2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster Review - Did I Buy The Wrong One?

[@flybobbie1449]

Most significant thing about this video, he chose the only day of the year we had a totally cloudless sky in the UK.

[@LR_84]

interior has aged beautifully

[@chappy2121]

I think these "bangle era" BMWs have aged really well. Look loads better now than when they came out

[@miljororforsprakpartiet290]

A consequence of all cars becoming ugly since.

[@adrianbennett3761]

It’s funny how Range Rover with both the Evoque and full fat Range Rover (2012ish) copied Bangle’s front light extensions on the E60 5 series. Bangle’s 7 series design was horrendous

[@Traktion1]

I have a z4 3.0si and once the runflats are ditched, it stops hedge hunting and rides pretty well. It's a touch softer than the z4m, even with sports suspension, so just about perfect for weathered back roads. The electric steering is a bit inert, but the gearbox is smoother and with a ZHP knob, it feels great to me. I gather it is missing the top end zing of the z4m, but the engine is lighter. It isn't a steel lump, which takes a useful chunk of weight off the front, helping it turn in better (apparently!). I never tried an m, but they were over twice the price to buy and similar to maintain. For the money, the 3.0si is hard to beat. I look at stuff to replace it with, but I can't see anything in the same price bracket that competes.

[@virtualinfinity6280]

Driving a Z4 30si Coupe, I can confirm your statements. However, I still keep the runflats. I found, there is a trick to actually make them work quite fine on the car: When new, they are quite slippery and unpleasant to drive. Just keep it *very* *easy* with throttle, brakes and cornering for about 200mls/300km. Treat them very carefully, as if they where to explode in your face if you don't. After 300km, they are perfect. I have done this for 3 sets of front and 6 sets of back wheels and it worked every single time. Now, I know this sounds weird and like some spooky, dull "household tip from grandma" and I cannot deliver any competent explanation as to why it should work the way it does, but it does. Got the tip from a tyre dealer, tried it the first time as I had a long trip ahead in bad weather anyway and it worked as he told me. Despite all of their objective deficiencies, I actually like the runflats. They add safety, which I'll always take and they are much stiffer compared to regular ones, which give them razor-sharp handling right at the edge of loosing grip in corners. Once you learned to "feel" when they are to loose contact suddenly, they are fun and rewarding.

[@Traktion1]

@@virtualinfinity6280 interesting! I just found them awful. Terrible ride, tracked every rut and camber, with pot holes sounding like the wheel was going to burst into the cabin. They felt downright dangerous on the back roads near me.

[@NicholasWHaley7]

I have a coupe as well. First thing I did was ditch the run flats and get Michelin super sports. Rides so much smoother and quieter. Wife noticed a huge difference. If I ever get a flat, I’ll just have to figure it out.

[@MrBirgerB]

I simply dont get the idea about runflats. I run normal tyres and dont carry a spare wheel. Never had flat tyre. My advice is to run new tyres, keep em inflated correctly, and then call a flatbed if you ever were to puncture.

[@Stag2997]

The S54 comment is very true. Fresh coil packs and a VANOS refresh using Beisan parts will wake up most S54s.

[@kize32]

You show this Z4 as a granny cruiser but in fact that's the best drivers car from BMW ever. It's got stiff chassis, low weight powerful engine and it's very tail happy. A proper BMW. You got to admit your driving capacity is limited to experience it's full potential

[@nessuno5403]

A proper BMW, but not the best ever

[@saskwotch19764]

I own one of these and find it a lot more hardcore than my M3, it’s an extremely involving car to drive. Unique short-shift 6 speed manual, proper limited slip diff, brakes and steering from the M3 CSL and the latest iteration of BMWs greatest engine. Which is extremely similar in design to the two straight sixes that were mates together for the McLaren F1s S70 V12. Tootle along in third at 20mph, plant your right foot and with the added character of individual throttle bodies it’ll howl all the way past 100mph before you shift in to 4th at 8,000rpm. It’s a crazy little car with big attitude. Always puts a smile on my face when I drive it 😀

[@MrBirgerB]

BMW really cashed in on the association with the McLaren F1. Countless BMW owners believe theyre driving mini F1s :-)

[@jamesowendesign]

I agree with everything you've written here. I have a '07 M Roadster and it's a lot more hardcore than most people were expecting. Which is why, I think, it gets a somewhat bad rap and why most of these cars have multiple owners on the used market. A mini Cobra if you will. I love the challenging aspects of the car and I would be hard-pressed to find a better convertible at this price point with a manual. Still vastly under-valued cars. Get one while you can!

[@shanene71]

@@jamesowendesign unfortunately the cat has been out of the bag for a few years (at least in NA) and it is hard to find one at a reasonable price. Thankfully I purchased mine in 2020 before the prices shot up.

[@jamesowendesign]

@@shanene71 I feel like the Z4 M Roadsters are still fairly reasonable for what you get. Especially compared to the Z3 M Roadster.

[@emncali]

is it reliable? should i buy one

[@ryanpatterson9526]

My little Z3 M roadster with the S54 is the bees knees! Analog perfection!

[@Fee.1]

M coupe of that era is my baby

[@FelixIsMyName]

I was the one from Oxford (atm) who emailed about trying a Z4M roadster James and I'm glad you agree that the roadster is a more relaxed car than the coupe :)

[@chrisbouris3699]

Best looking Z4. BMW never accomplish something so beautiful after Chris Bangle era.

