Used 2003 BMW Z4 Consumer Reviews

Love this little car.

Ok. I know it's not new, but it's totally fun. I love my little car. My friend calls it my go-cart, but that's because he's jealous. It has great pick up when I need to move or go up a hill, I know it will go swiftly. I feel safe in the car. Because it's older, it doesn't have a lot of the new technology that newer cars have. No blue tooth or navigation, but I don't need that where I drive. I enjoy getting in my car every day. I get loads of compliments on how the car's style has stayed "in style" and everyone thinks its a new car and is 14 years old! I couldn't be happier with my lil Z4.

Would be great if I could steer it!

Very nice and fun to drive, however when the temperature gets over 80 degrees the power electronic steering stops working. This is a known problem to BMW (bulletin # 4515500-02) and a safety issue but they want $3000 to fix it. - So much for German Engineering, maybe it never gets above 80 degrees in Baveria!

Bad ass 3.0

I bought this car in May of 2015 with 55,000 miles for only $12,500 ( I now have 62,000 on the odometer). I cannot wait to drive each and every day and wow does the 3.0 automatic ever haul ass. The torque curve is steady throughout the entire ride from 0-100++. No lag, just ferocious power. My only complaint is the amber light cluster for exterior temp and mpg is partially burned out. Also, it's very hard to see objects in the rear view mirror due to some peculiar bmw dimming system. Other than that, drop the top and boogie!

2003 Z4 3.0 manual

I have driven this car on the highway at 80 mph for 50 miles to work each way for the last 4 years. I bought it with 107k miles and it now has 276 k miles and runs like new and looks almost new. I drive the car through hailstorms, snowstorms, and windstorms of the West Texas Panhandle, and it performs amazingly well. It gets about 27 mpg on the highway. This car has held up well.

Disappointed in Quality

I only have 30000 miles on my BMW Z4 2003; I bought it out at the end of my lease; the elec. motor for the convertible top short circuit due to run off water that enters the plastic housing where the elec. motor sits in. The water can't drain and the electric motor will rust and quit. Very expensive repair, poor design. I had the housing replaced in 2008 and now it needs to be replaced again and of course my extended warranty won't cover the repair nor will the dealership ... very poor design indeed and not at all what I expected from BMW. I also just had to replace the rubber around the windshield and the cowel due to dry rot. I would have thought the convertible roof of a BMW would last

Fun car to drive. Still gets lots of attention

Look for a well cared for car. These cars beg for you to push them. One that is taken care of will give you years of enjoyment. The car has the look that many will envy. its fun to drive and if you get a premium equipt model you will not be disappointed. Enough said.

Can do

Great running car. Driver seat wears where seat belt rubs exposing under layer. Car is good handling and gives full feel of road changes. Actually drove around deer standing on freeway while going 55 and it felt like 25 mph. Quick response steering and extremely stable. No dealerships for 400 miles found good private shop. Still a thrill to drive every time after year and a half. Switched from motorcycle to z4 no regrets!

Plus and Minus

Bought our jet black '03 with 23,750 mi. on it (our 5th sports car, out 1st BMW). 2.5L eng, Premium and conven. packages, auto trans, 18" ellipsis wheels w/RFTs. Handles well. Electric steering so it gives no feedback thru steering wheel. Accelerates well, esp between 45 and 80. Seat bottoms aren't very comfortable after 45 min. Less interior storage space than a Miata. Roomy trunk for a sports car (no spare tire w/RFT pkg). Electronic displays are hard to read in daylight. Dynamic Stability Control necessitates alignments being performed by dealer - $90. Dealer oil changes are $90. Beautiful car that draws lots of attention from other drivers and pedestrians. Shrinking violets need not apply!

Eats Boxters

Look at a photo - you'll hate it. Go see one in the "flesh". Hmmm . . . that looks different somehow. A few days later . . . I gotta have one. Test drive it (forget the 2.5 litre). Did you once have a go-cart? Then that seat of the pants feeling all comes right back. This thing stick to the pavement like velcro and runs up to 60 faster than the factory claims. Sure, you feel ever rut in the road, but is that bad? Downsides? Well the glove box is just that . . just enough room for gloves. Interior storage . . . what's that? Will your wife/girlfriend hate it? Yes. Is that bad? Not always.

