Performance BMW Model Reviews - Reviews on BMW Vehicles, Raleigh, NC

2008 BMW Z4 Series

Overview

For this year, the novelty is in the introduction of a new technology that is set to reduce emissions as well as fuel consumption by between four and seven percent. The creators of this new technology have christened it EfficientDynamics, and the Z 4, available as both roadster and coupe, is among the models that carry this technology.

Engine and performance

If we all thought that what the BMW has been packing in its engines till now was the farthest that car technology could reach, the new efficiency quotient that BMW has introduced for this year, EfficientDynamics, jolts us out of that complacency, so to speak. This seeks to address the one long-standing reservation against these machines �that of poor mileage (anyway, for conversation�s sake, when was BMW built or pitched for the masses?). Agreed, this is not something with which you could expect to double your mileage; yet, an increase of four to seven percent over the previous model�s consumption is not a bad improvement. This should pave the way for more efficiency in mileage in future years� cars, without a compromise on anything else. This means that this technology should be considered a new paradigm. Another reason for this thinking is that BMW says this is going to be the last change on this model till it rolls out its all-new model for 2009.
Now, getting to the statistics part of this engine, it comes in two editions �Exclusive and Sport. These look more attractive, with leather steering wheels, distinctive alloy wheels, heated leather seats and new paint ideas.
The 2008 Z4 comes in roadster and coupe body styles, and both are equipped with an inline 6-cylinder, 2.5 liter DOHC, 184 hp engine that nests within a 5-speed manual transmission rear wheel drive. This runs on a torque of 175 lb ft at 3500 rpm; yet, for all these, the car is still a little hard on the drive, relatively. It could have been a tad smoother to operate

Luxurious interiors, dashing exteriors

If electric power steering tilt and telescopic steering wheel, sound system with in-dash CD player, one-touch power windows, power mirrors, and vinyl upholstery are some among the standard interiors, the list of attractive exteriors is long. Among these, the prominent ones include manual convertible roof, and glass rear window rear defogger. For the optional Sport package, what one gets are automatic climate control, eight-way power driver seats, fully automatic power top and on-board computer among others.

Safety

By any account, even the timid would not be afraid of driving the 2008 Z4, except if they can handle this kind of power. Making this a really safe car are passenger airbag deactivation switch, front seat pre-tensioners, ventilated front disc/solid rear disc brake, 4-wheel ABS, child seat anchors, emergency braking assist, traction control, dynamic stability control, engine immobilizer and daytime running lights. There are also features like rollover protection bars, active knee protection, and lots more.