Long-Term Test Verdict: 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i
When the Z4 first stuck its land shark nose into the Motor Trend garage, negative opinions were first made about its looks. But after about a year with the car, its creased sides and now-familiar front end had grown on nearly everyone. And, by the end of our time with this strong-selling Z3 replacement, we'd accepted the styling, adapted to the SMG, and, even though it took a while, concluded that this is a great car, issues aside. The Z4 already has overcome one of those issues: the public seems fine with the design, if perhaps not totally swayed. An editor even noted that "the styling pinged the compliment meter a few times on the streets of Beverly Hills. "For the other, ordering either the conventional six-speed manual or Steptronic automatic transmission is an easy cure. Those who'd let these issues keep them from driving this engaging sports car are missing out.
| Our Take |
| What's Hot | • Canyon-carving handling
• Luscious exhaust note
• Fabulous downshifts |
| What's Not | • Jarring ride on uneven surfaces
• Seats uncomfortable on longer drives
• Did we mention hating the SMG? |
| Don't Miss | • One-button power top operation makes it easy to work on your tan |
| Bottom Line | • This car is wonderful with the six-speed manual--don't let the SMG scare you away |
| From The Logbook |
"How is it that BMW engines always feel more powerful than their ratings? This 3.0 is as sweet as any of them has ever been."
--Matt Stone
"When does the SMG shift smoothly? Sport mode seems better than standard, except in stop-and-go traffic, where it becomes a bucking bronco."
--Neil Chirico
"BMW's fit and finish and material usage are among the best around and this Z4 is no exception. I love the real metal on the dash and center console and adore the three-spoke steering wheel."
--Brian Vance
"In its element, the transmission iswonderful technology that takes getting used to, but ultimately makes you a better driver. It's useful on long highway drives and moving in and out of traffic."
--Mark Williams
"The ride is unacceptably harsh with the run-flat tires, especially on California freeways. I can't imagine how it would be over those tortured stretches that pass for roads in the potholed Midwest."
--Ron Sessions
"The more I study the car's shapes, the more I see and have grown to appreciate."
--Chris Walton |
| Nitty Gritty |
| Total mileage | 18,832 |
| Avg test mpg | 22.0 |
| Problem areas | SMG trans performance |
| Maintenance cost | $0 |
| Normal wear cost | $0 |
| Current value, wholesale/retail* | $29,975 / $39,075 |
| Recalls | None |
*According to IntelliChoice...
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