The Dingolfing Plant constructed the Z8’s spaceframe, and Munich’s hand-finishing shop finished the vehicle by hand. 5,703 Z8s in total were produced, 3,160 of which were for the global market and 2,543 for the North American market.
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To buy a Z8 nowadays, you might need to take out a mortgage.
In conclusion, the BMW Z8 roadster boasts a performance that combines pleasant touring with canyon-carving, as well as a vintage-inspired design that nonetheless appears contemporary. Furthermore, only 5703 units were produced by BMW, 2543 of which were sold in the US. And just 555 of those Z8s—450 of which arrived in the US—are Alpina variants.
The expense of the Z8 contributes to that rarity. It was originally priced at $128,000, which is almost $201,000 in modern currency. And the Alpina model cost $140,000 (approximately $211,500 today), which was even more costly.
But the Z8 hasn’t exactly become more affordable. These chic roadsters have increased significantly in value throughout the years for all the previously listed reasons. According to Hagerty, a BMW Z8 today costs between $163K and $209K in fair to outstanding condition. Additionally, according to RM Sotheby’s, Alpina vehicles frequently sell for over $300,000.
Undoubtedly, there are Bond cars that cost less, including BMW models. However, all it takes is a quick glance to realize why the Z8 is so expensive.
Built in Strict Quantities
The fact that not everyone can afford a car is part of what makes it remarkable. The Z8 has an exclusivity due to its rate that increases its desirability. Seeing one is like spotting a unicorn because there aren’t many of them built; if you saw one every day, it would blend in with every other car.
The BMW Munich factory constructed and completed each Z8 to ensure that everything was up to code and fault-free. Except for North America, which received 2,543, 3,160 of the 5,704 total units manufactured were distributed around Europe and the rest of the world. A book containing images of their particular Z8 being produced was also supplied with every new Z8 that was preordered.
Lovely Styling and Small Production
The Z8’s outstanding appearance is a fusion of the exquisite vintage BMX 507 and a contemporary high-performance sportscar. The Z8 is perhaps the most attractive automobile of the past 20 years, according to Autotrader and the BMW blog, who both proclaimed it to be “BMW’s sexiest roadster ever manufactured, if not the loveliest BMW ever.” Many fans of sports cars concur.
The Z8’s price increase was partly influenced by limited supply. Only 5,700 Z8 vehicles were produced by BMW for global sale between 2000 and 2003. Only 2,500 models were shipped to America.
Power-hungry American collectors who enjoy changing gears were drawn to the Z8’s large, powerful V8 (taken from the M5) and manual transmission (in all models save the Alpina).
BMW Z8 costs have soared.
The price of the Z8, BMW’s finest roadster ever produced—if not the sexiest BMW ever—has suddenly increased. An example of a 2003 BMW Z8 ALPINA V8 Roadster was sold at the Bonhams auction in Goodwood last year for no less than $329,000, which led JBR Capital, a British financing company, to assert that the roadster has even more potential in the future and is a better investment for those seeking long-term returns than almost anything else you might be considering right now.
The Z8 originally cost $128,000, but buying one today will require quite a significant premium, and the UK market has witnessed a demand for used Z8. According to Cityam, BMW’s decision to not offer a Z8 in right-hand drive made the elegant roadster a poor seller in the UK. Fewer than 150 of these vehicles were put on UK roads, making them classics sooner or later. BMW solidified that future classic status by assuring customers that it will keep spare parts on hand for 50 years.
That PS80,000 price tag has decreased by half on the used market in a few years. In 2010, a Z8 could be purchased for PS100,000. A budget of at least PS170,000 is required today, and the best low-mileage specimens will cost closer to PS250,000.
This BMW Z8 has 7,000 kilometers on the odometer, is in immaculate condition, and will fetch a high price, according to Hexagon Classics, a car business in North London that has been buying and selling BMW Z8s since the model was introduced.
The Z8’s space frame chassis and body panels are made of lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum, and its 32-valve 4,941cc V8 engine, which is also found in the BMW E39 M5, was developed by BMW Motorsport. The Z8 reached 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds with 400 HP available, and only an internal rev limitation prevented it from going faster than 250 km/h (155mph). A Getrag six-speed manual gearbox provided power to the run-flat tires.
When the 507 Roadster-inspired Z8 was released, a lot of individuals started a real bidding war due to its specifications and design. Even though the starting price of $128,000 was high for the 1990s, there didn’t seem to be any issues with it. There were only 5,703 of these produced.
Z8 trivia about “The World Is Not Enough”
Just read a fascinating piece about the Z8s used in the James Bond movie “The World Is Not Enough.” It turns out that several different Z8s were employed during the filming.
BMW provided three hand-built Z8 prototypes for the sequences when Pierce Brosnan is seen operating the vehicle (production had not yet started). They reportedly deployed BMW engineers to supervise their use, and they were on guard around-the-clock.
Chris Corbould, the special effects supervisor for EON Productions, the company that produces the Bond movies, constructed three replicas utilizing Cobra kit-car chassis and fiberglass bodies. BMW provided the grilles, wheels, chrome, lights, and badging. The replicas employed Jaguar rear ends and 5.7-liter Chevy engines bolted to Tremec 5-speed transmissions. To keep the Z8’s factory appearance, fake discs had to be fitted outboard because the Jag had inboard brakes. For a scene in the movie, one of these cars was sawed in half without the drivetrain.
