The BMW Z4 E85/86 is an underrated classic that was ahead of its time.
The A90 Supra shined a light on the less-familiar, sometimes forgotten BMW Z4. In 2021, the original 2003 Z4 is perhaps less familiar than the BMW Z8, which only ever dipped slightly below its MSRP and has recently skyrocketed in resale value even 20 years later. Even the Z3-era Z07 concept is perhaps more loved by enthusiasts than the easily accessible first-generation 2003–2008 E85 roadster, or the more rare and perhaps even more underrated E86 coupe. But forgotten lays the first-generation BMW Z4, which should have been more of a mind-sweeper than it was when it hit the streets in 2002.
For one, the Z4’s design was a very significant upgrade to the previous Z3 (Yes, THAT James Bond car from GoldenEye) that debuted in 1995 and retired in 2002 for the Z4 upgrade. The Z3 ticked many checkmarks, being BMW’s first mass-market roadster and the first BMW assembled in the U.S. The Z3 was loved by convertible fanatics of the time, even if it only seemed like a slight step above the little Mazda Miata, as the Z3 only delivered 114 hp at launch for the 1.8 model/138 hp for the 1.9i. And for the 90s, it was a less-then revolutionary design that couldn’t be compared with the aesthetics of other cars at the time, like the AP1 Honda S2000. The jump from the Z3 to the Z4 was a big one in terms of the car’s looks. It was just so much more modern, slick, and impressive with its edges. The Z3’s length, width, height, and wheelbase remained relatively unchanged, but the front-end design change of the grill would lead any coupe fanatic to realize they weren’t looking at a Z3. Other significant changes included the design of the lights; both the front and particularly the rear lights don’t stand out on the road in the 2020s.
Another striking characteristic of the Z4 is that the design remained relatively unchanged to this day. Sure, the modern Z4 is bigger, and some would say boxier, but it is still that Z4 that hit the streets nearly 20 years ago at the time of this writing! Drastic changes like the hidden convertible hardtop that came and went with the E89 were major changes to the function and practicality of the car, but really the rest of the design was kept as it just continued to keep up with modern trends.
Contestably, the release of the BMW Z4 in 2002 was a bigger jump from the Z3 than something like Nissan’s transition from the 350Z to the 370Z. I’d even argue that it was an even bigger passage than the C8 Corvette was to the C7. How we look at new cars is largely depicted through views on whether or not it stands out from other cars, and in what ways. The Z4 delivered on being a unique, playful car that not only drover better than its predecessor but looked way more prestigious than it was. Our vision for cars like these is fueled by how premium the car feels and looks, and people fail to realize that for 2002, the Z4 was about as premium as it got.
