BMW Z4 E85 LCI, facelift 2006 2.5i (177 Hp) Steptronic


Overall Rating

8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

BMW Z4:

The first generation of the BMW Z4 consists of the BMW E85 and BMW E86 sports cars. The E85/E86 generation was produced from 2002 to 2008. The E85/E86 replaced the Z3 and is the third model in the BMW Z Series. Initial models were in the roadster body style, with the coupé body style being added in 2006. In February 2009, the BMW Z4 began production as the successor to the E85/E86.
As was its Z3 predecessor, the E85/E86 was manufactured in Greer, South Carolina. The M model, the Z4 M, is powered by the S54 straight-six engine....(Read more on Wikipedia)

E85 LCI, facelift 2006 Overview:

BMW Z4 (E85 LCI, facelift 2006). With 230 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~12 l/100km). Weighing only 1275 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.5 s). The top speed reaches 225 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.5i (177 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate power for daily driving and relaxed cruising, but the Steptronic automatic transmission slightly dulls the sporty edge compared to manual variants.

Fuel Economy

Reasonable fuel economy for a six-cylinder roadster, slightly better than the more powerful engines, making it a practical choice.

Best Use Case: Relaxed cruising, city driving, and for those preferring the convenience of an automatic transmission without needing top-tier performance.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Engaging driving dynamics and precise steering, typical of BMW roadsters.
  • • Iconic BMW straight-six engines (excluding 2.0i) with great sound and character.
  • • Timeless roadster styling, especially after the LCI facelift, maintaining strong appeal.
  • • Excellent build quality and premium interior materials for its class.
  • • Strong performance options, particularly the 3.0si and M models, offering thrilling drives.

Cons:

  • • Firm ride can be uncomfortable on rough roads, reflecting its sporty tuning.
  • • Limited practicality with only two seats and modest trunk space.
  • • Potential for common BMW maintenance issues as the car ages, requiring careful upkeep.
  • • Some engines can be thirsty, especially the M variant, impacting running costs.
  • • Visibility with the roof up can be restricted, a common roadster compromise.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E85: 2003 - 2006).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:Z4
Generation:E85 LCI, facelift 2006
Modification (Engine):2.5i (177 Hp) Steptronic
Start of production:2006
End of production:2008
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Roadster
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:177 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:70.9 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:230 Nm @ 3500-5000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:N52B25A More details about the engine N52B25A
Engine displacement:2497
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:82 mm
Piston Stroke:78.8 mm
Compression ratio:11:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.4 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.5 sec
Maximum speed:225 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.2 kg/Hp, 138.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.5 kg/Nm, 180.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1275
Max. weight:1570
Max load:295
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:260 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:240 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4091 mm [Same length.]
Width:1781 mm [Same width.]
Height:1299 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2495 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1473 mm
Rear (Back) track:1523 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.8 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc [above average]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Tires size225/50 R16
Wheel rims size7J x 16
Front suspensionIndependent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the BMW Z4 rank in your book?