I bought a BMW Z4 at the beginning of the pandemic in April of last year. I found it in my neighborhood and bought it from its original owner. I will say that without a doubt, this car has put me off classic roadsters likely forever.
My car is a 3.0i with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and the way the car handles, accelerates and sounds, combined with having a flawless power top, extremely comfortable seats, and a passenger compartment that fits my 6’4” frame with inches to spare, and much improved over my previous BMW Z3, makes me reluctant to ever consider a classic roadster, except maybe a Jaguar XK-SS.
The BMW has the perfect combination of a vintage driving feel combined with the ease of use of a modern car and is not so bogged down with technology to get in the way of the driving experience.
The Pick of the Day is one of these stunning sports cars, a 2004 BMW Z4 with the 3.0-liter engine and a 6-speed manual transmission being advertised on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Ross, Ohio. It’s finished in Bright Red with a beige leather interior.
The seller states that the BMW has covered 94,000 miles from new and describes it as being in great condition with excellent paint and body with none of the usual front spoiler damage or rock chips, and with crystal-clear headlight lenses, something that’s known to fog on the Z4.
The seller adds that this Z4 runs and drives well with no known problems or issues, and all major functions in are working order including the power convertible top and ice-cold AC. The interior is in very clean overall condition, the ad says, with no major wear and no signs of smoking.
Like my car, this Z4 also features the desirable aluminum interior trim and the factory options, including the Premium Package, dual power seats with driver memory, BMW Bluetooth system, leather interior trim and heated seats.
What is strange about the BMW Z4 is that people seem to forget that even by modern standards, they are very fast cars. The 3.0 inline six produces 225 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque, which is enough for the car to get to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and have a top speed limited to 155 mph, plenty fast enough for a little roadster. When you combine that with its handling prowess, the Z4 is all but unbeatable.
These BMWs a year ago could be bought in this condition for as little as $8,500, but times have changed and people are starting to wake up to the fact that these E85 Z4 cars deliver so much performance that you would have to be a fool to consider buying a used Miata instead.
This BMW is being offered for the market-correct price of $15,995, and it should offer its owner more driving pleasure that any classic British roadster I can think of. Did I mention that it has heated seats?
To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
