2002 BMW Z8

Automobile manufacturers with histories as vast and distinguished as BMWs often reference iconic models from their past. BMWs journey down the 'retro' road commenced in 1996 with the Z3 coupe and convertible, with its design inspired by the '328' sports car of the pre-war era. The 'Z07' concept car of 1997 wore similar lines but with design inspiration sourced from the post-war Alfred Goetz-designed '507,' a limited-edition and luxurious roadster that offered superb performance. Despite its mechanical prowess, vast accouterments, and elegant design, the vehicle had all but bankrupted the struggling German company.

The enthusiastic reception of the Z07 at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show inspired BMW to press ahead with a production version, dubbed the Z8. Styling was by a design team led by Chris Bangle, with the exterior designed by Henrik Fisker and the interior by Scott Lempert. Several of the less practical features of the Z07 were not used in the Z8, including the 'double bubble' hardtop, driver's headrest fairing, and four-spoke steering wheel. The windshield of the Z8 was more upward, and the front featured a larger airdam. In most other respects, however, the Z8 remained faithful to the original concept, retaining the distinctive front-wing vents of the Z07, and the 507-like twin nostril front grille. The side-mounted turn indicators remained invisible, hidden within the side vents, that would become visible when activated. The taillights and turn indicators used neon tube lighting that performed quicker activation than standard lightbulbs.

The vintage and simplistic interior of the Z07 was preserved, with the modern accouterments carefully hidden under retracting panels. The round speedometer and rev limiter gauges rested in the middle, above the dual air vents, between the driver and passenger, and canted slightly in favor of the driver. This left a clean, unblemished dashboard in front of the steering wheel, with only the ignition and light switch in view. Many of the functions were integrated into multi-function controls, including the power windows and mirrors which were controlled by a single instrument.

Standard equipment included a color-matching metal hardtop with a rear defroster. Modern appurtenances included stability control, traction control, GPS navigation, front and side airbags, power operation of the seats, and climate control.

The lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum body were affixed to the MIG-welded aluminum space frame chassis produced in the Dingolfing Plant. Nearly all elements of the car were constructed or finished by hand in Munich. The heart of the Z8 was a potent V8 engine with nearly 400 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 RPM. The engine, known internally as the S62, was built by BMW Motorsport and positioned behind the front axle, helping the Z8 achieve a 50/50 weight distribution. It was backed by a Getrag six-speed manual gearbox while the Alpina version used a five-speed automatic. Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 4.7 seconds, although Motor Trend magazine performed it in 4.2 seconds. The top speed, like most BMW automobiles, was electronically limited to 155 mph with the delimited top speed achieved at approximately 180 mph.

From the onset of production, BMW promoted the Z8 as an 'instant classic,' and promised that a 50-year stockpile of spare parts would be maintained in order to support the Z8.

The 2000 BMW Z8 had a factory base price of $128,000. In comparison, the 507 had a price of $10,500 and found very few buyers with just 252 examples built. BMW built a total of 5,703 examples of the Z8 'classic roadster' with 3,160 examples sent to the world market and 2,543 for the North American market. Three hundred seventeen examples were sold in 2000, 970 a year later, and 524 in 2002. In 2003, BMW sold 439 examples, followed by 110 in 2004, and 2005 in 17. In 2006, just five examples were sold.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: WBAEJ13472AH61368

At the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show, BMW introduced a retro-inspired concept car named the Z07. It wore a design by Henrik Fisker and initially intended to merely exist as a sole concept. After receiving overwhelmingly positive acclaim, it was decided that it would be put into limited serial production in 1999. The resulting Z8 remained faithful to the Z07 concept, with the 507-like twin-nostril front grille and front-wing vents. It had a period-style interior including a banjo-style steering wheels. The bodywork was done in aluminum with a space-frame chassis. Power was from a 4941cc aluminum V8 engine offering 400 horsepower and gave the roadster a zero-to-sixty mph in just 4.2 seconds. Standard features included traction control, stability control, front and side air bags, and GPS navigation.

Production ceased in 2003, with 5,703 examples built.

This example was completed at the Munich-based Bayerische Motoren Werke in October 2001. It was built for the U.S. market and came to Newark, NJ, in December 2001 but was not sold to its first owner until August 2003. Its first owner was a Southampton, New York resident who retained the vehicle until 2010 and put less than 7,000 miles on the odometer. The second owner, another New York resident, kept the car until 2015.

