A high point in the convertible market is the BMW Z8. In 2003 BMW rolled out an upgraded version of the Z8 with two versions: Base and Alpina. Sales for the Z8, especially the Z8 Alpina, were brisk during 2003 and 2004. The improved reliability and the updated styling were responsible for the increased interest.

2003 BMW Z8 Alpina Specs

The restyled Z8 Alpina is equipped with a 4.8-liter eight-cylinder engine that utilizes 32 valves. The engine is mated to a ZF five-speed transmission. This has resulted in an increase in horsepower and torque over the 2002 version.

The fuel system for the 2003 Z8 is a traditional Bosch HFM Motronic, running on gasoline fuel. The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The capacity of the fuel tank is 19.30 gallons.

Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The Z8 comes equipped with power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are disc. The car uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.

Statistics

The Z8 is 173.20 inches long, 72.00 inches wide, and 51.90 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 98.60 inches. It is able to seat 2 comfortably.

The listed retail price in 2003 (MSRP) was $136,900, with a dealer invoice cost of $124,740. This price is in line with the industry average price for a two-door Convertible.

The standard warranty period for the Z8 is 48 months, or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. There is also a warranty on the powertrain for 48 months or 50,000 miles respectively. This is standard in the convertible market.

Fuel Efficiency

The Z8 Alpina received a miles-per-gallon rating of fourteen in-city driving and twenty one when it came to highway driving. Being a gas-powered non-hybrid car, this was within normal parameters.

Parting Shots

The 2003 model year was very successful for the BMW Z8. The introduction of several trim levels (along with the Alpina version) meant that buyers could find the version that best suited their needs.

Tags: 2-Door, Alpina, BMW Z8, Convertible, United States market

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 10th, 2009 at 2:00 pm and is filed under 2003, BMW, Z8. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.