[@Fee.1]

Arguably the follow up that didn’t get a m version is more attractive and the interior is leagues ahead

[@Rgh71fish]

Ironic, when you consider that purists STRONGLY disliked Bangle cars, when they were first introduced. They were too radical a departure from BMW's simple, beautiful shapes. Even today, I'd take a Z3M over the Z4, without hesitation.

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@Rgh71fish You've got to be joking?

[@ianedmonds9191]

Surely no sighted person would prefer the clown shoe over the gorgeous Z4M either in coupe or convertible form. I didn't like Bangle's 5 series but the E85 Z4 is where the dramatic flame surfacing makes a lot of sense.

[@Fee.1]

Ian Edmonds right beauty isn’t subjective or anything

[@pHilli0UK]

I have the Z4 M coupe with quite a lot of mods and it's brilliant. The stock car is good but flawed. Adding KW V3s and better brakes, and a load of other tweaks it's great. I have the Carbon eventuri and stock exhaust to hear the induction raw.

[@mdcohen]

What other tweaks would you suggest?

[@pHilli0UK]

@@mdcohen the biggest issue with the stock bar is the bad ride and the slightly detached front end. So upgrading the suspension is essential. The KW V3s made a huge positive change. Strut brace addition helps with steering. The ZHP gear knob is good. I track my Z so I have Brembo 6 pots front 4 pots rears with Pagid rs29 pads. I have a bucket seat which again makes a huge difference to how much confidence you have on road and on track to push on. I had my engine rebuilt as it was showing top end early wear. I had shrick CSL spec cams installed with shrick followers. It makes the top end much more lively and flies towards the red line. On track noone expects the Z and it can embarrass some seriously expensive cars when I've got Michelin Cup 2 rubber on. It's basically great. I won't be selling mine.

[@mdcohen]

@@pHilli0UK Thanks. I'm seriously thinking of getting a Z4MR. I rented one on Turo and loved it. In the twisties it seemed a little uncertain though. Your car sounds amazing. Enjoy it!

[@percedog]

@@pHilli0UKHow did you identify the top end wear?

[@djchocice]

It’s a sublime car, I chose an S2000 in the end due to the lower running costs and better handling. But, that straight six is one of the most glorious engines ever put in a road car, with a good intake, it is simply the best sounding road car of the past 20 years.

[@nonick8490]

Sorry, but I have to disagree. It sounds nice, but "the last 20 years" even includes some TVRs, and (at the very latest) your claim ends there....

[@stefanck]

I'd take an S2000 over anything else

[@johnsparten-fh8nn]

Better handling? Really lol

[@gavinleyfield3195]

Whilst the M car is a big pull, especially for that engine. The 3.0 Z4 would make more sense to me, for that 8/10s vibe. and SUPER cheap at the moment. Nice video James, great quality and really useful observations. Congrats on the 550 too!

[@ianedmonds9191]

I've got a 2006 2.5si and it's fantastic. Enough performance for roads and the engine revs like a lunatic up to 7k. The six speed gearbox is fantastic and I think mine has had the cdv taken off which makes a huge difference.

[@hazardeur]

@@ianedmonds9191 dude you can^t even compare that engine. the M engine revs like crazy, not the regular one. coming from an ex owner of the z4

[@dagnut]

Considering you can get a decent one for 5k you are spot on. Criminally underrated care imo, once you get of run flats you've resolved its big issue which is the ride

[@Fastmetro]

Experience the S54 at 8k rpm and you would no longer want the 3.0. The S54 is mental, it's truly fabulous and with the roof down it's one of the best sounding S designated M engines BMW ever produced.

[@ianedmonds9191]

@@hazardeur I know. My boss had an E46 M3 which I drove and it was savage the way the power kept building toward redline at 8000 but as engines go My 2.5si has the N52 which compared to the M54 is a much more freely revving engine. Obviously the S54 is a totally different animal but 7k is still pretty good and sounds amazing. I've only had one car that was worth going higher and that was my 94 MR2 which would rev to 7250 and was eager to go there. (Edited : misremembered the redline RPM of the S54)

[@neilstewart1208]

I think the review is spot on! having owned an m3 csl , ,z4m roadster and a couple of m3's, i couldn't agree more.....best at 7 tenths driving and a great place to sit and enjoy.

[@spikeisgr8]

Try a Z3M roadster. I have one and have driven a Z4M. The former is a much more raw, traditional roadster feel vs the latter. And looks, don’t even get me started. Still, the Z4M is a very underrated car. Glad you enjoyed!

[@rickhunter7031]

I have the LHD twin to this car including color and high end cold air intake and cat back. The one additional modification that transforms these cars is installation of a modified clutch delay valve - modified meaning the guts of the valve are removed so that it no longer functions. For $100 or so you vastly improve the driving experience - the clutch release point is now stable and the 1st to 2nd shift is vastly improved. All in all, a fair review although brand and age of tires have a huge impact on ride and steering feedback.

