2004 BMW Z4 Roadster - In Depth

Press Release

2004 BMW Z4 Roadster – In Depth

After a successful launch, refinements for its second model year

When the Z4 roadster was introduced a year ago, it was a significant leap forward from its highly successful Z3 predecessor. Indeed, the Z4’s debut was much more than just “successor replaces predecessor,� for the new Z4 roadster put BMW in a more elevated, sophisticated segment of the roadster market. To paint the broad strokes: Built on a longer wheelbase than that of the Z3, the Z4 is also wider and longer – while employing advanced engineering to keep any associated weight increase to a minimum. More to the point, the Z4 expresses a traditional concept – that of the two-seat sport roadster – in utterly new terms of unique design, contemporary engineering and comprehensive features. The Z4 places BMW squarely in the field of sophisticated, full-featured sport roadsters. It comes exclusively with 6-cylinder power and offers a choice of four transmission types. Its chassis engineering is new, encompassing multi-link rear suspension, standard run-flat tires and wheel/tire diameters up to 18 inches. The Z4 offers amenities and options never before seen in a regular-production BMW roadster. Safety engineering and features have been further developed. As was the Z3, the Z4 Series is produced at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina factory, which employs the most advanced production equipment and processes and serves all international markets for the Z4. Two models are offered: the Z4 roadster 2.5i at $33,895 base price including destination; and the higher-performing, more extensively equipped Z4 roadster 3.0i at $41,045. As with all other 2004 BMWs, these prices include BMW Full Maintenance for 4 years or 50,000 miles.

What’s new for 2004

The ’04 Z4 roadsters are improved in detail for the ’04 model year:

• Rain-sensing windshield wipers and automatic headlight control, formerly included in the optional Convenience Package, are now standard.
• BMW Assist, a suite of convenience and safety services built around an integrated wireless communication and positioning system, is newly offered as part of the Premium Package or a stand-alone option.
• New multi-function steering wheel for enhanced convenience.
• Hardtop prep is offered as an option; the hardtop is available for the ’04 model year.
• A new color combination – Dream Red/Black – is offered for the leather interior that is standard in the 3.0i model and optional in the 2.5i, and for the extended-leather interior that is optional in the 3.0i only. This is in addition to the already available Dream Red/Gray combination for both these interiors.

The BMW Roadster Tradition

As new as it is, the Z4 represents a long-standing BMW tradition. The roadster lineage begins in 1935 with the 315/1 and 319/1, two versions of an energetic little two-seater powered by engines that were small, yet had 6 cylinders. (Even then, engine smoothness and sound were BMW priorities.) In 1936, the tradition became legend with the 328 roadster, which began as a successful racing car, went on to become a beloved sports car, and finally became one of the great collectibles of its era. Another great BMW classic was the 507, of which only about 250 were built in the mid- to late 1950s. Today, this stunningly designed, V8-powered roadster commands high six-figure prices at collector-car auctions. Elvis Presley owned one while stationed in Germany with the U.S. military. Virtually unknown in America, yet also important to BMW’s roadster lineage, was the Z1 – conceptually amazing, with its fiberglass body and electrically retracting doors. The Z1 was expensive, built in small numbers, and only offered overseas. In 1996, BMW introduced a roadster that would be accessible to many more customers: the Z3. The Z3 was an instant, international success. Over its seven-year production span, it evolved from a single 4-cylinder model to a line of 6-cylinder roadsters and a coupe. It will be remembered as a relatively simple, fun-to-drive machine of typically high BMW quality. With its design inspired by the classic 507, the Z8 made its debut in 2000 as BMW’s best-performing, leading-edge roadster. It continues to command the respect of enthusiasts, owners, and the media. The new Z4 continues this successful roadster heritage by delivering BMW design and technological innovation in a new roadster sure to captivate the hearts of enthusiasts everywhere.

The Look:

Roadster Tradition and Future-Oriented Design come Together

“Every BMW design rests on two indispensable pillars: tradition and the future,� says Katharina Mack of BMW Design. Perhaps more than any other factor, it is the proportions that define a roadster. Traditionally, a roadster –

• is an open-bodied, two-seater car.
• has a long hood (if its engine is front-mounted).
• seats its driver and passenger low and far rearward, thus close to the rear wheels.

Historically, a roadster focuses on pure driving pleasure, the interaction of driver and machine and road. “Wind in the face� when the roadster’s softtop is lowered is an essential element of this highly active driving experience. The Z4 expresses traditional roadster proportions with an ultra-contemporary design. Its surface development features highly three-dimensional forms and interplays between convex and concave. Highlights of the design include:

• Two beltlines. A lower, stylistically primary line begins above the outer headlight, arcs upward and then downward into the door, then “hikesâ€ÂÂÂ� sharply upward and finally downward again to conclude at the rear edge. This line recalls the fender line of classic roadsters. The other, higher line, forming the cockpit ledge, is purely modern and functions as the actual beltline.
• A “twisting shoulder,â€ÂÂÂ� just above the lower beltline and changing curvature as it works from front to rear.
• Numerous transitions from convex to concave and back again: over/under the lower beltline, at the provocative diagonal line that visually carries the A-pillar angle downward; at the integral rear spoiler; in the front and rear bumper/apron contours; on the exterior mirrors; even in the grille’s vertical slats.
• Fascinating cut lines that don’t just separate sections of the body, but are visual treats in and of themselves:
  • Hood’s outer edges, from headlights to A-pillars.
  • Across the front end, down to the front wheel wells.
  • Picking up behind the wheel wells to become the doors’ curving bottom.
  • From top of rear bumper around to the rear wheel wells.
  • Curving lower outer edge of trunk lid, aiming down to align with the license-plate opening.
• Four headlights under aerodynamic covers. This traditional BMW element, newly configured for the Z4, places ellipsoid (projector) low beams outboard, compact Free Form high beams inboard. Bi-xenon headlights are optional.
• Additional turn indicators. On each flank, an amber “repeaterâ€ÂÂÂ� flasher is placed at the approximate midpoint of the diagonal line and behind a BMW logo, radiating its light outward from the logo.
• Taillights. At once recalling the BMW 2002’s round lamps and relating to BMW’s more recent L-theme, these are a strong design element.
• Adaptive brake lights. After the recently introduced 7 Series and the popular X5, the Z4 is the third BMW Series to include this new function. Under hard braking, the lights illuminate more intensely, communicating a critical safety signal to following drivers.

Aerodynamics

Outstanding for an open-bodied vehicle

It is far more challenging to achieve efficient aerodynamics with an open-body car than with a closed one; yet BMW’s designers and aerodynamicists achieved major progress. With its softtop in place, the Z4 has an aerodynamic drag coefficient (CD ) of just 0.35. And extensive development has minimized drafts around the faces and upper bodies of Z4 occupants when the top is down: In its May ’03 issue, Road & Track reported that “at a constant 75 mph with the side windows down, we found the wind only tugging lightly at our cars.