The BMW Z4 featured a comprehensive list of changes over the Z3 including a totally new suspension design in place of the ancient trailing arm design

BMW Z4 (2003)
- Layout Front-engined, rear-wheel drive
- Engine 2979cc V6
- Power 231bhp @ 5900rpm
- Torque 221lb ft @ 3500rpm
- Suspension MacPherson struts, coil springs, dampers, multi-link coil rear suspension, anti-roll bars front and rear
- Power to weight 178bhp/ton
- 0-100kph 5.9sec
- Top speed 250kph
- Price when new $ 50,000

A 2002 debut heralded the launch of the BMW Z4, later sold here in the Middle East as a 2003 model year. Hairdressers all over the world rejoiced!

Replacing the roundly criticized BMW Z3, the Z4 was a huge improvement in all areas. The Z4 also debuted the new 'flame surfacing' design theme, which had been hinted at in the earlier ' Concept' car. This controversial design philosophy would later feature across the range from the 3 series right up to the 7 series.

A range of engine options were available from launch starting with a $ 40,000, 2.2-litre four cylinder, a 2.5-litre six at $ 45,000 and a range topping 3-litre at $ 50,000. In this region there were few, if any 2-litres officially imported and it is even fairly unusual to see the 2.2-litre cars, as the larger six cylinder engines have proved more popular in this region.

The new Z4 featured a comprehensive list of changes from the Z3 including a totally new suspension design, featuring multi link rear suspension in place of the ancient trailing arm design of the previous model. The car was bigger in all directions, so unlike the Z3, if you were taller than five foot ten you could still fit into the car. There was increased legroom and a larger boot for you to fit your soft bags for your weekends away, or even the weekly shop as long as you don't like to eat too much.

In terms of ride and handling this car again proved a dramatic departure from its predecessor providing excellent handling characteristics and balance. The Z4 benefited from lightweight construction using high strength steel keeping the kerb weight down, weighing an average of only 90kg more than the Z3 across the range combined with the far better suspension and larger run flat tyres. Put this all together and BMW had a sharp handling classic sports car

These cars could be ordered with an impressive array of kit from CD changer and multi function steering wheel and leather, right through to map based navigation and larger alloy wheels. The Gulf-spec cars were all ordered with the neat electric soft top that will fully open in only 16 seconds. Fortunately these hot climate cars also came equipped with upgraded air conditioning to cope with the heat.

Driving the Z4 was a revelation with superb grip and a traction control system that will let you kick the tail out a bit without immediately sapping the fun. Of course as with all BMW models if you think you can do better without it you can turn the system off completely for some wilder angles and more tyre smoke.

All models had excellent handling characteristics, although you could feel the extra weight of the heavier engines. This was offset by the extra performance and if you can stretch to it the 3.0-litre is the best of the bunch.

Launched later as a 2006MY was the $ 60,000 Z4M Roadster, which used the cracking six cylinder from the BMW M3. This would knock out an impressive 343bhp in Gulf specification - launching the diminutive BMW from 0-to-100kph in just over five seconds.

Later versions of this car also featured a trick rear differential, which would enable the drifters among us to drive the car almost perpetually sideways. The M cars were available in manual form only and are far less common in the Middle East than the other versions. The later Z4 Coupe was also available in this spec.

On the latest Z4 models BMW offers a steering wheel mounted paddle shift based on the steptonic autogearbox as an option.

CHECKPOINTS

As with any used car purchase common sense will prevail. A full service history is essential, these cars are fairly robust, but as there are long gaps between service intervals it is important that the oil changes are done on time to avoid unnecessary engine wear leading to grief later on. Make sure the tyres are in good shape as it is expensive to replace run flats.

Engines
The BMW service system self diagnoses the time and mileage between inspection services. If you are doing a lot of motorway mileage then the car should only need a visit to the dealer every 25,000 kms or two years, whichever comes sooner. In stop/start driving the car will require maintenance more often. This self diagnosing information is displayed on the dashboard when you turn on the ignition.

Featuring the usual line up of BMW engines all of these have proven extremely reliable, although there are few known issues on the six cylinder engines of higher mileage cars the throttle bodies are susceptible to failure and cost an impressive $ 950 to replace. On the M version the car needs a first oil change is at 2000 kms. Inspect the service history to ensure this has been done or the car may have experienced increased engine wear.

Gearbox
The car is available with two gearbox options, either the six-speed manual or the steptronic automatic gearbox, which gives the option of manual style changes by pushing the gearstick up or down in sequential style. The manual gearbox is extremely rare in the region and mostly tends to appear on the M car variants.

Suspension/brakes
The Z4 has a stiff suspension system so as usual check for wear on the bushings. The Z4 brakes are powerful, although you will experience brake fade under repeated hard braking, such as on track use.

Bodywork/interior
The Z4 has stood up well to the hot weather here in the Middle East with a few notable exceptions. The window lifters are likely to break at some point on most of these cars and cost $ 326 to replace, whilst not a huge issue, having the window stuck down in mid summer in a convertible car is not the most pleasant experience.

The windscreen seal rubbers also tend to crack in the heat, again a minor but irritating repair and will cost around $ 240 to replace.

Values
For a 2003MY Z4 2.5-litre with average mileage (in good condition) expect to pay $ 23,000 privately and $ 25,000 from a BMW specialist.
For the 3.0-litre you are likely to pay $ 2,800 more. For a 2005 car sold by an independent specialist with a 2.5-litre -expect to pay $ 30K, as for a private sale they will start at around $ 28,000.

A 2006 MY 3.0 car selling privately will go for $ 36,000 privately and a bit more if it has a few desirable options like the sat nav and upgraded alloy wheels. A dealer would advertise the same car for around $ 38,000

A 2007 2.5-litre would go for $ 40K from a private seller and $ 42K from the main dealer. The 2.2-litre models are a less expensive option starting from around $ 23,000 for the earliest cars. The extremely rare Z4M cabriolets sell at $ 48,000 for a late model but you have to find one first.

'The cracking six cylinder M Roadster would knock out an impressive 343bhp in Gulf spec, launching the diminutive BMW to 100kph in just over five seconds

Wha t WE said at the time
'With a top speed of 250kph and a claimed 0-100kph time of 5.9sec, it has serious sporting credentials. Not that this should come as any great surprise.'
- Richard Meaden, evo, November 2002

Parts	Prices
Brake pads, front (axle set)	$ 87
Brake pads, rear (axle set)	$ 70
Dampers, front	$ 680
Dampers, rear	$ 645
Starter motor	$ 408
Air filter	$ 22
Oil filter	$ 57
Windscreen (tinted)	$ 326
Headlight unit (front left)	$ 1312
SERVICING
15,000 kilometres	$ 120
40,000 kilometres	$ 460
Annual service	$ 120
Sparkplug change	$ 130

(Prices supplied by independent specialist)