[@davidblair2874]

Sold my S2000 (bought new in 2003) in 2008 and bought one with only 2000 miles on the clock. Had it for 3 yrs, did 3 euro tours and 36,000 miles. Loved it. Lusted for a V8 and bought an E92 M3 after that. Z4MR is always fondly remembered 😎

[@PaulBroere]

I’m selling my e92 for an Z4M.. e92 is gonna be missed, glorious engine

[@naiart82]

Yes, yes. Thank you James. I love this car. I might be biased. I daily drive mine, including in the Canadian winter 😮

[@venture.brothers]

Seriously? I'm in BC and don't even bother. I'd hate to expose my top to that amount of rain/snow

[@jeffk412]

this looks like a wonderful car to take out on a sunny day and drive no more than 8/10s, just a bit relaxed and enjoy! lovely exhaust note! Lovely video!

[@myou6675]

Great review. Owned the Z4M coupe for about 2 years. Loved it but was a bit twitchy on anything but perfectly dry tarmac. Moved on to an E92 M3 and found it to be a better all rounder and just as entertaining. Saying that the Z4M has probably gone up in value a few thousand pounds since I sold it.

[@ianedmonds9191]

That E92 M3 v8 sounded amazing and revved to 8000rpm+. It was a supercar beater. Fucking nonsense car to be a saloon. Luv and Peace.

[@johntearle]

Thanks Jay. Enjoyed sharing the car and great to hear your take on it!

[@MalcolmXpat]

Now your in my price range! Nice one.

[@crawfordbrown75]

You're

[@SlinkiestTortoise23]

crawfordbrown75 Ekk! Grammar police in da house! 🚨

[@TheShinyShow]

Seriously, I don't care about Ferraris or Astons. Nice to see a more normal car.

[@marklittler784]

@Bob Dobalina Not only that you could buy five second hand seven year old cars for the price of a new one and on a multicar policy not have to pay much more insurance for the same miles , one car doesn't always suit your needs, a motor home, a hatch back, a 4×4, a convertible and estate car can all serve different needs and the depreciation is much lower than a new car also,.all put together.

[@crawfordbrown75]

forget 7 year old cars when 7 year olds can distinguish your and you're without calling somebody a wabker

[@DutchBane]

Yes! I like this one a lot. Its such a timeless looking car too.

[@SaltydogNC]

I also have a LHD twin to this car, but with a clutch delay valve modification and the heavier and shorter shift knob, which shockingly makes a huge positive improvement with smoothly shifting. I also added Vibra-Technics engine mounts, a Gruppe M intake and a Supersprint exhaust for a slightly lower exhaust note. These few modifications make noticeable improvements. I would not want this car for a daily driver (personal preference), but it is fantastic for a fun weekend roadster. I agree with the review that the sweet spot for this car is occasional spirited driving, wonderful experience on curvy mountain roads, and backcountry drives.

[@Dave-in-France]

Hi Jay, the trouble with all modern 'sports' cars is that the vast majority are derived from saloons so not specifically designed to be sporty. They weigh FAR too much and have too many trinkets. If you haven't done already, have a good look at the Alpine A110 - powerful enough but much lighter approx 400 kgs lighter.

[@erudite1579]

Recently acquired an '06 M Roadster with low mileage (55k miles). What a gem of a car .. a pretty hardcore road machine that's being discovered by enthusiasts and collectors. Glad I found mine as they're going up in price.

[@giovanniburgazzi8931]

I disagree with the few jabs at the Z4M but everyone entitled to their own opinion. In my opinion and many others on KZbin have agreed that the BMW Z4M is a better all around sports car than the Porsche Boxster and the S2000 and not to mention way better looking than a Porsche Boxster. The Porsche Boxster is probably the worst looking Porsche ever made. The BMW Z4M’s styling is timeless and frankly ahead of its time. The BMW E46 M3 is the most glorified, the most loved and the greatest BMW car ever made by BMW in many peoples opinions, so if the Z4M has nearly the same engine, it couldn’t possibly be that bad of a car. I think you should spend a little bit more time with the roadster. One misconception that a lot of people have is that a sports car is a race car and they expect it to behave and do the things that a race car does. A sports car is not a race car! A sports car is just a car to do some fun spirited driving around the city, around town, on a long road trip but nothing more. You can take it out on the track and have a good time but that’s not the idea behind it or what it’s intended for. In my opinion the Z4M coupe and roadster are going to be highly desired BMW classics that are going to sky rocket in price more than they already have. If anybody’s in the market, I suggest you get one now because 15 20 30 years from now you will be kicking yourself for not getting one. The 3.0si is also a model that will go up in value because it’s pretty rare itself. The Z4 3.0si is the model just under the Z4M model that people don’t usually talk about and it has a fun 265hp. The Z4 3.0si that will go up in value is the one that came with a six speed manual transmission, the M sport seats and the rare BBS exclusively manufactured two piece wheels (108 style wheels). The 108 style 2 piece wheels were only an option offered on the 3.0si roadsters, the 3.0si coupes did not get those wheels.

