Bovensiepen Spider keeps the BMW Z4 alive, but for a price

The Bovensiepen Spider isn't cheap, but it keeps the flame of the BMW Z4 burning just a little longer and is said to be an exemplar of the company's "fine driving" credo.

It's the third model from Bovensiepen, the eponymous automaker founded by the family that used to run Alpina before it was sold to BMW. 

Visual changes are subtle, with new Bovensiepen badges and a reworked front fender vent, as well as a unique aero package featuring a front splitter with prominent Bovensiepen branding, side sills, rear diffuser, and a larger rear wing. 

Based on the Z4 M40i, the Spider has a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine. Fitted with a ram-air intake, a sports exhaust and numerous other tweaks to improve air flow, the engine now produces 320kW of power and 580Nm of torque, which is a step up from the 250kW/500Nm made by the standard car.

The time required for the 0-100km/h sprint remains unchanged at a claimed 4.2 seconds. Top speed is limited to 260km/h or 295km/h when fitted with the Performance Package, which includes a V-brace to increase structural rigidity. While the Z4 M40i was available with a six-speed manual, the Spider is only sold with an eight-speed automatic.

The Spider rides on retuned dampers allied to 20-inch forged alloy wheels with 255/35 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres up front, and 295/30 rubber at the rear. The optional brake upgrade package includes 395mm discs up front with four-piston calipers, and 345mm discs out the back.

Just 99 Spiders will be made by Bovensiepen at its factory in Buchloe, with a starting price in Germany of €115,500 (A$187,000). A stock-standard automatic BMW Z4 M40i is priced from €70,200 (A$113,500) in its homeland.

Despite its eye-opening price, it is actually the cheapest model so far from Bovensiepen. The earlier Zagato coupe didn't leave any change from A$600,000, while the 05 GT wagon set buyers back at least A$270,000.

There are five paint colours available, with 40 of the total production run coming in Sapphire Black, 25 in Sanremo Green, 20 in Skyscraper Grey, nine in Thundernight and five in Frozen Grey II. For a price, the company's customisation division can finish a buyer's car in any colour they like.

The interior can also be completely retrimmed or fitted out with custom embossing and embroidery. Standard vehicles have seats reclad in a mixture of Vernasca leather and faux suede, and the steering wheel is wrapped in Lavalina leather. 

MORE: Explore the BMW Z4 showroom