BMW Z4 Roadster (2003 - 2008) 3.0si Sport 2d (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I've had everything from 'very suave' to 'congratulations on qualifying as a hairdresser'! I like to think it says cool, although probably a bit of a poser.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They all love it! It does everything very well - looks great, interior is quality, it's fast, handles well, decent level of kit (in 3.0 si sport guise) and is economical considering it's a 3 litre, 265 bhp monster!

Would you buy this car again and why?

The same car twice?! Are you mad?! I'd definitely recommend it though and I could probably be tempted by the mark 2 Z4.

What are you likely to buy next?

I'm going to keep this for as long as I can. When I do change though, i'd like another BMW 3 litre car - maybe a 3 series coupe for a bit more practicality. Realistically though i'll end up with a diesel.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£10,500

When did you buy the car?

June 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not bad - I got £250 off list price plus a tank of fuel. List price was bang on Parkers' valuation so I was happy with it. If you've got cash in your hand on the day you can always get something off.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Surprisingly, fuel economy! At 33mpg, it was significantly better than anything else in this class. TT and 350Z both do twenty-something. Plus it looks great inside and out and crucially... it goes like a stabbed rat!

What was the dealer like?

Very good - let me test it on my own and was keen to do a deal. I probably should have tried to squeeze more out of him though but it's hard when you really want it!

What's it like to drive?

Awesome! Great grip and poise yet easy to manage. You can kick the back out a little without feeling like you're going to wrap it round a tree. The engine has a throaty rasp and changing gear is like loading a bullet into the chamber of an elephant gun! On a sensible note, the ride is actually really comfortable although the seats aren't so which you notice on a long journey.

What's it like to park?

More difficult than you'd think given the back end is so close to you. That said, the parking sensors are excellent although the front end is a nightmare and i'd sooner have sensors on the front than the back.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Not yet although i've only had it for a few weeks! Servicing intervals are longer than you would expect - my next one is due in 14,000 miles which will hopefully be 18 months. It has a chain not a cam belt so that's one further expense avoided.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot isn't horrendous (2 weekend bags) and there are a couple of useful cubby holes but it's not a practical car: it's a fun car!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The sport button! It feels like you're driving a real sports car and it makes a clear difference, particularly to throttle response. Supposedly it improves the engine note although I haven't noticed. It does stiffen the suspension which helps with getting the tail out!