This Z8 is finished in Titan Silber Metallic over a red and black leather interior. It has fewer than 12,000 original miles on the odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: WBAEJ13402AH61275

The BMW Z8 was built largely by hand, on a special production line within its Munich facility. In comparison to the standard 3-Series, the Z8 took nearly ten times longer to build.

BMW built 5,702 examples between 1999 and 2003 worldwide, including 926 in 2002.

This particular example was first delivered to Chapman BMW in Scottsdale, Arizona and has a known ownership history from new. It has just 23,385 miles on the odometer. It has the accessory hardtop and stand, wind deflector, factory tool roll, owner's manual with pouch, first aid kit, spare keys and fobs, BMW Motorola cell phone, and the original window sticker, as well as a special Z8 car cover with storage bag. The car is finished in Tungsten Silver over black Nappa leather.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: WBAEJ13482AH61881

This BMW Z8 Roadster is one of approximately 550 imported to the United States in 2002. It has a 5-liter V8 engine offering nearly 400 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The car, currently showing 12,645 miles on the odometer, has a limited-slip differential, heated sport seats, auto-dimming mirrors, center-mounted instrumentation, Harman Kardon premium stereo, Navigation system, Xenon headlamps, pushbutton start cruise control, and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The car has a Tilt/telescopic steering column, 18-inch wheels, and heated mirrors. The exterior is finished in Stratus Silver Metallic with a Black Nappa leather interior.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: WBAEJ13442AH61540

The BMW Z07 was designed by Chris Bangle, Henrik Fisker, and Scott Lempert, as a tribute to the legendary 507 of the late 1950s. After a sensational debut at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show, BMW was persuaded to develop a limited-production variant. It was dubbed the Z8 and its design remained faithful to the Z07. Beginning with the 2000 model year, these stunning supercars were largely built by hand.

This particular example is an original, low-mileage Z8 finished in Titanium Silver Metallic with a black leather interior. In 2002, just 926 examples were built.

It has an all-aluminum body, aluminum space frame, four-cam S62 V8 engine, six-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, 50/50 weight distribution, advanced suspension system, and traction control.

This BMW Z8 remained in the care of its original owner until 2012 when it was purchased by its second owner. It has its factory hardtop with stand, roll bar cover/wind screen, BMW StarTAC phone, cup holder, boot cover, manuals, and tools.

The BMW Z8 is powered by a 4,941cc S62 dual overhead cam, 32-valve, V8 engine fitted with a Bosch Motronic Sequential fuel injection system offering nearly 400 horsepower.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: WBAEJ13412AH61379

BMW introduced the Z07 at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show. It was well received, prompting the production version dubbed the Z8. Several of the less practical features of the BMW Z07 were deleted, including the four-spoke steering wheel, 'double bubble' hardtop, and driver's headrest fairing. Most of the features, however, remained remarkably faithful to the original concept. In the front were the 507-like twin-nostril front grille and distinctive front-wing vents.

The body paneling and spaceframe chassis of the BMW Z8 was fabricated in lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum. Power was from a 32-valve, 4941cc V8 engine which is shared with the BMW M5 saloon. It was built by BMW's Motorsport division and offered 400 horsepower, giving the Z8 a zero-to-sixty mph in 4.7 seconds.

This particular example was built at the Munich-based Bayerische Motoren Werke in October 2001 as a 2002 model-year car. It is one of 2,543 Roadsters that were sent to the United States market. The first owner purchased the vehicle in Ohio and retained it for nearly a decade. In 2012, it was acquired by its second caretaker who used it sparingly over the next five years. The third owner, also of New Hampshire, took ownership in 2017 and kept it for just four months before selling it the current owner. Currently, the car has 7,400 miles on its odometer.

This BMW Z8 is finished in Titanium Silver Metallic over soft sport black leather. It has the hardtop, boot cover, wind stop, tool kit, owners and service manuals, an entire set of keys with leather pouch, and the Z8 coffee table book.

The 4,941cc 32-valve DOHC V8 engine is fitted with Bosch Motronic Fuel Injection and offers 400 horsepower. There is a six-speed manual transmission and four-wheel disc brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: WBAEJ134X2AH61347

The BMW M5's 4.9-liter V8 engine was used to power the Z8, offering 400 horsepower and mated to a proper six-speed gearbox. The design, carried over from Henrik Fisker's Z07 concept, paid homage to the Count Albrecht Goertz-designed 507 of the 1950s with a sleek front end, side vents, and retro additions such as a banjo-type steering wheel.