Fun Car

Just completed 8000 miles between MI @ CA including Glacier Nat. Park. HWY 2, 20, 299,101 and 1. Gas mileage on reg gas 28 to 35 mpg. Have owned Datsun Z cars in past. This is the best.

Z4ME

I bought my jet black 2003 Z4 in 7/08. I have put on 6,000 miles in Minnesota and have enjoyed everyone. Speed control and power window placement questionable, cup holder is limited. Like the sport button-whole new car when on. Good daily driver, however, you must miss or slow down for every pot hole and RR Xing. Power top fast enough to put up and down in rush hour. If you buy this car must put a 3M clear bra on ($400). The hood is a rock magnet. Always a head turner. I will come out of a store and always see people looking in. This is my 4th BMW (1 325 xi, 1 325i, and 1 x5) by far the most impractical but ALWAYS the most fun. 35 male-Minnesota

So much fun!

Does not handle bumps or dips well at all, nor dirt or puddles, but what do you expect from a sports car? It is so much fun to drive--the top comes down automatically, the steering is excellent, the acceleration is amazing, the look is great, the sound system is phenomenal

Driving The Good Life

I feel my Z4 sometimes anticipates what I'm thinking. The power is there, the steering is true and the Z4 knows how to use it. When I get crazy and take a turn too fast it keeps me glued to the road. I know the longest way to any place in town and frequently hit the freeway & drive 20 miles for a cup of coffee. 70 degrees and the top comes down the music goes up. You'll know me when I pass, I'm the one with the big grin on my face. I've owned a Corvette and a porsche, honestly they don't compare.This auto never breaks down! Drive one, you'll see.

Needs improvement

Owned the car since 2004 has now 82,000 miles, performed well under warranty, had to replace the motor for the convertible top at 42,000 mi and now again at 82,000. both times the elec. motor short circuit due to run off water that enters the plastic housing where the elec. motor sits in. The water can't drain and the electr. motor will rust and quit. Very expensive repair, poor design. Car handles great, fun to drive on smooth roads but noisy, and potholes are deadly and my wife hates to put on her make-up while we are driving, rough ride

Great new old car!

I found my '03 2.5i for $7900.00, with 66,000 original, verified miles. The car had been superbly maintained by the first owner, who had it for twelve and a half years, and not so well by the second owner, who had it for two years. After spending another two thousand dollars to fix the things the second owner couldn't afford to keep up with, it's like a new car again. As someone else said, many people don't believe it's a seventeen year old car (including a cop that pulled me over, then insisted i was trying to play games because "This is obviously not a 2003, so what's going on with this car?") Loads of power, style, and mine even got the bluetooth addon package. Highly recommend these to anyone looking for an affordable, fun sports car. A couple things to look for if you decide to find yourself one of these though. Check the rubber liner around the rear dash/trunk lid meeting. With age this rubber strip becomes abrasive, and can rub holes in youre soft top with use. Also, be sure that all your cars body drain holes are open, as well as the drain for the ac compressor, as they tend to build unpleasant odor if they become clogged over time (the ac drain anyway, my body drain holes were fine).

Get out while you can

Those who owned the car and sold it are fortunate. Bought mine in 08 with 99K miles but dealer maintained. It was a fair weather driver and what a mistake. The car now has 104K miles and I've spent some $15K in repairs. Things like water pump, oil pump, alternator, motor mounts, numerous sensors and of course the top. I've replaced the hydraulic pump twice and the side pistons once. I've spent some $5000 just on the hydraulics. It seems the car is notorious for having leaks in the vaccum hose system. The cup holders never worked, and I just let that pass. It's almost as though I can expect a $500 repair each time I drive it. Not what I bargained for.

I still love it

My car has 125000 and I still LOVE the Z4 after 5 years. It is comfortable, has good gas mileage (31 mpg on highway) even though I am low to the ground, I feel safe on the rainy, winding roads. The only problem I have ever had is not mechanical, the front skirt is so low to the ground that I had to change it twice because it broke. It is so reliable and fun to drive that I will drive it until the end!

