What Is It?
2003 BMW Z4
What's Special About It?
BMW press conferences are typically dry. There's no hype, no scantily clad women and no dancing monkeys with tiaras on their heads. Instead, it's just sheet-covered cars and German-speaking BMW execs stating how things could never be better for the company.
At the 2002 Paris auto show, BMW's press conference followed the trend. Yet the car underneath the sheet — the new Z4 roadster — should indeed cause quite a stir when it finally goes on sale in the fall of 2002.
The Z4 is the first car to receive the full treatment of BMW's new "flame surfacing" design theme. It is certainly a break from tradition, and only time will tell if it is well received. But even if you don't like the car's exterior styling, there is plenty to appreciate on the Z4.
In overall length and width, it is slightly bigger than the Z3. The body is stiffer, and measures have been taken to reduce weight without sacrificing rigidity. Curb weight — about 2,800 pounds — is pretty light for this class of car. Handling should be quite good, as expected, though BMW has switched to an electrical-assist steering rack, which might be cause for concern as BMW steering systems have typically been one of the best available in terms of road feedback. Other cars with electrical steering systems we have sampled in the past have been unimpressive in terms of feel.
The power-operated top (which BMW says is one of the fastest operating available) has a special folding mechanism that allows extra storage space. It is claimed that the trunk can hold two golf bags. When the top is opened, the front-most section of the roof folds over the soft top like a cover and rests flush on the body when fastened in position, thereby eliminating the need for a tonneau cover. The rear window is made of glass, and a wind deflector and hard top will also be available.
For power, the Z4 relies on mostly carry-over hardware. A 192-horsepower 2.5-liter straight six or a 231-hp 3.0-liter straight six are the engine choices. For transmissions, there is a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual (standard with the 3.0) or a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG).
Inside, the Z4 can be had with four different types of interior decor. Feature highlights include standard HID headlights, two different navigation systems and a Carver premium audio system. Safety has been addressed with two steel roll bars, run flat tires and four airbags that feature an advanced activation system.
Why Should You Care?
The previous Z3 was certainly a success for BMW, but compared to some newer competitors, it was obvious that a full update was needed. The Z4 should grab the roadster baton without much difficulty. If you're shopping for a 2003 roadster, and you don't pause over the styling, this should be a car to check out. — Brent Romans
2003 BMW Z4
What's Special About It?
BMW press conferences are typically dry. There's no hype, no scantily clad women and no dancing monkeys with tiaras on their heads. Instead, it's just sheet-covered cars and German-speaking BMW execs stating how things could never be better for the company.
At the 2002 Paris auto show, BMW's press conference followed the trend. Yet the car underneath the sheet — the new Z4 roadster — should indeed cause quite a stir when it finally goes on sale in the fall of 2002.
The Z4 is the first car to receive the full treatment of BMW's new "flame surfacing" design theme. It is certainly a break from tradition, and only time will tell if it is well received. But even if you don't like the car's exterior styling, there is plenty to appreciate on the Z4.
In overall length and width, it is slightly bigger than the Z3. The body is stiffer, and measures have been taken to reduce weight without sacrificing rigidity. Curb weight — about 2,800 pounds — is pretty light for this class of car. Handling should be quite good, as expected, though BMW has switched to an electrical-assist steering rack, which might be cause for concern as BMW steering systems have typically been one of the best available in terms of road feedback. Other cars with electrical steering systems we have sampled in the past have been unimpressive in terms of feel.
The power-operated top (which BMW says is one of the fastest operating available) has a special folding mechanism that allows extra storage space. It is claimed that the trunk can hold two golf bags. When the top is opened, the front-most section of the roof folds over the soft top like a cover and rests flush on the body when fastened in position, thereby eliminating the need for a tonneau cover. The rear window is made of glass, and a wind deflector and hard top will also be available.
For power, the Z4 relies on mostly carry-over hardware. A 192-horsepower 2.5-liter straight six or a 231-hp 3.0-liter straight six are the engine choices. For transmissions, there is a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual (standard with the 3.0) or a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG).
Inside, the Z4 can be had with four different types of interior decor. Feature highlights include standard HID headlights, two different navigation systems and a Carver premium audio system. Safety has been addressed with two steel roll bars, run flat tires and four airbags that feature an advanced activation system.
Why Should You Care?
The previous Z3 was certainly a success for BMW, but compared to some newer competitors, it was obvious that a full update was needed. The Z4 should grab the roadster baton without much difficulty. If you're shopping for a 2003 roadster, and you don't pause over the styling, this should be a car to check out. — Brent Romans
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