This particular example was first registered in Paradise Valley, Arizona, on January 3rd, 2002. It appears to have remained with its original owner until it was sold to Texas in 2012. In November 2012, it had 11,190 miles on its odometer. By 2017, it had put on just 1,426 miles. Currently, it has less than 13,000 original miles.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

In 1997, BMW debuted the Z07 retro-styled concept car at the Tokyo Auto Show. The inspiration came from the 507, a post-war roadster designed by Alfred Goetz. It was a sensation and evolved to become the production Z8. BMW exported just 2,543 of these convertibles to the United States from 2000 to 2003. Mostly hand-built, it is powered by the same high-performance 4.9-liter V8 engine that powers the M5. It produces 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Every Z8 is equipped with a removable hardtop.

This Titanium Siler Metallic Z8 was acquired by the current owner around 2010. However, the car was originally delivered in Massachusetts and spent much of its life on Martha's Vineyard. Anticipating the future collectible status, BMW guaranteed a 50-year supply of parts and provided a customized coffee table book with a picture of the car and a sample of the interior leather.

Roadster
Chassis number: WBAEJ13412AH61799

The BMW Z8, built as an homage to the BMW 507, came equipped with a 4.9-liter 'S62' V-8 engine from the E39 M5 and paired with a six-speed manual transmission. Its design was courtesy of Henrik Fisker, Chris Bangle, and Scott Lempert, and its styling was recognized as a modern interpretation of iconic cars from the 1950s and 1960s.

This BMW Z8 was delivered new to its first owner in New York, leaving the factory wearing a bright red exterior and Nappa black leather interior (one of 137 examples finished in this color combination). Currently, this BMW Z8 has 2,200 miles on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: WBAEJ13492AH61727

This 2002 BMW Z8 has a Jet Black exterior over Black Nappa leather with matching soft and hard tops. It is one of 667 examples worldwide to be finished in this color combination.

This BMW cleared customs in Port Hueneme, California, on May 6, 2002, and was first sold in Arizona on June 13, 2003. It then moved to New York and sold to its second owner in 2005 with 315 miles on its odometer. After nine months and with 600 miles, it entered into long-term ownership with the current caretaker. Currently, this BMW has 1,400 miles on its odometer.

Power is from the 'S62' 4.9-liter V8 engine offering 395 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: WBAEJ13462AH61832

The engine powering the BMW Z8 was a 4.9-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 rated at 394 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission, zero to 60 mph was accomplished in 4.5 seconds. Beyond mechanical prowess, the Z8 wore sensuous bodywork and spaceframe chassis comprised of lightweight aluminum, and its artful interior housed a banjo-style steering wheel comprised of steel spokes, a central instrument pod, brushed aluminum switchgear, and a body-color panel running the full width of the dashboard. The generous list of standard equipment included power seats, air conditioning, leather upholstery, and ample storage space.

This particular BMW Z8 was a U.S.-market, left-hand drive example that was completed in May 2002 and arrived in the United States through Port Hueneme, California. It is one of 114 Z8 examples finished in Stratus Grey Metallic over Black Nappa leather upholstery. The Z8 was first registered in California in November 2002 and remained in the Los Angeles area over the following decade, briefly passing to Ohio in 2014 before entering the care of the current Pennsylvania-based owner in 2015.

by Dan Vaughan

The spectacular 507 roadster, built during 1956-59 in only 253 examples, is considered by many enthusiasts and collectors to be one of the most beautiful cars ever built. In developing the Z8, BMW designers were challenged to imagine what the original 507 would be like if it had never ceased production and had evolved over four decades. The result of this creative direction is a thoroughly contemporary interpretation of that famous and coveted roadster – a car that is truly a perfect blend of performance and sensuality; of modern technology and classic elegance.

The world's first look at the Z8 concept was the Z07 design study displayed at the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show and shortly thereafter at the1998 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Again encouraged by favorable public reaction, BMW decided to build the Z8 in limited numbers.

BMW 507 designer Count Albrecht Goertz has paid the Z8 the ultimate compliment: 'If I were to design the 507 today, it would look like the Z8.' Vastly different from the esthetic of current exclusive high-performance cars, the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car features a long hood, tapered overhangs, a cockpit positioned toward the rear, and a low beltline. The front-fender air vents or 'gills,' here with integrated fiber-optic turn signal lights, are a design element usually associated with the classic 507 even though the concept dates from earlier BMWs. In a world of sharp-edged, angular sports cars, the Z8 is romantically curvaceous.

