2006 BMW Z4 Trims and Specs

2006 was the year for Z4 upgrades, with new technology and engine offerings available in the roadster.

One of those new engines for the roadster was the N52 model inline six that usually powers 3 Series sedans. Displacing 3.0 liters, BMW built it with a magnesium-and-aluminum hybrid block casting to keep the weight down. Innovating further, they added their Vanos/Valvetronic variable valve system, which varies lift and timing to such a degree that the engine’s breathing is actually controlled by the valves and not the throttles. This technology not only produces more power, but actually improves gas mileage. The 3.0-liter six produces 215 hp with 185 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm on the way to a melodious 7,000 rpm redline. A six-speed manual is standard with a six-speed Steptronic and, for a limited time, a SMG automated manual transmission as options. The EPA rates the 3.0i at an amazing 20/30 mpg (manual) and 21/29 (automatic).

But sports cars exist for the twisties, and the Z4 loves them. The Z4's suspension is an evolution of the M3’s underpinnings, with a strut-type front suspension and a mulilink setup in the rear. BMW engineers claim the Z4 roadster is 100 percent more structurally rigid than its Z3 predecessor. Reviewers have noted an absence of the dreaded roadster “cowl shake.” Motor Trend measured 0.94 g on their skidpad for a 3.0si roadster. But they were not happy with the slight disconnect between road and driver they felt. They suspect it was due to the Z4’s new electronically assisted steering, which they claim doesn’t subjectively equal the old-fashioned hydraulic type. Other reviewers found that the Z4’s array of Dynamic Stability and Dynamic Traction Control systems in combination with its 50/50 front/rear weight distribution allowed them to dial in the perfect combination of control for “spirited” driving.

Getting into the low-slung Roadster's cockpit is not for awkward people, but once inside BMW “solidity and style” surround you. The style, however, is that of a dedicated sports car, not a luxury grand touring machine. The dash layout is simple, and all the controls are at your fingertips. Wood and real brushed aluminum are also there, but the focus is on the road. A tilt/telescoping steering wheel is standard. The 6-way manually adjustable seats are contoured for spirited driving and can be upgraded to tighter-fitting M Sports seats. A manually operated convertible top with a heated rear glass window is standard, with an optional automatic top that takes 7 seconds to drop. Further, the convertible top retains a usable 8.5-cubic-foot trunk as it becomes its own tonneau cover when folded.

The Z4 earned four out of five stars in NHTSA frontal-impact crash tests. Every model is equipped with BMW’s standard array of safety features, including front airbags, active knee protection for driver and passenger, rollover protection with rollbars and a reinforced windshield frame, adaptive brake lights, and BMW’s full range of electronic brake system wizardry.

2006 was the year for Z4 upgrades, with new engine offerings and the addition of the sensuous hatchback coupe. While the roadster’s styling had remained controversial, it seems that the coupe with its sloping, double-bubble roof was a runaway success.

One of the new engine offerings came securely bolted to the coupe as the 3.0si. This N52 model inline six usually powers 3 Series sedans, and it’s a jewel. Displacing 3.0 liters, BMW built it with a magnesium-and-aluminum hybrid block casting to keep the weight down. Innovating further, they added their Valvetronic variable valve system which varies lift and timing to such a degree that the engine’s breathing is actually controlled by the valves and not the throttles. This technology not only produces more power, but actually improves gas mileage. The 3.0-liter six produces 255 hp with 220 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm on the way to a melodious 7,000 rpm redline. A six-speed manual is standard with a six-speed Steptronic optional. Car and Driver saw 0-60 flash by in 5.5 seconds. The EPA rates the 3.0si at an amazing 20/30 mpg, while Car and Driver observed 21 mpg.

