carcounsel.com |HID|

Both models share the same six-speed manual transmission, but the clutch is altogether lighter and smoother in the 3.0si. It makes for easier stop-start progress and is less wearing on the left leg over long distances. And whereas the Z4 M has hydraulically-assisted power steering, tuned for maximum feedback, the 3.0si is considerably less physical to steer. It has the same Servotronic electrically-assisted set-up as the Z4 roadster; not the most communicative for racing or track day use, but requiring less effort and arm-wrestling during normal road use. Most marked, though, is the difference in the suspension tunings. As with most BMWs, the 3.0si Coupe is tautly-sprung – and super-rigid in its structure – but it’s much less of a boneshaker than the Z4 M. The M, even on relatively well-surfaced roads, is unforgiving and – after an hour or so – somewhat unrelenting. Sitting so low to the ground, it’s a spine-jarrer. (3.0Si Sport models add the M alloys, seats, steering wheel and suspension, though this seems somehow to miss the point). ...the Z4 3.0si Coupe actually feels, in real-life conditions, hardly any slower than the Z4 M. It develops its peak torque of 232lb-ft at a low-down 2,750rpm, giving tons of pulling power low- and mid-range, whereas the Z4 M’s 269lbft doesn’t come into its own until 4,900 rpm: for most overtaking manoeuvres, or simply storming on down an empty country road, there’s very little in it. And while the Z4 M has nearly 80bhp more, which doesn’t peak until 7,900rpm, is fair play on a track, the 3.0si’s 6,600rpm peak is more like it for road driving, unless you’re prepared to seriously assault your eardrums on a regular basis. In the lesser-powered car’s favour, too, is its lighter engine: it feels less nose-heavy and more predictable on high-speed cornering… – 4Car

Commentary: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – if BMW gave the Z4 coupe the M version’s M variable differential, hydraulic steering and conventional tires, it would be the ultimate 2 seater in BMW’s lineup…

This entry was posted on Monday, July 10th, 2006 at 12:54 pm and is filed under BMW, errata.