[@danielthoma2907]

Well, the stock suspension is somewhat poorly set up, esp. for lower speeds and poor road conditions. The front end doesn't inspire confidence. The rear end is jumpy and will on occasion try to leave town quite unexpectedly on tricky (neg. camber, loose surface, tightening etc.), drawn-out corners due to the combination of the engine getting into the powerband late and the non-stickiness of the rear axle. This combination can make it can feel vague, when not under acceleration and it can make it feel like it's going to bite you when it is. Its great on good roads and autobahn high-speed driving up to its considerable top speed. It can be an absolute pleasure, if the tire pressure is right, you have a smooth road surface and you're "in the zone". You hear the straight six sing, you feel the car moving ever so slightly under you (did I mention the seating position is awesome?), the diff working hard to put the power down, the super sensitive and direct throttle... However, b-roads are certainly not its forte and the conditions for it to feel "off" are met far more often than the conditions for it to feel "just right". The gearbox is also sub-standard for a BMW and especially the 1-2 and 3-2 shifts can feel clunky at times. The e46 shares parts of the platform but is a different car particularly in terms of suspension and the much longer wheelbase. It's far less snappy and more forgiving, while having a softer setup. Yes, the engine is identical but these hypothetically drawn comparisons don't help in judging the real-world stock feel of the car, which is frankly a bit underwhelming. Don't get me wrong, I own one and I owned the 3.0si coupe before and I love it for all the right reasons. However, that still doesn't make it a perfect car. If anything, I think that Jay gives a pretty realistic, albeit non-enthusiastic description and arrives at a great conclusion: enjoy the car for what it is by giving yourself a bigger margin for error and taking it a bit slower. Alternatively, you can spend the money and get a decent suspension setup (e.g. KW V3) which will fix most of these flaws (apparently, I have yet to take that step myself).

[@MrRoyck10]

@@danielthoma2907 I own one and your analysis is fair.

[@hamsterox9216]

I have an 3.0si 2008 with that blue color and wheels but minus the manual sadly.

[@HD-ft2xe]

The car is perfectly imperfect. Nice review of a collectible car.

[@benduke4454]

I've just bought a z4 e85 and while it's not a the m version, I guess it's still roughly similar and having come from an mx5 I totally get what you are saying about the 7/10ths comment. Mx5s love to be grabbed by the scruff of their necks and flung from corner to corner using all the available power, all the time. Z4s don't suit this style of driving. They can still be driven fast but it's more relaxing - different part of the rev range. Feels like my mx5 was at home on a b road but the bmw feels more at home on an a road.

[@clammy77]

I am in the same spot, I got a mx5 ND2 manual but the mx5 lack of power is completely unacceptable, so I'm hoping to sell it to get a z4m instead.

[@benduke4454]

@@clammy77 only similarities are soft top and 2 seats. Z4 is much more grown up. Quiet, roomy, relaxing. But also nowhere near as fun from my experience. I like my z4 after 4 months but miss grinning all the time when driving it. It is one hell of a good looking car though!

[@visionist7]

I had an E89 35i for eight months which had a lot of the same problems. Far too low and stiff to be a comfortable GT and simply too heavy and leaden footed to be sporty. It would corner, yes, but it really didn't give me much satisfaction when doing so. Sounded great of course, and looked so so good.

[@nessuno5403]

Totally irrelevant

[@ruaangrobler3035]

Nice vid, I like your channel. Well, like all things in life it boils down to what you want. I daily my z4m roadster, now 160 000kms on the clock and I adore it. Thanks to good maintenance it pulls harder and better than some cars I drove with < 100 000kms on the clock. To me it hits that perfect balance between race-car and cruiser. It’s faster than most things I meet on the road, more fun than anything else I could afford, makes a great noise and yet, driving it doesn’t tire me out. I bought it more than 1000kms from my home so my dad and I flew down and drove it back - I never felt tired or cramped, and I’m a pretty big dude at 187 cm. For the money though, I couldn’t even get near an S2000 so never compared, but I drove an e89 before this, and an e46 before that, and this felt like the perfect bastard-child of everything I loved about those. The point I should get to is all this rubbish people spew of the coupe being ‘the one to buy’. If you live on a track, yes. Otherwise, in every way, the z4m roadster is the better option. The first nonsense people use to make this point: the coupe was produced in fewer numbers - yes, but not by much. I think (correct me if I’m wrong) the roadster is around 3000 units worldwide - that’s still pretty dam rare. Secondly, everyone always says a roadster is heavier than a coupe - nope, not always, and this one isn’t - so it’s lighter, therefore (not that it’s really important) faster than the coupe at a sprint - all things equal. Thirdly, the ‘softness’ of a roadster - this one is still stiffer than the e46 M3. Now, all my facts are from the internet so maybe something’s wrong, but I’m pretty sure it’s accurate. Honestly, though, drop the top on a spring morning or a summer’s night and there’s just no comparison to anything a coupe has. And as a prospect for investment…if I was a rich man looking for a classic 20 years from now, when most cars will do 0-100 in 4 seconds or less and sound like a vacuum cleaner, I’d much rather have ‘slower’, softer convertible with some noise and the smell of petrol - those are the components that drive nostalgia, not 0-100 times. It’s the sharpest car I’ve driven, though I’ve not driven the obvious rivals so I cannot compare. I will say that upgrading my tires to Michelins marked a noticeable improvement in handling. It does take a bit of learning to get used to this car, but I like that. Every time I go out for a drive, even to work, it feels like I’m going dancing. Rev matching up and down is rather essential. I hardly ever drive at 10/10ths because I drive on public roads, and, frankly, driving 10/10ths on public roads is just not smart. My one criticism of your video is the complaint about responsiveness and then refusing to push the sport button. Surely you know the button opens up the individual throttle bodies, and response is wonderful. Ultimately, a manual, convertible sportscar with > 4 cylinders (it’s a noise thing for me), hydraulic steering and a real LSD are becoming really rare and I honestly sit back sometimes and wonder, even if I won the lotto, if I would buy anything else. This still feels pure and visceral, my e89 felt way too digital to me, and I can only imagine the numbness from the newer models.

