2003 Bmw Z4 - Cars Worth Noting - Bayerische Motoren Werke AG - Product/Service Evaluation

Automotive Industries,  Nov, 2002  by Andrea Wielgat

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Chris Bangle has taken a lot of heat in recent months.

Criticized for the styling of the 7-Series, industry onlookers have wondered what the head of BMW design would approve next.

Wonder no more.

BMW's latest is the Z4 roadster. And in typical industry fashion, the murmurs of dislike for the vehicle started early. But I waited until I had driven the car to make my own judgment.

Bottom line: I like the styling. Yes, it is a departure from the Z3 it replaces. Yes, it looks muscular. Yes, it is modern.

But this is what BMW wants for its new roadster.

In my opinion this vehicle looks best not in pictures but on the road. This is where you can clearly see the twisting planes Z4 exterior designer Anders Warming designed into the vehicle. He says it is a design with dimensions and I would have to agree.

This vehicle has its share of curves, edges and lines but still incorporates classic BMW roadster attributes like a long sweeping front and low overhangs.

I particularly liked the vehicle's side blinker. It is something other OEMs would have simplified. Not BMW. The automaker placed its symbol over the orange light. So, the only time the light is seen is when the indicator is in use.

This is the attention to detail I've come to expect from BMW. It's also just one of the little things that will draw customers to the Z4.

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