Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2003-2007 BMW Z4
Date Published: 2/20/08

2003-2007 BMW Z4
More Photos

Price Range:
$17,000 - 45,100

Class:
Premium Sporty/performance Car
2003-2007 BMW Z4
Expert Rating Summary
Category
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 Score: 51
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
2003-2007 BMW Z4 BUYING RESOURCES
Search Local Listings
 
Sell Your Car
 
Free CARFAX Record Check
 
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.
Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car
    Find a Used Car
Price Range:
to
 Radius:
    Vehicle History Report

FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before you buy.