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Summary
The BMW Z4 Roadster succeeds as a replacement for the Z3 with room to spare. Its styling is controversial, but that's a buyer's call to make; like it or not, it's dramatic. The 2.5-liter engine is supremely sweet and fast enough to be worthy of the rest of the car's good qualities, in particular handling, ride and brakes. The 3.0-liter engine offers the power a performance-minded buyer would need, along with a six-speed gearbox. The power soft top makes the Z4 totally comfortable and civilized. At a base retail price of $34,300 with leatherette interior and simple manual top with one-handed release, an entry-level Z4 is an affordable and excellent BMW sports car with all the BMW engineering strengths.New Car Test Drive correspondent Sam Moses reports from the Columbia River Gorge.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5i ($34,300); Z4 Roadster 3.0i ($41,300) |
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Engines:
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2.5-liter inline-6 |
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Transmissions:
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5-speed manual |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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advanced front and side airbags with passenger deactivation switch; active knee protection; run-flat tires; ABS with Dynamic Brake Control; Dynamic Stability Control; rollover protection bars |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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Basic Warranty:
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4 years/50,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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South Carolina |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5i ($34,300) |
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Standard Equipment:
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leatherette upholstery; 16-inch alloy wheels; halogen headlights; power windows, door locks and mirrors; ABS with Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control; sound system with in-dash CD player |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Premium Package ($3,200) includes fully automatic power top, automatic climate control, eight-way power driver's seat, on-board computer, BMW Assist; Sport Package ($1,300) includes 17-inch wheels, sport suspension; heated seats ($500); premium sound system ($875); hardtop prep ($75) |
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Destination Charge:
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695 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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40945 |
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Layout:
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rear-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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184 @ 6000 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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175 @ 3500 |
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Transmission:
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5-speed manual |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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20/28 |
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Wheelbase:
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98.2 |
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Length/width/height:
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161.1/70.1/51.1 |
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Track, f/r:
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58.0/60.0 |
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Turning circle:
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32.2 |
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Seating capacity:
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2 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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37.3/NA/42.0 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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Cargo volume:
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9.2 |
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Payload:
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Towing capacity:
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Suspension, f:
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struts, coil springs, twin-tube gas shock absorbers, antiroll bar |
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Suspension, r:
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multi-link, coil springs, twin-tube shock absorbers, antiroll bar |
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Ground clearance:
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Curb weight:
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2932 |
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Tires:
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225/45WR17 run-flat |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc, vented in front, with ABS with Dynamic Brake Control and electronic brake proportioning |
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Fuel capacity:
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14.5 |
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