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2008 BMW Z4 Coupe & Roadster Review

November 2007
Filed under: BMW Car News | BMW Headlines

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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

What’s new for 2008
• Space Gray Metallic replaces Silver Gray Metallic
• Sport Package on Z4 3.0i Roadster now includes staggered fitment 18-inch wheels and tires, replacing the former 17-inch wheels
• Optional HD Radio is now priced at $350, previously $500

Z4 Series Key Features
Performance & efficiency

• 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
• 6-speed automatic transmission optional on all models with:
• Shift paddles on steering wheel
• Direct Selection of Manual shift mode via paddle downshift

Handling, ride & braking
• 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
• 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes
• Dynamic Stability Control system incorporates braking functions:
• Brake Fade Compensation
• Brake Standby
• Brake Drying
• Start-off Assistant
• Modulated ABS function, for smoother operation
• Run-flat performance tires on all versions
• Tire Pressure Monitor standard
• Generously dimensioned 17-in. wheels and tires standard on all models, new wheel design for 3.0i Sport Package:
• 3.0i standard – 17 x 8.0 wheels, 225/45R-17 tires
• 3.0i Sport Package – 18 x 8.0 front/18 x 8.5 rear wheels with 225/40 front/
255/35 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
• 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
Exterior design & function (cont’d)
• Heated exterior mirrors and windshield-washer jets
• Easy-to-operate manual softtop with heated glass rear window (Roadsters only)
• Model identifying script on front flanks
• Stainless-steel exhaust tips (3.0si only)

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
• 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)
• 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
• HD Radio with multicasting reception capability

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)

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