The BMW Z4 is available as a roadster with a convertible top or a fixed-roof coupe. For the roadster, there are two trim levels: 3.0i and 3.0si. The Z4 3.0i comes with features such as 17-inch wheels, stability control, antilock brakes, power mirrors and windows, manually operated seats and vinyl upholstery. A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated at 215 horsepower is standard, as is a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional.

The classic roadster format — engine up front, two seats in the middle, drive wheels in back, soft folding top — is BMW in its purest form. From the 18-hp Wartburg Sport introduced only two years after this company entered the business in 1928 to the 2007 Z4 M Roadster, BMW’s roadster lineage runs straight and pure. While others chase hideaway hardtops, V8s and mid-engine layouts, BMW holds fast to its heritage.

Religious adherence to tradition sounds stodgy, but you won’t find a hint of arthritis in the Z4 M Roadster’s moves. This car is fire under the hood, legs underneath and a soul nurtured by those who know and care about driving.

Make that driving fast and hard whenever, wherever possible. With 330 high-revving horses hauling only 3,200 pounds, the “Motorsports” part of this car’s nameplate (that’s what the “M” stands for) says it all.

The Z4 3.0si features 18-inch wheels, a few upgraded interior features and a 255-hp 3.0-liter inline six. A few options are also available for both trim levels, including a Premium package with a power-operated top and a Sport package designed to improve the vehicle’s handling capabilities. The Z4 Coupe is offered in the 3.0si trim only.

There’s something intrinsically cool about a small, hatchback sports car. It’s reminiscent of an era when a serious sports car dude might have a car like this as his only ride. The Z4 M Coupe picks up that vaguely retro vibe with its cab-rearward proportions, although the design does not attempt to re-create anything.

The new M Coupe’s shape certainly is more successful than the previous-generation car’s (although I will confess to being a fan of that one, too). BMW expects the new coupe to account for one-quarter of Z4 M sales, whereas last time, four M Roadsters were sold for every M Coupe that found a home.

As was the case previously, the new coupe is offered in M and standard Z4 strength. The latter is sold with the 255-hp, 3.0-liter engine only and not the 215-hp 3.0-liter that is also available in the Z4 droptop.

2007 BMW Z4 Models:
2007 BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0i
2007 BMW Z4 Coupe 3.0si
2007 BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0si