[@itnoked]

I’m trying to decide between coupe and roadster - this response might have swayed me into the roadster camp!

[@carllatham1558]

I owned the coupe, but in the 3.0si guise and tbh my only gripe I had was the bloody awful run flat tyres. But it went really well for a none M car.

[@matthewcoupeofficial]

The little intro vids are on point recently.

[@AdmiralBucock]

I've been looking forward to your thoughts on this for a while, as I own one exactly the same as the one in the video, same colour etc, and have been very happy with it. I completely get what you mean, it's a better car to drive if you aren't thrashing it, but you always have the option of revving the engine out for some fun and although not the quickest it feels plenty fast enough for the road. I've had mine for 4 years now and the biggest problem is what to replace it with, when that time comes. It's rare and special enough that you can go months without seeing another, but also not that expensive to buy and seems to be at the bottom of its depreciation. I enjoyed your Vantage videos recently so maybe one of them would be a good option, although the prices seem to be going up!

[@Fee.1]

The problem becomes exactly that. The car is amazing it only falls because we hold it in such high esteem and expect it to compete against impossible cars.

[@johntearle]

It's my car in the video and I completely agree. I had one before this one that I unfortunately collided with another vehicle on a roundabout. Car wasn't too bad but insurance wouldn't touch it so I thought I would take the opportunity to upgrade. Nothing compared without getting into at least double the price, so I bought another Z4MR (this one) and still own it 4 years later! I have since been lucky enough to add another car to the garage, but have kept the Z4MR because I love it. Hopefully I will never sell it.

[@legionnairegonk4425]

Apparently then M division boss Gerhard Richter could make the Z4m do anything he wanted on track at the press launch day - laughing at the journo's he said were simply not good enough drivers.... There maybe something to this as Jason Plato loved the Z4m too. A flawed car for mere mortal drivers as it is (like me), it is a thrilling drive nonetheless, one that makes you come back to it and want to do better. I have thought about selling mine for a 911, but always hold fire as you don't have to look far on Pistonheads to find people who have moved on to non-GT 911's who regret selling theirs.... It has a rawness so hard to find outside of a Lotus or the GT Porsche's. Two quotes about this car i read that always ring true: "You will lose you nerve at the limit long before the car's chassis breaks loose..." and "Where as a Boxster is a scapel that surgically disects a road, the Z4m is a lump hammer that simply smashes it's face in". I think that sums it up :)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

If only two people out of a whole bunch like a car, then I cant help but think it isn't so good. It's an engaging drive at full pelt for sure, but it just doesn't talk to you. The equivalent 911 was always much more resolved, although the Z4M certainly has it's own charms

[@legionnairegonk4425]

Well, many who have gone on to things with more power and better handling regret selling them Jay. Go look on the threads at Pistonheads to see. I think Evo had it at 4.5 rated, so not too shabby. An acquired taste, some never do. The ultimate marmite car perhaps.

[@hillclimb182]

A Porsche flatters the driver. This needs a good driver to get the most out of it

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@legionnairegonk4425 I dont doubt it because better handling and faster isnt always what we need - the Z4M is already perfectly capable of breaking most speed limits pretty rapidly. It feels more special than an M3 too, it just depends if you can live with its flaws. I'll always champion cars with character and the Z4M certainly has that

[@A_Treat]

Terrible review... I chose my Z4///M over the Boxster. I had owned multiple Porsches before and since and have never been happier with my Roadster. The only things I agree with are the solidness of the engine and the exponential enjoyment over the coupe'. Great car!!

[@PaulE46]

I have stacks of room in my z4 and I'm 6'2 average build. Couldn't fault the seats only thing is to get the manual adjustable versions they allow you to get down a bit lower. On the suspension side of things if the car is still running its original suspension change it out for fresh parts it makes the world of difference in these cars.

[@v9photoworks700]

I had one 10 years ago, interlagos blue too with sepang interior. I loved it apart from the 1st to 2nd gear change was hellish around town, you had to be careful in the wet too but great fun!

[@simonelliott2005]

Totally agree 1st to 2nd makes you look like a learner unless you change like a granny or plant it and go up the road in a cloud of smoke

[@benduke4454]

Oh is that a quirk? I thought something was wrong lol.

[@v9photoworks700]

If you remove the clutch delay valve it helps a lot.

[@brandonbaysinger7106]

Thank you for the honest review, looking at buying one.

[@jimparry3499]

Creased up when you pulled up at that junction... 😂 “who put this tree here” 😂

[@tomhegedosh5487]

Having owned an ess525 supercharged one, DON’T. The drop in reliability is not worth the power increase. If I were to do another build it would be with the CSL carbon intake, catless oem euro headers, rasp reducing mufflers in place of the other cats, factory mufflers, coilovers, wider and lighter wheels with more negative camber up front,

[@okeyezeilo6187]

Damn, this car sounds wonderful...best sounding 'M3' engine of all...

[@ConquerDriving]

I actually found my Z4M very good on track but bad on a B road. But mine did have 996 911 brakes. One problem on track was it wouldn't always allow me to heel and toe under very heavy braking, I would press the gas but nothing would happen.

