BMW Z4 M Coupe: Classic Drive

If you long for a car powered by BMW’s iconic S54 inline-6-cylinder engine, but can’t quite make your finances stretch to an (E46) M3, then there is a suitable alternative, the rather brilliant, and more affordable, (E86) Z4 M Coupe.

Let’s start with a summary of the current M-car “modern classic” market. If you are shopping for a BMW M car that was produced during the past 25 years, there is a staggering number of variants to choose from. However, seeing as we live in a BMW-loving country, the values of most of these cars have increased substantially over the past few years. Some of them are now simply priced beyond reach!

Expect to pay R500 000 for a good BMW E46 M3 and budget closer to R750 000 (or more) to acquire one of the best examples in South Africa. But where should you look if you want a more affordable M product, at least in terms of the initial outlay of the purchase price, if we leave maintenance aside?

Your next M car?

May I suggest you take a closer look at the BMW (E86) Z4 M Coupe and (E85) Z4 M Roadster? These are arguably the most affordable full-fat BMW M products you can purchase, particularly so in the case of the roadster. It won’t stay that way forever, and the Coupe, in particular, is already trending upwards.

At the time of writing, there were a few attractive examples available online: one 2007 and two 2009 Z4 M Coupes with between 99 000 and 120 000 km on the clock, priced from R328k to R369k. If you want to look for (and are prepared to wait) for a perfect example, you’ll need to stump up a bit more than that.

The current owner of this Sepang Bronze example, which he bought from the Mother City Car Company, has had 3 other BMWs in his life and, perhaps unsurprisingly, the previous one was the Z4 M Roadster.

A particularly attractive feature of the Z4 M Coupe is the fact that it’s a proper sportscar. Much to my relief, it’s neither an SUV, nor a sedan, but a low-slung, long-nosed and stubby-tailed coupe.

Underneath the bonnet is the naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 3.2-litre inline-6-cylinder S54 engine, the same unit as found in the E46 M3. This begs the question, surely this should be a more exciting M car – seeing as it is lighter and more “focused” than the M3, which is a derivative of the 3 Series sedan?

Specifications:

Model: BMW Z4 M Coupe
Engine: 3.2-litre, inline-6, petrol
Power: 252 kW at 7 900 rpm
Torque: 365 Nm at 4 900 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Weight: 1 495 kg
0-100 kph: 5.0 seconds
Top Speed: 250 kph

Behind the ‘wheel of the BMW Z4 M Coupe

The afternoon sun and the Sepang Bronze finish work wonders for this era of BMW design. Although not directly designed by the once controversial, now revered Chris Bangle but rather by Jan Hettler, the former was in charge of the BMW design team at the time. There are creases and slashes (“flame surfacing”, in Bangle-speak) along the flanks of the coupe; it is unmistakably a mid-2000s BMW.

At the back, you’ve got a short overhang with a quartet of exhaust pipes that protrude from a pair of subtle cutouts at the bottom of the rear bumper, which, in M specification, looks suitably muscular.

The BMW Z4 M Coupe’s nose section might look slightly too long when you walk up to the car, but when you get into the car it doesn’t feel as long – your feet are in line with the wheels. The cabin is another highlight from a decade and a half ago. There is no infotainment screen, just analogue dials and a gorgeous slab of aluminium with the climate control- and audio system controls in the centre.

Nowadays, touchscreens dominate car fascias, but in the Z4 M Coupe, there are no features that draw your attention away from the driving experience; the seats are fairly supportive, the ‘wheel is not as thick-rimmed as in modern BMWs and, to my left, is a stubby gear lever with relatively short throws.

Twist the key and the engine awakens with an immediate gruff sound. If you cruise along at 2 000 or 3 000 rpm, you will already get the sense that this is a rather focused sportscar. Depending on what you are used to, the ride is on the firm side, but it’s not too harsh to make it impossible to live with every day.

At all times the car feels planted and solid. However, when you start to push on, the naughty side – the lively handling traits we associate with BMW M cars from this era – becomes evident. On poor surfaces, the traction control light will flicker regularly as this stiff, powerful sportscar tries to put its power down.

However, the electronic nanny isn’t overly intrusive – thankfully the system allows slight movements of the rear axle before it intervenes. That trait allows you to truly enjoy the car close to the limit.

Past 5 000 and 6 000 rpm, on the way to the 7 500 rpm red line, the engine is at its best and the full 252 kW can be felt and enjoyed. Help the gear shifts along with some throttle blipping on the way down the ‘box and you will smooth out the process. The brakes on this specific car might need a little attention, but even so, the brake pedal is extremely sensitive and this truly inspires confidence when pushing on.

The nicely weighted and direct steering is another highlight, but at times it feels like you are driving from the seat of your pants because you’re so close to the ground and rear axle. Not that it’s a bad thing…

Summary

Because it features arguably one of the best M engines from the Noughties in a package that is focused enough to be enjoyed on a weekend blast, but still usable enough to drive every day (even when you are running errands), it is hard to fault the BMW Z4 M Coupe. It is undoubtedly a modern classic.

This Bimmer is not only special in terms of its design; it also offers a compelling driving experience – at times, you’ll beam from ear to ear when piloting this Bavarian machine. I’ve realised that you don’t need to stretch to E46 M3 money to own one of the best M engines from the 21st century. What a winner!

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