Press Kit Model Year 2003: Z4

Please download the attached rtf-files to read the full story on the 2003 Z4. Download 1: "2003 Z4 Story" Download 2: "2003 Z4 Highlights" Download 3: "2003 Z4 Features" Download 4: "2003 Z4 Prices" Download 5: "2003 Z4 Specifications"

BMW Z4 ROADSTER: NOT JUST A SUCCESSOR TO THE Z3, BUT A WHOLE NEW CLASS OF
SPORTS CAR

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, October 1, 2002...Much of the world may have
expected the Z4 to be a direct successor to the hugely successful BMW Z3
roadster. Indeed, the Z3 has come to the end of its lifecycle this past June
and the new Z4 has begun its career with a production start in September.

But there is more, much more, to the Z4's debut than just "successor replaces
predecessor." The new Z4 roadster takes BMW and the roadster segment to another
level.

Built on a longer wheelbase, the new Z4 is slightly wider and longer than the
Z3. But so much more substance and stance has been built into a vehicle that
has not grown significantly in size. The Z4 delivers everything roadster -
two-seater, long and sweeping hood, short front and rear overhangs, low and
rearward seating, and soft top - in a modern, athletic and assertive new design.

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 (Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) available as of April
2003 production.) Its chassis engineering is new, encompassing multi-link rear
suspension, 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.

The Z4 Series is produced at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina manufacturing
facility, employing the most advanced production equipment and processes.
Production at Spartanburg began on September 3, and will serve all BMW markets.
Two models will be offered: the Z4 2.5i at $33,795 base price including
destination; and the higher-performing, more extensively equipped Z4 3.0i at
$40,945. These are modest increases not only in view of the new models' new
technology and features: The Full Maintenance included in BMW base prices has
been extended from 3 years/36,000 miles to 4 years/50,000 miles.

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.

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To read the rest of the Z4 story please download file 1.