2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe

reviewed for Times Union’s Autos Weekly

by Dan Lyons

Remember how it used to be when you were a kid, in the summertime? Even after mom called you for dinner, you’d stay and play as long as you could, stretching out the fun until you had to come in. That’s the feeling that comes to mind as we sneak in one more summer ride before ‘Ol Man Winter arrives, shooing sports cars into their garages ahead of him. My Coupe du Jour is the BMW Z4 M.

In a lineup that bills itself as, “The Ultimate Driving Machines”, this may well be their ultimate driving machine. Introduced last year, the hardtop version of the Z4 two seater is also available in an Autobahn burning, M model. Like its convertible line mate, styling for the Z4 Coupe comes from the studio of BMW Group’s Chief of Design, Chris Bangle. Bangle’s Bimmer creations have proven to be controversial. The edgy looks turn heads, but have also turned off some prospective buyers. The Z4 Coupe is easily the most successful product of this styling school so far. The hat is what does it. The rounded roofline provides an interesting foil, balancing a design that is otherwise stacked with sharp angles and cut lines. Seen side on, with its long hood/short tail layout, the Z4 Coupe looks like a high tech running shoe. It’s athletic looking, and it’s different. Geezer gearheads such as myself will be reminded of a cabin-back sports car from the Sixties known as the Cheetah. But, the Cheetah was overpowered and under balanced; notoriously tail happy, and tough to keep on its paws. The Z4 Coupe is none of the above; especially in M trim.

M versions vary from the Z4’s in several, significant ways. Visual cues to M status include a different front fascia, grille, spoilers and discrete, M logos. Mechanical modifications give the M Coupe a wider track, a beefed up sub frame and taut, M-specific calibration to the suspension. M3-type hydraulically assisted steering replaces the Z4’s electric power steering. The logic for the Dynamic Stability Control program has M-specific (read: sporting) tendencies. And then, there’s the engine. BMW replaces the 255 hp 3.0 litre six found in Z4’s with a burly, 3.2 litre six. The growly, M spec motor is rated at 330 horsepower @ 7,900 rpm, and 262 lb. ft. of torque @ 4,900 rpm. All of BMW’s straight sixes are synonymous with smooth, but the M Coupe’s iron block, aluminum head motor adds muscle to the mix. In addition to wheeling the Coupe around the Capital District, I’ve also had the opportunity to air it out on Pennsylvania’s BeaverRun road course. The day we drew at track was unfortunately soggy. But, we Albanians aren’t exactly unaccustomed to rain (especially this year). So, with a wee bit of common sense and onboard electronics to keep us sticky side down and pointed in the right direction, we were able to sample the M’s amazing performance potential. Power flows smoothly and evenly as you snick your way through the six speed gearbox. Sixty miles an hour arrives in less than five seconds, and top speed, on the safety of a closed race track, taps out at about 160 mph, when you hit the rev limiter. Small and light on its feet, the Z4 M is precise and easy to drive through the corners. Steering feel is nicely weighted, and the brakes are big and stout.

Coupes are usually driver’s cars more so than convertibles. Buyers sacrifice the carefree, wind-in- the-hair feel of the latter for a more stiff and seriously road-minded ride of the former. The Z4 M’s interior is cockpit close. Storage spots are few and far between. The curvy roof’s thick c-pillar, narrow greenhouse and steeply raked backlight present some visibility issues, but they can be worked around, even when dodging commuters on 787. M cars get an upgrade inside as well; the thickly bolstered bucket seats (which could use a lumbar support) are wrapped in high grade Nappa leather and M-specific gauges line the dash display. Distances from arm to shifter and feet to pedals are well suited to spirited driving. The rear hatch measures a usefully sized 8.7 cubic feet; big enough to hold a pair of golf bags.

Introduced last year, changes for 2007 are few. Most notable among them are a standard auxiliary audio input jack for the sound system and the addition of a tire pressure monitoring system.

BMW’s whole lineup is pointed towards people who enjoy driving. But even so, M models ratchet that up a few notches, and the Z4 M Coupe may well be the most purpose-built car in the entire lineup. Two seats, hard top, hunker down suspension and a “yee-haaa” power train combine in a car that’s a flat out blast to drive. With winter closing in, M Coupe buyers would join many other Capital District car buffs about now, grudgingly putting their toys away. But, there’s always Spring to look forward to. In the mean time, let’s see if we can get the snow blower started.

Number and Dollars

2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe

MSRP: $49,300

As tested: $58,070

Drivetrain

Engine: 3.2 litre inline six cylinder

Horsepower: 330 hp @ 7,900 rpm

Torque: 262 lb. ft. @ 4,900 rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Weights and Measures

Wheelbase: 98.3" Height: 50.7”

Length: 161.9” Weight: 3,230 lb.

Width: 70.1”

Interior

Head Room: 37.3” Leg Room: 42.0”

Cargo Volume 8.7 cubic feet

Chassis

Suspension: Four wheel independent

Brakes: Four wheel disc, standard ABS

Mileage

EPA city/highway mpg - 16/24

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