But sports cars exist for the twisties, and the Z4 coupe loves them. The Z4 suspension is an evolution of the M3’s underpinnings with a strut-type front suspension and a multilink setup in the rear. Car and Driver measured 0.93 g on their skidpad, remarking that this puts the Z4 “in the Crazy Blue class.” They praised the “precise steering and resolute brakes,” yet found the Sports Package option with 18-inch wheels resulted in a ride that was “downright nervous on imperfect surfaces,” calling for “constant correction and allowing little relaxation.” Most reviews concurred, saying that while the Z4 exhibited “supreme handling,” everyday driving paid a “ride penalty” on less-than-perfect roads.

Getting into the cockpit is not for awkward people, but once inside, BMW “solidity and style” surround you. The style, however, is that of a dedicated sports car, not a luxury grand tourer. The dash layout is simple, and all the controls are at your fingertips. Wood and real brushed aluminum are also there, but the focus is on the road. The 6-way manually adjustable seats are contoured for spirited driving and can be upgraded to tighter-fitting M Sports seats. Behind the seats the hatchback coupe offers 12.0 cubic feet of rear cargo space – about the same as a midsize sedan.

The Z4 earned four out of five stars in NHTSA frontal-impact crash tests. Every model is equipped with BMW’s standard array of safety features, including its full range of electronic brake system wizardry.

Reviewers picked the Z4 Coupe over its sibling roadster as their preferred “sports car” because of its solid feel that resulted in a “more performance-oriented ride.”

2006 was the year for Z4 upgrades, with new engine offerings and the addition of the sensuous hatchback Coupe, while the Roadster’s styling remained controversial.

One of the new engine offerings available for the Roadster was the N52 model inline six that usually powers 3 Series sedans. Displacing 3.0 liters, BMW built it with a magnesium-and-aluminum hybrid block casting to keep the weight down. Innovating further, they added their Vanos/Valvetronic variable valve system which varies lift and timing to such a degree that the engine’s breathing is actually controlled by the valves and not the throttles. This technology not only produces more power, but actually improves gas mileage. The 3.0-liter six produces 255 hp with 220 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm on the way to a melodious 7,000-rpm redline. A six-speed manual is standard, with a six-speed Steptronic optional. Motor Trend saw 0-60 flash by in 5.1 seconds. The EPA rates the 3.0si at an amazing 20/30 mpg, while Motor Trend observed 24.1 mpg.

But sports cars exist for the twisties, and the Z4 loves them. The Z4's suspension is an evolution of the M3’s underpinnings, with strut-type front suspension and a mulilink setup in the rear. BMW engineers claim that the Z4 roadster is 100 percent more structurally rigid than its Z3 predecessor. Reviewers have noted an absence of the dreaded roadster “cowl shake.” Motor Trend measured 0.94 g on their skidpad, but they were not happy with the slight disconnect between road and driver they felt. They suspect that was due to the Z4's new electronically assisted steering, which they claim doesn’t subjectively equal the old-fashioned hydraulic type. Other reviewers found that the Z4’s array of Dynamic Stability and Dynamic Traction Control systems in combination with its 50/50 front/rear weight distribution allowed them to dial in the perfect combination of control for “spirited” driving.

Getting into this low-slung roadster's cockpit is not for awkward people, but once inside BMW “solidity and style” surround you. The style, however, is that of a dedicated sports car, not a luxury grand touring machine. The dash layout is simple, and all the controls are at your fingertips. Wood and real brushed aluminum are also there, but the focus is on the road. A tilt and telescoping steering wheel is standard. The 6-way manually adjustable seats are contoured for spirited driving and can be upgraded to tighter-fitting M Sports seats. A manually operated convertible top with a heated rear glass window is standard, and an optional automatic top that takes 7 seconds to drop is available. Further, the convertible top retains a usable 8.5-cubic-foot trunk, as it becomes its own tonneau cover when down.

The Z4 earned four out of five stars in NHTSA frontal-impact crash tests. Every model is equipped with BMW’s standard array of safety features, including front airbags, active knee protection for driver and passenger, rollover protection with rollbars and a reinforced windshield frame, adaptive brake lights, and BMW’s full range of electronic brake system wizardry.