[@alanabarfield3866]

Fantastic review. I’m currently debating on purchasing one, and this is so helpful! And since you mentioned Porsche, I’d love to have another look at the trailered beaut you passed at the 2:59 mark! 😂

[@Petrospect]

I like the look of Z3 M Coupes, ngl

[@chrisogrady28]

My first car was a 3 door 1 series m sport specifically because I love the Z3 coupe and the shape reminded me of it. That little 2 seat shooting brake design is so cool. Ferrari FF is similar too

[@stuartclague3914]

My 2006 M Roadster has KWV3 coil overs and upgraded engine and gearbox mounts, which materially improve the gearshift. I think the styling has aged well and I am hard pressed to find a better alternative for anything close to the cost of these cars.

[@chrisbradley3224]

How do you like the KW V3 for comfort?

[@stuartclague3914]

@@chrisbradley3224Well they are certainly better than oem and are of course adjustable. I have mine set at the recommended settings - the secondary roads where I live are far from smooth.

[@chrisbradley3224]

@@stuartclague3914 Thanks, I think I will go with them, was debating between them and the Bilstein B16/PSS10. Trying to also run as close to stock height as possible.

[@DrMikeOxgreen]

Love the induction noise on these 👍

[@paullockwood7219]

Now we're talking. 💙 I'd buy one just for the noise.

[@OscarStevensonTheDon]

I've got a 3.0 si and while it is great for the 8 tenths, I would disagree and say it is excellent around a tight b road while pushing it. I do have upgraded brakes as well as the si having a lighter engine than the m? Perhaps jay can review mine and compare!

[@BronchoGillespie]

I owned pretty much the identical car to this, you can see it in my avatar picture. I’d previously owned 2 Honda S2000s and came to this expecting a big step up and to be honest it was but only in terms of performance, I disliked the gearbox as it was a pig when cold and only a bit better when warm, first to second was a chore whereas the S2000 was only ever a delight. The suspension was as if it was made of rubber and pushing on in it was understeery then snapping into oversteer, it just felt awkward. The engine was fantastic and I’m sure you could get it to drive well by spending a few quid on it, I’ll be honest I didn’t get on with it most of the time and was not sad to see it go. Shame really, lovely car but very dynamically flawed, a ham fisted machine compared to the delicacy of an S2000.

[@adamskikijowski9139]

I had a 2006 3.0i roadster but found it was lacking torque. I replaced it with a 2008 Z4m Roadster new and still have it only using it in summer. I think it's a very good roadster in an almost classic car genre but with modern comforts. I's very imperfect but good. We are so speed restricted in London area now that it's just a good car for day or a warm evening roof down. Attracts no bad attention which is good. I am keeping it. Always garaged. Looks new with 17,000 miles only. Nice and small and super low profile. Not sure what I would want to replace it with these days.

[@velvetjones1856]

The Z4 I had was the only BMW I've owned where I needed to use the lemon law for a leaky roof that was unable to be repaired. They would replace the seals above the doors and after the roof was opened a few times it would leak again. We have strong thunderstorms here so I'm talking about 1-2 inches of water in the footwell. BMW exchanged the car for a built to order 3 series coupe. Z4 coupe wasn't yet available. So, I'd take the coupe as it's styling is cool and is in limited numbers. Also no cowl shake.

[@thomash2806]

That on-limit handling issue is why I think it sounds more in keeping with its relaxed style with a more discreet engine note. I have a Californian friend who’s had 5 Z’s and SOCAL is a perfect place for them.

[@derin111]

I own one of these...and also an equivalent model Z4 Alpina Roadster S. Until a couple of years ago, I also simultaneously owned a 3.0Si Roadster! I agree with Giovanni below in that in the ‘Real World’, on public roads, the 3.0Si is not a car to dismiss and a very, very capable car.

[@herve-mariecariou5423]

Would love to hear your feedback between the Alpina roadster and the M! How is it different and which one is best for a funny every day drive? :)

[@derin111]

@@herve-mariecariou5423 So, those two do 'feel' different. I think if you could put them on a track there wouldn't be a huge difference in their lap times but on the public road the Z4M does feel faster. It's got oved 40 hp more and it is noticeable. The engine itself sounds more exciting on the Z4M too. Ridewise they feel quite similar because although the Alpina has softer suspension this is offset by it having 19" wheels compared with 18" on the Z4M. So, both are very fast and there's not a lot to split them. I would say the Alpina is the prettier looking car though and it's the much cheaper car to run here in the UK in terms of road tax, insurance and servicing. It's very difficult to decide. To the extent for personal reasons (divorce) I have to sell one or even both...and I can't decide which would go first. Hope that helps?

[@herve-mariecariou5423]

@@derin111 Many thanks for your detailed feedback, really appreciated and sorry to hear that you have to part with one of these... Maybe I would go with the Z4M Coupe and pick an Alpina roadster to get the best of 2 worlds ;)

[@derin111]

@@herve-mariecariou5423 that would be a nice idea! :) (I have a hardtop with my Z4M)

[@legionnairegonk4425]

The front strut brace is not standard, even if being a BMW accessory. So technically a mod over standard :) Although I never declare mine to insurance.

[@jimgibson-brown6701]

Another great review, glad to see the subs climbing and your channel getting the recognition it deserves - hard work paying off 👍

[@MrCarrera28]

Great audio on this video, the sounds of that BMW were crisp and clear and sounded fantastic.

