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2004 BMW Z4 3.0i Road Test

The Stuff of Dreams

"You believe youre touching it, but in reality, it touches you" reads the esoteric statement used by BMW to describe the relationship between man and machine, when the machine is the 2004 Z4. Normally, Im less a fan of the esoteric point of view than the empirical one, but a single sunny fall afternoon spent in the cockpit of a 3.0-liter, I-6 powered Z4 revolutionized my perspective. Of course the suns warmth blasting the cool misty air, for a change, contributed to the euphoria, but only in a supporting role. The true emotional stimulus was the soft-top Z4 and its 225 horsepower drivetrain.

I remember when roadster fans came close to elation when BMW unveiled the 1996 Z3, which was the first BMW roadster to be sold in North America since the 1959 507. I was among

A sunny fall afternoon spent in the cockpit of the 3.0-liter, I-6 powered Z4 changed my perspective of the little BMW roadster. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

those salivating over the Z3s long hood and sensuous lines. After seven years of Z3 success BMW replaced the tight little roadster with the larger, more sophisticated Z4 last year. The design, however, is contentious, due mainly to the vision of Chris Bangle, Director of BMW Group Design. For me, the Bangle-jury is still out on this one, and the verdict isnt expected anytime soon.

This years Z4 has changed very

Little on the 2004 Z4 has changed from previous models, apart from rain sensing windshield wipers and steering wheel audio controls. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

little from its 2003 predecessor, apart from rain sensing windshield wipers and steering wheel audio controls, along with several new colors and wheel packages. I especially love the Z4s even longer hood and wheelbase, and its decidedly stubby trunk. Unfortunately, the one place where the Bangle design concept fails to prove itself attractive is in the area of the Z4s convex to concave, scalloped side panels, featuring dramatic asymmetrical creases. Some like it, I dont.

Bangle

The Z4s proportioning is reminiscent of the classic roadsters of the 1960s and 70s. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

jurisprudence aside, the Z4s proportioning is reminiscent of the classic roadsters of the 1960s and 70s, such as the Triumph TR6, the Austin-Healey 3000 and the Ford V8-powered AC Cobra. These quintessential sports car icons placed the driver toward the rear of the vehicle, behind a large sculptured hood in the same way the thoroughly modern Z4 does. I sat behind the Z4 wheel, looked out over its bulbous hood and listened to the authority of its throaty inline-six, the entire experience attempting to transport me back to that golden era of ragtop roadsters. With the exception

This little roadster is granite solid, exhibiting exceptional structural rigidity and nary a rattle or squeak to squawk about. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

of the Z4s modern dash layout, everything about this car conveys the sense that time has stood still. Where time has moved forward, in leaps and bounds, is in build quality, comfort and most importantly, technology and performance.

It is beautifully assembled inside and out, with panel spacing that is accurate and true. Apart from the metallic clang of the doors, this little roadster is granite solid, exhibiting exceptional structural rigidity and nary a rattle or squeak to squawk about. On the inside, BMW has supplied generous amounts of stitched soft leather for the seating surfaces and door panels;

Instrumentation in the Z4 is on the small side, but clearly legible through the upper portion of BMWs slick, aluminum trimmed three-spoke steering wheel. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

in addition, the inner surface of the windshield frame and the fold-down visors are trimmed in leather (or a darned good imitation). Im a big fan of the liberal application of true, brushed aluminum, which broadly sweeps across the dash and down the center console. Hard plastics have been kept to a minimum, and out of direct sight or reach of the occupants. Regardless of height or leg length, those occupants will be rewarded with plenty of "stretch" room, whether the roof is up or down.

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