BMW Z4 2004 Review

Once the BMW is in the sight of their side mirrors, the 750cc rider turns his head in acknowledgement of the ensuing duel. It's a battle that, well, if it was not to be undertaken in a car like the Z4, probably wouldn't have been undertaken at all.

But was it possible that this 3.0-litre Z4 could give two motorbikes (that win in power-to-weight ratio) a run for their money?

With a rev of the engines and a twitch of the rear wheel of the 750cc, the question would soon be answered.

The 750cc was swallowed up within three corners. Perhaps the rider was not that adept, perhaps the car was just better; it was not enough of a battle to decide.

With a glance over his shoulder, the R1 rider nearly fell off upon seeing the silver Z4's distinctive, aggressive face bearing down on him -- instead of his mate -- and realised he had to fly the flag.

Keeping to the 100km/h limit, the battle was sheer corner speed and acceleration, with both steeds showing their assets.

The Z4's sophisticated braking, automatic stability control and traction, corner braking control and dynamic traction control meant it was impossible to shake and clearly out-handled its two-wheeled competitor. The 50/50 weight distribution showed the perfect balance of the Z4, while the electric power steering was put to the test -- one it passed with pretty good results.

The sports-tuned suspension setting was also on, a mode that tightens the throttle and steering response.

Despite impressive figures of 170kW at 5900rpm and 300Nm of torque at 3500rpm coming from BMW's straight six engine and fly by wire throttle (which made acceleration an interesting duel), the R1's get up and go was a bit too quick for the likes of the Z4. But it was a bike for heaven's sake.

It was a relatively short-lived battle as the R1 pulled over to let us past and to wait for his mate to catch up.

It was, however, a testament to the handling capabilities of the roadster and one that was made even better by being able to relax back into the leather seats and turn on the seat warmer. The stiffer ride, though, means the Z4 feels a little skittish on bumpy roads and the imperfect steering feel lets the enjoyment down, just a bit.

Like the riders, though, you can also have the wind in your hair, or not, in just 10 seconds -- the fastest folding roof in its class.

Then there are the sports seats with memory settings, climate control airconditioning, elegant interior styling, 16-inch alloys, a rain sensor, automatic headlight control, front fog lights, an on-board computer, aluminium interior trim and a leather cover for the sports steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake.

The 3.0-litre boasts a CD stacker and a 10-speaker stereo system.

The Z4's exterior styling has been a point of discussion since it was released. In fact, it really seems like it was a case of love it or hate it.

But BMW dares to be different and even if the exterior is a little daring for certain tastes, it would not be a deciding factor once the bum has been in the seat.

Having driven both the 2.5i-litre and the 3.0-litre, it's fair to say the 2.5i-litre is no slouch compared with its bigger brother and still boasts all the technical stuff BMW could fit in. With 141kW at 6000rpm and 245Nm of torque at 3500rpm, the 2.5i sprints to 100km/h in just seven seconds, 5.9sec for the 3.0 litre.

The Z42.5i comes in either a five-speed manual or five-speed three-mode Steptronic automatic. The 3.0-litre adds a gear on the manual but stays a five-speed in the automatic. Unlike some six speeds, the Z4 gives you time to change, so it doesn't feel like you've just started off in a truck. The engine lets you rev it out with no complaints and leaves a sweet note in the ear.

Despite being very gutsy and quick, both are still fuel efficient, the 3.0-litre using about 11 litres per 100km combined.

The 2.5i is priced at $78,500 for the five-speed manual or $81,100 for the automatic. The 3.0 is priced at $92,000 for the manual or $94,600 for the auto.