2003 BMW Z8 Roadster Details

Press Release

• Exclusive sports car, crowning a tradition of limited-production BMWs built as expressions of the company's passion for driving
• Design inspired by the challenge to create a contemporary interpretation of the classic BMW 507 sports car (1956 - 1959) as if that car had continued to evolve over 40 years
• Thoroughly contemporary technology
• Base price $132,195 including destination charge and BMW Driving Experience at BMW Performance Center Driving School
• Limited production ends as of November 30, 2002

• Powered by M5 V-8, the most powerful production BMW engine ever:
  • 5 liters, 394 hp, 368 lb-ft. torque
  • Aluminum block & cylinder heads
  • Special cylinder heads & camshaft drive
  • High-Pressure Double VANOS variable intake- & exhaust-valve timing
  • "Drive-by-wire" electronically controlled throttle system with 8 individual throttles & M Dynamic Driving Control with Normal & Sport settings
  • G-sensitive lubrication system
  • Oil-coolant heat exchanger for oil cooling
• 6-speed manual transmission

• Aluminum space-frame chassis
• Aluminum suspension systems
• Variable-assist, variable-ratio rack & pinion steering
• Dynamic Stability Control (stability-enhancement system encompassing traction control, antilock braking, cornering/avoidance stability enhancement & other functions)
• Unique Double Spoke wheels, 18 x 8.0 front / 18 x 9.0 rear
• Performance tires with run-flat technology
• Flat Tire Monitor

• Styling inspired by legendary BMW 507 (1955-1959)
• All body panels except bumpers & door hinges crafted from aluminum
• Xenon low-beam headlights with dynamic auto-leveling
• Neon front & rear turn signals & brake lights
• 507-inspired chrome front fender "gills" with integrated fiber-optic turn-signal lights
• Power softtop & body-color removable hardtop

• Multi Information Radio including GPS navigation; portable BMW Cellular Phone System with BMW Assist function; CD changer & temperature display
• Starter button
• Nappa leather interior with aluminum & color-keyed painted-metal accents & controls
• Multi-spoke steering wheel with integrated driver's-side airbag

• Dual front-impact airbag Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) with dual-threshold deployment & 2-stage Smart Airbags
• Safety belts with automatic tensioners & force limiters
• Side-impact airbags
• Integrated deployment logic for safety-belt pre-tensioners, airbags & post-impact safety measures
• Rollover Protection for driver & passenger

• Unique delivery experience enhancements
• Owners awaiting delivery are offered a high-quality Z8 scale model
• A handmade, personalized owner's book is included with each Z8. This book will feature photographs of the vehicle in production as well as actual paint & upholstery samples.
• Owners may take delivery of their Z8 in Munich at BMW headquarters. They may also watch the final assembly of their roadster & take a Z8 workshop tour.
• A choice of optional European tours is available.
• Alternately, owners may take delivery of their Z8 at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
• Purchase of a Z8 includes tuition for special driving course, the Z8 Driving Experience, at the BMW Performance Center