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2008 BMW Z4-Series Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 BMW Z4 to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove different BMW Z4s, including the roadster, coupe, and M versions, to offer you a definitive opinion on this Bimmer two-door. Furthermore, this review compares the 2008 BMW Z4 with other cars in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.

Likes:

  • Acceleration
  • Driver-oriented attitude
  • Rear-wheel-drive handling
  • Structure of convertible
  • One-button top operation

Dislikes:

  • Choppy ride
  • iDrive interface
  • Active Steering

Buying Tips:


Sales of the BMW Z4 go up in the spring and tank in the fall. Which do you think a better time to buy one of these two-seat sportscars?

Whether you get it with a fixed roof or one that folds, the 2008 BMW Z4 is an athletic-looking two-seater. The Z4's controversial "flame surfacing" style created by BMW lead designer Chris Bangle still isn't our favorite, especially in light of how the flame style has matured (as represented on the 2008 BMW 3-Series). Some editors at TheCarConnection.com feel the Z4 looks best in its coupe form, where the aggressiveness seems to fit better.

The 2008 BMW Z4 can come with three completely different six-cylinder engines packed under its long hood. The base Z4 3.0i gets an inline six-cylinder engine that packs 215 horsepower, while the 3.0si includes a 255-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six. Available transmissions include a standard six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The high-performance M Roadster and hatchback coupe are defined by the 330-horsepower, 3.2-liter inline-six under their hood. With this engine, 0-60 mph comes up in around five seconds, and the Z4 keeps on running up to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

This small two-seater is loaded with safety equipment, including Dynamic Stability Control, traction control, anti-lock disc brakes, rollover protection, front and side airbags, and active knee protection. Run-flat tires eliminate the need to carry a spare, thus saving weight in the process.

For the data minded, the 2008 BMW Z4 coupe with a full steel roof weighs only 22 pounds more than the soft-top roadster. The convertible top, by the way, goes up and down with the touch of one button, automatically unlatching and relatching.

To enhance performance and traction, a limited-slip differential comes standard across the line; the 3.0i adds amenities like a Carver audiophile stereo system and heated windshield washers. An available Sport Package includes a tauter suspension and larger wheels and performance tires. But take our word for it, there's nothing like driving an M-Series car, so if you're looking for a memorable drive in a car other enthusiasts will respect, pony up for an M coupe or roadster.

The Z4 is built at BMW's modern facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Customers can arrange to have their 2008 Z4 delivered directly at the factory.

Other Choices:

If you’re interested in the 2008 BMW Z4, also consider:

Reason Why:

When you're spending around $40,000, you have plenty of good cars to choose from. In addition to the cars on this list, we could have easily added the Mazda Miata and the Chevrolet Corvette. What will help you make up your mind is deciding what kind of driving experience you are looking for. The most connected and dynamic will come from the Honda S2000 and the two Porsches. Matching the moves of the Cayman may be close to impossible. More laid-back but still exciting experiences are available in the Nissan 350Z and Chrysler's Crossfire (related to the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK).

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 BMW Z4 coupe and roadster are fun cars, but the M versions are truly memorable.

TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 BMW Z4 to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove different BMW Z4s, including the roadster, coupe, and M versions, to offer you a definitive opinion on this Bimmer two-door. Furthermore, this review compares the 2008 BMW Z4 with other cars in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Likes:AccelerationDriver-oriented attitudeRear-wheel-drive handlingStructure of convertibleOne-button top operationDislikes:Choppy rideiDrive interfaceActive SteeringBuying Tips: Sales of the BMW Z4 go up in the spring and tank in the fall. Which do you think a better time to buy one of these two-seat sportscars? Whether you get it with a fixed roof or one that folds, the 2008 BMW Z4 is an athletic-looking two-seater. The Z4's controversial "flame surfacing" style created by BMW lead designer Chris Bangle still isn't our favorite, especially in light of how the flame style has matured (as represented on the 2008 BMW 3-Series). Some editors at TheCarConnection.com feel the Z4 looks best in its coupe form, where the aggressiveness seems to fit better. The 2008 BMW Z4 can come with three completely different six-cylinder engines packed under its long hood. The base Z4 3.0i gets an inline six-cylinder engine that packs 215 horsepower, while the 3.0si includes a 255-hp, 3.0-liter inline-six. Available transmissions include a standard six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The high-performance M Roadster and hatchback coupe are defined by the 330-horsepower, 3.2-liter inline-six under their hood. With this engine, 0-60 mph comes up in around five seconds, and the Z4 keeps on running up to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. This small two-seater is loaded with safety equipment, including Dynamic Stability Control, traction control, anti-lock disc brakes, rollover protection, front and side airbags, and active knee protection. Run-flat tires eliminate the need to carry a spare, thus saving weight in the process. For the data minded, the 2008 BMW Z4 coupe with a full steel roof weighs only 22 pounds more than the soft-top roadster. The convertible top, by the way, goes up and down with the touch of one button, automatically unlatching and relatching. To enhance performance and traction, a limited-slip differential comes standard across the line; the 3.0i adds amenities like a Carver audiophile stereo system and heated windshield washers. An available Sport Package includes a tauter suspension and larger wheels and performance tires. But take our word for it, there's nothing like driving an M-Series car, so if you're looking for a memorable drive in a car other enthusiasts will respect, pony up for an M coupe or roadster. The Z4 is built at BMW's modern facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Customers can arrange to have their 2008 Z4 delivered directly at the factory. Other Choices:If you’re interested in the 2008 BMW Z4, also consider:Honda S2000 (roadster)Porsche Cayman (coupe)Porsche Boxter (roadster)Nissan 350Z (couple, roadster)Chrysler Crossfire (coupe, roadster)Reason Why:When you're spending around $40,000, you have plenty of good cars to choose from. In addition to the cars on this list, we could have easily added the Mazda Miata and the Chevrolet Corvette. What will help you make up your mind is deciding what kind of driving experience you are looking for. The most connected and dynamic will come from the Honda S2000 and the two Porsches. Matching the moves of the Cayman may be close to impossible. More laid-back but still exciting experiences are available in the Nissan 350Z and Chrysler's Crossfire (related to the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK). The Bottom Line:The 2008 BMW Z4 coupe and roadster are fun cars, but the M versions are truly memorable. TheCarConnection.com's editors read the latest reviews on the new 2008 BMW Z4 to write this comprehensive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com also drove different BMW Z4s, including the roadster, coupe, and M versions, to offer you a definitive opinion on this Bimmer two-door. ...

Other Choices:

When you're spending around $40,000, you have plenty of good cars to choose from. In addition to the cars on this list, we could have easily added the Mazda Miata and the Chevrolet Corvette. What will help you make up your mind is deciding what kind of driving experience you are looking for. The most connected and dynamic will come from the Honda S2000 and the two Porsches. Matching the moves of the Cayman may be close to impossible. More laid-back but still exciting experiences are available in the Nissan 350Z and Chrysler's Crossfire (related to the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK).

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 BMW Z4-Series

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 BMW Z4-Series

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 BMW Z4-Series near you

See the BMW Z4-Series in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

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