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2008 BMW Z4 M

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Overview

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2008 BMW Z4 M Review

By KBB.com Editors

Since the late 1970s BMW's renowned Motorsport GmbH division has been turning out ultra-performance "M" cars. While the best-known of these remains the M3 and M5 Sedans, the U.S-built Z4 roadster has spawned a pair of equally scintillating offspring: The M Coupe and M Roadster. With notable upgrades to their powertrains, performance, appearance and attitude, these two-seaters are fully capable of putting their performance levels and images up to such competitors as the Porsche Boxster S and Cayman S, Chevrolet Corvette, Honda S2000, Lotus Elise and Exige, Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG and Nissan 350Z in its Grand Touring iteration.

You'll Like This Car If...

Both the Coupe and Roadster versions of this high-styled high-performance machine have the potential to fulfill the driving demands of even the hard-core enthusiast -- and to do to do so at a remarkably competitive pricepoint.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The 2008 BMW Z4 M Coupe and Roadster are most definitely not for the uncommitted. Neither offers an automatic transmission, and the extremely responsive handing exacts a tangible cost in ride comfort that can make their Porsche Boxster S and Cayman S counterparts feel almost cushy by comparison.

What's New for 2008

No major changes for 2008.

Driving the Z4 M

Driving Impressions Expanding the Z4's already formidable dynamic envelope, the 2008 M versions complement their larger 3.2-liter 330-horsepower engines and sweet-shifting six-speed gearboxes with stiffer suspension, wider track dimensions, bigger wheels and...

tires, more direct power steering and a variable-locking differential from the M3. The result is remarkably quick acceleration and extremely crisp responses, all supervised by a fairly non-intrusive Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) setup. Huge cross-drilled and ventilated anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) deliver plenty of confident stopping power. The trade-off for this handling capability is ride comfort, which is notably impacted by rough or uneven road surfaces.

Favorite Features

Precise Steering Feel
Borrowed from the M3, the beautifully communicative and well-weighted rack-and-pinion power steering gear in the M Coupe and Roadster relies on straight hydraulic boost in place of the more technically complex but far less driver-connected assist systems that BMW uses in most of its other offerings.

3.2-Liter M-Spec Engine
BMW has a worldwide reputation for its superb in-line six-cylinder engines, and this M-massaged 3.2-liter stands as one its finest efforts. Redlined at a lofty 8,000 rpm, it makes an exhilarating 330 horsepower -- 75 more than the Z4 3.0i's 3.0-liter six -- and endows both the M Coupe and M Roadster with outstanding quickness and responsiveness.

2008 BMW Z4 M Details

Interior

Compact but well finished, the 2008 BMW Z4 M cabins make a most inviting driving environment. Exceptionally supportive sport buckets -- swathed in the same premium Nappa leather that wraps the steering wheel, shift knob and handbrake grip -- legible analog gauges and well-positioned pedals, function levers and switchgear are complemented by distinctive "M" logos on the doorsills, headrests and steering-wheel center pad. Brushed-aluminum dash and console accents are set off by a "pearl gloss galvanic" finish on the door pulls and handles, climate controls and instrument surrounds, but buyers can opt for no-cost Carbon Leather in place of the standard aluminum trim, or move up to optional polished Madeira Wood.

Exterior

Both the Z4 M Coupe and Z4 M Roadster boast numerous tweaks that impart a more visually aggressive character to the basic Z4 bodywork. Up front, a deeper front spoiler houses larger air intakes while bi-xenon headlamps replace the Z4's halogen units and longitudinal "precision lines" add extra visual emphasis to the hood. The distinctive rear treatment includes LED Adaptive Brake Lights that respond to the intensity of the stopping effort and a revised lower diffuser punctuated with chrome-tipped quad exhaust outlets. The Z4 M models also benefit from upsized wheel and tire fitments, with Z-rated 225/45R tires up front and 255/40R in the rear on unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment on the M models includes a full array of power assists, Nappa leather upholstery, remote keyless entry, on-board computer, automatic climate control, a 10-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, ultra-supportive six-way bucket seats, a three-spoke multifunction sport steering wheel on a tilt and telescoping column, comprehensive Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), a special M-spec variable-locking differential, 18-inch staggered-width wheel and tire packages and the weight-saving "M" Mobility System in place of a spare tire. The Roadster adds a fully-lined one-touch power top and fixed rollover hoops, while both cars have front, front-side and knee-protection airbags.

Optional Equipment

Individual extras on both the M Coupe and M Roadster include metallic paint, eight-way power seats with a three-position driver-side memory, heated seats, iPod Seamless Integrated System, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, extended Nappa leather (covering the dash, console sides, door panels, sun visors and windshield pillars) and BMW Assist with Bluetooth hands-free phone technology. The Premium Package includes eight-way power seats, cruise control, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, a 10-speaker Carver/THX Certified sound system, BMW Assist with Bluetooth and interior stow nets. The Z4 M Roadster also offers a bolt-on hardtop and hardtop prep kit.

