2008 BMW Z4 M Roadster

Eager Beaver

Like any good sports car, the BMW Z4 M Roadster likes to be driven hard, and it is always ready for more.

The potent BMW Z4 M Roadster is the high-performance version of the more mild-mannered Z4 Roadster. It's geared toward spirited driving and therefore isn't the best choice for sun-seekers looking for a leisurely cruiser. With rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, it rewards those who like to be highly involved in the driving experience.

The need to accommodate the folding convertible top kills a lot of cargo space in an already small trunk. Then again, practicality is probably not the top priority for Z4 M Roadster shoppers. We imagine that few would (or could) make this model their only car.

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The BMW Z4 M Roadster features a number of cosmetic tweaks that differentiate it from the base Z4 Roadster, including more aggressive front and rear styling, exclusive wheels and four tailpipes. But the most pronounced upgrade is a bigger engine that packs a healthy power upgrade over the base model.

The BMW Z4 M Roadster rides on a stiff, corner-hugging suspension. It includes a speed-sensitive limited-slip differential lock that further improves the car’s handling by transferring power to the rear wheel with the most traction — a boon in slippery conditions, or during hard driving.

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The Z4 M Roadster is too tiny to accommodate a spare, so it is fitted with run-flat tires, which allow drivers with a flat to keep driving at a reduced speed far enough to reach a safe place to pull off the road or reach a service facility. Run-flats ride more harshly than traditional tires and, when combined with the Z4 M Roadster’s tight suspension, can make for an uncomfortable ride over less-than-ideal roads.

BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system is included. It uses throttle and brake control to help minimize wheel spin and prevent a loss of control during extreme handling maneuvers.

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This system also incorporates an expanded range of braking functions. Brake Standby moves the brake pads against the rotors when the driver suddenly lifts off the accelerator, anticipating hard braking. Start-Off Assistant automatically engages the brakes on an incline to prevent the car from rolling back when the driver lifts off the brake pedal.

The fully automatic soft-top in the BMW Z4 M Roadster opens quickly at the touch of a button. The cabin stays relatively calm with the top down and side windows up. It can get windy with the side windows down and at high speeds.

Interior flourishes unique to the BMW Z4 M Roadster include sport seats, a unique steering wheel, gearshift knob and door sills, white-on-black illuminated instrumentation. The tachometer indicates the engine’s current maximum operating speed based on the engine-oil temperature; the recommended speed rises with the temperature of the oil, and full throttle is permitted only when the oil is fully heated.

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