2003 BMW Z4: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.