Under the Hood

The 2008 BMW Z4 M Coupe and M Roadster share the same 3.2-liter DOHC in-line six used in the 2006 M3. Fitted with BMW's Double-VANOS variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust valves, it further benefits from a host of M upgrades, including a compression ratio of 11.5:1, individual throttles on each cylinder, high-performance lubrication and cooling systems and a freer-flowing exhaust, all of which helps it make 330 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Backed by a quick-shifting, six-speed manual gearbox, it will send either of these stormers to 60 miles per hour in a claimed 4.9 seconds. There's even a special console-mounted "Sport" button that quickens throttle response.

3.2-liter in-line 6
330 horsepower @ 7900 rpm
262 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22

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2008 BMW Z4 M Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.3

Out of 10

Based on 187 Ratings for the 2003 - 2008 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.6/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.6/10

Amazing

By Spedracer on Friday, February 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Too much fun to drive"

Cons: "Painted Calipers, no garage openers,cup holders"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I recently bought this car about 6 months ago, and I love it more everyday..I have the coupe and get compliment everywhere I go. Its has one of the best engines ever designed its quick even with sport mode off. Well built, stiff ride, well appointed interior. Car stoppes on a dime,great gear box..lots of fun I have the premium package with navigation which I could have done without. Bluetooth is nice for hands free driving.. I plan on keeping this for a long long time..if you can find one..buy it.."

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Still in love with it after almost 5 years!

By arnychat (NJ) on Wednesday, January 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 68,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "The look. The sound."

Cons: "ill go with the cup holders. Really dysfunctional."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Absolutely love drive this car. Got this for my 30th birthday and have loved it from the very first day. Not practical if its your only car. Its the fun ride! It drives like its on rails. Its awesome on the highways, dodging traffic and equally fun cruising at a low low speed. The best part is the way it sounds. NOT a quiet car, the cabin can get noisy. But i do like that. I plan on keeping this car and be a owner of a classic someday. :-)"

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Here's some buying help

By z3mark (OR) on Saturday, September 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 39,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Value. Perforance. Quality."

Cons: "Cupholders. Firm seats. Top up visibility."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I recently bought a 39k miles 2003 Z4 2.5. I was originally intent on the 3.0 version until I drove the 2.5 with Sport Package. It's all the power and handling I (and most people) will need for a pleasurable BMW driving experience. Accelleration is 0-60 in about 7 seconds and top speed is rated at 146 MPH. Honestly, who needs more than that for most driving? On top of that, I recently got 33MPG on a 150 mile day trip which is remarkable considering the car's performance. Also, when buying, you really need to make sure you get the Sport and Premium Pacakges. They include all the goodies to make driving your Z4 the most enjoyable experience possible. (Not to mention helping you with resale value when that day comes.) For the money (middle of the road expense for a roadster), the Z4 probably gives you the best value on the market. It's a HUGE step up from any Z3 in every way, and you can get a really good Z4 for around $16-20k which is a bargain at less than half the original selling price. Not only that, but if you read on to all the reviews on Kelley, the engines in the Z4 are time-tested and pretty much bulletproof in terms of repair issues. Personally, I prefer a manual transmission, and I have heard there can be problems with the Steptronic and SMG versions if that's your preference. For wind in your hair fun, classic two seater performance and pinache, you won't do better than a clean, low miles Z4. Good luck with your search!"

32 people out of 32 found this review helpful

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My favorite car so far!!!

By Asphalt Angel (AL) on Tuesday, September 04, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 52,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun, Sexy Design, Fast"

Cons: "Flimsy Cup Holders, Limited Sight With Top Up"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I love this car, fun to drive, reliable, great gas mileage, only draw back is the high cost of maintenance"

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Great fun roadster!

By Rayster (CA) on Thursday, August 23, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 51,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "quality, mileage (for sports car), handling, speed"

Cons: "bad cupholders, small trunk space, visibility"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"For a sports car (roadster or otherwise) it's a great little car with lots of leg room. The cabin is surprisingly quiet and the sound system (Premium Sound) is really good even with the top down. I got this CPO and the previous owners kept it in top shape. Handling is amazing (I had an MR2 which had great go-cart handling -- the Z is just as much fun) and acceleration is awesome. The build quality is smart and classy, as we expect from BMW. Most important, this car puts a smile on my face every time I take a ride. And when I'm not driving it, I think about taking it for a ride all the time -- can't wait for the next opportunity to put the top down and hit the road. If my Toyota commuter is a wife, the Z4 is definitely a mistress that will make other men jealous."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great Car!!!!!!!!!!!

By JLH (TX) on Sunday, August 19, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun!!!!!"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned this car just 24 hours. I bought this for my wife (she picked it out). I can truly say it is great. Although the SMG transmission has been disliked by a lot of people, I dont find it to be an issue. You just have to pay attention to your driving habits. My has NO issue with it at all. She in fact thinks its great "NO CLUTCH TO PUSH". Got a great deal on a low mileage toy."

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 187 reviews