2003-2007 BMW Z4 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation BMW Z Series. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation BMW Z Series.

2003-2007 BMW Z4 Review

BMW redesigned and renamed its premium two-seat sports car for 2003, making it slightly longer and wider, but with carried-over engines. Like the outgoing Z3, the Z4 was built in South Carolina. Unlike the Z3, it did not offer a coupe companion to the convertible body style. Standard features included a manual soft top with heated glass rear window, run-flat tires, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, and an antiskid system. A power soft top was available. Rivals included the Audi TT, Honda S2000, Mazda Miata, and Porsche Boxster. Two inline six-cylinder engines returned with unchanged power. The 2.5i used a 2.5-liter, while the 3.0i held a 3.0-liter engine. Higher performance M versions were not included. The Z4 2.5i came with a five-speed manual transmission, while the 3.0i used a six-speed manual. Both could have an optional five-speed automatic with a manual shift gate. A six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) became available in midyear. Shifting via steering-wheel "paddles," the computer-controlled SMG had no clutch pedal and could be set to shift like a conventional automatic.

Year to Year Changes

2004 BMW Z Series: Little was new for the 2004 model year. The 2.5i rolled on 16-inch wheels, while the 3.0i held 17-inch rubber. An optional Sport Package included a sport suspension, plus increased wheel size to 17 inches on the 2.5i, or 18 inches on the 3.0i. It also added a Dynamic Driving Control console button that quickened throttle action and reduced power-steering assist. Leather upholstery was standard in the 3.0i and optional for the 2.5i. Xenon headlamps were optional on both models. A removable hardtop and a wind deflector were dealer-installed options.

2005 BMW Z Series: Although the Sequential Manual Gearbox remained available on the 3.0i, it was dropped for the 2.5i. Options this year included heated seats, a navigation system, and BMW Assist emergency and concierge service. Chrysler's Crossfire roadster was a new competitor.

2006 BMW Z Series: More powerful engines, freshened styling, and midyear introduction of a hatchback coupe mark 2006 for BMW's two-seaters. All Z4s have an inline 6-cyl engine. The 215-hp 3.0i replaces the 184-hp 2.5i as the base convertible. New for '06 is the 255-hp 3.0si in convertible and coupe form.

2007 BMW Z Series: Z4 carries over unchanged.

2003-2007 BMW Z4 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Cargo room

Acceleration	Ride

Exterior finish	Noise

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Performance is a plus with either model. The Z4 2.5i is no slouch, able to accelerate to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds with a manual transmission. The Z4 3.0i is quicker yet: 5.8 seconds with manual shift. Both manual transmissions are smooth and easy to shift, though some testers would prefer a firmer, more mechanical feel. The automatic transmission is quick to downshift and supplies plenty of passing punch, even in the 2.5i. Some testers have branded the throttle as too sensitive in the Dynamic Driving Control's sport setting. With a manual transmission, test 2.5i models have averaged 20.8 to 25.7 mpg. Test 3.0i models managed 20.9 to 22.9 mpg. Both engines require premium-grade fuel. Ride quality is appropriately firm. Some testers say 18-inch tires in the 3.0i's Sport Package make the ride too jarring on all but smooth pavement. Others have found that the Z4's tail rebounds over dips more than expected. Body rigidity is outstanding for a convertible. Steering/handling is where the Z4 excels: Agile, grippy, and nearly flat in corners, the Z4 defines driving fun. Standard traction/skid control adds a measure of security. Steering is quick, predictable, and nicely weighted, though straightline tracking is compromised by the widest tires following road grooves. Some testers believe the "driving dynamics" sport setting imparts an artificially heavy feel. Braking is short and stable. Wind and road noises are typical of a top-down convertible, but with its top raised, the Z4 2.5i is impressively quiet for a sports car. However, 17- and 18-inch tires can annoy with slap and rumble--especially the 18s. Gauges are well-positioned, but audio-system readouts wash away in direct sunlight and headlamp controls are hidden by the steering wheel. Top-notch interior materials are assembled with care. Aluminum dashboard trim, standard on the 3.0i and optional for the 2.5i, is especially stylish. Spacious for all but the most robust occupants, the Z4 has a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes to benefit driver positioning. Some testers wanted more lower-back support. Top-down visibility is good, except for interference from the roll bars. Like most convertibles, top-up visibility to the rear is poor. A low stance means difficult entry/exit with the top up. For a two-passenger sports car, trunk space isn't bad. It holds several gym duffels or two rolling carry-on bags. BMW says two golf bags fit inside. Interior storage is minimal, however.

