2003 BMW Z4 Roadster SE 3.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A bit like a wasp; fast, agile and irritates other drivers

Faults:

Nothing major has gone wrong, but had some issues with the TC and ABS lights on and the roof sticking when putting the roof down. More characteristics than problems... so far!

General Comments:

Due to the lack of Z4 reviews on here, I thought I would share my experience of mine. I have had it for 2000 miles and have done a few long trips in it.

The car has lots of power on tap and handles superbly. It's not the fastest car on the road, but will pull away quicker than most cars out there. I have never liked the BMW brand, but compared to the competition in the roadster class, the Z4 had the power, boot space and reliability that I was looking for.

The pros are:

* Good MPG (35 on a run, 29 around the houses).

* Fast acceleration.

* Quick roof, it's possible to put it up and down at junctions, side of motorway etc without having to stop for long.

* Big boot, it's no hatchback, but impressive for the type of car.

* Looks more expensive than it really is.

The cons are:

* Insurance is quite high.

* Bumpy ride, but you do get used to it.

* Body work seems to dent easily and the paint scratches easily (I'm comparing this to my previous Ford Cougar, which has done 100,000 miles more but the bodywork looked like new!)

* It's a BMW, so other drivers automatically assume the worst of you.

Overall I am enjoying the Z4, with the top down it is fun drive that ticks all the boxes. It's a shame it's not an Alfa, but after test driving an Alfa GT, the BMW has a lot more class and quality.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th September, 2009

2004 BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5 from North America

Summary:

I think it is a wonderful car that has the potential to turn into a money pit

Faults:

We have had a constant problem with the security system. The system doesn't work correctly. We have had it in the shop several times and it is currently in the shop getting a new computer put in for the security and comfort zones. Fortunately, it is still under warranty. Anxious to see if it fixes the problem.

It is an accident magnet. It has been hit several times and not when we have been in the car.

Took it on a short trip the other day and the BMW side light blew off. The light needs to be replaced. The car looks awful without it.

I'm about to trade it in before more goes wrong with it. Warranty is about up.

General Comments:

The car drives beautifully. Love the luxury and the interior.

It handles great on the highway, even on the autobahns in Europe. Keeps up with the best of them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 16th February, 2006

30th May 2006, 22:40

I'm sorry to hear you've had so many issues with your z4.

I've owned my z4 3.0i since brand new and the only problems that I've encountered have been changing a set of tires and the front end's attraction to every single rock, insect, and grain of dirt, that seemingly come from nowhere; not to mention the over steer the car is capable of producing in a hard turn.

Other than that, the performance is great, as well as, the mechanical reliability.

However, I do kind of miss my z3 2.8; it seemed to command more attention, and accelerate off the line a little faster with, less over steer when cornering.

View 30 more comments