The revamped BMW Z4 has just been launched in South Africa and encompasses a broader price range, which increases its appeal to both the roadster – and poseur – market.By Mike Monk, CAR associate editor
Four years into its lifecycle, BMW has just introduced a revamped range of Z4 Roadsters to the South African market. Along with a number of minor styling changes and interior detailing, there are now four engine sizes on offer, and the line-up now encompasses a broader price range, increasing its appeal to the roadster – and poseur – market. Revised DSC dynamic traction control, hill start assistance, and a sophisticated braking system incorporating dry pad braking in wet weather, fade compensation, brake standby and adaptive brake-light display, are all part of the standard features package.
Cosmetic changes include front foglamps fully integral with a new, bigger airdam, aerodynamically shaped and angled slats for the grille, side markers incorporated into the leading edge of the front wheelarches, specific road wheel designs for each model, a second spoiler lip on the rear airdam, and new rear lamp clusters with horizontal light “conductors”.
Opinions are still polarised on the Z4’s “flame surface” looks, but there is no escaping the fact that it is an arresting shape, and the traditional phallic roadster long nose/small butt proportions certainly attract attention.
The existing 2,5- and 3,0-litre versions of BMW’s classic straight six remain, but in uprated NG-6 guise, which means more power – and “si” badging to denote the difference. The twin-cam 24-valve 2,5 now produces 160 kW at 6 500 r/min, with 250 N.m of torque from 2 900 to 4 250 r/min. Acceleration to 100 km/h is claimed to take 6,5 seconds, top speed is given as 240 km/h, and the EU combined driving fuel consumption figure is 8,4 litres/100 km.
The 3,0-litre version pumps out 195 kW at 6 600 r/min, and 315 N.m of torque at a relaxed 2 750. Compared with its sister six, the 3,0si does the sprint in 5,7 seconds, is limited to 250 km/h, and consumes unleaded petrol at a rate of 8,6 litres/100 km. Transmissions offered on both are a six-speed manual and a six-speed Steptronic Sport automatic incorporating paddle shift.
And, for the first time in South Africa, a four-cylinder engine powers the entry-level Z4. The 2,0i pushes out 110 kW at 6 000 r/min, and produces 200 N.m of torque at 3 600, enough to propel the roadster to 100 km/h in 8,2 seconds, achieve a top speed of 220 km/h, and provide a fuel economy figure of 7,5 litres/100 km. A six-speed manual ’box is standard.
All three motors feature Valvetronic and double-Vanos variable valve and camshaft control. Topping the range is a demonic M version, with its 3 248 cm3 motor punching out 252 kW at 7 900 r/min, and 365 N.m of twisting action at 4 900. However, the launch of this model follows later this month, along with the M Coupé.
BMW revealed the rest of the range to the local press in drive to and from Durban airport to the Fordoun hotel, spa and restaurant in the Nottingham Road area of the Natal Midlands. The idea was combine the cars and venue in an appreciation of “the sum of all senses”, and by and large it worked. The outward journey provided me with time behind the wheel of both versions of the 2,5si, and a 2,0-litre. With the (powered) hood down, side windows up, and draught screen in place, the 2,5si manual provided an excellent al fresco roadster experience.
The engine is responsive, the Servotronic electro-mechanical power steering communicates well, the grip is outstanding, and conversation is possible even at high speed. Comfort levels are high for up to average sized people, but taller individuals will st