2003 BMW Z4 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

BMW redesigns its 2-seat sports car for 2003, renaming it and making it longer and wider but carrying over engines. Like the outgoing Z3, the Z4 is built in South Carolina, but unlike the Z3, it has no coupe companion for its convertible body style. A manual soft top with heated glass rear window is standard. So are run-flat tires, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and an antiskid system. A power soft top is available. Two inline 6-cyl engines return with unchanged power. The Z4 2.5i has a 2.5 liter, the Z4 3.0i has a 3.0. The 2.5i comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, the 3.0i a 6-speed manual. Both offer an optional 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate, and, added midyear, an optional Sequential Manual Gearbox. This 6-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT) has no clutch pedal, shifts via the gear lever or steering-wheel paddles, and can be set to shift like an automatic. The 2.5i comes with 16-inch wheels, the 3.0i with 17s. An optional Sport Package includes a sport suspension and increases wheel size to 17 on the 2.5i, 18 on the 3.0i. It also adds a Dynamic Driving Control console button that quickens throttle action and reduces power-steering assist. Leather upholstery is standard on the 3.0i, optional on the 2.5i. Xenon headlamps are optional on both. A removable hardtop and a wind deflector are dealer options.

Competition

This class features an interesting mix of hard-core performance models and more luxurious touring convertibles. Our Best Buys give you a little of both worlds. Chevrolet Corvette is fast, comfortable, and reasonably affordable, but it doesn't beat you up with a hard ride, and it will cruise quietly at highway speeds. Our other Best Buy, Mazda Miata, is a bare-bones roadster with few frills at a great price. For weekend fun on a twisty back road, it's hard to beat.

A Recommended selection, Honda S2000 offers up all the performance and thrills of a traditional sports car without the intimidating price tag. Audi's TT is solid, stylish, and loaded with features making it fit for the Recommended list as well. Like no other in its class, TT offers the all-weather advantage of available quattro AWD at a great price. New this year is the Nissan 350Z. It offers heart-stopping performance and civility at a very reasonable price. After additional tests we may well move this vehicle to a Best Buy.

News

Though we'd been led to think otherwise, BMW will apparently offer a Z4-based coupe after all. It's due sometime this year, probably as an early '04 entry. Like its Z3 predecessor, the fixed-top Z4 should be sold in two models with the same powertrains, equipment and options as counterpart soft-tops. We haven't seen the styling yet, but hope it's more integrated than that of the Z3 coupes.

Also picking up where the Z3 line left off are the inevitable high-peformance Z4s, again likely to be labelled M Roadster and M Coupe. Word is that they'll use the 333-hp 3.2-liter inline-6 from the latest M3 coupe and convertible, along with their conventional and electronic sequential 6-speed manual transmissions. Look for the usual "hot car" body add-ons, upgraded trim, and extra standard equipment.

The Z4 comes none too soon for BMW, as Z3 sales plunged 54.5 percent in 2002 to just 6786. By contrast, the new roadsters got off to a fairly strong start, drawing some 3700 sales in their first months through the end of '02.

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

2.5i, man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
48	44	50	46	48.1

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		38
Average Score		48
High Score		61

2003 BMW Z4 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 10/15/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5i 2-door convertible	$33,100	$30,280	$695

3.0i 2-door convertible	$40,250	$36,790	$695

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

2.5i

Powertrain

2.5-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, side airbags, active knee protection, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, roll bars, tire-inflation monitor, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, bucket seats, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers, remote decklid release, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, 225/50VR16 run-flat tires, alloy wheels.

3.0i adds to 2.5i:

Powertrain

3.0-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Cruise control, leather upholstery, center console, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, upgraded sound system, trip computer, map lights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, 225/45WR17 run-flat tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
3.0i	$1,500	$1,365
Power convertible top, 8-way power seats, driver-seat memory.

Sport Pkg.
3.0i	$1,200	$1,090
Dynamic Driving Control console button, sport suspension, 225/40WR18 front and 235/45WR18 rear run-flat tires, unique alloy wheels.

Convenience Pkg.
2.5i	$1,050	$955
3.0i	$850	$775
Automatic climate control, trip computer (2.5i), automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, map and footwell lights (2.5i), cargo net.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
2.5i, 3.0i	$1,275	$1,210


6-speed sequential manual transmission
2.5i, 3.0i	$1,500	$1,425
Requires Premium Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.5i, 3.0i	$1,800	$1,640
2.5i requires Convenience Pkg., trip computer.

Leather upholstery
2.5i	$1,150	$1,043


Extended leather upholstery
3.0i	$1,200	$1,090


Leather/cloth upholstery
2.5i	$850	$775


Wood interior trim
2.5i	$500	$455
3.0i	$200	$180


Graphite-finish interior trim
2.5i, 3.0i	$150	$135


8-way power seats
2.5i, 3.0i	$995	$905
Includes driver-seat memory.

Heated seats
2.5i, 3.0i	$500	$455


Upgraded sound system
2.5i	$875	$795


Trip computer
2.5i	$300	$275


Cruise control
2.5i	$475	$430


Power convertible top
3.0i	$750	$685


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
2.5i, 3.0i	$700	$635


Fog lights
2.5i	$260	$235
Includes heated power mirrors.

2003 BMW Z4 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	BMW Z4 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	98.2

Overall Length, in.	161.1

Overall Width, in.	70.1

Overall Height, in.	50.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	2932

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	9.5

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	14.5

Seating Capacity	2

Front Head Room, in.	37.3

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.0

Rear Head Room, in.	--

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	--

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I6	dohc I6

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.5 /152	3.0 /182

Horsepower @ rpm.	184 @ 6000	225 @ 5900

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	175 @ 3500	214 @ 3500

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	20/28	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	21/29

5-speed automatic	21/28	20/28

6-speed SMT	NA/NA	NA/NA

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	BMW Z4 2-door convertible

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	5

Side Impact, Driver	3

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	3/36,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

< 2003 BMW Z4 Photos

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BMW Z4 Road Test

BMW Z4 Prices & Equipment

BMW Z4 Specs & Safety

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