2007 BMW Z4 3.0 Review

Forty years ago driving enthusiasts were in the midst of a great debate taking place in car magazines and at car club meetings.  Precipitated by mass-production carmakers using the term "sports car" to market what were essentially sedan-based products to the burgeoning youth market, the debate centered on defining the authentic sports car. 

In the end most of the debaters agreed it was easier to determine what was not a sports car than to agree upon a hard-and-fast definition of what constituted a real sports car. But even at first glance, the most ardent automotive purist would declare that the 2007 BMW Z4 Roadsters and Coupe are authentic contemporary interpretations of the classic sports and Grand Touring car concepts.

 In 2006, BMW engineers and designers gave the Z4 its first major evolution.  Heading an extensive list of updates and improvements were all-new, more powerful engines;
6-speed manual and automatic transmissions available on all models; more powerful brakes, standard 17-in. wheels and tires across the board, and a more advanced Dynamic Stability Control system.

And last year BMW introduced the Z4 Coupe 3.0si.  As the Series’ first closed-body model, the new Coupe encloses its two seats and a larger cargo area in a graceful fastback body that retains the Z4’s unique aesthetic character while looking expressively new.

The BMW Z model range consists of three models -Z4 Roadster 3.0i, Z4 Roadster 3.0si, and Z4 Coupe 3.0si. Built at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina production plant. The new features for 2007 models include the color Saddle Brown added to the Extended High Performance Leather offerings for the 3.0si Roadster and Coupe. A Tire Pressure Monitor replaces the previous Flat Tire Monitor while the Premium Package now includes a 4 year subscription to BMW Assist (previously 1 year) and auxiliary audio input is now standard

Z4 Series key features in performance & efficiency are the powerful N52 engines for all models " magnesium/aluminum composite construction 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine with Valvetronic variable intake-valve lift and Double VANOS steplessly variable valve timing: 215 hp, 185 lb-ft. torque (3.0i) or 255 hp, 220 lb-ft. torque (3.0si). 6-speed manual transmission standard on all models while the 6-speed automatic transmission optional on all models with shift paddles on steering wheel and direct Selection of Manual shift mode via paddle downshift.

Handling, ride & braking features are the high-rigidity roadster body/chassis unit with aluminum hood, strut-type front suspension with forged-aluminum lower arms, Central Link rear suspension with cast-aluminum upper transverse links, Vehicle-speed-sensitive electric power steering and 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Dynamic Stability Control system incorporates braking functions of Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Standby, Brake Drying, Start-off Assistant and Modulated ABS function, for smoother operation.

There are now Run-flat performance tires on all versions whith Tire Pressure Monitor standard. Generously dimensioned wheels and tires. 17-in. wheels and tires standard on all models, 17-in. differentiated front/rear sizes as part of 3.0i Sport Package, new wheel designs throughout:

• 3.0i standard " 17 x 8.0 wheels, 225/45R-17 tires
• 3.0i Sport Package " 17 x 8.0 front/17 x 8.5 rear wheels with 225/45 front/
• 245/40 rear tires 1
• 3.0si standard " 17 x 8.0 wheels, 225/45R-17 tires 1
• 3.0si Sport Package " 18 x 8.0 front/18 x 8.5 rear wheels, 225/40 front /
• 255/35 rear tires 1
  

Exterior design & function now attribute a more unique design, featuring interplay of convex and concave surfaces, traditional and contemporary style elements. Coupe 3.0si body from windshield rearward fastback roof with distinctive center trough, large hatch opening. Front bumper assembly, with large air intakes, rectangular foglights and enhanced integration with body lines. Adaptive Brake Lights (illumination increases with harder braking), rain-sensing windshield wipers, front foglights, heated exterior mirrors and windshield-washer jets. Easy-to-operate manual softtop with heated glass rear window on the Roadsters models only. Model identifying script on front flanks and stainless-steel exhaust tips.

Ergonomics, luxury & convenience:

• Vehicle and Key Memory
• Keyless entry with multi-function remote
• Dual power exterior mirrors
• Automatic headlight control (switches on headlights and related lighting when ambient light drops below a certain level)
• Leather-covered tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel with fingertip audio controls
• Cruise control
• 6-way adjustable sport seats
• Outside-temperature display
• Power windows with 1-touch open/close, power sealing system
• Manual climate control with microfilter ventilation standard in 3.0i model
• Automatic climate control standard in 3.0si models, optional in 3.0i model with galvanic trim for enhanced appearance, rubber surfaces for improved tactile feel
• Anti-theft AM/FM/CD audio system with Radio Data System, 10 speakers standard in 3.0i model
• Premium Sound System standard in 3.0si models, optional in 3.0i: THX Certified anti-theft AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with Carver technology, Digital Sound Processing, Radio Data System, 10 speakers including 2 subwoofers
• Auxiliary audio input newly standard on all models
• Pre-wiring for phone and CD changer
• Ergonomics, luxury & convenience (cont.)
• iPod adapter kit available as BMW Center installed accessory
• Glove compartment: silicon damper for smoother opening/closing, illuminated
• Aluminum interior trim, horizontal brushed
• Steering-wheel spokes trimmed in galvanic material in all versions
• Variable softtop compartment (Roadsters only)
• Velour-lined cargo area with retractable cargo cover (Coupe only)
  
  

Safety & security

• Front-impact Supplementary Restraint System with 2-stage Smart Airbags
• Automatic safety-belt tensioners and force limiters
• Active Knee Protection
• LATCH attachment for child-restraint safety seat
• Passenger-airbag de-activation switch and indicator
• Side-impact airbags
• Rollover Protection (Roadsters only)
• Battery Safety Terminal
• Central locking system
• Coded Driveaway Protection (immobilizer system)
• Pre-wiring for alarm system
  
  

Factory-installed options

• Premium and Sport Packages available for each model
• Sport Packages include Dynamic Driving Control, with Sport button for selecting Sport mode
• 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission
• Metallic paint
• Xenon headlights with auto-leveling
• Headlight cleaning system
• Fully automatic power softtop (Roadsters only)
• Wide range of upholstery and interior trim options
• Extended Leather upholstery (3.0si models only)
• 8-way power seats with driver's-seat memory
• M sport seats
• Heated seats
• On-board Computer (3.0i only; standard 3.0si)
• Factory-installed options (cont.)
• On-board Navigation System with DVD database
• Premium Sound System, THX Certified (3.0i only; standard 3.0si)
• Preparation for removable hardtop (Roadsters only)
• BMW Assist, including Bluetooth cellphone interface
  
  

BMW center-installed accessories

• Removable hardtop (Roadsters only)
• Alarm system
• SIRIUS Satellite Radio
• iPod adapter kit
• 6-disc CD changer
• Wind deflector (Roadsters only)
• Trunk storage system (Roadsters only)