2006 BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster

2006 BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster 2006 BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster
Short Take Road Test

For the first time since it was introduced for 2003, BMW has updated its hard-edged two-seat roadster, the Z4. Among changes to the '06 line are small suspension tweaks to improve ride and handling, a six-speed manual gearbox that is standard across the line (the old 2.5i model had five gears), and a six-speed automatic with a paddle-shift manumatic available as a $1275 option. Both models now have the 3.0-liter inline-six engine that powers 3-series sedans.

With the new engine — its block is a composite of aluminum and magnesium — come new names. The base 2.5i is now the 3.0i and uses the 325i engine configuration, making 215 horsepower, 31 more than the outgoing 2.5i inline-six. The old 3.0i becomes the 3.0si. Its engine receives the same upgrades as the 330i's to produce a stout 255 horses and 220 pound-feet of torque, improvements of 30 and 6, respectively, when compared with the previous 3.0i's 225 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of twist.

We tested a 3.0si with the $1200 Sport package. It charges to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and turns the quarter-mile in 14 flat at an even 100 mph, which isn't much of an improvement over the old 3.0i. But the additional horses aren't just at the 7000-rpm redline; it spins turbine smooth throughout the rev range and offers more midrange power.

The suspension tweaks improve the ride while maintaining the great handling. In fact, we think the 3.0si more nimbly changes direction than an M roadster, largely due to the lighter engine over its nose.

The 3.0i starts at $36,295, the quicker, more feature-laden 3.0si at $42,795. Whether 40 horsepower is worth $6500 is your call.