Sterling Gray 3.0i BMW Z4 w/Sports Package

Author's Rating:

Pros: Looks, power, transmission, power top and the Dr. Jones/Mr. Jones dual personality.

Cons: Run flat tires, hard ride, useless cup holders, no standard wind deflector,parking head in.

The Bottom Line: 
But it!

Author's Review
I purchased this car from a private party in May 2009 after much research for $6k below KBB recommended purchase price. I moved to this car from an 2007 V6 Mustang which was truth be told unsatisfying driving wise. I've always heard of the BMW driving experience and at the deal that I got for a fully spec'd 05 Z4 3.0i with navigation and Sport package, there was no looking back.

This car took my breath away from the very first test drive, this was unlike anything I had experienced in terms of the sheer power (w/ the sports button engaged) and handling prowess. I felt like I was an organic part of the car which could not be said of other marques such as the Mercedes SLK and yes even the Corvette C6. I knew I had to have it after the test drive and...I did.

Now lets get technical. The engine freely revs till 3000 rpm normally and with the sports button engaged, it revs all the way to 6-7000 rpm with no lag in performance; basically the engine never tops out. Its very solid at the limit with excellent feedback to the steering wheel. You feel like you're driving on rails in this car, I've tackled the twisties in this car and I can vouch for the excellent non-fade brakes with the touch-to-the-throttle power to get you out of hairy corners. Bottom line, as a driver you are fully engaged and aware of the front and rear wheels and what they're upto. This car is excellent in a straight line (try drag racing w/sports button engaged), you could easily leave cars like the Mustang GT in the dust thanks to the excellent Z4 power to weight ratio and less weight. This is an engine that utilizes every single horsepower to the fullest.

Now the emotional bit, I see how people can get turned off/on with the design and a lot of that has to do with the color/option pkge you get. The Sterling Gray ext/Black interior goes best with this car in addition to having the 19inch wheels. The car looks menacing with this option. I personally love the design, Bangle's flame surfacing has found its best product in the Z4 with people turning heads all the time (specially the girls). This is truly a macho car trying hard to get away from the cutsie stigma of the Z3. It has the broad shoulders and long hood symbolic of an out and about supercar with the civility of the 3 series. With the sports button turned off, you won't get too many speeding tickets.

I've had the car for just over a month and not a day goes by where I don't look for an excuse to drive it.