Overview & Reviews

Thanks to a powerful engine, communicative steering and sharp handling, the M editions of BMW's Z3/Z4-based roadsters and coupes have long been among our favorite tools for tackling serpentine roads. The BMW Z4 M was the most recent of the breed and without a doubt the most well-balanced and well-engineered.

The Z4 M was only produced for a couple years, as BMW phased it out with the debut of the newest, second-generation Z4. Not too many Z4 Ms were sold, so it should make for a rare and appealing sports car purchase.

Most Recent BMW Z4 M
The most recent BMW Z4 M was produced from 2006-'08. This Z4-based sports car was available as a convertible two-seat roadster or a two-seat hatchback.

Power came from a 3.2-liter inline-6 that delivered 330 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. BMW's M division stuck with a "back to basics" approach, forgoing some of the Z4's features like the SMG automanual transmissions and active steering in favor of a slick-shifting six-speed manual and hydraulic steering system.

There were other performance-minded upgrades as well, such as a sport-tuned suspension, a limited-slip rear differential and more powerful brakes. Inside, there was a meaty, small-diameter steering wheel, sport seats and special gauges. The coupe's fastback roof line concealed 10.7 cubic feet of cargo space under its hatch. The roadster held a decent 7.1 cubic feet with its soft top lowered.

In reviews of the BMW Z4 M, we found that its modus operandi was immediacy: quick steering, instant brakes, direct throttle response and a caffeinated ride. It felt like the Z4 the BMW engineers and test-drivers had originally intended to build before the focus groups electrified its steering, softened its edges and slowed its reflexes to make it less taxing to drive. In fact, if you're looking for a BMW roadster that delivers blistering automotive thrills, a used Z4 M is a better choice than the succeeding regular Z4. The coupe is much the same story, with a slightly stiffer structure provided by its fixed roof. However, some might find the car's ride quality to be overly stiff for daily use.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 20.00

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  The Last True M Car? - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By epbrown - September 4 - 10:00 pm

  Possibly my favorite car ever. Driving the Z4M provides a fun, visceral experience I just didnt get from the Cayman S I test drove. The car is more challenging to the driver than the Porsche, but all the best sports car elements are there - the brakes and steering from the CSL, a firm suspension, the revvy S54 engine and a LSD, wrapped in a taut sculpted package that I think is the most successful of the flame-surfaced cars of the Bangle regime. This is a BMW M without the compromises required to genuflect at the alter of practicality required of the other M cars. I also like that you dont see the Z4 M Coupe everywhere - in over a year of ownership, Ive seen only two others on the road.

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  Very competent machine - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By jmillet - March 14 - 9:20 am

  After driving a high strung, feisty Zed 3 M Coupe for five years the transition to the Zed 4 M Coupe borders on boring. The car does everything you ask it to do in a very uneventful manner. Ive done four driving school events with the car and it performed flawlessly. Install high temperature competition brake pads, mount R-compound tires, turn off the DSC and you have a thoroughbred stallion ready to go fast and take any turn you can throw at it. This one is definitely a keeper. BMW has raised the bar very high with the S54 powered Zed 4 M Coupe.

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  Upgrading from Z4 to M roadster - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By Dennis Cunningham - November 16 - 7:36 am

  Purchased a new Z4 3.0 in 2005. Really liked it but really wanted more power through the shifts. Found a 2007 M roadster at a dealer with only 9000 miles on the clock. Dealer let me have a 50 mile test drive through the hills and twisties... OMG! Thats the way to sell a car! This is the car I have been looking for! Power, handling, looks, all there in spades. Here is a surprise! Just drove it to Idaho up lonely hwy. 93 through Nevada. Round trip of 1600 miles and ran steady 75 to 90 mph. Averaged 25 miles per gallon. Didnt buy it for fuel economy, but was not expecting this! One diss... Why does the nav pop up every time you change the radio station?