2004 BMW Z4 Roadster from North America - Comments

I purchased new a 2003 BMW Z4 with a automatic transmission; my wife doesn't drive a standard transmission. The steering has been terrible since I bought the car. Just driving on normal roads the car will dodge from one side to the other. You would not even feel a reaction in any other car. BMW explains it as "the tires are wide and it is just a reaction because of ruts in the road. Maybe, but it is still a $45K car and drives terrible.

I also have a 2004 X3. The second major service was expensive, almost $1800. Say what you will about BMW quality & performance, I will never buy another one. I will take my chances with a Lexus.

I bought a 2003 Z4 in January with 90K miles. I bought from a private party so there was no warranty.

The car has had nothing but problems (i.e. side mirror control does not work, idler pulley needed replacing, radio does not set stations, CD player does not eject CDs, needed oil pan, valve cover and oil stand gaskets, several of the sensors including the driver's side air bag sensor do not work).

Worst of all was the indifference from BMW of North America. They first did not respond to my letters, and then a customer service person blew the problems off as mileage related. I asked if the airbag sensor not working meant the air bag was not functional and there was no response.

In terms of cost, labor is about $100/hour at a German auto repair facility. I don't know what the dealer charges. I like the style and drive, but it is costly and the show says this is typical for Z4s. I would only buy again if the car had a full warranty.

The Z4 is made in the USA. Don't touch it. Japanese cars are more reliable, and incredibly boring. Anyone considering buying a Z4 should test drive the E82 125 or 135. They will swing you over to BMW. Reliable, made in Germany and a fun drive. Nothing boring about the E82. E88 if you like a convertible.

"Sounds like that person was taken for a ride, the most I have ever paid for a major service on my Lexus GS300 2002 model was $620 AUD, the difference between Japanese and European cars, nothing ever goes wrong with Japanese cars, they basically keep going.

I had bought my wife a new Nissan X-Trail back in 2001, now has 237000kms, and still going strong...

European cars are only good, if you plan to trade or sell before the warranty expires, after that you are in for many nasty and expensive surprises."

My experience has been the complete opposite. I have had European cars since I started driving. Between all my cars, the only actual repair was a clutch. Some of my friends have had Hondas. Which have had their fair share of trouble. Seems to be down to personal experience. Buying a BMW which was built in Germany seems to be the best option from what people have said.