2005 BMW Z4

Forget what you’ve ever read about BMW’s Z4 being simply a replacement for the Z3. Not only did BMW raise the performance bar but so too its dimensions, safety, driver aids and equipment levels.

Bigger, faster and more engaging- according to BMW the 2005 Z4 was loaded and styled to herald in a new generation of roadsters oh and it had the fastest electronic convertible top on the market- neatly tucked away in just 10 seconds.

In their 2006 review of the range topping 3.0L model, Motoring Magazine said “BMW’s 3.0-litre straight-six is one of the greatest engines on the road today. The Bi-VANOS, infinitely-variable cam timed fuel-injected 24-valve engine is muscular and smooth pumping out 195kW and a grunty 315Nm of torque, which in a package weighing only 1310kg guaranteed to deliver performance”.

The Z4’s ‘flame surface’ lines have aged exceptionally well, the suspension is based on the critically-acclaimed 3 Series but was modified for an even sportier feel, the sports seats feature leather, seat heating and electric adjustment, there are front and side driver and passenger airbags for safety, a full complement of BMW driver aids as standard equipment — ABS, Driver Dynamic Control, Automatic Stability Control and Traction, Corner Braking Control and Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic Traction Control, there’s also a “Sport” button to dial up a change in ignition, fuel maps, steering feel and feedback and the near silent soft-top is fully lined and features a heated-glass rear window. Plus, even with the canvas down there’s enough space for a weekend worth of (well-packed) luggage.

The car offered is a totally original and sensationally well maintained 2005 BMW Z4 3.0L Roadster travelled just 71,000 kiometres and ordered in the rare and desirable colour of Sterling Grey Metallic and manual transmission.

Kept by the same owner since 2007 and accompanied by all of its original set of remote central locking kays plus manuals showing a full service history, the last major service in April of this year this Z4 Roadster is in excellent running and driving condition.

Inside and out all tell-tale signs show how well this car has been cared for from the matte finish on the steering wheel, dash and seats, to the crispness of the carpets and seamless panel fit of the bodywork.

Ready to drive off the showroom floor, find a nice straight road, punch the Sport button, blip the loud pedal and you will hit 100km/h in just 5.7secs. As always BMW has limited the top speed to 250km/h but it’s the usable power within the legal speed limit that’s the important bit to this car and in that range this Z4 shines.