2006 BMW Z4 M

BMW’s aim with the E85 was to iron out some of the issues that affected the Z3 roadster. Gone was the scuttle shake that affected the Z3, which was sorted thanks to a much improved rigidity.

The venerable BMW straight six power plants were given more power and there was a choice of a five speed manual or a five speed automatic gearbox. These were both later updated to the six speed variety. There was also the option of the six speed SMG gearbox, the much berated automated manual, which was also offered in the marques other M series motors.

Thankfully this 2006 Z4 M Sport has the ZF six speed manual, which allows the driver the opportunity to control that fantastic straight six that resides under that long bonnet. And with 265BHP on tap, there is plenty of performance to enjoy behind the wheel of this two seat sports roadster.

This particular E85 roadster was first registered on the 26th March 2006 and was ordered with a stack of options that are impressive even by todays standards. We’ll get to some of those a bit further down. It has had just three owners from new and covered just over 76,600 miles since 2006.

The Z4 shape from the Bangle era really has aged superbly and it is refreshing to see such a clean example in a colour other than silver or black.

The bright Imola Red paintwork is in good condition all round and has a lovely shine to it. The current owner states it has been garaged whilst in their custodianship for the past 12 years. As a result it has escaped the worst of the elements that the British weather can throw at a car parked outside all year round.

There are a few blemishes in the paint which are shown in the photos below. There are some scuffs on the top area of the front right wing, which may well buff out with some careful detailing. There are also some stone chips on the front bumper, plus an area in between the kidney grills where the paint has rubbed. These cosmetic blemishes are very minor however and do not detract from what is a very nice example of an E85.

The black convertible hood is also in very good condition and has clearly benefited from being stored in a garage when not in use. There are no rips or tears evident and the heated rear screen is clear. The electric hood also operates as it should, raising and lowering quickly and easily during the photoshoot.

The Z4’s 18” alloy wheels are in good shape all round with the exception of a small kerb rub on the front right wheel. Some of the centre cap badges are starting to show their age but they are easily replaced with fresh new ones. And the matching set of Continental tyres fitted all round have plenty of thread left.

This Z4 was ordered with a black Nappa leather interior which contrasts very well with the red exterior. The interior is in really nice shape with only minor wear evident and has clearly been looked after.

All the switches and gauges are in lovely condition with no wear or signs of heavy use at all.

One detail that really stands out is the Black Leather Carbon trim which really suits the interior of this Z4. We’d actually go as far as saying we’d prefer this over really Carbon Fibre trim.

As we mentioned earlier this Z4 had a lot of options ticked when it was ordered back in 2006. As a result is comes with electric M Sport seats, with 3 memory options for the drivers side. They are also heated which is a nice touch. The seats really are in great shape with only very minor signs of wear on the drivers side. They are comfortable and have good bolster support, which no doubt gives extra confidence when pushing through fast corners.

The leather sports steering wheel has the multifunction buttons and it was also specified with the BMW Professional Navigation System. This means it has the folding display in the dashboard, which you can close when not in use. With todays dashboards a sea of large screens, it is actually quite refreshing to tuck one away and just focus on the drive ahead.

The sound system works very well according to the owner, with the speakers behind the seats kicking out good bass. The sound system also supports bluetooth which the owner says works well with their phone. In addition to this there is a 6-CD changer included.

Under the bonnet resides the mighty normally aspirated 3.2 litre N54 straight six which produces 265BHP. The engine bay is very clean and has not been overly detailed.

It started on the button and drove very nicely to the location for the photoshoot. We can confirm that the straight six sounds superb through the quad exhausts. And with the six speed manual, you can just feel that this car wants to fly when you go through the gears.

The underside also appears to be in good order in the photos.

This particular E85 roadster was first registered on the 26th March 2006. It was acquired by the current owner in March 2011, by which time the sports convertible had covered 51,000 miles. It was ordered in Imola Red, which is a colour that really enhances its“ Flame Surfacing” inspired styling. That was the name given to BMW’s design ethos of that period, lead of course by Chris Bangle.

The current owner believes that this Z4 was originally a BMW dealership demonstrator model, which would explain the high specification and the large number of options ticked.

The Z4 benefits from full service history with a fully stamped service book and a selection of invoices for past maintenance. It was last serviced on the 15th March 2021 by which time it had covered 76,907 miles. New spark plus were also fitted. An invoice from 8th March 2016 also shows that the valve cover gasket was replaced.

The BMW Z4 Convertible also benefits from a current MOT Certificate with a few minor advisories, which is valid until 22 March 2024. This will no doubt be peace of mind for the new owner.

The BMW Z4 E85 is fast becoming a modern classic and low milage and low owner examples are becoming highly sought after, especially in M Sport 6 speed manual specification. This example has clearly been cared for by its current owner and has been used sparingly over the past few years. Its specification is excellent with all the options you could possibly want. And the best bit is that fantastic 3.2 litre straight six and the six speed manual gearbox. This Z4 M Sport is ready for some top down summer motoring.

We estimate this car to fetch between £12,000 - £15,000 in auction.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Queenborough, United Kingdom. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.