2003 BMW Z4 Roadster from North America - Comments

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.

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.

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.

I just purchased an 2003 Z4 with 38,000 easy miles. Car still looks new - hats off to BMW paint. I fell in love with exterior lines and am happy to say I park one in my garage now. Sunny weather in AZ makes this a perfect spot to zoom freely, top down.

My fiance is 6'3" and I am 5'2" so it was a challenge to find a sports car, specifically a two seater, that could comfortably accommodate our size difference and allow for enough head and knee room for him, and one I could easily see over the steering wheel and still be able to reach the pedals. Z4 fits the bill perfectly.

Of course with the top down (power top is the only way to go - smooth and quick) there is plenty of head room and surprisingly not too much air flow in the car. I will probably look for a windscreen for those days when a windblown look won't do, but as I said, wind is not excessive.

I have one question for another lucky Z4 driver. I bought the 3.0 automatic transmission. Power is plenty both out of the block and for passing. When I slow down though, there is a noticeable clunk when shifting down from 2nd. Should I be concerned? Is this typical?

Not often we get to answer our own questions - but I have the answer to the clunk when downshifting in my 2003 Z4. There is a service campaign to correct this by reprogramming the computer, and today after a day in a BMW service dept, the clunk is gone.

Maybe I am the only one who didn't know this, but yesterday's discoveries showed me it is supremely important to get your car into a BMW dealer at least once a year to see if any service campaigns or recalls are outstanding.

Not only did my transmission get the service it was crying out for - FREE of charge, but I discovered my car still had 3 days until the factory warranty expired. I didn't even know it was under warranty because the Nissan dealer I bought it from either didn't disclose it or more likely just didn't know. The BMW service writer further enlightened me by saying I had a full maintenance contract and extended warranty until 100,000 miles or 7 years - all purchased by a former owner. None of these things would have been known had I gone to other than a BMW dealer.

Gents, you make me scared to buy it. The Z4 is my dream car and I am thinking to buy a new 2007 next month, so are there any major issues, or is it just standard car problems?

Regards.

Bought a 2003 Z4 brand new and have had NO problems in four years. 55K miles now and she has never had any real issues. Not only is this car fast and fun to drive, but it gets decent gas mileage (avg 25 mpg). Had an Audi TT previous and the wife had a MB SLK, and by far our Z4 is our favorite.

I bought my Daughter the 2003 BMW z4 she loved the car, but has now become a crying little girl. The automobile has 31000 mile on it. The battery went out the other day and had to replace then the coolant gauge has went crazy and the engine has been diagnosed as having a bad lifter. The specialist we took the car to called BMW to express that the auto was just out of warranty and requested that BMW incure the cost, but in no way will BMW foot the bill now this is going to cost a third of what the auto value. Please be aware of this situation.

I was loyal to BMW for 10 years until I bought this junk. Long story worth it until you reach the 30,000 mile mark at best. after that dump it! but if you don't..don't ever bring it in to Life Quality in Brooklyn for service. They cause more problems then it's worth.

I am looking to purchase a 2003/2004 Z4 with 60K KM/30K Miles in Ottawa, Canada. Any comments in regards to reliability. I currently own a Lexus IS and love the reliability, however used to own a MB SLK and was in the garage almost every second month. I have never tried a BMW and in terrible need of advice from current owners.

I absolutely love the 2003 Z4 3.0i! I bought this 2nd hand here in New Zealand with 28,000kms. I have had this almost a year now and have had no problems what-so-ever. It drives beautifully and apart from being watched everywhere I go, (which I must admit that I don't mind the attention), all the horror stories I have heard just don't exist with this car. It is my 2nd BMW purchased from BMW New Zealand, and the help and service I receive when servicing has been due is wonderful. I have no negatives at all and love the Z4! Would only part with it if I won the lottery as I would buy an M6! Now that is saying something, yes? Simon - New Zealand.