Search Begins for the World's First Z4 Owner

NEW YORK, Sept. 3 -- In 1995, James Bond was the first one on the block to own the Z3 roadster. Now, BMW is searching for someone to be the first person on any US block to own the hot new roadster, the eagerly awaited Z4 (the completely redesigned version of the Z3) -- before the car is available to the public in late-October.

"The Ultimate Roadster Giveaway" -- a drawing in which the new Z4 roadster will be awarded -- was kicked-off today through www.bmwusa.com and is open to all BMW owners, whether they've just purchased a new BMW or are driving a twenty year-old BMW 2002.

The winner will be flown to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where the Z4 will be built, to witness the production of their car then literally drive it off the production line. The winner will also have an exhilarating day at the BMW Performance Center Autocross -- the testing ground for the world highest performance vehicles.

Over the next month, BMW owners can submit their vehicle identification numbers, in order to qualify to win the first customer delivered Z4 roadster. The deadline for submissions is October 6 for submissions through www.bmwusa.com/Z4drawing. The winner will be chosen on October 7 and will get the keys in Spartenburg on Tuesday, October 22.

"BMW drivers tend to stay BMW drivers and we are thrilled to reward their loyalty in this way," said Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO of BMW North America, LLC. "All of our owners have a love of driving, and the new Z4 roadster, a car that truly exemplifies the ultimate driving experience, is the perfect reward."

The new Z4 is a modern interpretation of the classic roadster. It features a long and sweeping hood, a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a low seating position in a cockpit that is set back. It will be available for sale in the U.S. in late-October, then will make its appearance in Europe in spring 2003.