The roadster's advanced lighting technology includes Xenon lowbeam headlights with dynamic auto-leveling and, concealed in the leading edges of the headlamp covers, high-intensity washers. The Z8 is the first car ever with neon turn signals and brake lights that illuminate ten times faster than conventional bulbs, giving other drivers more time to react. Another example of the attention to detail the designers lavished on the Z8 is the two round red lenses bracketing the rear license plate. The left one is a rear foglight; the right one is a backup light that, despite its red lens, illuminates white for reversing.

Building the Z8 in Germany is as unique a process as is the car itself. Z8 bodies are constructed and painted at BMW's Dingolfing plant, approximately 60 miles northeast of Munich; the front and rear bumpers are manufactured at the nearby Landshut facility. Completed bodies are then shipped to the former pilot-plant area of the company's Munich factory for final assembly. There, a small team of highly skilled craftspeople largely hand-build Z8s in 31 assembly steps. The complete construction and finishing process takes about 10 times as long as that for a 3 Series sedan.

The Z8 cockpit continues the theme of a modern re-creation of the 507. Thus in the tradition of great sports cars, the Z8 has a pushbutton starter for its engine. The ignition switch is mounted on the dash, just above the starter button instead of in the traditional steering-column location. A new electronic steering lock, along with BMW's Coded Driveaway Protection, helps deter theft. Other standard equipment includes heated leather seats, a power roadster top and a removable aluminum hardtop with heated rear window. The extensive Nappa leather upholstery and trim is accented with body-color painted surfaces and aluminum control knobs, all connoting –5 –more– astounding attention to detail. Interior trim consists of aluminum and colorkeyed painted surfaces; among the few changes for '02 are new choices for combining trim colors with the four available upholstery schemes.

There was never any question about what engine should power the Z8. The 3.2-liter aluminum V8 that powered the original 507 was, at the time, BMW's most powerful engine. For a car that personifies BMW's passion for driving, only the most powerful road engine in BMW history, the S62 5-liter V-8 - also found in the M5 sedan - would do. Delivering 394 horsepower and 368 lb-ft. of torque, the Z8's aluminum engine is completely civilized in traffic and around town, thanks in part to its infinitely adjustable, electronically controlled valve-timing system.

Called High-Pressure Double VANOS 1, the system varies valve timing on the intake and exhaust valves of both cylinder heads – thus on all four camshafts – helping optimize power, torque and emission control. The 'high-pressure' designation signifies the fact that this engine, like other BMW M engines but distinct from regular production BMW powerplants, includes a dedicated oil pump for the VANOS system. The engine's 'drive-by-wire' throttle system operates eight individual intake throttles and includes M Driving Dynamics Control, which allows the driver to select between Normal and quicker Sport response characteristics. A unique g-sensitive engine-lubrication system automatically ensures proper oil circulation in hard cornering situations. Because a V-8 engine's cylinder heads are canted at a 45° angle, there could be insufficient natural oil flow out of the heads under extreme cornering loads. In addition to the usual pressure pump, there are two scavenging pumps, one for each cylinder bank. In straight-ahead driving, these pumps pick up oil from the rear of the 1 – VANOS = VAriable NOckenwellen Steuerung = variable camshaft control, or variable valve timing. –6 –more– engine and return it to the sump. In hard cornering (0.9g or more), the Dynamic Stability Control system's lateral-g sensor switches magnetic valves to different pickup points, at the curve-outer side of each head and the pan.

The original 507's body was aluminum. Taking up that tradition in a 21st-century form, all the Z8's body panels, except its bumpers and door hinges, are aluminum. Here BMW has taken the use of this lightweight alloy a step further and designed an entire space frame in aluminum. This concept combines moderate weight with body rigidity that is unparalleled by any other open sports car in this category. The monocoque frame is made of extrusion-pressed beams much like the trusses of a timber house. Nearly 1,000 rivets and 190 ft. of fused welding seam (MIG) hold the frame and body panels together. The frame is made largely in-house at BMW's Dingolfing plant, where the existing aluminum processing center also makes the 3 Series convertible hardtop, M3 hood and 7 Series hood and front fenders. The space frame, which is 30 percent lighter than if it were made of steel, provides exceptional torsional rigidity to eliminate most of the body or –7 –more– 'cowl' shake usually associated with an open-top car: 'The chassis is rigid enough,' commented Car and Driver in April 2001, 'to harness the engine's thrust without any creaks or groans.' This also provides an extremely stable platform for precise suspension tuning, and contributes to excellent driver feedback. The central frame's stiffness also allows much lower side sills than is normally the case for a roadster. Pairs of unique aluminum 'Y' arms that connect the Z8's front and rear sections to its space frame provide much of the torsional rigidity and accident protection. In a crash, the arms are designed to crumple, absorbing energy and transferring forces to the sturdy center floor pan. In simulations of the rigorous European Union's 40-mph offset crash test, the Z8's passenger cell remained completely intact. 'Smart' 2-stage airbags, safety belts with force limiters and automatic tensioners, twin Rollover Protection hoops behind the seats, and a reinforced windshield frame provide additional protection.

