2004 BMW Z4 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

BMW's 2-seat sports car is a convertible with an inline 6-cyl engine and a standard manual soft top with heated glass rear window. A power soft top is optional. The Z4 2.5i has a 184-hp 2.5 liter, the Z4 3.0i has a 225-hp 3.0. The 2.5i comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, the 3.0i a 6-speed manual. Both offer two optional transmissions, a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate or BMW's 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. All models come with run-flat tires, ABS, and an antiskid system. 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.

News

The rumor mill has been blowing hot and cold about a Z4-based coupe and a new hot-rod M Roadster. Spy photographers have seen advanced prototypes of both, but BMW has apparently been debating any additions in light of the euro's continuing surge against the dollar. If the final answer is yes, we'd expect see 2.5i and 3.0i coupes during 2005, likely as '06 models. M Roadster timing is less clear, but we wouldn't rule out an introduction as early as this winter. One source says the M Roadster would share a 333-hp 3.2-liter six with the four-seat M3 coupe and convertible and feature expected upgrades to the normal Z4's chassis, body, wheels/tires, and interior. It will be interesting to see what transpires.

2004 BMW Z4 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Cargo room

Acceleration	Ride

Exterior finish	Noise

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2.5i w/Sport Pkg., 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 w/Sport Pkg., man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
6	5	5	5	4.7

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 w/Sport Pkg., man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	2	4

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 w/Sport Pkg., man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
10	9	10	10	8.4

Agile, grippy, nearly flat in corners, Z4 defines driving fun. Standard antiskid/traction 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 w/Sport Pkg., 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 w/Sport Pkg., man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.8

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 w/Sport Pkg., 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 w/Sport Pkg., man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
0	0	0	0	.6

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

2.5i w/Sport Pkg., 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 w/Sport Pkg., man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
7	5	8	6	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 w/Sport Pkg., man.	2.5i, auto.	3.0i, man.	3.0i w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Class Average
50	45	51	48	47.4

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		38
Average Score		47
High Score		57

2004 BMW Z4 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 01/12/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2.5i 2-door convertible	$33,600	$30,735	$695

3.0i 2-door convertible	$40,900	$37,380	$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 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/telescope 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, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, remote decklid release.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

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

3.0i adds to 2.5i:

Powertrain

3.0-liter 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	$1,900	$1,730
Power convertible top, BMW Assist telematics system, 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 Sport Pkg.

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

BMW Assist telematics system
2.5i, 3.0i	$750	$685


Leather upholstery
2.5i	$1,150	$1,045


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


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.

Hardtop prep
2.5i, 3.0i	$75	$65


Special paint
2.5i, 3.0i	$475	$430

2004 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 @ 5500	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	20/29

6-speed SMT	20/30	19/27

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	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

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

< 2004 BMW Z4 Photos

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BMW Z4 Specs & Safety

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