[@Cornwall1888]

I have a convertible but prefer the coupe, except the 10 days of the year I can get the roof down and go a nice drive

[@nonick8490]

Exactly, either rainy or open, nothing in between, summer or winter. I never get all these convertible-owners, who have the hood/roof up, why do they even consider paying a premium for something they don't enjoy? Just because it's "cool/fashionable" to have a convertible?

[@wungabunga]

Jay sat atop a ballistic missile - 'If you're expecting fast, you will be disappointed, think of it more a GT'.

[@future62]

So Jay.... say I have $20K to spend on a sports car for 80% commuting + groceries, 15% road trips and 5% track. I have a budget for some mods as well (suspension, tires, intake/exhaust). What are the pros and cons of this vs a 987.1 S?

[@trynovar4725]

"It's constantly being asked difficult questions and it's being all political on me." Probably the best description of vague steering I've ever heard!

[@iantlock]

Would agree. The Z4m is a jackal and Hyde machine. Love driving mine 27k on the clock…you can pootle but when you nail it that s54 s a screaming devil.

[@BahnstormerUK]

Great review. Having had an si Roadster and now an se Coupe I see what you mean about a more relaxed drive in the cabrio as the Coupe is a lot stiffer, and a l,ot more expensive !!!! I think the 3.0 Roadster has to be one of the best bang for buck cars going.

[@jojockeis660]

Roadster is always the coolest😎

[@Andy-pu2iv]

I had an E85 Z4 2.5 for a couple of years. It was not really much better on fuel... Shoulda got the M.

[@benduke4454]

I'm surprised at that. My 2.5 gets around 37mpg every tank. Impressive really.

[@Andy-pu2iv]

Maybe I had a bad one. I could squeeze about 30mpg out of it if I drove like a nun.

[@tomenglandphoto]

Damn those roads are TIGHT! (from Canada)

[@visionist7]

You should see southern Italy

[@saddoncarrs6963]

Yep, I think J managed his run because of lock-down. Those roads are usually gummed up with SUVs and crossovers trying to squeeze past each other.

[@jeffreysalzman1497]

Exactly why are Europeans so stingy with their tarmac?

[@marklittler784]

I went down one in Wilkshire in the UK only room for one car no passing places with 8 foot hedges on either side about a mile long God help you if someones coming the other way you would end up reversing half a mile.

[@marklittler784]

@@jeffreysalzman1497 There are usually parallel 3 lane motorways you can also use, they do tend to build by passes if a road is continually congested for a decade or two looool

[@maccybee2144]

That exhaust almost makes it sounds like a DB5!!

[@seasidegalaxystreet]

The best zee and yes I’m British English.

[@FoolOfAToke]

I have an M coupe. I am VERY long legged, at 6'4" and think that may be the max to comfortably drive it. That being said, for a small car, it is actually one of the more comfortable interiors I've been in. My 6'9" brother can even fit as a passenger, although his knee prevents cup holder usage, and its hilarious to see him get in and out.

[@chappy2121]

6'4" and 6'9". Jesus what were your parents feeding you two

[@visionist7]

When it comes to sports cars, I love being under 5'7

[@rotorblade9508]

I have the 3.0si coupe and I switched to non run flat tires and also larger diameter on the front: 245/35R18 on oem m rims(the clearance with the hub is good). The rear is 255. (Michelin PS4) they seem good, they can hold well compared to the 255’s which were overheating causing understeer

[@janakbsunar5354]

Great review.

[@ricbrook7059]

Design has definitely aged well. Exhaust sound way too Farty on this one for me tho.

[@darienazani1568]

The car has ITB’s. It sounds waaayyyyy better in person

[@allanmcleod1384]

one of most underrated Z4's is the 2ltr se. Never take the word of an expert, it's just their opinion which nine times out of ten is a load of hot air

[@ricepony33]

These z4’s really need a proper set of coilovers and a couple of mods to make them work. Stock they just don’t feel finished.

[@beans4269]

What would a finished one be compared to then? A 911? A crown vic?

[@ricepony33]

@@beans4269 More like a boxster or something OEM but sorted. Stock it feels very choppy and sort of pogo's back and forth front and back.

[@MrAchilles113]

@@ricepony33 My M2 felt the same. Its BMW's road/track compromise setup. They've since softened up their non-M cars and stiffened up the M cars even further meaning the "pogo" sensation is still very much a reality. That said, all reviews seems to suggest coilers reduce ride height and suspension articulation even further so how would they soften up the ride quality?

[@bombardierboerboels]

Alpina roadster next just for the comparison

[@ThatGuy-xd5fs]

honestly when i stumbled upon my first z4m roadster i was actually shopping for a s2000 or a nc2 miata. : DD it came with the factory hard top which came in very useful! changes the windnoise and stiffness my 2nd one doesnt have the gps i like it - look is cleaner. the roadster is more of a happy medium between track car and daily.

[@acchaladka]

Great point about 8/10 power as the sweet spot. So for my normal street driving time, either get the 2005 Boxster, the Z4 35i, or the new MX-5: got it.

[@JensensChannel]

Great video! The way you describe “flowing with the car” sounds a lot like I enjoy driving my Boxster 987 the most :) not sure if that means I should have gone for the Z4M instead 🤔

[@marklittler784]

Certainly nice looking cars better than the bland looking modern Merc SLs.

