- Hill Start Assistant allows a manual transmission car to pull away smoothly on a gradient without rolling backwards. 
- Fade Compensation recognises when the brakes are getting excessively hot and 'fading', and applies additional hydraulic braking pressure to compensate, without any extra effort from the driver. 
- Soft Stop prepares the car for a perfectly smooth stop by releasing a small proportion of braking pressure as the car comes to a standstill.

However, the laws of physics still apply and should the worst happen, the occupants of the Z4 Coupe are well protected.

BMW's Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE) system uses remote satellite sensors around the car to control the two front and two side airbags. In the event of an accident, ASE will also separate the battery terminal, deactivate the alternator and switch off the fuel pump to minimise the risk of fire. In addition, the system will open the central locking and illuminate the interior lights and hazard warning lights to warn approaching traffic of the problem.

Customers of cars fitted with BMW's innovative BMW Assist system (in conjunction with Navigation) benefit from additional peace of mind. In the event of an emergency, occupants can select the Assist feature in the on-board monitor. This opens a telephone call that connects them to the Emergency Services call centre who can dispatch assistance as necessary. Should the car be involved in an accident where the airbags deploy, the car will automatically connect to the call centre. If the call centre receives no response, they will dispatch help to the co-ordinates supplied by the navigation system. 

Another safety feature now widely used on BMW cars is Run-flat tyres. Since their introduction, thousands of customers have realised the benefits of these unique tyres. In 2005 alone, it is estimated that approximately 3,000 drivers of Run-flat tyre-equipped BMWs and MINIs in the UK who suffered a puncture were able to get home, or to a dealer, without having to perform a potentially dangerous wheel-change. 

The new Z4 3.0si Coupe is equipped with Run-flat tyres that, in the event of a slow puncture or a high-speed blow-out, can continue to be driven for 150 miles at 50mph, while still retaining the benefits of the DSC+ traction control system and ABS brakes. This not only minimises the possibility of loss of control of the car but also reduces weight and removes the inconvenience and danger associated with changing a wheel at the side of the road. 

The removal of the spare wheel and associated jacks and tools eliminates approximately 20 kilograms from the rear of the car, lowering the centre of gravity and improving still further the handling characteristics.

During the development of the Z4 M Coupe, engineers from BMW M evaluated the Run-flat and conventional tyres around the infamous Nürburgring. They concluded that the high levels of performance from the M car necessitated the fitment of 'conventional' tyres as standard on all Z4 M Coupes. However, to maintain the highest safety levels, the wheels of the Z4 M Coupe are designed to prevent the tyre coming off the wheel, even in the event of a high-speed blow out. Punctures can be sealed using the M Mobility System and, without a spare wheel, the same weight benefit as the Run-flat tyre solution is achieved.



Enthusiasts' market

The recent launch of the new Z4 Roadster marked the first time that Z4 had been offered with Sport models. Having proved successful in other BMW model series - 65 per cent of six-cylinder 3 Series and up to 95 per cent of all X5 vehicles being bought as Sport models - the take up of Z4 3.0si Coupe Sport is expected to be approximately 80 per cent. In addition to the SE specification, Sport models feature:

- 18-inch M double spoke or optional 18-inch composite alloy wheels
- M Sports seats covered in Dakota leather upholstery
- Anthracite headlining
- Three-spoke M leather steering wheel
- M Sports suspension

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