard safety features, refined drivetrains, excellent build quality.
Cons
- Options are expensive, no factory-installed CD changer.
What’s new
For 2006, the BMW Z4 undergoes its first major update since its debut. Heading the list of updates and improvements is a new coupe body style. Its underlying mechanicals are pretty much the same as those on the convertible but its fixed roof provides extra body rigidity. More powerful engines are also new. The 2006 Z4 now has two variants of 3.0-liter engines available. In the base Z4 3.0i roadster, which replaces last year's Z4 2.5i model, there's a 215-horsepower version. In the 3.0si, a high-output, 255-hp engine is used. Both trim levels come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and the optional automatic now has six gears instead of the previous five. BMW has also reprogrammed the automatic transmission for sportier gearshift responses and added steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. The Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmission is no longer available. Other 2006 enhancements include a retuned standard suspension for better ride quality, a higher final-drive ratio for improved acceleration, new wheels, additional braking functionality for the stability control system, updated front and rear styling and minor interior trim updates.
Edmunds says
The 2006 BMW Z4 is certainly the best Z4 yet. It's fun to drive and reasonably affordable as long as one doesn't select many options.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 BMW Z4 3.0i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$247/mo for Z4 3.0i
Z4 3.0i
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
For 2006, the BMW Z4 enters its fourth year of production and the automotive equivalent of middle age. Thanks to a number of significant changes, however, this year's Z4 remains fresh and will likely appeal to a wide variety of buyers. And yes, that even includes those consumers encountering midlife crises of their own. Given BMW's reputation for building fun-to-drive cars, it should come as little surprise that this upscale car can be quite entertaining. This year, the Z4's range has been expanded to include a coupe. The coupe's fixed roof provides extra body rigidity for improved handling and, to most eyes, more attractive styling. When viewed in profile, the coupe's sloping roof line seems to hark back to the classic GT coupes of the '50s and '60s and does much to clean up the roadster's somewhat awkward proportions.
Also new are two new inline six-cylinder engines. On the base 3.0i trim level that replaces last year's 2.5i, there's a 3.0-liter capable of 215 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Not only is this output significantly better than the 2005 Z4 2.5i's 184 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque, it's almost at the level of the 2005 3.0i's 225 hp and 214 lb-ft.
The 2006 replacement for the old 3.0i is the 3.0si. This car has a high-output version of the 3.0i's engine that's good for 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. These engines feature many new technologies, including the latest version of BMW's Valvetronic variable valve timing system. In addition to the extra power, the 2006 Z4's available engines also rev higher, have a flatter torque curve and are slightly more fuel efficient than the ones they replace. BMW has also introduced a newly optional six-speed automatic transmission.
The BMW Z4 is fun to drive and reasonably affordable as long as one doesn't select many options. And thanks to this year's changes, it's the best yet. Shoppers should certainly do plenty of research before making a buying decision, however, as there are plenty of excellent cars available in the upscale roadster and coupe segments. Others to consider include the cheaper Honda S2000 and Nissan 350Z, the V8-powered Chevrolet Corvette, the prestigious Mercedes-Benz SLK and the Porsche Boxster.
Performance & mpg
Two engines are available for the rear-drive Z4. The 3.0i has a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine capable of 215 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0si has a high-output version that's good for 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. Each trim comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic with BMW's Steptronic sequential shift control is available as an option. According to BMW, a manual-equipped 3.0si can achieve 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. For both engines, fuel economy rates 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway with the manual gearbox and 21/29 with the automatic.
Safety
Every model comes with four-wheel antilock disc brakes and a sophisticated stability control system. Passive safety features include rollover protection, side airbags, active knee protection and child-seat anchor points for the passenger seat. In NHTSA crash tests, the BMW Z4 roadster earned four out of five stars for its performance in frontal-impact occupant protection. It has a three-star rating for side-impact safety.
