Overview & Reviews

The all-new Z4 roadster picks up where the Z3 left off. Well, sort of. There's no coupe version this time around. And the jury is still out on whether the Z4's "flame-surfaced" body is a welcome replacement for its predecessor's sexy corporate styling. In other respects, the newcomer offers much to like -- a more rigid chassis, a real glass rear window and, starting in the spring of 2003, a Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) like the one in the M3. All in all, the driving experience is exhilarating -- so if you can get past the styling and come up with the requisite cash, you know where this one belongs on your test drive list.

• Superb road manners, plenty of standard technology and safety features, range of transmission choices, brand cachet.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 192.00

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  Great Car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Bob - December 23 - 11:58 am

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  Sexy little 2 seater Fun to drive - 2003 BMW Z4
  By BG - November 11 - 7:39 pm

  Look for a well cared for car. These cars beg for you to push them. One that is taken care of will give you years of enjoyment. The car has the look that many will envy. its fun to drive and if you get a premium equipt model you will not be disappointed. Enough said.

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  2003 Z4 3.0 manual Long-term driver - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Don Avirett - October 24 - 1:41 pm

  I have driven this car on the highway at 80 mph for 1 hr each way to work for the last 4 years. I bought it with 107k miles and it now has 224 k miles and runs like new and looks almost new. The only things I have done to it besides tires and brake pads is an AC compressor, a starter, front end stabilizer bar, front left wheel bearings, valve cover gasket repair, and a radio all normal maintenance stuff. I never take it to a BMW dealer for repair. Almost any regular mechanic can work on it and they do not charge high prices. If you get your parts through a regular parts store, they are not expensive. Also, I had rear main seal leak that I fixed with Lucas stop leak. I do not like the electronic power steering its a little different, but Ive gotten used to it. The car has a lot of get up and go but it could use a little more power to demoralize Texas turbo diesel pickups. I drive the car through hailstorms, snowstorms, and windstorms of the Texas Panhandle, and it performs amazingly well. It gets about 27 mpg on the highway.

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  Get out while you can - 2003 BMW Z4
  By mike229 - October 2 - 2:44 pm

  Those who owned the car and sold it are fortunate. Bought mine in 08 with 99K miles but dealer maintained. It was a fair weather driver and what a mistake. The car now has 104K miles and Ive spent some $15K in repairs. Things like water pump, oil pump, alternator, motor mounts, numerous sensors and of course the top. Ive replaced the hydraulic pump twice and the side pistons once. Ive spent some $5000 just on the hydraulics. It seems the car is notorious for having leaks in the vaccum hose system. The cup holders never worked, and I just let that pass. Its almost as though I can expect a $500 repair each time I drive it. Not what I bargained for.

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  10 years of driving pleasure - 2003 BMW Z4
  By danwatson - August 23 - 5:23 pm

  I recently sold my 2003 Z4, purchased new in August, 2003. It had 52,000 nearly trouble free miles. It was never driven hard and always garaged. I was 52 with good knees when I bought it. Ten years later my wife and I have both had knee operations and getting in and out was a chore. Plus, at 63", getting in and out with the top up was a chore. With a wife who doesnt know how to pack lightly, anything more than an overnight trip wasnt practical due to the small trunk. Plus no back seat meant no rides for the dog or grandkids. So, its gone and a new 128i convertible is on a big boat between Germany and the US with delivery expected soon. I hope I have as much fun with this one.

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  Good Car For The Price - 2003 BMW Z4
  By oldmarine5 - May 29 - 4:33 pm

  Bought from dealer with 5000 miles on it. Also, had a Z3. The style of the Z4 is not as nice as the Z3 but many features of the Z4 are an improvement. Great engine. Smooth with plenty of power. I am 62" and , unlike many two seaters, has good room for the driver. Expensive to maintain, but I only drive it on sunny days with the top down. Just hit 20,000 miles. Red color and gets lots of compliments. I am satisfied.

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  Disappointed in Quality - 2003 BMW Z4
  By magicdolphin - November 4 - 7:41 pm

  I only have 30000 miles on my BMW Z4 2003 I bought it out at the end of my lease the elec. motor for the convertible top short circuit due to run off water that enters the plastic housing where the elec. motor sits in. The water cant drain and the electric motor will rust and quit. Very expensive repair, poor design. I had the housing replaced in 2008 and now it needs to be replaced again and of course my extended warranty wont cover the repair nor will the dealership ... very poor design indeed and not at all what I expected from BMW. I also just had to replace the rubber around the windshield and the cowel due to dry rot. I would have thought the convertible roof of a BMW would last

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  Can do - 2003 BMW Z4
  By RG - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Great running car. Driver seat wears where seat belt rubs exposing under layer. Car is good handling and gives full feel of road changes. Actually drove around deer standing on freeway while going 55 and it felt like 25 mph. Quick response steering and extremely stable. No dealerships for 400 miles found good private shop. Still a thrill to drive every time after year and a half. Switched from motorcycle to z4 no regrets!

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  Fun Car - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Tom - August 8 - 2:39 pm

  Just completed 8000 miles between MI @ CA including Glacier Nat. Park. HWY 2, 20, 299,101 and 1. Gas mileage on reg gas 28 to 35 mpg. Have owned Datsun Z cars in past. This is the best.

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  Needs improvement - 2003 BMW Z4
  By Wolf - May 25 - 12:21 am

  Owned the car since 2004 has now 82,000 miles, performed well under warranty, had to replace the motor for the convertible top at 42,000 mi and now again at 82,000. both times the elec. motor short circuit due to run off water that enters the plastic housing where the elec. motor sits in. The water cant drain and the electr. motor will rust and quit. Very expensive repair, poor design. Car handles great, fun to drive on smooth roads but noisy, and potholes are deadly and my wife hates to put on her make-up while we are driving, rough ride