The Good and the Bad

Shortly after purchasing it used at 59,200 miles, the coolant light came on so I filled it up when the engine was cold and it continues to leak whenever the coolant expands with a hot engine. I'm guessing the coolant expansion tank is cracked. Other than the above mechanical issue this car draws a lot of semi-truck drivers attention and praises and other people on the road also. It feels like this car has sticky glue on the tires during fast turns. Manual 6-speed transmission shifts wonderfully. Not the fastest car on the road against say a Ford 500GT or any other hot rods but this Z4 has the right balance between styling and performance.

Great roadster

It was between this or leasing a new Miata. The BMW definitely feels like a more solid car. Very pleased with my purchase.

10 years of driving pleasure

I recently sold my 2003 Z4, purchased new in August, 2003. It had 52,000 nearly trouble free miles. It was never driven hard and always garaged. I was 52 with good knees when I bought it. Ten years later my wife and I have both had knee operations and getting in and out was a chore. Plus, at 6'3", getting in and out with the top up was a chore. With a wife who doesn't know how to pack lightly, anything more than an overnight trip wasn't practical due to the small trunk. Plus no back seat meant no rides for the dog or grandkids. So, it's gone and a new 128i convertible is on a big boat between Germany and the US with delivery expected soon. I hope I have as much fun with this one.

Sweet........

This car has excellent handling and when engaged in Sports Mode it feels like a totally different car, great engine response. This is definitely a head turner!

Update to previous review - Still just as awesome

I'm now at 82k and drive this now on weekends. I still have had no issues with the car since purchase. It still starts and runs like it always did. The convertible top fabric is in amazing condition, as are the seats and interior pieces / parts. I'll hang onto the little guy for many years. I paid less than 10k for this '03 E85 in July of 2017. It had 28k miles on it, and ran great. It looked nearly new as it had very light use for the first 14 years of its life. I'll need to have the convertible top hinge cylinders rebuilt ($400), but I can work the top manually until then. The key fob doesn't work, Have to go to BMW for that one. This is one of the easiest vehicles to maintain that I have ever owned. I spring for the more pricey European formula fluids for engine and tranny, but I feel it's worth the investment. I have done all of the oil changes myself - incredibly easy to do. Recently serviced the transmission myself, to include filter and gasket replacement, @ 58,700 miles. Dealer wanted $540 to do the tranny service. I did it myself for $125. Because of the long front end, the engine is accessible and easy to work on. If you're looking for a weekender or a fun daily driver, you can't go wrong with an older Zed 4. Especially if you're a do-it-yourself Kinda person. Also, there are tons of video's, threads and general info on the web for doing pretty much anything that you need to on these little guys. I'll buy an '08 in a few years. Looking forward to it!

Truely AMAZING!

This car is out of this world!The looks are amazing, so different and outragous when compared with the boring, old, Porsche Boxster which I tested and thought was no where near as good. The engine is so powerful and flexble.The noise of the engine is intoxicating. Mines black, black interior with 18 inch star wheels. Got every option availible.The amount of complements I get is unbelivable, I also get alot of jealousy as people look in envy of a 21 year old in such a HOT car. If your lucky enough to be able to own 1 forget about EVERTHING else! There really is no competition and i've tested them all.

The Barbie Car

If you are a large person, hard to get in and out. Other than that a fun car to own and drive.

Smile on my face

I have had this car for 6 years and I still can't get over how much fun it is to drive. I rented a Corvette on vacation and couldn't believe the difference. The Z is fast, refined and nimble, the Corvette was fast, loud and didn't handle as well as my 1961 Corvair. The only car I have seen that would make me want to trade it is the 2010 Z with the twin Turbo. That has to be scary fast.

BMW's Best Car Yet

I have owned five BMWs including a 2002,320i,530i and two Z3s. This car is the most fund to drive and has the best build quality of any of them. It is more solid than a Boxster, and almost as nimble as an S2000-but much more comfortable.

So far, so good

I have about 6k so far on this hog and have not had any major complaints. My wife uses this for her daily driver and is happy with it. I drive it occasionally, but would not recommend it for anyone over 6'for a daily driver. I'm 6'3" and have to find my "comfort zone" everytime I get in the car. Most times it ends up being with my right knee crammed against the dash. The 16" wheels are a pain in the derriere to clean. Takes at least 10-15 minutes per wheel to toothbush out all the brakes dust. A terrible design from a maintenance standpoint.

