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2008 BMW Z4 Roadster convertible.2008 BMW Z4. - enlarge

Complete 2008 BMW Z4 New Car Reviews listed below

The 2008 BMW Z4 compact sports car is another superb product from BMW. It has a great design with an elegant interior. It is a light-weight, sexy car that is a vast improvement over its predecessor the Z3. The Z4's design is complex with multiple seam matching, and none of the chassis flex problems that the Z3 had, making it a great car to drive that handles well. It is a testimony to the manufacturing capabilities of BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. The coupe version is stunning, handles a bit better than the roadster, and could only be improved with the addition of a sun- or moon-roof.

The Z4 sports car is available in coupe (MSRP $40,400 - $50,100) and convertible (MSRP $36,400 - $52,100) versions. The BMW 3.0si Z4 coupe comes with a 255-horsepower, 3.0-liter I6 engine. It competes with the Audi TT, Chevrolet Corvette Coupe, Chrysler Crossfire Coupe Limited, Ford Shelby GT500 Coupe, Infiniti G37 Coupe, Lotus Exige S, Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, Nissan 350Z Coupe, and Porsche Cayman.

The BMW Z4 3.0i Roadster (convertible) comes with a 215-horsepower, 3.0-liter I6 engine, while the BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster comes with a 255-horsepower, 3.0-liter I6 engine. The Z4 convertibles compete with the Audi TT convertible, Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible, Honda S2000, Lotus Elise, Mazda Miata, Nissan 350Z Roadster, Pontiac Solstice GXP, Porsche Boxster, and the Saturn Sky Red Line.

All versions can be customized with a variety of option packages and accessories and come standard with a rear-wheel drive system and six-speed manual transmission. The manual-shift Steptronic automatic transmission system with paddle shifters is optional - but we highly recommend getting it as it is fun and provides tremendous vehicle controlled.

Basic features include four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear anti-roll bars, power- and speed-sensing steering, speed control, illuminated entry, tilt telescoping steering wheel, and a driver's vanity mirror. Memory seat, auto-dimming rear view mirror, Global Positioning System, and BMW Assist roadside assistance are optional on all trim levels.

Seats and trim features include leather upholstery (optional on the Z4 3.0i Roadster), leather shift knob, sport steering wheel, and a front center armrest (optional on the Z4 3.0i Roadster). Power driver and passenger seats, heated front seats, and genuine wood dashboard, console, and door panel inserts are optional features on all trim levels.

Entertainment features include AM/FM radio, single CD player with MP3 capability, radio data system, audio controls mounted on the steering wheel, ten Carver speakers, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Premium audio system and additional audio features are optional on the Z4 3.0i Roadster but standard on the other versions.

Safety and security features include variably intermittent, speed-sensitive, and rain-sensing wipers, rear window defroster, tachometer, trip computer, low tire pressure warning indicator, outside temperature display, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes and Antilock Braking System (ABS), brake assist, electronic stability, hill hold, driveline traction control, occupant-sensing driver front impact airbag, passenger airbag occupant-sensing deactivation, driver and passenger side impact airbag, knee airbag, ignition disable, and panic alarm. High-intensity discharge lights and headlight cleaning are optional on the versions.

A safety report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that the 2008 BMW Z4 Coupe received four stars out of five in driver and passenger frontal crash testing and a five stars out of five rollover rating. The 2008 BMW Z4 Roadster received four stars out of five in driver and passenger frontal crash tests, three stars out of five in side crash tests, and a five stars out of five rollover rating. [1]

A reliability history report from ConsumerReports.org showed that the BMW Z3 and Z4 showed the following ratings for 2006: excellent ratings for minor engine and engine cooling trouble spots, minor transmission trouble spots, drive, fuel, and climate system, suspension, brakes, exhaust, and paint and trim, and power equipment, very good ratings for its major transmission trouble spots, electrical system, and squeaks and rattles, and good ratings for its body hardware and audio system. [2]

The BMW Z4 replaced the BMW Z3 in 2002. The Z4 addressed and resolved many of the criticisms directed at its predecessor, coming along as a larger and more powerful vehicle with significantly improved design and engineering. The M versions were introduced in 2006.

Click here for more information on 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 BMW Z4 car prices, auto insurance, auto loans, car dealers, and car leases.

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