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The BMW Z4 coupé is one of the
best sports cars on the market. And as consumers tighten their belts and
the used car market suffers the knock-on effects, it has become more
affordable, making it arguably the best value two-seater you can buy.
It was launched in 2006, three years after the original Z4, which came
only as a convertible. At first, it seemed a strange decision from BMW:
why would anyone buy a hard-top version of what was already a capable
sports car? The coupé lacks the fresh-air fun of the drop-top and gains
little in practicality. But the coupé was an instant hit and remains
desirable in the used car market where a second-hand example is worth
virtually as much as an equivalent roadster despite costing about £1,500
less when new.
The reason for its popularity lies in the way it drives. The effects of
the stiffer body structure, uprated suspension and quicker-ratio
steering rack can be judged by any Z4 coupé driver’s grin. Compared with
the roadster, it feels more eager and responsive and the Z4’s excellent
weight distribution and low centre of gravity can be fully exploited. A
great chassis is deserving of a great engine and BMW offers a 3 litre
265bhp unit and the mouth-watering 3.2 litre M unit producing 343bhp.
Few drivers could fail to be impressed by the pace of the mighty M
version; 0-62mph takes just 5sec and the electronic speed limiter, set
at 155mph, well and truly masks the car’s performance potential. Buyers
need to balance that performance with the reality that fuel economy will
struggle to better 20mpg and annual insurance and maintenance costs will
be high.
The alternative 3 litre unit is hardly a soft option. In a car weighing
less than rivals such as the Nissan 350Z, the 265bhp powers it to 62mph
in 5.7sec, before being pegged back to the same artificially limited top
speed.
The standard 3.0 SE specification is generous, with climate control,
17in alloy wheels, computer and leather upholstery as standard. The
Sport derivative adds 18in alloys, plus M Sports suspension and seats
which are popular with enthusiastic drivers. As BMW encourages owners to
individualise their cars, few used examples are directly comparable, but
do not pay large premiums for a list of frivolous options.
When talking money, expect to pay a premium of about £1,500 for a Sport
over an SE. The good news is the market is going down, with June and
July seeing values plunge by nearly £1,000 per month on a 3.0 SE manual.
So if you fancy a second-hand Z4 coupé you can afford to be fussy:
demand sensible colours, low mileages and complete service histories.
Anything less should be priced accordingly.
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CHECK THE FOLLOWING
BOOT SPACE
At 285 litres it is slightly larger than that of the Z4 roadster
BRAKES
Discs and pads prone to wear, especially on town-dwelling autos
FRONT SPOILER
Lower lip is low and prone to scuffing on road bumps
GEARBOX
Standard six-speed manual good but bettered by optional auto
LEATHER UPHOLSTERY
Side bolsters prone to wear and scuffing, particularly on Sport models
SAFETY
Traction control systems integrate with cornering brake control to
provide sure-footed handling
STEERING
Speed-sensitive Servotronic steering standard on all models
SUSPENSION
Uprated suspension of Sport and Z4M model gives great handling but
comfort can suffer around town
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