AWESOME

The z4 is an awesome car. Not only in its drive and handling, but the cool factor is through the roof. It's simply unique in its exterior design, and stands out beside all other roadsters out there today. If the exterior doesn't float your boat, just go drive one. Its amazingly punchy, and takes corners with no problem. Many people who have ridden with me are amazed at how you can take a corner at "excessive" speeds, without it jarring them into their side door.

Great Car

Disappointed

If you buy these cars, expect to shell out big bucks for repairs. We have an extended warranty which so far has been of no use because of water leakage. The top wouldn't open because of a leak. BMW at least paid for labor, parts still cost us 800.00. Now the wipers stopped working. Some part cracked and water again somehow got in. Going to cost 1100.00 to fix and again, it's not covered under the warranty. Great looking and handling car, but poorly built. Will never buy a BMW again.

First model year blues

I bought the car in January to just drive in good weather. While the car is fun to drive, it only gets 20mpg on premium. In 4 months I replaced the valve cover, oil pan and oil filter gaskets. My mechanic said this is nothing out of the ordinary. The driver's air bag light will not turn off, 5 other sensors do not function, the side mirror control does not work, the drink holders do not come out, the radio and single disk CD player have problems, etc. I wrote to BMW given these are non-mileage issues and no response. I was used to Nissan "Z" cars that go and go with no problems. What a disappointment.

Running Young

Soon to be 52 and adding a 16 year old daughter to the highway led to this purchase. Wow! Amazing how quick memories return to the 70s and 80s open tops of 280z, TR6, Spitfire and my first, 1969 Fiat. Wonderfully balanced handler, just enough interior space, stunning exterior lines. Hard to read electronic displays when top is down, cup holders a waste, and no locking compartments. Small issues given every minute of fun you'll feel behind the wheel!

THIS IS THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!

This car is as close to perfect as I have ever seen. I previously owned an Acura TL, one of the "sports sedans", but nothing can compare to this car! You don't have to sacrifice much in the way of comfort and utility for this much style and performane. Many say the styling is "controversial", but it is really the most beautiful car I have ever seen. Though it only has 225 hp, my Z4 has beaten Corvettes with close to 400. I love the vicious growl of its engine in the cold morning air. I can't imagine how a 3000 lb. car with 225 hp can go that fast. Others cannot even compare to it. Wonderful BMW. This is the roadster to own!

Good Car For The Price

Bought from dealer with 5000 miles on it. Also, had a Z3. The style of the Z4 is not as nice as the Z3 but many features of the Z4 are an improvement. Great engine. Smooth with plenty of power. I am 6'2" and , unlike many two seaters, has good room for the driver. Expensive to maintain, but I only drive it on sunny days with the top down. Just hit 20,000 miles. Red color and gets lots of compliments. I am satisfied.

Sharp Car!

My 2003 BMW Z4 looks great, and drives great, I get compliments every where I go. Most people think that it's newer than an '03. I think it's the smartest style in it's class!

Too much fun to be legal

Too much fun to be street legal. Looks, performance, styling, build quality are all top quality. Very Highly Rated.

Great Car Crummy Dealer

Waited 40 years for a roadster, and am I glad I did. This one more that fufills dreams, it makes my wife happy too with the wood trim and heated seats. Top down and blasting on the premium sound Stepenwolf - Magic Carpet ride... the song was written for this car. San Diego BMW has me puzzled... they seem to be over-staff and don't have their 'act' together. Seems the other Beamer owner's are way to impressed with themselves. I'ts a car!!!

Always a great running car.

In line 6 is one smooth ride. Tight on the curves.

16 Years Later and I Still Love It

I bought this car New in 2003. Intentionally bought a manual top because the BMW electric top motors are a known problem, and the leatherette interior for better wear with the top down and the sun beating down. The car has been extremely reliable and inexpensive to own. The only problems: hand gasket leak after 15 years which was a $500 repair, driver cup holder died and the rear console door button fell off. Otherwise the car operates like new. It puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel and is a blast to drive. The RFT tires made it ride like the Flintstone Mobile so I replaced those with high performance summer tires and have an air compressor, which is what they did with the M version. I’ve owned a lot of great cars, but this remains my favorite. My grandson is 4. His mom learned to drive a clutch on this and so will he. There is nothing like a BMW in-line 6 in a light car with 50/50 balance. If only still had hair it would be perfect. These cars are great values on the used car market, very reliable and a blast to drive with a manual. For a sports car they are roomy, comfortable and have a large trunk for weekend get aways.

