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2006 BMW Z4 Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2006 BMW Z4 Review:
2006 BMW Z4 Review
More powerful engines, freshened styling, and midyear introduction of a hatchback coupe mark 2006 for BMW's two-seaters. The convertible Z4 has a fabric top with heated glass rear window and is joined by a hatchback coupe. All Z4s have an inline 6-cyl engine. The 215-hp 3.0i replaces the 184-hp 2.5i as the base convertible. New for '06 is the 255-hp 3.0si in convertible and coupe form. High-performance M convertibles and coupes have 330 hp. All come with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional for 3.0i and 3.0si is a 6-speed automatic with steering wheel paddles for manual operation. ABS, traction/antiskid control, and front side airbags are standard. The 3.0i and 3.0si have run-flat tires. M convertibles have a power top that is otherwise optional. A navigation system is optional.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
News
BMW's Z-car revives hatchback coupes for 2007, starting with a 3.0Si sharing most particulars with the counterpart convertible. A new hot-rod M Coupe should join in by the middle of calendar '07. A base 3.0i coupe is possible, but not yet confirmed. Unlike the previous square-lined Z coupes, the new design has a sloping roofline that better integrates with lower-body styling, in our humble opinion.
Spies say redesigned Z4s will appear in calendar 2009. Between now and then, BMW may offer its new 300-hp twin-turbo 6-cyl as an additional engine choice, perhaps for 2008. The powerplant premieres with a new version of the redesigned '07 3-Series coupe, the 335Ci.
Spies say redesigned Z4s will appear in calendar 2009. Between now and then, BMW may offer its new 300-hp twin-turbo 6-cyl as an additional engine choice, perhaps for 2008. The powerplant premieres with a new version of the redesigned '07 3-Series coupe, the 335Ci.
2006 BMW Z4 Road Test
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
M convertible and hatchback only models made available for test so far. M engine's high-revving nature means modest pull from a stop, but once rolling furnishes outstanding acceleration. Manual transmission has slick, crisp action with short-throws and light, manageable clutch action.
| M convertible | M hatchback w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.2 |
M convertible and hatchback only models made available for test so far. M engine's high-revving nature means modest pull from a stop, but once rolling furnishes outstanding acceleration. Manual transmission has slick, crisp action with short-throws and light, manageable clutch action.
Fuel Economy
Test M hatchback averaged 18.8 mpg. All Z4s require premium-grade fuel.
| M convertible | M hatchback w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
Test M hatchback averaged 18.8 mpg. All Z4s require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Appropriately firm for a high-performance car. Nearly every bump and tar strip registers through seats. Still, ride is never excessively harsh. Convertible or hatchback, body rigidity outstanding.
| M convertible | M hatchback w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.3 |
Appropriately firm for a high-performance car. Nearly every bump and tar strip registers through seats. Still, ride is never excessively harsh. Convertible or hatchback, body rigidity outstanding.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Agile, grippy, nearly flat in corners. Standard traction/antiskid control adds measure of security. Steering quick, but to some testers, has artificially heavy feel. Straightline tracking can be compromised by tires following road groves. Powerful brakes reward with impressively short, stable stops.
| M convertible | M hatchback w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 8.5 |
Agile, grippy, nearly flat in corners. Standard traction/antiskid control adds measure of security. Steering quick, but to some testers, has artificially heavy feel. Straightline tracking can be compromised by tires following road groves. Powerful brakes reward with impressively short, stable stops.
Quietness
Abundant engine growl in rapid acceleration--which should please most Z4 drivers. Tire noise intrusive on most surfaces. Convertible tolerably quiet with top up.
| M convertible | M hatchback w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Abundant engine growl in rapid acceleration--which should please most Z4 drivers. Tire noise intrusive on most surfaces. Convertible tolerably quiet with top up.
Controls
Gauges well-placed. Headlamp controls hidden by steering wheel, but other switchgear logical, accessible. Navigation system takes study to master, complicates some audio tuning. Ms have top-notch interior materials assembled with care, but standard aluminum trim looks more appropriately sporty here than optional wood.
| M convertible | M hatchback w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 6.3 |
Gauges well-placed. Headlamp controls hidden by steering wheel, but other switchgear logical, accessible. Navigation system takes study to master, complicates some audio tuning. Ms have top-notch interior materials assembled with care, but standard aluminum trim looks more appropriately sporty here than optional wood.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Spacious for all but most robust of occupants. Steering wheel tilts, telescopes manually to benefit driver positioning. Outward visibility squeezed by shape and low height of hatchback roof and, in convertible, by soft-top's wide rear sections. Low stance means difficult entry/exit in hatchback and in convertible with top up.
| M convertible | M hatchback w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.7 |
Spacious for all but most robust of occupants. Steering wheel tilts, telescopes manually to benefit driver positioning. Outward visibility squeezed by shape and low height of hatchback roof and, in convertible, by soft-top's wide rear sections. Low stance means difficult entry/exit in hatchback and in convertible with top up.
Room/Comfort (rear)
(No rear seating.)
| M convertible | M hatchback w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
Convertible trunk not bad for a two-seat sports car. Holds several gym duffels or two rolling carry-on bags. BMW says two golf bags fit. Hatchback has slightly more cargo volume, but luggage bay is unevenly shaped. Sparse interior storage in both body styles.
| M convertible | M hatchback w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 2 | 3 | 2 |
Convertible trunk not bad for a two-seat sports car. Holds several gym duffels or two rolling carry-on bags. BMW says two golf bags fit. Hatchback has slightly more cargo volume, but luggage bay is unevenly shaped. Sparse interior storage in both body styles.