Value for the Money
Ranking as a Recommended pick, any Z4 provides an excellent balance of performance, refinement, and driving excitement. Against prime competitors, the 2.5i cost as much when new as a Honda S2000, but is less powerful, while the 3.0i is by any measure a credible alternative to the comparably-priced Porsche Boxster.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Z4 3.0i w/manual transmission	Rating

Performance	8

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	10

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	0

Cargo Capacity	2

Value within Class	8

Total:	51

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

2003-2007 BMW Z4 Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Battery: If a batter charger is connected directly to the battery, it can trigger a trouble code on cars with the intelligent battery sensor. Battery chargers should be connected to the terminal under the hood, not the battery itself. (2003-05)

Battery: The battery may die overnight if the key is left in the ignition on vehicles with electronic immobilizer system. (2004-06)

Electrical problem: Due to a bad sensor, an erroneous low oil warning was coming on when the key was turned off and the company was replacing the sensor only if a customer complained. (2003)

Engine knock: Engine may run rough and trigger the check engine light due to defective ignition coils. Only BRMEI coils, not Bosch, were affected. (2003)

Keyless entry: The remote keyless entry may not unlock the doors and is usually due to lack of use of the key, particularly the spare key, as the battery is recharged by the vehicle. (2003-05)

None: There was a service campaign to repair the telematics control unit (TCU) because it would go into the wrong mode at below freezing (32 degrees F) resulting in no telematics and possible battery discharge. (2004)

Oil leak: Oil may leak from the cylinder head and/or valve cover gasket into the #2 spark plug well due to porosity in the M54 engine head casting requiring replacement (2003)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$890

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$2,195

Brakes	$945

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$760

Constant Velocity Joints	$5,325

Exhaust System	$925

Radiator	$965

Shocks and/or Struts	$3,600

Timing Chain or Belt	$665

NHTSA Recall History

2003: In the event of a crash on some cars, airbag deployment may not occur.

2003-04: Under certain environmental conditions, vapor lock in fuel pump could occur, causing engine to stall and be unable to restart for 15-20 minutes.

2003-2007 BMW Z4 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2003
Z4 2.5i	$18,500-19,800	$17,000-18,200	$11,800-12,700
Z4 3.0i	$21,000-22,300	$19,300-20,500	$13,700-14,500

2004
Z4 2.5i	$21,500-23,000	$19,800-21,200	$14,000-15,000
Z4 3.0i	$24,300-25,800	$22,600-24,000	$15,800-16,800

2005
Z4 2.5i	$24,500-26,000	$22,800-24,200	$15,900-16,900
Z4 3.0i	$27,500-29,500	$25,600-27,400	$18,400-19,800

2006
Z4 3.0Si Coupe	$32,500-34,000	$30,200-31,600	$22,800-23,800
Z4 3.0Si Roadster	$33,500-35,500	$31,200-33,000	$23,800-25,200
Z4 3.0i Roadster	$31,000-33,000	$28,800-30,700	$21,700-23,100
Z4 M Coupe	$40,000-41,500	$37,200-38,600	$28,800-29,900
Z4 M Roadster	$41,500-43,500	$39,000-40,900	$29,900-31,300

2007
Z4 3.0i Roadster	$35,000-37,500	$32,600-34,900	$24,900-26,600
Z4 3.0si Coupe	$36,800-38,300	$34,200-35,600	$26,100-27,200
Z4 3.0si Roadster	$38,000-40,000	$35,300-37,200	$27,000-28,400
Z4 M Coupe	$44,000-46,000	$41,400-43,200	$31,200-32,700
Z4 M Roadster	$45,500-48,000	$42,800-45,100	$33,700-35,500

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

2003-2007 BMW Z4 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	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.

Powertrain Options and Availability

BMW has offered two inline six-cylinder engines for the Z4. In the 2.5i, a 2.5-liter engine produces 184 horsepower, while the 3.0i holds a 3.0-liter six that makes 255 horsepower. Four transmissions have been available: a standard five-speed manual for the 2.5i (six-speed for the 3.0i), optional five-speed automatic for both, or a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox that combines the merits of a manual and automatic, and has no clutch pedal. For 2006, the 215-hp 3.0i replaces the 184-hp 2.5i as the base convertible. New for '06 is the 255-hp 3.0si in convertible and coupe form.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I6	2.5 / 152	184-215	175-185	5-speed manual: 20/28 6-speed manual: 20/30 6-speed automatic: 21/29	5-speed manual: 25.7 6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: --

dohc I6	3.0 / 183	255	220	6-speed manual: 20/30 6-speed automatic: 21/29	6-speed manual: 22.9 6-speed automatic: --

dohc I6	3.2 / 198	330	262	6-speed manual: 16/24	6-speed manual: --

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

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	2004 2004 Z4 3.0i w/manual transmission

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	4

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%.

Built In: USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 2003-2007 BMW Z4 Review:

BMW Z4

BMW Z4 Road Test

BMW Z4 Reliability

BMW Z4 Prices

BMW Z4 Specs & Safety

BMW Z4 Photos

BMW Z4 Full Review