Driving
In nearly all performance aspects, the Z4 shines. Acceleration, braking and handling are all excellent. The Z4 is in its element on lightly trafficked roads when one can push the car toward its limits and enjoy the engine's sonorous exhaust note. From an everyday standpoint, the Z4 is still agreeable. Wind and road noise on the roadster can be bothersome at highway speeds, however, and some drivers might find the ride quality produced by the optional Sport Package's suspension to be a bit too stiff.
Interior
The Z4's simple cockpit features a sweeping dash with a clean set of analog gauges, bolstered sport seats and little else to distract you from the road. Plenty of metallic trim comes standard, but wood trim is available for those who want to dress up their Z4 a bit. Both the manual and power-operated convertible tops are easy to use. The roadster's 9-cubic-foot capacity barely diminishes when the top is lowered. For comparison, the Mercedes SLK offers 10 cubic feet of cargo space with its hardtop up but considerably less in top-down configuration.
2006 BMW Z4 models
The 2006 BMW Z4 is available as a two-seat roadster or coupe. The roadster has a traditional, manually operated convertible soft top with a defroster-equipped glass rear window. Two trim levels, 3.0i and 3.0si, are available. The 3.0i (roadster only) has features like 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers with heated wiper jets, heated outside mirrors, power mirrors and windows, keyless entry, manually operated seats, vinyl upholstery, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel and a CD player. The 3.0si version adds 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, a center armrest, aluminum interior trim, a premium audio system, a trip computer and automatic climate control. Most of these features are available on the 3.0i as options. An optional Premium Package includes HID headlights, a one-touch power operation feature for the convertible's top, auto-dimming mirrors, power seats, memory for the driver seat and Bluetooth connectivity. Other options for the BMW Z4 include higher-quality leather upholstery, a navigation system, sport seats and a Sport Package that includes upgraded wheels and tires, BMW's Dynamic Driving Control feature and a sport-tuned suspension.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 BMW Z4.
5 star(83%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(3%)
78 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
3.0i Sport Package - dream car!
solarus, 07/21/2012
2006 BMW Z4 3.0i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
I am still in shock after I purchased the 2006 Z4 3.0i fully loaded with winter, comfort and sport packages for around $20,000 with 50k miles on it.
I simply would have to search for a reason why buy anything else - including new, newer, or different model sport cars.
With a push of a button this thing performs as if it had turbo or supercharged engine.
The interior, though not Jaguar … comfortable, hugs you tightly and holds you in one place to enjoy the show.
Super tight sport suspension can take almost any corner at mind boggling speeds you can throw at it.
Ditch the "run-flat" tires.
Buy whatever you want at Tirerack.com for less than $500 and your car's shoes are back in order.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great Roadster
Uol_Koras, 01/30/2007
2006 BMW Z4 3.0si 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Dream Car
Joel H, 08/12/2010
2006 BMW Z4 3.0i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
I have owned this car since October 2009. Bought it used with 36k. When I purchased it the channel changer on the stereo was not working. It was still under warranty. The dealership replaced the stereo with a new one. Other minor issues including front brake rotors occurred and the BMW dealership took care of them all at NO CHARGE. The warranty is the best. The car handles like a … dream. It certainly is a head turner. I had a minor accident because of a blind spot when you look back to back up . I love this car. It handles like a dream and the dual steptronic transmission is terrific. I am a BMW customer for life. The customer support and service is the best I have dealt with.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Z4 Coupe 3.0si... so far, so good
BS06NOVA, 09/07/2006
2006 BMW Z4 3.0si 2dr Hatchback (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
I followed this vehicle since the X Coupe Concept unveiling in Jan '01 and loved the look the moment I saw it. Previously owned a '00 Z3 M Coupe (S52 engine) and would rate the Z4 similarly but with welcome upgrades in chassis stiffness and cabin noise reduction. I-6 is inherently smooth, mechanically sophisticated, and refined but not sleep-inducing. Much better than the M3's S54 … which I found to be rough, unappealingly raspy, and difficult to drive smoothly in traffic. Materials quality and fit and finish is fine but doesn't approach VW/Audi. Great steering feel and response. Somewhat heavy but appropriate clutch and shifting.
2006 Z4 Highlights
Hatchback
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $40,100 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $247/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Z4 include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5PassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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