Additionally, they created a radio operated 1/4 size miniature of the Z8 that was featured in a few of the sequences. The filmmakers dare viewers to distinguish between the model and the genuine thing!
Although softer than the original Z8, its elegant form makes it just as attractive.
It’s safe to say that the BMW Z8 modified by Alpina is an uncommon sight on the streets, with only 555 units ever produced and 450 of them sold in the United States. In actuality, given that only 5,703 specimens of the normal James Bond-endorsed Z8 with its throwback look resembling the 507 Roadster of the late 1950s were ever produced, it is rather unique.
The beautiful roadster, formally known as the “Alpina Roadster V8,” was released in 2003 as a replacement for the first Z8, which stopped manufacturing in November 2002. For the first time in Alpina’s history, one of its products could be purchased directly from a BMW dealership in the United States.
The special edition, which served as the Z8’s swan song, underwent some significant revisions before becoming an Alpina-badged model. Originally, a V12 was planned for it to replace the M5-sourced engine in the basic car, but there wasn’t enough capacity in the engine bay.
Because of this, the engineers were forced to implement plan B, which involved fitting a 4.8-liter V8 from Alpina’s 5 Series-based B10 V8 S tuned to 375 horsepower and 384 pound-feet (520 Newton-meters) of torque. Although it had a little less power than the standard Z8, the engine swap was done to increase the vehicle’s low-end torque.
In order to transform the Z8 into a more comfortable hardtop cruiser, the original six-speed manual gearbox had to be replaced with a five-speed ZF automatic. A softer suspension setup and the installation of larger 20-inch wheels with low-profile Michelin tires were additional changes. Additionally, there were minor interior changes, including a plaque with a unique number, blue instrument cluster dials, new upholstery stitching, and an additional dial showing the gear position.
In terms of performance, the conventional M5-powered Z8 completed the sprint in 4.7 seconds and reached a top speed of 155 mph, whilst Alpina’s invention needed 5.3 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 kph) before reaching an electronically capped 161 mph (260 kph) (250 kph).
When it was first introduced in the United States in 2003, the car had a starting price of $137,595; however, the price to buy this immaculate example has since increased dramatically. The black Alpina Roadster V8, which has only traveled 24,572 miles (39,545 km), can be yours for a cool $244,900.
What number of BMW Z8s exist?
How many BMW Z8s have been produced? BMW produced a respectable amount of Z8s, demonstrating how popular the vehicle was and continues to be. 5,703 Z8s were produced worldwide, 2,543 of which were sold in the United States. There were just 555 Alpina Roadster V8s constructed, and 450 of them were exported to the United States.
The number of BMW Z8 sales
Early in 2000, the first retro-modern BMW Z8 roadster was introduced. Since the BMW Z8 become a collectible after more than two decades, you can still locate them for sale used in excellent condition. The best anodyne designs for SUVs, coupes, and sedans today are credited to BMW. The BMW Z8, which feels like a contemporary rendition of supercars from the 1950s, is the same.
The BMW Z8, an all-aluminum vehicle with a custom aluminum chassis and framework, was equipped with a 4.9-liter S62 V-8 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. The output of 369 pound-feet of torque and 395 horsepower was more than plenty for this beast to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in under 4.7 seconds. In contrast to other supercars at the time, the top speed of 155 miles per hour was a little low.
Along with its opulent look, Z8’s luxurious interior also displayed care and attention. With its primary touchpoints, switches, and knobs made of aluminum, it had a modern, minimalist appearance. The 6-speed manual transmission was exclusively available in the USA, where the BMW Z8 was sold directly by BMW. At the time, 5,703 BMW Z8s were produced, with a 128,000 US dollar suggested retail price (MSRP).
After the iconic Alpina Z8 took over in 2002, BMW Z8’s post-production was put to an end. Additionally, the BMW Z8 Alpina, which differs greatly from the original Z8 model, is available for purchase. Alpina Z8 has a standard 5-speed automatic transmission and a softer suspension. Due to improvements and an automated transmission, the BMW Alpina costs $140,000 USD.
The development of the BMW Z8 in the market for automobile lovers and collectors is fascinating to see. The BMW Z8 quickly gained popularity in the market thanks to its futuristic and simple design. It’s one of the most gorgeous cars ever made and nevertheless maintains a surprisingly contemporary appearance. Whether it is a Z8 hardtop or convertible, each model reflects its own charm and inherent desirability.
As previously stated, one of the top collector-grade vehicles is the BMW Z8. It’s virtually impossible to find this automobile in poor shape. When the BMW Z8 costs started to rise vertically, the majority of owners locked their vehicles. Because of this, practically all of the BMW Z8s currently for sale are in excellent shape and come with a manufacturer guarantee of 50 years of spare parts availability. In that case, all you need to do is make sure you have the money to pay for both its upkeep and it. It’s also advised to have an expert with understanding of the BMW Z8 perform a pre-purchase inspection.
- 5,703 Z8s were produced by BMW in total.
- The first year that Z8 was produced was 2000.
- 2003 marked the final year of Z8 manufacture.
- The MSRP of the BMW Z8 was $128,000.
- It is regarded as one of the most attractive vehicles of the 2000s.
- Expect the values to increase even more.
Depending on its condition, a BMW Z8 can be found for sale for anywhere between $150,000 and $250,000 US. The celebrity variants of the Z8s can potentially cost more than $300,000 USD. Even so, purchasing a BMW Z8 will be a wise long-term investment.