The Z8's impressive technology also includes Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), one of the most advanced vehicle control systems in the industry. Scenarios where DSC could help 'save the day' include those where the driver might have misjudged a traffic situation; failed to match speed to road conditions; had a lapse of attention; or been confronted with an unavoidable or critical situation. With wheel-speed sensors and a powerful microprocessor at its heart, DSC incorporates a range of functions that facilitate full and effective use of the Z8's immense performance and handing capabilities with an added measure of safety. It incorporates all-speed traction control; electronic brake proportioning for always-optimum distribution of brake force among the four wheels; antilock braking; Dynamic Brake Control, which assists the driver in obtaining the shortest stopping distance in an emergency; and enhancement of vehicle stability during hard cornering and accident-avoidance maneuvers. In this last function, figuratively speaking, DCS could be described as a 'giant hand' gently exerting its influence on a car to help stabilize it when the driver's abilities or actions might not be able to do so. DSC employs its highly sophisticated technology of sensors, computing power and actuating systems to achieve stabilizing effects that can be likened to such a 'hand.'

Ordering and taking delivery of a car as exclusive as the Z8 should be a memorable experience; BMW has taken steps to ensure that it is just that. Owners awaiting delivery of their roadster will be offered a high-quality scale model of the Z8. A handmade book will be presented to the owner of each Z8 upon delivery, including photographs of his or her car in production and actual paint and upholstery samples from the car. Z8 owners are offered the opportunity to take delivery of their roadster at BMW headquarters in Munich, Germany, where they may even watch the final assembly of their roadster. Munich delivery also includes a tour of the Z8 assembly area, and an optional European tour is offered. Alternatively, delivery is also possible at the BMW Performance Center at Spartanburg, South Carolina. The purchase of a Z8 includes a special driving course at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

by BMW

Only produced from 2000 until 2003, the BMW Z8 is famous for appearing in 'The World Is Not Enough' as the infamous vehicle James Bond drove. The convertible 'supercar' was also featured in a variety of video games. Though it had a very short shelf life, the Z8 was sold for more than six figures. This was mostly due to the all-aluminum chassis and body and the 4.9 liter, 32-valve V8 engine that pushed the car to 400 hp.

For several years the Z8 held BMW's production vehicle performance records, though it struggled to get any major credit from either drivers or automatic journalists. Some reviewers considered it to have 'terrible handling' and not seeming at all like a roadster or a supercar.

German automaker produced the Z8 and it was given the E52 BMW model car. Designed by Henrik Fisker at BMW's DesignworksUSA in Southern California, the Z8 was the production variant of the '97 Z07 concept car. Originally, the Z07 was designed as a styling exercise that was attempting to pay tribute to the '56-59 BMW 507. At the 1997 Tokyo Auto Show the Z07 caused quite a stir. This success was what spurred the decision to create a concept in a limited production model that was called the Z8.

A total of 5,703 BMW Z8's were produced, this number was approximately half of which were exported to the U.S. Originally the Z07 had been created with the concept of production in mind. Because of this, regulatory and practical considerations necessitated only minor changes for the original production model. Changes included the windshield of the Z8 being extended upward as well as a larger front airdam was fitted.

These changes were contrived to provide aerodynamic stability and came with a comfortably placid cockpit area. The concept car had featured a four-spoke steering wheel but the Z8 instead came with a three-spoke design. The concept car also featured a hardtop but it was a double-bubble form with a tapering faring and the Z8 featured a single dome with a truncated convex backside. To allow for easy operation of the power soft top, the concept's exotic driver's side helmet fairing was eliminated.

