2003 BMW Z4 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2003 BMW Z4 includes a full evaluation of the 2003 BMW Z4 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 BMW Z4, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 BMW Z4 help you decide if a 2003 BMW Z4 is right for you.

2003 BMW Z4 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Cargo room

Acceleration	Ride

Exterior finish	Noise

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2.5i, man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
7	6	8	8	7.7

Z4 2.5i no slouch: 6.8 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission in our tests. Z4 3.0i even quicker: 5.8 sec with manual. Both manual transmissions smooth, easy to shift, though some testers pine for a firmer, more mechanical feel. Automatic transmission quick to downshift, supplies plenty of passing punch, even in 2.5i. To some testers, throttle too sensitive in Dynamic Driving Control's sport setting.

Fuel Economy

2.5i, man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	5	4.8

With manual transmission, test 2.5i models averaged 20.8-25.7 mpg, test 3.0i models 20.9-22.9. No opportunity to measure with automatic transmission. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2.5i, man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	2	4.1

Appropriately firm. Some testers say 18-inch tires in 3.0i's Sport Package make ride too jarring on all but smooth pavement. Others find Z4's tail rebounds over dips more than expected. Body rigidity outstanding for a convertible.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.5i, man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
9	9	10	10	8.6

Agile, grippy, nearly flat in corners, Z4 defines driving fun. Standard traction/skid control adds measure of security. Steering quick, predictable, nicely weighted. Straightline tracking compromised by widest tires following road groves. Some testers find "driving dynamics" sport setting imparts artificially heavy feel. Braking short, stable.

Quietness

2.5i, man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	3	4

Typical top-down convertible wind and road noise. Top up, Z4 2.5i impressively quiet for a sports car. But 17- and 18-inch tires can annoy with slap and rumble--especially the 18s.

Controls

2.5i, man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6

Gauges well-placed. Audio-system readouts wash away in direct sunlight. Headlamp controls hidden by steering wheel. Top-notch interior materials assembled with care. Aluminum dashboard trim standard on 3.0i, optional on 2.5i, is particularly stylish.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.5i, man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.4

Spacious for all but most-robust of occupants. Steering wheel tilts, telescopes to benefit driver positioning. Some testers want more lower-back support. Good visibility top down except for interference from roll bars. Like most convertibles, poor rear visibility top up. Low stance means difficult entry/exit with top up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.5i, man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
0	0	0	0	.7

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

2.5i, man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
2	2	2	2	2.2

Trunk not bad for a 2-seat sports car. Holds several gym duffels or two rolling carry-on bags. BMW says two golf bags fit. Little interior storage.

Value within Class

2.5i, man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
6	4	7	4	4.6

Any Z4 is an excellent balance of performance, refinement, and driving excitement. Against prime competitors, the 2.5i costs as much as a Honda S2000, but is less powerful, while the 3.0i is a good match by any measure for the comparably priced Porsche Boxster.

Total Score