Overview & Reviews

For 2006, the BMW Z4 undergoes its first major update since its debut. Heading the list of updates and improvements is a new coupe body style. Its underlying mechanicals are pretty much the same as those on the convertible but its fixed roof provides extra body rigidity. More powerful engines are also new. The 2006 Z4 now has two variants of 3.0-liter engines available. In the base Z4 3.0i roadster, which replaces last year's Z4 2.5i model, there's a 215-horsepower version. In the 3.0si, a high-output, 255-hp engine is used. Both trim levels come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and the optional automatic now has six gears instead of the previous five. BMW has also reprogrammed the automatic transmission for sportier gearshift responses and added steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. The Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmission is no longer available. Other 2006 enhancements include a retuned standard suspension for better ride quality, a higher final-drive ratio for improved acceleration, new wheels, additional braking functionality for the stability control system, updated front and rear styling and minor interior trim updates.

• Exhilarating driving dynamics, long list of standard safety features, refined drivetrains, excellent build quality.

• Options are expensive, no factory-installed CD changer.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 68.00

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  To-Much-Fun - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Gene Vest - September 29 - 10:55 am

  After 4600 miles, I am thrilled with this car. It is much more fun to drive than my 2005 C5 vette was, and the interior is quiet enough for conversation with the top down on the interstate. The engine provides pleanty of power, and I love getting 33.1 MPG on the highway. The handling is excellent with the sport pacakge and 18" wheels, but it does try to follow road grooves at lower speeds. The cabin and trunk are large for this type car, but the standard seats are a bit alcking in support and style. I wuold get the M seats if buying another one. This is a great looking car that really turns heads. This is my daily driver and handles wet weather wonderfully.

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  Got it... love it - 2006 BMW Z4
  By skoot - September 26 - 10:27 pm

  I just climbed out of a 02 toyota mr2 into a new z4. I love the power, the room, the automatic top. I cant get the smile off my face... what a nice change! The z4 is just what I needed. I used to have a 99 corvette and I like this z4 even better than I did the vette and I liked the vette a lot.

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  Control the Power - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Anant Bhakta - September 19 - 11:09 am

  BMW z4 3.0si is built for fast car driver. I drove nissan 350z, honda s2000, Mazdarx8, lexus sc430 but z4 is diffrent. I was in love with car after 1st ride. Got to have that ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Z4 Coupe 3.0si... so far, so good - 2006 BMW Z4
  By BS06NOVA - September 7 - 10:01 am

  I followed this vehicle since the X Coupe Concept unveiling in Jan 01 and loved the look the moment I saw it. Previously owned a 00 Z3 M Coupe (S52 engine) and would rate the Z4 similarly but with welcome upgrades in chassis stiffness and cabin noise reduction. I-6 is inherently smooth, mechanically sophisticated, and refined but not sleep-inducing. Much better than the M3s S54 which I found to be rough, unappealingly raspy, and difficult to drive smoothly in traffic. Materials quality and fit and finish is fine but doesnt approach VW/Audi. Great steering feel and response. Somewhat heavy but appropriate clutch and shifting.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2006 BMW Z4
  By msaunders - September 1 - 7:09 am

  The faster I go the better it holds the road. The torque is awesome. I love the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The exhaust sound really makes you feel exhilarated.

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  Z4 a Great Drivers Car - 2006 BMW Z4
  By smimbs - August 27 - 11:35 pm

  Z4 handles great and is lots of fun to drive. After 2300 miles I am very happy with everything except the Run Flat Tires.

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  Only a Step Away - 2006 BMW Z4
  By joe - August 24 - 9:15 pm

  I like its looks thats why I bought it. But the gas mileage! Try 14-18 mpg. Interior really small. You sit too low. Love the power top, but why not hard top like the SLK? Noisy, too. The ride is a lot more bumpy than it should be for a luxury roadster. The 3.0i is slower for sure, I wish I had bought the M class after all. Come on BMW, you cheap bums, for the money we pay, give us free DVD Nav, Sat radio, more goodies and less rear blind spots. Lose the paddles, who needs them? They look stupid, anyway. Give us better looking wheels and a leather wrapped better looking steering wheel.

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  3.0 si is the best BMW ever - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Michael - August 23 - 1:12 am

  The new BMW Z4 3.0si is a huge improvement over the last Z4. I just traded my 2003 3.0i. The Sport suspension and 18 inch wheels are fantastic, as is the new engine. Absolutely fantastic- I am driving with a grin, finding excuses to drive. Great car.

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  First impressions - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Illini_Fan - August 22 - 1:35 pm

  Bought a 3.0i after comparing it to the Nissan Z, the Volvo C7, and a few others. This car is very fun - the interior (beige leather) looks great. The 6-speed manual is smooth. Havent encountered any negative items in the 2 weeks Ive had it. Some minor things I think BMW should change, but those are convenience items and dont detract from the overall rating of this car. I really like it.

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  Making Time for Fun - 2006 BMW Z4
  By Z4Convert - August 21 - 11:45 am

  I leased my Z4 and I am very happy that I was able to keep my other car. My Z4 is for my pleasure excursions. Since I dont drive it every day, it is always a treat when I lower myself into the drivers seat. The SMG is the best feature. California is full of stop and go traffic so I dont have to deal with a manual transmission until I want to. When I hit the open highway, I really enjoy the ability to shift gears on my own. Not quite the same as having a clutch, but its the closest thing to the best of both worlds. My car has made me look forward to long weekends. Im already looking forward to the end of my lease and the ability to get a Z4 M.