The SMG intro appeared as a rolling option at mid year '03. As to other changes for 2004, the steering wheel picked up redundant controls for the sound system. Windshield wipers are now rain sensing and automatic headlight control is also standard. Leather interiors are offered in a new hue - Dream Red/Black - and the Z4 is prepped for a removable hard top, which is also on the option sheet. Elsewise, all with Z4 is status quo. The interior is clean and well appointed. It is also understated, but if you'd like to turn up the visual volume, the two-tone options mix nicely with the brushed metalwork and low-key layout. The trunk is big enough to stand up to a weekend trip or (with top up) a couple of golf bags (you might have to slide the drivers in separately). The convertible top is well lined, fully automatic and has a heated glass backlight. No matter what power train you pick, the platform remains the same and you'll hear no complaints about that. The chassis is stiff, weight balance is 50/50, suspension and steering beautifully dialed in. Ride quality is firm but stops short of harsh, and the brakes just plain stop short. A finely balanced package, in a controversial wrapper. More edgy than pretty, the roadster marries classic sports car dimensions to radical chic sheet metal. Some will love it, some will hate it, no one will be indifferent. More than a year after its début, the Z4's slash cut styling is still inspiring debate, which might be one reason why BMW took the polarizing path in the first place. There's little debate on the basics, though. The Z4 is a finely tuned sports car with a pair of sweet six engines, and the capacity to be as shifty as you wanna be.
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