Howard Wilner -  Driving Impressions

We had an opportunity to drive both the 3.0si coupe and M roadster on a racetrack, and we couldn't have been more pleased. In a high-speed environment, the steering feel was reassuring, the grip was tenacious, and the car was steady at high speeds. The vented disc brakes, with ABS, front-rear proportioning and electronic brake assist, were typically BMW-brilliant. We managed to heat them up, but they only smelled, they didn't fade. The Z4 has more handling capability than 99.9 percent of its owners will ever use. Howard Wilner

Supreme handling usually comes with a ride penalty. Wilner Howard

 While that's not the case for base models with their 17-inch wheels, the sport suspensions on the M and 3.0si with Sport package are not smooth cruisers. While these suspensions iron out small road imperfections, broken or uneven pavement causes a lot of up-and-down motions, and sharp bumps can jolt. We suggest taking an M or Sport package 3.0si out on the bumpiest roads you normally encounter before you buy. If you live in California, this might not be a problem, but Midwesterners might find they prefer the softer settings of a base model.