What is it? For 2006 BMW has not only made some improvements to the Z4 Roadster, but it has also announced the production of an M Roadster. The '06 Z4 features two new 3.0-liter six-cylinder engines. Both are mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic will be optional, but it is not the sequential-shift SMG transmission. The M Roadster will be powered by a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine similar to the one used in the M3 and upcoming M Coupe. The only available transmission will be a six-speed manual. BMW slightly revised the Z4 roadster's exterior styling for '06, incorporating a new front fascia with standard Xenon headlights and a restyled tail section. The M Roadster will have a deeper front air dam, larger air scoops, and dual exhausts on each side at the rear, in addition to M-specific interior touches. The M will feature the upgraded braking system from the M3 competition package.
CR Take: The Z4's previous 3.0-liter engine was very smooth, responsive, and relatively economical. However, the base 3.0-liter engine in the 325i (BMW badge designations don't follow engine displacement
anymore) we're testing is quite impressive, a good sign for the Z4. We weren't impressed with the handling of the Z4 we tested; the car lacked the agility expected of a roadster. We're glad to see that the M roadster gets a hydraulic steering system which may be a tacit admission by BMW that its non-linear electric steering system is not sporty.
What is new or notable? Larger, more-powerful engines on the revised Z4. Return of the M Roadster.
When will it be on sale? Z4 on sale now, M Roadster late 2006
