The BMW Z8, one of the most beautiful cars ever built, was a roadster manufactured by the German carmaker from 2000-2003. Its smooth, curving lines appear beautiful from any angle and remind car fanatics of classic BMW roadsters like the BMW 507 and 328.
The Z8, the production alternative of the 1997 Z07 concept car, appeared in the 1999 James Bond film “The World Is Not Enough.” Unfortunately, a helicopter equipped with tree-cutting saws, sliced the gorgeous car in half. The BMW Z8 was also featured in the games “James Bond 007: Agent under Fire” and “007 Racing.”
The Z8, praised by automotive enthusiasts around the world, broke many BMW performance records. A driver from Motor Trend magazine drove the BMW Z8 from a standing start to 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds while Road and Track measured the roadster’s lateral grip at .92. As is the case with most BMW vehicles, the Z8’s top speed was electronically limited to 155.4 miles per hour. Automotive experts clocked the Z8 at 186 miles per hour with an unlocked chip.
Car and Driver magazine tests also found the BMW Z8 to outperform the current standard – Ferrari 360 Modena – in three significant performance categories: acceleration, handling and braking. The Z8 received the 2001 Car of the Year award from the Robb Report.
The BMW Z8, priced at $128,000, boasted an all-aluminum chassis and body. The incomparable sports car’s 4.9-liter, 32-valve V-8 engine, known as the S62, churned out 400 horsepower and 370 foot-pounds of torque.
BMW designed the Z8 as a “halo” automobile to draw attention to the German automaker and increase sales of other BMW models. BMW manufactured only 5,703 Z8s, half of which it exported to the United States so – naturally – Z8 ownership is an elite club. Considering collectors yearn for the BMW 507 – one in mint condition will bring more than $500,000 – the Z8 could see a similar future.
With that in mind, maintaining a Z8 with cheap auto parts is unthinkable. A proud BMW Z8 owner should only repair his pride and joy with genuine BMW used parts and car parts online from a trusted foreign auto parts supplier like All-Import Auto Parts.