2003 BMW Z4 Reviews

The BMW Z3 and Z4 are genuine roadsters, not simply convertibles. The difference being that roadsters are strictly two-seaters and the seats are set well back, almost to the rear axle. The resulting very long nose and a stubby tail mean the BMW Z-cars have a no-nonsense purposeful appearance.The BMW Z3 was launched in Australia way back in January 1997. It was BMW’s answer to the astonishing success of the Mazda MX-5, a car that reinvented the open-top car many thought had gone forever. Despite its different name, the BMW Z4 is really the second-generation Z3, it was given the new title to match the new naming system which sees the sporty variants getting even numbers.The Z series models were initially designed for the USA so in the early editions are rather American in their makeup for keen Aussie drivers. In particular, their handling was softer than usual for a BMW, though far from soft in absolute terms. When the Z3 also became a hit in many other countries, including Australia, the handling became full-on sport with the introduction of the Z4.The first Australian imports of the BMW Z4 reached us downunder in July 2003. Handling of the Z4 is exceptionally good with excellent chassis balance thanks to the setback position of the engine. Naturally rear wheel drive gives you proper throttle control. Some may feel the ride is on the firm side, but true drivers will be more than willing to overlooks this.Perhaps take along your regular passenger and get their feelings for the car on roughish roads. Though the little BMW began life with a 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine, the German marque is famed for its six-cylinder engines and these were soon squeezed under the long bonnet and almost immediately became the powerplant of choice in almost all cars.In June 1999 imports of the 1.9-litre four had ceased in Australia and all used a sweet little 2.0-litre straight-six. The big gun engine in the Z3 is the 3.0-litre six-cylinder. Performance from the smaller engines is nothing to get excited about, but the free-revving nature, and great exhaust note, makes them feel faster than they really are – and isn’t that what counts?BMW Z4s have a 2.5 or 3.0-litre straight-six from their 2003 introduction until the company started to get into the small-capacity turbocharged field with blown four-cylinder engines. Some sixes remained alongside the turbo-petrol fours until 2012, when they were replaced by big-boost turbo fours. Some miss the demise of the straight-six turbo engines – ourselves included – so if you really love them it might be time to invest in the last of the line.A special engine is used in the Z4 33i models. A 3.0-litre twin-turbo six, it gives huge amounts of forward thrust and is a delight for the revheads to punt along. Manual and automatic transmission are offered in most cars and the auto isn’t as slow and irritating as in some sports models. Our choice is still the DIY shifter, though.Manuals have six gear ratios. The autos increased in the number of gears, beginning with just four speeds in 1997 and advancing to no fewer than eight in 2012, with five and six speeds being sold along the timeline. The BMW dealer network is well established in Australia and is known for its high quality of technical training.Electronic diagnosis of problems is highly refined as BMW was a leader in this field. The technician plugs in your car and it is then connected to a large computer in Germany where it is quizzed not only on current problems but even in intermittent troubles that aren’t actually present in the car at the time it was driven into the workshop. Clever stuff.This high-tech diagnoses and servicing is just one reason it makes a lot of sense to buy a used Z3 or Z4 that has always been serviced by an official BMW dealer. Spare parts aren't outrageously expensive for a car in this class, but may prove to be a factor in your decision as to whether to buy an older Z4 rather than a cheaper convertible from a lower-cost maker.Insurance may be expensive if the driver is young and/or inexperienced. Surprisingly there is seldom a big increase in premiums for the high-performance models.WHAT TO LOOK FORCarry out your own pre-purchase inspection to the best of your ability. Once it has passed your tests call your BMW dealer, or at least a qualified mechanic with knowledge of the marque. Lift the carpets for signs of dampness or even rust if the car has been caught out in the rain in a big way. It’s best to ask permission from the seller before doing this as technically it’s dismantling the car and that is often frowned upon.Check for previous crash repairs by looking for signs of paint overspray, panels with a slight waviness in their finish and for colours that don't match exactly from one panel to the next. Make sure the engine starts virtually instantly, idles smoothly within a second or so of startup and pulls without hesitation even when completely cold.CAR BUYING TIPSome sports cars are ‘fanged’ on a daily basis, others never get past the mid-range marks on the tacho. No marks for guessing which is the better bet as a used car. 

