2003 BMW Z8 Z8
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Photo: 2001 BMW Z8 2 by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: 2001 BMW Z8 3 by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: BMW, TC 24, Essen (TCE42914) by Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: BMW, TC 24, Essen (TCE42910) by Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: BMW Z8 dashboard in BMW-Museum in Munich, Bayern by Jiří Sedláček, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the Z8 (E52, 2000–2003); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
- Photo: 2001 BMW Z8 2 by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 2001 BMW Z8 3 by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW, TC 24, Essen (TCE42914) by Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW, TC 24, Essen (TCE42910) by Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: BMW Z8 dashboard in BMW-Museum in Munich, Bayern by Jiří Sedláček, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 2003 BMW Z8 Z8 is a 394-hp 4.9-liter with a 6-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $131,500 MSRP and is rated at 15 mpg combined.
It makes 394 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 368 lb-ft of torque at 3800 rpm, spinning to a 7,000 rpm redline. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 13 mpg city and 21 mpg highway (15 mpg combined).
The Z8 measures 173.2 inches long on a 98.6-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,495 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Convertible |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $131,500 ($232,269 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | S62B50 |
| Displacement | 4.9 L |
| Horsepower | 394 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm |
| Redline | 7,000 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 32-valve V8 (Double VANOS) |
| Bore and Stroke | 94.0 x 89.0 |
| Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | RWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual (Getrag Type D) |
| 1st Gear | 4.23 (39 mph **) |
| 2nd Gear | 2.53 (65 mph **) |
| 3rd Gear | 1.67 (98 mph **) |
| 4th Gear | 1.23 (134 mph **) |
| 5th Gear | 1 (164 mph **) |
| 6th Gear | 0.83 (198 mph **) |
| Final Drive | 3.38 |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 13 MPG |
| Highway | 21 MPG |
| Combined | 15 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Premium unleaded |
| Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Aluminum struts, double-pivot lower arms, coil springs |
| Rear Suspension | Four-link integral system, coil springs |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 ft |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | 13.1 in (vented) |
| Rear Brake Disc | 12.9 in (vented) |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 18x8.0 |
| Wheels Rear | 18x9.0 |
| Tires Front | 245/45ZR18 |
| Tires Rear | 275/40ZR18 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 173.2 in |
| Width | 72 in |
| Height | 51.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 98.6 in |
| Front Track | 61.1 in |
| Rear Track | 61.7 in |
| Cargo Volume | 5.1 ft³ |
| Curb Weight | 3,495 lbs |
| Weight Distribution (F/R) | 50.8% / 49.2% |
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars
** Theoretical max speed per gear at redline
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