- Refined and free-revving six-cylinder engines
- Short-throw manual transmission has precise action
- Impressive dynamics
- Steering is direct…
- … but becomes light at higher speeds and lacks feel on-centre
- Firm ride
- On uneven surfaces, front wheels follow undulations (‘tram lining)
- Lacks agility and poise of Porsche 987 Cayman
Review: BMW E86 Z4 Coupe (2006-09)
Overview
Released in April 2006, the BMW E86 Z4 was a two-door coupe. Manufactured in South Carolina, USA, the E68 Z4 Coupe range consisted of the 3.0si and M variants, powered by BMW’s N52 B30 and S54 B32 engines respectively. While the 3.0si was available with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, the Z4 M Coupe (as it was known) was solely available with the former.
Compared to the E85 Z4 Roadster on which it was based, the Z4 Coupe was the same length (at 4091 mm) and width (1781 mm), but was 31 mm lower (1268 mm); wheelbase length was also unchanged (2495 mm). The Z4 Coupe had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0si | 3.0-litre petrol I6 (N52 B30) | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
195 kW at 6600 rpm | 315 Nm at 2750 rpm |
| M | 3.2-litre petrol I6 (S54 B32) | 6sp man. | 252 kW at 7900 rpm | 365 Nm at 4900 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side (thorax) airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
3.0si features
Standard features for the 3.0si included 18-inch alloy wheels with run flat tyres, a ten speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats with driver’s memory settings, heated front seats, cruise control, front and rear fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.
Z4 M Coupe
Compared to the 3.0si, the Z4 M Coupe was fitted with 18-inch double-spoke light alloy wheels with conventional (i.e. non-run flat tyres), ‘M Sport’ suspension, a compound brake system, hydraulic steering system and an electronic differential lock.
Standard features were also extended to include a ‘BMW Professional’ HiFi system, satellite navigation with colour display, Nappa leather upholstery, contoured ‘M Sport’ seats, bi-xenon headlights with washers, voice recognition, TV tuner, rear parking sensors and an alarm.
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