[@wastelander470]

Is there any semi automatic BMW Z4 2006 Roadster M?

[@Michael_Lorenson]

How old are the suspension bushings and dampers in that car? I'm guessing they are original kit, especially the bushings. The driving experience would be a whole different thing with fresh ones. Not polyurethane bushings, or coil-overs, which are usually stupid things to do to your car. Just fresh stock bushings and dampers. Will that turn it into an equally fresh Boxster? Of course not. But it will eliminate the delayed responses and bouncy feel. This is something almost universally overlooked by people driving and reviewing older cars. BTW, rubber bushing can look just fine, not even visibly cracked, yet still be in need of replacement. They harden with age, and wear is often hidden from view. Just assume that if a car is over ten years / 75k miles old, it needs fresh bushings to be at its best. And this is no small thing. It will absolutely transform a car's handling, to a degree depending on just how bad the old ones were. Replacing all your bushings is a PITA, to put it mildly. But I exclusively drive older cars, and have done for decades. I have learned to make bushing replacement a mandatory top priority when I acquire them. Believe me, it never fails to impress.

[@skyward1977]

Lovely review however the comment about the Sport button ruining the throttle response is a bit strange. It simply makes it the throttle via pedal to throttle valve opening 1:1. Having dailied an S54 for a few years now, this is jerky at first and yes it is a big change. Driving around without sport mode on was more for around town, and once you were out and ready to let the S54 sing that's where you would turn it on to get the most out of the engine.

[@phaedrabacker2004]

Must get my coupe out tomorrow.

[@ryanfrizzell736]

Woohoo! Now I know more about Z4 E85s!

[@barfmeister8509]

Love these 👍👍

[@rdselectrical819]

Drive the Alpina z4 far better car to drive loved mine

[@nornibres]

Jay, Please test a Z4 3.0 SI roadster, I'd like to hear your opinion on that car versus the M roadster. I already know you prefer the 3.0 SI coupe to the M coupe.

[@craigwilliams5428]

I drove a z4m coupe and a 3.0 coupe..obviously the 3.2 was a quicker car but I couldn’t justify paying an extra 10k for that engine.. went for the 3.0 manual si and glad I did.. 0-60 in 5.7 so only little slower than the m and cheaper tax.. totally agree with the handling though, it did not like Tramlines in the road and Woolf often pull off if catching a rut! Great fun though, looking for another and still tempted in the z4m

[@soundseeker63]

I've always loved the look of these, and the S54 motor is legendary. I just wonder, given these are twice the price of a 3.0si of the same age (which is not a slow car) and significantly more expensive to run, is it a better all-rounder for UK roads, where speeds are very limited anyway? It seems like the M makes a great car if you're prepared to spend on a few mods but, when you're paying twice the price over a non-M anyway, that seems like quite a lot of money to pay for essentially the same car but with 80hp more....? Maybe I'm wrong but thats how it looks to me on the face of it.

[@wendywilkerson8410]

Nice channel! Just about to hit the subscribe button!

[@cameron1975williams]

I've owned two Z4's and am a current E85 owner. Both were/are bouncy. The car doesn't feel planted on the road. A shame, because it's a lovely car for the money.

[@dngautomotive1939]

Most people do upgrade the standard suspension to bilstein or eibach. That really transforms the ride. Rear springs were most likely cracked and your old shock absorbers needed changing. Did you buy the SE or Sport model that also makes a big difference. Sport has stiffer set up.

[@GadgetMart]

Need to be a really good driver to get the most from a Z4. Get it wrong, you just know it’s going to bite you. That’s part of the attraction for me. They are actually far more capable than you first imagine.

[@Tom_Hadler]

The pre facelift Z4s are properly ugly in my opinion. From the front anyway. They improved it a lot later. Z3s are where it's at, much more timeless and classic appearance, curvy yet muscular. Cobra-esque with the dropped door level for posing with an arm on it. Old school feel too - heavy and analogue, & old brakes so you have to give it respect. Not renowned as a driving purists car, but anything as old now feel so much more involved and rewarding than modern stuff. (IMO)

[@Tom_Hadler]

I mean, the Z4 is technically better, obviously.

[@Fee.1]

Tom Hadler in what way. Many people don’t understand the differences between the two platforms. They both use the s54 and that confuses people. So the z3 is based on e46 and the z4 is later/more superior architecture with the same motor?

[@Tom_Hadler]

Fee Just checked and I was comparing Z3 with the 2009 model Z4, in my head. Which is nice inside and out, and I'm only judging superficially on limited experience. So I'm not sure how much of a step was made to first gen Z4

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Bib thinks a quick race around the country lanes in his Peugeot 106 diesel will see JayEmm re-evaluate his original Z4 experience...

[@schunkelperser1794]

Great car! Lovin it.

[@patrickliddle7286]

What exhaust does this have - its glorious. I love my Stromung but it's not like this.

[@omegasak1752]

Hey which steering would you say was the last good one in BMW? E46? E90? E60? And also, the servotronic variant? (speed depending assistance) Or the basic one? Thanks!

[@Salgandarin]

Oo keen on this!

[@Maggie-q1u]

Any Skuttle shake? I had a Maserati Spyder and it was diabolical.

[@MadelnMachines]

How does it compare to an MX5 ND maybe with a turbo or supercharger?