2004 BMW Z4 3.0i Roadster
The Z4 roadster traces its roots back to the BMW 507, the legendary grand touring car from Germany produced from 1956 to 1959. Due to the limited numbers produced with even fewer in the U.S., the auction prices of 507's have skyrocketed in recent years and that has caused an unintentional uptick in interest in Z4's and its predecessor, the Z3, (1996-2002). The limited production and exorbitant cost of BMW Z8's, (1999-2003), also drew attention to the more affordable Z3 and Z4, which were mass produced.
For consignment, an E85 BMW Z4 roadster from the second year of production. After the success of the Z3, BMW created the larger and more refined tourer in the Z4 which was available in manual or automatic and in 2006, a hardtop coupe version was introduced. Our car does sport the desirable 6-speed manual transmission and venerable 3.0 liter inline 6 along with 32,044 exempt miles showing on the odometer.
Exterior
Titanium Silver Metallic is the color our Z4 wears and it looks stunning. The wide rounded nose of the car contains the trademark kidney grille and familiar bonnet badge of the BMW logo. The flush headlights could use a good polish as they appear cloudy and oxidized. The long nose of the Z4 is flanked by stylish turn signals embedded behind another BMW crest, (the left fender crest is missing). Following the rounded door gaps is the short tail of the car and flat rear valance housing sporty rear taillights and an arching hood that almost forms a little wing with third brake light. The car looks wide from the back, augmented by the narrowing canvas top and rear glass window. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard and show chipping paint, curb rash and other imperfections. The canvas top is in good condition. The paint overall is in good condition as well. We note some scraping of the bottom edge of the front bumper, not uncommon in low sports cars.
Interior
The door panels are a handsome blend of black leather and plastic along with nickel colored pull handles and controls. Black leather also covers the bucket seats, and the driver has multiple electronic control options mounted on the side and front of the seat. The three spoke leather clad steering wheel has good grip and various thumb driven controls. A faux aluminum topped black center console races past the seats toward the dash and houses the manual shifter with color matched knob and black leather boot. The dash front utilizes a combination of textured molded plastic in black and brushed aluminum panels. In front of the driver is a large arched dash front which has dual analog gauges in deep coves within the arch. These gauges have digital readouts and there are several warning lights in the field which separates these dual circles. A central air vent and control panel is embedded onto the aluminum and contains the factory AM/FM/CD radio. Black carpet covers the floors and is in very good condition.
Drivetrain
A very clean electronic fuel injected 3.0 liter inline 6 cylinder is neatly placed into the clean engine bay. A ZF 6-speed manual transmission is strapped to the back of the power plant and sends power back to the 3.62 geared rear axle. Power disc brakes are found fore and aft.
Undercarriage
Straight and rust free panels to give some ground effect aero to this car are seen, along with a solid unibody. Twin exhaust pipes enter a single catalytic converter, come out as two, enter a stock muffler then exit via twin tips. Front independent coil spring suspension is seen with an independent multilink and coil spring suspension in the rear. It's all in very nice condition lacking oil leaks and surface rust.
Drive-Ability
As expected, this was a thrilling ride for sure, from the time I lit the candles throughout the test loop this car was up to par on every check box. Good acceleration, nice handling, and snappy cornering, along with a smooth cruise, it's definitely a nice example. The shifter and clutch are both butter smooth and user friendly. We note the convertible top does not work with electronic assist and the manual override does not release hydraulic pressure and may indicate a bad motor with a seized pressure relief valve.
With comfort, stability and just plain driving fun, this US built German sports car is made to be enjoyed all year long. If you are into some German engineering without the expense of a Mercedes-Benz or Porsche, then hurry on down to Classic Auto Mall for this small slice of Bavarian goodness.
4USBT53564LT25691
4-USA
U-BMW USA
S-Passenger Car
BT5-Z4 Convertible
3-Passenger Car
5-Manual Belts, Advanced Airbags
6-Check Digit
4-2004
L-Greer, SC Assy Plant
T25691-Sequential Unit Number
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