Acceleration

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M conv	M coupe	Class Average
8	8	9	9	8.1

No 3.0i model has been made available for testing. With other Z4s, their high-revving engines require lots of rpm for speediest getaways but furnish ample power for strong acceleration at any speed. M versions are particularly speedy. Slick, crisp, short-throw shifts make the manual transmission a pleasure. The alert automatic transmission shifts decisively but never feels harsh.

Fuel Economy

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M conv	M coupe	Class Average
5	5	5	5	4.2

In Consumer Guide testing with mostly highway driving, a manual-transmission 3.0si coupe averaged 25.5 mpg, and an automatic 3.0si coupe averaged 22.5 mpg. Test M coupe and convertible both averaged 18.8 mpg. All Z4s require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M conv	M coupe	Class Average
4	4	3	3	4.4

The ride is appropriately firm for a high-performance car, with M versions slightly less yielding. Suspensions transmit most every bump and tar strip, yet have enough compliance to avoid harshness.

Steering/Handling/Braking

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M conv	M coupe	Class Average
9	9	10	10	8.7

Handling is agile, grippy, and nearly flat in fast corners; M versions are among the best-handling cars available. The standard traction and antiskid control is reassuring on damp roads. Steering is accurate and quick but feels artificially heavy to some testers. Wide tires follow road grooves, but the car tracks true otherwise. Powerful brakes reward with impressively short, stable stops and excellent pedal feel.

Quietness

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M conv	M coupe	Class Average
5	5	3	4	4.2

Engines make an enthusiast-pleasing full-throttle growl yet are reasonably quiet at lower rpm, though M engines are more vocal. Tire noise is intrusive on most surfaces. The convertible is quiet enough with the top up but suffers more wind rush than the coupe.

Controls

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M conv	M coupe	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.6

Gauges are well-placed, but their graphics are not the best. Most switchgear is logical and accessible, but the available navigation system takes study and complicates audio-system operation.

Details

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M conv	M coupe	Class Average
8	8	8	8	6.9

Z4s have quality interior materials assembled with care. Structural rigidity is impressive, even in convertibles.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M conv	M coupe	Class Average
4	4	4	4	5.8

Cabins are cozy but have adult-size headroom and legroom. Multi-adjustable sport seats may be too snug for some and seem shy on padding. Their large side bolsters, the low sports-car stance, and longish doors can impede entry and exit. The manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel aids driver positioning. Visibility is compromised by the low seating position along with the coupe's slanted roofline and convertible's top and roll bars.

Room/Comfort (rear)

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M conv	M coupe	Class Average
0	0	0	0	.7

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M conv	M coupe	Class Average
3	3	2	3	2.6

Convertible's trunk is fairly roomy for a sports car; it can hold several gym bags or two rolling carry-on bags, and BMW claims two golf bags fit. The coupe has slightly more cargo volume, but the luggage bay is unevenly shaped. Interior storage is sparse in both body styles.

Value within Class

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M conv	M coupe	Class Average
9	9	5	5	5.3

The Z4 M convertible and coupe are racetrack able, yet also reasonably practical daily drivers for well-heeled enthusiasts. Other Z4s have slightly less-thrilling performance but are no less rewarding to drive, cost less than the M, and deliver better fuel economy. Thus, the 3.0i and 3.0si best reflect our Best Buy accolades for this sports car.

Total Score

3.0si coupe, manual	3.0si coupe, automatic	M conv	M coupe	Class Average
62	62	56	58	56.5

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		39
Average Score		56
High Score		65