Long-Term Test Verdict: 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i

It was with great anticipation that we took the keys of our long-term BMW Z4. After all, the shark-nosed roadster with the flame-cut flanks was the controversial replacement for the Z3 and was touted as more aggressive and technologically advanced. Of course, it also meant we'd have a bright-red drop-top to get up close and personal with for a year's duration. Add the turbine-smooth 3.0-liter, 225-horsepower inline-six, and we couldn't go wrong, right? Well...almost.

We wanted to evaluate the new Sequential Manual Gearbox transmission offered for the first time in a standard BMW (available only in the M3 previously), so we chose that instead of BMW's six-speed manual or five-speed Steptronic manumatic transmission. The SMG uses an electrically actuated clutch, but no third pedal, and provides "fascinating new things for an enthusiastic driver to learn," so claims BMW. The SMG gives drivers the option of using steering-wheel-mounted paddles or the shifter to change gears. Also, in Drive mode, it offers fully automated shifting. A Sport program quickens upshifts, but on average, part-throttle shifts are stifled by long pauses.

Our SMG-equipped Z4 started putting itself in Neutral at the most inopportune moments, however, such as when we were stopped at a traffic light on a busy Los Angeles street during rush hour. It happened several times and caused concern among our staff. The dealer replaced the SMG control unit with an updated version, but it gave basically the same results as before. Drivers who used the SMG in other BMWs noted that the transmission worked much better in those applications, leading us to believe that we were just experiencing growing pains that'll improve in future Z4s.

On the flipside, though the SMG experienced heartburn upshifting, its lightning-quick, matched-revs downshifts were excellent--the Z4 serves up a healthy dose of attitude.

The straight-six's rorty exhaust sounds manly, and the sport suspension and solid chassis make this car a thrill to drive on canyon roads.

The electric power steering is always happy to comply, and the Z4 proved a terrific, weekend get-out-of-town car--but with those handling characteristics came a compromise: a choppy highway ride. Editors complained that the Z4's steering tended to follow grooves in the pavement and wasn't as well behaved on less-than-smooth roads.

Okay, so we had a few gripes about this edgy, chiseled roadster, but reliability wasn't one of them. There were no recalls for this model, and, aside from the transmission, it went to the dealer only for oil changes--once in conjunction with a service department's attempt to reprogram the SMG's computer.

The service was covered under BMW's four-year, 50,000-mile full-maintenance plan, so the service visits were free of charge.

The combination of smooth power delivery, livable wind-noise levels (top up or down), and excellent stereo made this long-termer great for extended two-lane drives--despite the limited interior volume and meager cargo space. One driver took the Z4 over the state line to Arizona; another toured the same state soon thereafter--not a jaunt this car's suited for, yet it did it twice within weeks. Surprisingly, both editors were impressed with the car's behavior on the Interstate (they must've found freshly paved stretches), and one noted the navigation system's database was so complete, it even included some of the tracks and buildings in an automaker's proving grounds.

A third editor gave the Bimmer a true, hard-core don't-do-this test: He zipped up Interstate 5 from California, through Oregon, to Washington (going far enough north to be a stone's throw from Canada), then, after a couple recovery days and a Dave Matthews concert, south on Highway 395 to Nevada, and, finally, home. While he enjoyed the interior amenities, he was well aware that this car wasn't exactly built for a comfortable, smooth ride on a long haul.

When the Z4 first stuck its land shark nose into the Motor Trend garage, negative opinions were first made about its looks. But after about a year with the car, its creased sides and now-familiar front end had grown on nearly everyone. And, by the end of our time with this strong-selling Z3 replacement, we'd accepted the styling, adapted to the SMG, and, even though it took a while, concluded that this is a great car, issues aside. The Z4 already has overcome one of those issues: the public seems fine with the design, if perhaps not totally swayed. An editor even noted that "the styling pinged the compliment meter a few times on the streets of Beverly Hills. "For the other, ordering either the conventional six-speed manual or Steptronic automatic transmission is an easy cure. Those who'd let these issues keep them from driving this engaging sports car are missing out.

*According to IntelliChoice