2006 BMW Z4 Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.