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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  Makes the Cayman look like a Kia - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By Adam - September 25 - 7:36 am

  I always used to look at this car and think the styling is too weird and quirky. I then went on the site to look at the 5-Series and I saw the hatchback Z4. I then went to the dealer to check it out, I tested the Z4 coupe and the M coupe. I walked out with the M I tested. The styling is so unique that you will always get noticed, I got it in the brown colour and I will never regret it. It really brings out the curves of the car. I tested the Cayman also and it was going to cost $10000 more for not even the S! This really shows how good a designer Chris Bangle was. Get the nav with iDrive.

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  Great car for 6 and under. 40K miles 4 yrs old - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By boyracer3 - August 30 - 8:02 am

  Purchased CPO w 10K mi. Cant imagine why anyone would new bmw when CPO program is so great. Have had car for 30+ mos. And all service has been free. Have had a rattle in the pop up Nav. Fixed. Hatch opening problems fixed by replacing Z4 lid bumpers with 3 series spring loaded bumpers. Intermitent pass door lock fussiness. But thats it for problems. Nav system is grossly inferior to Japanese and domestics. Unfortunate. But I like the newer idrive interface a lot better. A blast to drive. Very responsive handles like its on rails. Cont.

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  Stunning sports coupe w/ great handling - 2008 BMW Z4 M
  By David G. - August 18 - 1:23 am

  I love this car. It really is my favorite car that I have driven and the best handling BMW bar none. After 5 bimmers, I can say this is the ultimate 2-seater sports car for the M driver. After 4 months, I still get a thrill just commuting to work and back home. And I still get lots of complements from co-workers and wide- eyed looks from fellow drivers. The dark red leather sport seats are the best in any German car for sale today.

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  First one in Alaska - 2008 BMW Z4 M
  By niall86 - July 7 - 4:16 pm

  So I have the first BMW Z4 M coupe sold in Alaska, bought it in September, now there is only one other one up here. I have had it for about 5 months and still love driving it everyday even in the winter. People are always looking at it and telling me how cool it is. Just got the windows tinted. Thats the only thing I would ever need to do to this car. Amazing machine.

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  2007 M Coupe - 2007 BMW Z4 M
  By fasttoys - January 24 - 10:53 am

  Great, fun to drive. Very rare, wont see many on the road. The last true BMW M car with a hand built high rev inline 6. 2008 is the last year of the M coupe most likely never to be built again all z4 going forward will have conv hard top no fixed roof.

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  Exotic Car at half the price - 2008 BMW Z4 M
  By beemerhead - October 30 - 3:13 am

  I have taken this car on several road trips, the longest to Vegas and I have autocrossed it once, too. The car handles amazingly well and stuck corners I didnt think I could do. It is fine on a track which is why I bought it but it is civilized enough for daily use, too. Most people think the car costs over $100k. In Vegas they parked my car out front with the Maseratis and Astons because of its looks. People point at you as you drive around and kids holler (good) things at you at the theater. I love the sculpture like looks and the fact not a single other car on the road is even vaguely similar.

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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?

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  A true roadster... - 2008 BMW Z4 M
  By Trevor - March 16 - 2:06 am

  Just as advertised, this is a true roadster. Great styling outside and in, power, balance, great to drive fast both straight and around the curves. Take note however, as a second car, its fun, but not recommended as a primary mode of transport. It is a sports car. The M version has a stiff suspension and low MPG... a car to be driven for pleasure, top down, in fine weather. To leave garaged until one feels the urge for fun.. If one were to drive it every day, it would soon lose the fun value. Stiff suspension, firm seats. This car is designed for racetrack performance, not for around town comfort and convenience. Fit and finish is as you would expect from the brand. MMMM... did I mention fun?