Though these changes occurred, the BMW Z8 still remained quite true to the concept model. In a way that nearly rendered the side-mounted indicators invisible until activated, they were integrated into the side vents. The interior hid the very modern equipment under retracting panels and it kept the 'vintage simplicity' of the inside of the car. The Z8 also utilized a pricy MIG-welded aluminum space frame that preserved complex compound curves. The Z8 model also kept the concept models five-spoke wheel design, though it didn't feature the race-style center lug-nut.

The BMW Z8 was priced at $128,000 and somewhat worth the price, the car had an all-aluminum chassis and body that used a 5.0 L 32-valve V8 that developed 400 hp and 500 Nm torque. BMW Motorsport subsidiary built the engine for the V8 and it was shared with the E39 M5. The engine was placed behind the front axle and produced the car with 50/50 weight distribution. The Z8 could achieve 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds, and according the Car and Driver magazine found that it outperformed the Ferrari 360 Modena in three very important performance categories, handling, acceleration and braking. The top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph, much like most BMW products, and the car's maximum top speed with an unlocked chip was 165 mph.

The Z8 had a very creative and innovative use of neon exterior lighting. The turn indicators and taillights were powered by neon tubes that offer quicker activation than basic standard lightbulbs that were expected to last the entire lifetime of the car.

Every Z8 model came with a color-matching metal hardtop with a rear defroster. The Z8 hardtop was designed from the beginning to complement the roadster curves and lines, unlike various accessory hardtops which are provided for practical use rather than stylistic considerations.

Inside, the BMW Z8 a variety of convenience functions were integrated into the design of multifunctional controls. This was designed to keep the interior completely uncluttered. The power windows and mirrors were completely controlled by just one single instrument. The center-mounted instrument cluster was canted slightly toward the driver. To offer a clear view of the hood and the road ahead, the displacement of these gauges to the middle of the dash.

Claiming it as an 'instant classic', the BMW Z8 was promoted to collectors this way, as BMW promised that a 50-year stockpile of spare parts maintained in order to support the Z8 fleet. Since the Z8 was produced in limited volume, all elements of the vehicle were constructed or finished by hand. This compounded the importance of ongoing manufacturer support for the type. BMW was able to offer custom options to interested buyers because of the price point and production process. Over the 4-year production period, a large number of V8's with nonstandard paint and interior treatments were run by BMW Individual, a division of BMW AG.

For the '03 model year, the Z8 model line was enhanced with the arrival of the Alpina V8 Roadster. Leaving the hard-edged sporting focus of the original Z8, the Alpina featured elements of the new grand touring intent. The Alpina came only as an automatic that used a 5-speed BMW Steptronic transmission joined to a downgraded 4.8L Alpina-tuned V8 engine from the Alpina E39 B10 V8 S, rather than the original six-speed manual and 4.9 liter engine in the earlier Z8's.

The Alpina featured relaxed suspension tuning that transformed the car from sportscar to a boulevardier. Rather than utilizing the Z8's conventional tires with softer sidewalls and 20-inch wheels, the Alpina featured 18-inch wheels. The Z8 featured less plush interior, while the Alpina came with a new, softer grade of Nappy leather and unique Alpina gauges featured on the dash cluster. A special Alpina steering wheel with three solid spokes replaced the original Z8 wheel, but it could not be retrofitted with shift paddles for the automatic. An Alpina-specific display highlighted gear selection and it was mounted in front of the wheel.

The Alpina Z8 had less peak power than the standard Z8 as peak power was reduced to 375 hp, meanwhile, peak torque was raised to 383 lb/ft of torque. This torque was available at substantially lower rpm than the original in a way to enable more comfortable and relaxed cruising. The electronically limited top speed of the Alpina was upped to 161 mph. A total of only 555 Alpina's were ever constructed, and most of these were exported to the U.S. market. This special edition of the Z8 was sold directly through BMW dealerships in the U.S. marking a first for BMW Alpina. This was a first for the Alpina whose vehicles had never been sold through retail channels in the USA.

For a variety of years, the Z8 held BMW's production car performance records. Numerous journalists praised the Z8, but one UK motoring press described the standard Z8 as 'having terrible handling'. The particular journalist, Jeremy Clarkson, spared no love for the Z8.

One of the Z8's odd characteristics was the lack of a limited-slip differential; the vehicle came with an open differential that allowed one wheel to break free under maximum acceleration. The DSC traction from BMW and stability control prevented the absence of an LSD from becoming a safety factor. Journalists and car owners agreed that this choice of differential was a poor judgment idea on BMW's part. Numerous Z8 owners subsequently retrofitted Quaife LSD's to fix the perceived shortcomings.

by Jessican Donaldson