Value within Class
The M convertible and hatchback are the only 2006 Z4s made available for test so far. These $50,000 cars are exceptionally capable on a racetrack, and reasonably easy to live with on the road. But the less expensive Z4s are likely the better choices here, combining the M models' basic goodness with engines, tires, and suspension tuning better suited to daily driving.
| M convertible | M hatchback w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
The M convertible and hatchback are the only 2006 Z4s made available for test so far. These $50,000 cars are exceptionally capable on a racetrack, and reasonably easy to live with on the road. But the less expensive Z4s are likely the better choices here, combining the M models' basic goodness with engines, tires, and suspension tuning better suited to daily driving.
Total Score
| M convertible | M hatchback w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 48 | 48 | 48.5 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 48 | |
| High Score | 58 |
2006 BMW Z4 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/11/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| 3.0i 2-door convertible | $35,600 | $32,575 | $695 |
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| 3.0si 2-door hatchback | $40,100 | $36,490 | $695 |
|
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| 3.0si 2-door convertible | $42,100 | $38,490 | $695 |
|
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| M 2-door hatchback | $49,300 | $44,865 | $695 |
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| M 2-door convertible | $51,995 | $46,685 | $695 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
3.0i
Powertrain
3.0-liter 215-horsepower 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, hill-holder clutch, roll bars, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, height-adjustable bucket seats, cupholders, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, rear defogger, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washers, floormats, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/45R17 run-flat tires, alloy wheels.
3.0si adds to 3.0i:
Powertrain
3.0-liter 255-horsepower 6-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic climate control, leather upholstery, center console, aluminum interior trim, upgraded sound system, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player (hatchback), trip computer, map lights.
M adds to 3.0si:
Powertrain
3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Hill ascent control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power convertible top.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: cruise control, upgraded sound system, run-flat tires.
Xenon headlights, sport suspension, 225/45ZR18 front tires, 255/40ZR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
M
|
$2,500
|
$2,275
|
|
BMW Assist system w/one-year service, wireless cell phone link, cruise control, 8-way power seats w/driver-seat memory, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, upgraded sound system, interior storage nets.
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Sport Pkg.
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3.0i
|
$1,000
|
$910
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3.0si convertible
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$1,200
|
$1,090
|
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3.0si hatchback
|
$1,300
|
$1,185
|
|
Dynamic Driving Control console button, sport suspension, 225/45R17 front and 245/40R17 rear run-flat tires (3.0i), 225/40R18 front and 255/35R18 rear run-flat tires (3.0si), unique alloy wheels.
|
||
|
|
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Powertrain |
||
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6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
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3.0i, 3.0si
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$1,275
|
$1,210
|
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
3.0i, 3.0si, M
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
|
3.0i requires Premium Pkg. or trip computer.
|
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|
BMW Assist system
|
||
|
3.0i, 3.0si, M
|
$750
|
$685
|
|
Includes one year service, wireless cell phone link.
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Leather upholstery
|
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3.0i
|
$1,150
|
$1,045
|
|
Includes aluminum interior trim.
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Extended leather upholstery
|
||
|
3.0si
|
$1,700
|
$1,545
|
|
M convertible
|
$2,700
|
$2,455
|
|
M hatchback
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
|
Leather/cloth upholstery
|
||
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3.0i
|
$850
|
$775
|
|
Includes aluminum interior trim.
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Wood interior trim
|
||
|
3.0i, 3.0si
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
M
|
$250
|
$230
|
|
3.0i requires leather upholstery.
|
||
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8-way power seats
|
||
|
3.0i, 3.0si, M
|
$995
|
$905
|
|
Includes driver-seat memory.
|
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Heated seats
|
||
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3.0i, 3.0si, M
|
$500
|
$455
|
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Sport seats
|
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3.0i, 3.0si
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
Requires Sport Pkg. 3.0i requires leather or leather/cloth upholstery.
|
||
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Upgraded sound system
|
||
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3.0i
|
$875
|
$795
|
|
Trip computer
|
||
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3.0i
|
$300
|
$275
|
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Power convertible top
|
||
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3.0i/3.0si convertible
|
$750
|
$685
|
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
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Bi-xenon headlights
|
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3.0i, 3.0si
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$700
|
$635
|
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Headlight washers
|
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3.0i, 3.0si
|
$250
|
$230
|
|
Rear spoiler
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M convertible
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$350
|
$320
|
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Hardtop prep
|
||
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convertible
|
$75
|
$70
|
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Special paint
|
||
|
3.0i, 3.0si, M
|
$475
|
$430
|
|
|
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2006 BMW Z4 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | BMW Z4 2-door convertible | BMW Z4 2-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 98.3 | 98.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 161.1 | 161.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.1 | 70.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.1 | 49.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3020 | 3108 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 9.2 | 12.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.3 | 37.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.0 | 42.0 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I6 | dohc I6 | dohc I6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /183 | 3.0 /183 | 3.2 /198 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 215 @ 6250 | 255 @ 6600 | 330 @ 7900 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 185 @ 2750 | 220 @ 2750 | 262 @ 4900 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 6-speed manual | 20/30 | 20/30 | 16/24 |
| 6-speed automatic | 21/29 | 21/29 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | BMW Z4 2-door convertible | BMW Z4 2-door hatchback |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | 3 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 BMW Z4 Review:
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