For 2003, BMW takes aim at the sports car market with the Z4 roadster, the replacement for the beloved Z3, one of the all-time most popular sports cars. The new model is a little larger than the outgoing Z3. It rejects the retro look in favor of a modern design. The new car is also more comfortable and more refined. 

In an era that defines sport in terms of hulking SUVs, a new sports car on the scene should generate a lot of interest. On a personal note, as an owner of one of the Z3 models, the new Z4 is particularly worthy of note. Would I take a pass on the new model, or begin the humbling experience of trying to justify the purchase of the latest and greatest with my highly practical wife? Well the quick answer is that although there are lots of impressive aspects of the new Z4, it falls short of perfection on my scale. Here¹s why:

Design: A look at the Z4¹s design reveals that BMW is taking the bold approach. The design is a clear break from the evolutionary spirit that has marked the company¹s products for decades. The roadster¹s styling features some unusual design elements, including a rather rakish side view.  A roughly rectangular shape has been sculpted into the side of the Z4, without any functional use or reference to a past or present BMW design element. The
Z4¹s styling is sparking controversy with critics lining up on both sides of the issue. My personal reaction has been all over the board on this design, but now I seem to be somewhat indifferent, which is not a good sign. On the other hand, the car¹s aerodynamics is improved. I drove at fast highway speeds with the top down and noticed a distinct lack of wind buffeting.

The outgoing Z3 featured a retro-styled interior with lots of round gauges and dials. The new Z4 is all-modern with the control functions cleverly integrated into the horizontal design motif that stretches across the dashboard. Bottom line for me is that the old fashioned way of presenting instruments was easier for the driver to comprehend and that¹s the most important issue. There seems to be more room in the Z4¹s cabin. And while this may engender a level of comfort, there was something nice and cozy about the Z3, which often seemed like slipping into a suit of clothes without much room to spare. But this body-suit feeling isn¹t a bad thing if you are trying to become one with a high-performance machine.

Ride and handling: The new Z4 is slightly longer and has a wider stance than its predecessor. The suspension has been updated as well. On a mountain road, the Z4 delivers excellent road feel and feedback. You instinctively know how far you can push it without getting into trouble‹real BMW territory here. While the ride quality is on the firm side, the handling is world class and may even exceed the previous model. On the other hand, the slight increase in size makes the new Z4 seem a little less agile than the outgoing Z3. In general, my preference in terms of sports cars is the keep size to a
practical minimum.

Engine and transmission: The Z4 continues the line of spirited inline
six-cylinder engines that have been noted for their smooth performance as well as for their robust power delivery. BMW¹s excellent 3.0-liter inline six delivers smooth power right up to the top of its performance range. In fact, this is an engine that likes to be pushed hard. It just doesn¹t run out of breath before you have to shift to the next gear in an acceleration mode. BMW claims that the Z4 will sprint to 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds, which is fast. The engine¹s exhaust has been tuned so that at full throttle it lets out a loud wail at the top of its performance range.

A smooth-as-silk six-speed manual transmission allows the driver to
precisely keep the sweet spot of the torque range at its optimum level. With its crisp clean shifts, it¹s probably the industry benchmark for how the device should work. An automatic transmission is also available.
 
 

Vehicle: BMW Z4

Price as tested: $44,820

Engine:

         Type: 3.0-liter, inline 6 cylinder

         Horsepower: 225 @ 5,900 rpm

Torque: 214-ft. lbs. @ 3,500 rpm

Fuel economy,          Manual transmission

         City - 21 mpg

         Highway - 29 mpg

Curb Weight: 2,998 lbs.