In BMW terms the Z3 sports roadster was an eminently forgettable car. For a company that almost without fail builds great looking cars that go as good as they look, the Z3 missed the mark by quiet a margin. It looked bland, lacked performance and just failed to ignite the market as it should have, after all if anyone could produce a great sports car it should be BMW.Even when BMW started to crank up the Z3's performance with larger, six-cylinder engines it was still hampered by its plain-Jane looks. There were no such issues with the Z4 when it hit the market in 2003. No one could say the Z4 looks were bland, nor could they complain about its performance, the Z4 was the sports car BMW should have released when launching the Z3.MODEL WATCH The Z4 was everything the Z3 wasn't. It looked good, went hard and had the sort of road presence BMW owners expect of their brand. Where the Z3's lines were soft, its proportions plump, the Z4 had sharp lines that carved out a distinctive shape, and its proportions were tight.If the Z3 seemed tired from the get-go, the Z4 appeared poised to pounce. Viewed from any angle most people thought the Z4 looked great, but it was also challenging to some eyes and it did come in for some criticism for being a little too out-there. But six years on from its launch it hasn't lost any of its visual appeal, and even those who thought it too adventurous at first are more accepting of its shape. Fortunately when it came time to replace the Z4 BMW's engineers didn't bother with a four-banger engine like they did with the Z3.This time round they went straight to the six-cylinder and offered two versions of their silky smooth straight six. The entry engine was a 2.5-litre double overhead camshaft unit that delivered 141 kW at 6000 revs and 245 Nm at 3500 revs. When asked for its best the 2.5-litre Z4 roadster would race to 100 km/h in seven seconds, and rush on to a top speed of 235 km/h. The other option was a 3.0-litre six that boasted 170 kW at 5900 revs and 300 Nm at 3500 revs. It would race from rest to 100 km/h in less than six seconds and had a top speed of 250 km/h.If you chose the smaller engine there was a choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed sequential shift auto 'box, but if you opted for the larger engine you got to choose from a six-speed manual and a five-speed DSG auto 'box. Once processed through the gearbox the drive was directed rearwards as it is on the best of BMWs.Independent suspension - struts at the front and multilink at the rear - powerful four-wheel disc brakes, and for the first time adjustable electric power steering, together with a very stiff body and 50:50 weight distribution ensured the chassis had great road holding and response. Overlaid on that was an awesome array of electronic aids to help keep it safely on the straight and narrow.Dynamic Drive Control altered the engine calibration to enhance the response when desired, and Dynamic Stability Control with traction control allowed some wheel slip to add to the thrill of the drive without letting things get out of hand; they were just a couple of the electronic aids the Z4 boasted.BMW only offered the Z4 as an open top roadster in those early days, but the top was a clever piece of work that could be raised or lowered quickly, and once lowered the front part of the roof formed a neat tonneau cover. The Z4 lacked little in terms of standard features. It came with climate-controlled air, leather, power seats with memory on the driver's side, trip computer, CD sound, and cruise.IN THE SHOP Most BMWs are well serviced in the first phase of their lives, which is where the Z4 is now. For the most part first owners have their cars regularly serviced by a factory dealer, and spend what money is needed to keep them running at their peak. It's when they pass on to the second owners that servicing tends to fall away a little.Servicing is important. Regular oil and filter changes are the keys to keeping the engine alive and well. If dealer servicing proves too expensive, and it can, then look for an experienced BMW service specialist to look after your car. There are plenty around and they will charge substantially less than the factory dealers with no less quality of service. They are also likely to be able to source less expensive parts when needed.IN A CRASH The Z4 came with a comprehensive safety package, including dual front airbags, side airbags, rollover protection and seat belt pretensioners. Before the impact the Z4 driver could count on its anti-lock ABS braking, dynamics stability control and traction control to escape from potentially dangerous situations.AT THE PUMP Quite obviously the fuel economy of the Z4 is largely determined by the way it is driven. Driven with a deft right foot it will return 9.5-11.0 L/100 km, but when driven with a lead foot it will go out to 11-13 L/100 km.LOOK FOR * Striking styling* Silky smooth engines* Exhilarating performance* Great road holding* Badge cred* Well-equippedTHE BOTTOM LINE Its looks can be challenging, but there's no doubting the Z4's performance or exhilarating road manners.RATING: 85/100