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BMW Z8
Being a secret agent’s car is a top job. You get to park outside the world’s
finest hotels, enjoy the fitment of a large number of non-standard factory
options (such as rocket launchers and ejector seats) and have the occasional
dust-up with a Ferrari on a winding mountain pass.
But there is a downside. You may be blown up, barrel-rolled, or cut in half by
a bandsaw. James Bond has always preferred British metal when choosing his
company car — notably Astons and Lotuses — but when it was time for 007 to
save the world one more time in The World Is Not Enough he committed an act
of automotive treason for which some have never forgiven him. Bond went to
Munich and got his hands on a BMW.
As a sales puff, BMW must have been pretty happy with the film. By the time
its Z8 went on sale in February 2000 both small boys and their dads were
drooling over it. Even the hefty launch price of £86,650 didn’t seem a
problem.
Only a handful of cars were destined for the UK and the waiting list for
potential buyers stretched beyond two years. But some six years after the
car’s film-star performance its long-term status as BMW’s ultimate sports
convertible is still in the balance. So few were produced that none of the
trade guides quotes second-hand values and buyers and sellers have to rely
on instinct when setting a price. You can expect to be writing a cheque for
£60,000-£70,000 if you want one.
Technically it’s hard to pick holes in the Z8. Under the bonnet is the same
lusty 400bhp V8 that powered the previous generation M5 and under the light
aluminium skin lurks a light aluminium frame, giving the generously
proportioned convertible a modest kerb weight of 1,451kg. A light body and
generous power results in electrifying performance. The Z8 sprints from
0-62mph in 4.7sec and has an artificially restrained top speed of 155mph.
Aesthetically, BMW would love us to trace the Z8’s bloodline back to the
incredibly rare and valuable BMW 507 of the 1950s but in truth I still see a
bit of Jaguar E-type in the Z8’s back end and more than a whiff of Ford
Thunderbird in the wide-mouthed grille.
The interior also plays the retro card. Dominating the dashboard are the
centrally mounted driver dials and a beautifully crafted three-spoke
steering wheel that captures the spirit of yesteryear’s motoring.
But unlike many of its forebears the BMW Z8 has a generous cabin. Both front
seats are electrically adjustable and boot space is remarkably good. The
standard-fit electric folding soft top requires the minimum of effort and
when the weather turns less than perfect the standard hard top is a boon.
As a practical year-round sports convertible the BMW Z8 comes close to
perfection but buyers may struggle to extract the car’s ultimate performance
on British roads because the steering wheel is on the wrong side. With
production so low and with BMW’s eye firmly on the US market, a
right-hand-drive Z8 was never on the cards. And with plenty of alternative
right-hand-drive offerings available from the likes of Porsche,
Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari it’s easy to understand why some buyers will be
put off by the BMW’s compromised wheel position.
Like most ultra-exclusive limited-production sports cars, the BMW Z8 was
always going to lead a privileged life. The chances are that second-hand
examples will have covered minimal mileage and been serviced to within an
inch of their lives, but don’t get complacent.
Make sure that the car you are looking at has a proper service history. When
you’re handing over a bank draft for a second-hand car that costs about four
times as much as the average new car you have every right to be fussy.
Leather Two-tone leather was a popular option on many cars
Climate control Standard on all Z8s
Engine 400bhp V8 is a well-proven unit lifted from the BMW M5
Electrics Multiplex wiring loom reduces the car's weight but
demands more sophisticated electrics so check everything works or the bills
get large very quickly
Rust Forget it, the Z8 has an aluminium space frame cloaked
in an aluminium body. Only the bumpers and hinges are not
Dashboard Centrally mounted dials take a while to get used to
Push-button starter Creates a sense of occasion
Rear screen It may not be glass but the high-tech material
used is incredibly scratch resistant and by folding very small liberates
extra boot space
Retro styling Wonderful three-spoke steering wheel and
body-coloured dashboard hark back to a previous motoring age
Electronics You'd be unlucky to lose control of the Z8 thanks
to its sophisticated driver aids, which include dynamic brake control,
dynamic stability control and traction control
Vital statistics
Model BMW Z8
Engine 4941cc V8 DOHC
Power 400bhp
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel N/A
Acceleration 0-62mph: 4.7sec
Top Speed 155mph
The one to buy
Trade guides do not quote second-hand values but a 2002 51-reg model with
17,000 miles is for sale via Times Online at £59,995
Or for similar money
1996 N-reg Lamborghini Diablo Roadster
1999 S-reg Ferrari 355 Spider
2001 X-reg Aston Martin DB7 Vantage
2001 51-reg Porsche 911 Turbo coupé
2002 02-reg Mercedes SL 55 AMG