2001 BMW Z8 Review
2001 BMW Z8 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful engine, super-sexy styling, limited production will ensure exclusivity.
Cons
- Cumbersome on tight roads, Porsche 911 Turbo is faster and cheaper, a plastic rear window.
What’s new
BMW has created an all-new sports car with philosophical and styling elements gleaned from its original 1955 507 roadster.
Edmunds says
If you love fine, rare things, the Z8 is the automotive equivalent of a Gutenberg bible.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 BMW Z8 2dr Roadster (4.9L 8cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$356/mo for Z8 Base
Z8 Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Remember a decade ago when two-seat roadsters were as rare as Internet-based companies? Then Mazda created the Miata, several thousand people made several million dollars from IPOs, and everyone was in the mood for fun. It was a good run, wasn't it? Still, high-end roadsters are almost as common as SUVs, and BMW has joined the fray with its Z8 (the company also makes an SUV, in case you're still into that trend).
The Z8 is BMW's spiritual successor to the company's own 507 roadster from 1955. Both cars use a long hood/short deck design to create a powerful and sporty appearance. Both cars come in limited numbers (only about 250 of the original 507s were produced, as opposed to the 5000 total Z8 units planned over the next four years, with approximately 1,600 coming to the U.S.).
The classic styling cues continue inside the Z8, where brushed aluminum surfaces are set off by supple leather, thin steering wheel spokes, and a starter button located on the dashboard. Items not found in BMW's 1955 roadster, like multiple stereo sound system controls, a telephone, and a navigation system, confirm that this is a 21st century ride. We appreciate the power folding top, but find a $130,000 convertible with a plastic rear window rather insulting.
The heart of the Z8 is BMW's 394-horsepower, 4.9-liter V8 that debuted in the stunning M5 sedan. For the Z8, BMW engineers enhanced the V8's oil delivery system to ensure adequate lubrication during heavy cornering loads that might otherwise starve the engine. The engine itself is located slightly aft of the front axle to help centralize the Z8's mass. Power travels to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Zero-to-60 comes in a quick 4.7 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.
All this power rides on an aluminum spaceframe chassis that is both super stiff (twice the stiffness of any other convertible is BMW's claim) and lighter in weight than a comparable steel frame. A multi-link rear suspension, similar to the one used in the 7 Series, controls rear wheel movement while a strut-type front suspension directs the Z8 and provides excellent driver feedback about the goings-on under the front wheels. Antilock brakes, dynamic skid control (DSC), electronic brake distribution, and even run-flat tires with air pressure sensors further contribute to the Z8's sense of security.
While the Z8 may have classic roadster influences, it is not a classic roadster. The vehicle's size and weight are more attuned to grand touring duty than canyon runs or weekend autocrossing, and its long hood and low seating position are not conducive to maneuvering through tight quarters. Its sheer performance will never match that of the 911 Turbo or a 360 Modena, yet its price, with dealer gouging, could easily eclipse both cars. That's fine if you love super-rare BMWs. Otherwise, it's a tough sell.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 BMW Z8.
5 star(90%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
10 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
A sweet year
BMW-TER, 06/17/2002
2001 BMW Z8 2dr Roadster (4.9L 8cyl 6M)
Can it be a whole year has past since I
traded my much loved M3 for the Z8? I
still miss the M3 - it was greatly
loved, but what a replacement. I've
found myself in the garage sitting on
the workbench just staring at the car.
I couldn't begin to list all the
comments I've received on the car.
Then there is the driving experience,
but frankly, that is to be expected … -
it is the BMW flagship.
5 out of 5 stars
Hottest car ever built
boatracer81, 10/12/2006
2001 BMW Z8 2dr Roadster (4.9L 8cyl 6M)
This is the hottest car on the road. I traded my porsche turbo for the Z8 and it is far superior. The car will smoke the tires off in 1st gear. It handles like a dream and everywhere I go people love it. The stereo is the best stock stereo I ever heard. It is very clean and clear at all volumes. It has an electric top which is great and a removable hard top. The V8 engine puts out just … under 400hp and it feels like more. I recommend this car to any car guy as this is the ultimate sports car for the money. The real deal is behind the wheel - it's like a cross between the old Jaguar XKE V-12 and a Shelby roadster, only this is better. All I can say if you can find one, buy it.
5 out of 5 stars
james bond
Q-Q, 04/08/2002
2000 BMW Z8 2dr Convertible
i think this is good!!
4.25 out of 5 stars
H_ll of a car!!!
andjelo_miklic, 04/13/2002
2000 BMW Z8 2dr Convertible
This is really a car. The time it is
passing, and i'm still more and more in
love with it. Beautyfull. Totaly
diferent from other BMW's that I don't
like much. Excellent.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 BMW Z8, so we've included reviews for other years of the Z8 since its last redesign.
2001 Z8 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $128,000 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $356/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Z8 include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
Related Used 2001 BMW Z8 info
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