What a sweet ride!

The 3.0 is fast and has great handling features. The sport package is nice with the 18" wheels and the sport control which makes the car even more responsive than normal. Love the looks and sound of the car as it handles every twist and turn. This is a true sports car and not one of those plastic clones. It is a big plus that BMW is going to pick up the tab for the service over the next 4 yrs or 50k miles.

You gotta drive it to believe it

Long story short, I was so enamored with the styling and performance numbers that I ordered my Z4 3.0i via phone without a test drive. It's an awesome car that draws attention everywhere I go. To really feel the power, put it in Sport Mode and punch the throttle. If DSC gets in the way, switch it off. The stereo kicks too. Even the exhaust note sounds as if the engine is bigger than it really is. The automatic top is a crowd pleaser. Handling is solid and stable, and the ride is firm due to the sport suspension and run-flat tires. Test drive one or do what I did and just go buy one!

Z4 3.0 6spd.

The fun factor is a 10+. Very unique design all around which will get some raves as well as some critisism. I personally love it. Performance is very good. I would like to see a little more power. It handles excellent. The ride is a little bumpy but that's to be expected, especially with the run flat tires. Interior is roomy and comfortable. I'm 6'2" and I dont even have the seat all the way back. Interior design is very simple and the aluminum dash is very stylish. I would like to see an oil presure and altmeter guage though.

brand new 15 year old Z4

Probably too soon to rate it since I have had it for only a week, but, the car with only 23k miles (verified) feels brand new. The sound is great, the punch is great. The ride is not as harsh as I feared. It's certainly not '55 Buick either. It's a little tight, but much more comfortable than Miata that I didn't buy because of the fit. When I had it inspected the guy in the station said, "thanks for bringing that car to us." First time that's ever happened. We'll see how long honeymoon lasts. Six months later--Car has run perfectly. It is a joy to drive on the back roads of Cape Cod. Just enough power--probably would like 3.0 better--but it never feels like it is going to get from me or break loose. Sport mode adds a little excitement. No repairs or maintenance after initial inspection and oil change.

Great, even 5 years after manufacture!

I fell in love with the Z4 while looking for a sports car. Had a rough start though; since I have the sport package a deep pothole ate the passenger side and forced a repair. Then the convertible top refused to work. Then an electrical failure forced another round of work. In all though, I've taken this to the track and on road trips-and it's been sheer joy. Even driving to work is fun! It's gotten nice looks from passerby too. A few nits: tire roar is deafening even with top up, rattles galore on rough roads, and auto top suffers from finicky electrical shortages. But don't let those stop you from buying this wonderful machine.

Fun Car to Drive

Everyone looks car handles well, fun to drive short or long distances - my partner and I still call driver, mine has every option but 10 speaker DVD nav system, I am glad I chose this car over others.

BMW Z4 3.0 2003

This is the best car I have ever owned. After 40,000 miles the only repair required (at no cost) was to reset the passenger window. Great fun to drive and extremely reliable. I am thinking about buying a new car, but I hate to give this one up!

First time BMW owner

It is an excellent performance vehicle, I have had a lot of fun driving and look forward to having this vehicle for a long time. The only option I did not receive and wish I had purchased was the the navigational system. Lastly, beware this vehicle is an attention getter.

Awesome Z4

The most fun auto to drive in my 40 plus years of driving.

I love this car

Fabulous car. Replaced a (blown) 97 Miata STO which was a spectacular car--but the Z has everything my beloved Miata did not (legroom, to name only one example!). I've had it for a couple of months now and just flat love this car. Performance is wonderful, build quality is stellar and chicks dig it. Only suggestion for improvement would be to increase interior storage space a bit. Very happy to have this car and would recommend it without hesitation.

Bad build quality

The Z4 is a build in USA, with poor build quality. The car built in Germany is better.