2007 BMW Z4 M Roadster

The BMW Z4 was introduced in 2002 and was styled by BMW's Danish designer Anders Warming. The car had its own distinctive appeal that helped it take on the Porsche Boxster directly, where the earlier Z3 had always trailed in the Porsche's wake. Thanks to a spread of engines and dose of practicality, the Z4 also managed to challenge the Mercedes SLK and Audi TT to be a very competent all-round roadster. They were all fully built at BMW USA's South Carolina plant with the exception of the Z4M, launched in 2006, which was assembled in Carolina using engines and transmissions from BMW's 'M' Division in Germany. The essence of any 'M' car is always the powertrain really and the heart of the Z4M is the special grey-cast-iron-block 3.2-litre straight-six (iron was used iron for extra rigidity at high rpm). Designated S54, it's the last in the M50 line of engines and benefited from all the latest technology, including individual "fly by wire' throttle bodies and dual variable cam timing (VANOS in BMW-speak) which all helped it to pump out 338bhp at 7900rpm and 269lb ft of torque at 4900rpm, with an 8000rpm red line. All these 'Pferde' are directed towards the back wheels through a Getrag 'Type H' 6-speed. Engine management, however, is specific to the Z4M: the Siemens MSS70 with higher processing power (64 million calculations per second) than the MSS54 (25 million CPS) in the M3. Other performance parts borrowed from the M3 include the CSL's compound (aluminum hubs, stainless steel pins, cross drilled iron floating rotors) brakes and most of the M3's suspension components. Other changes include a hydraulic steering setup which provides better feel than the electric system in standard Z4 models. Weighing 3197 lb (1450 kg), the M Roadster has been tested by a number of car magazines to accelerate from Zero-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is slightly quicker than the Porsche Boxster S and Porsche Cayman S. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (249 km/h).

The 2007 Z4M Roadster offered here is finished in sparkling Ruby Black Metallic with Imola Red Nappa leather and a leather carbon dash and our vendor believes his is one of only 25 Roadsters in this combination.

At the time of consignment, the indicated mileage was only 24,850 miles and the registration document shows that it has been enjoyed by four owners. The car has been regularly serviced and maintained and the file has details of inspections and maintenance right through from its Pre Delivery at Stratstone BMW on 16/10/07 to the latest service (inspection 1 and 2) by Sytner, Nottingham at 19589 miles. The car was granted an MOT certificate on 14/07/16 at 23,374 miles.

The car will be accompanied by its original handbooks and stamped service book, however, the cherished registration number, previously on the car has been retained and a new V5 will be issued by the time of the sale.This Z4M appears to be in excellent condition and has patently been cared for over the years. The warranted mileage is very low for a nine-year-old car but it looks to have done half of that. The engine bay is very clean, the interior is striking with no obvious signs of wear, and the paintwork has retained that intriguing Rubinschwarz 'twinkle'.

All in all, this is a fast and charismatic little Z4M roadster and is a sensible proposition as a sports tourer. The market has started to recognise their future potential and good ones are getting harder to find.