Re: Z4 Test Drive

[Elcrinv@xxxxxxx]

The other day BMWUSA sent me a card offering a pair of sunglasses if I would
test drive the new Z4. Since I was in the market for a car (though not a
ragtop) I took them up on it. Our dealer in Colorado Springs didn't have a
manual shifter right away but called me when one came in. The other Saturday
I went in and they pulled up a nice deep metallic red Z4 and handed me the
keys. I got about a half mile down the road before I realized I had this big
grin on my face. I really liked this car! At first I thought I had left a
door open because of the road noise but it was just my unfamiliarity with a
convertible. Nice engine sound, very nice smooth tight 6-speed shifter,
responsive engine and a great road feel. I've driven the Z3 and M coup on the
road and track but never really cared much for them but the Z4 is a much
better handling car, probably because of pushing the wheels out further. As
for looks, it reminds me of the older corvette roadster bodies, but more
updated. Again, much better than the Z3. Anyway, I just tooled around in that
little bomb for about a half hour enjoying how comfortable and familiar it
felt. It is a piece of engineering worthy of the roundel emblem, without
doubt.
    Would I buy one? Well, actually I have a Z on order about the same color
but it's a coup with 287 HP, torque to match, a great looking shape and about
15 grand less. But I am happy to report that, at least in my opinion, BMW has
a really nice little car there. The Mcoup version ought to be just about
nirvana.
As for the sunglasses, they are the fold up kind and come in a silver case
with a place for your in initials to be engraved and a soft leather case to
put on your belt. Stylin'!
Fred Callender RMC BMW CCA

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