BMW Z4
| BMW Z4 | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | 2002—present |
| Assembly | Spartanburg, South Carolina |
| Predecessor | BMW Z3 |
| Class | Luxury roadster/coupé |
| Body style(s) | 2-door convertible 2-door coupé |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Platform | E85 |
| Engine(s) | 2.0 L N46B20 2.2 L M54B22 I6 2.5 L M54B25 I6 3.0 L M54B30 I6 3.0 L N52B30 I6 3.2 L S54B32 I6 |
| Transmission(s) | 5/6 speed manual 5/6 speed automatic 6 speed semi-manual (SMG) |
| Wheelbase | 98.2 in |
| Length | 161.1 in (convertible) 161.9 in (coupe) |
| Width | 70.1 in |
| Height | 51.1 in (convertible) 49.9 in (coupe) |
The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German automaker BMW, known as the E85 in roadster form and E86 in coupe form. Production started in 2002, and thus replaced the BMW Z3. The design addresses many criticisms of the Z3; the Z4 is larger, more powerful, and has a significantly stiffer chassis. It is built in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Initially, the Z4 was available only as a roadster, but in 2006 a coupé version was officially launched.
The Z4 was designed by Chris Bangle and began the controversy over his "flame surfacing" design and aggressive styling choices, which can also be seen on most modern BMW cars, most noticeably the 7 Series and 5 Series. As of 2007, the entire BMW car line, including the BMW 3 Series and X5 SAV, had incorporated Chris Bangle's design theme.
The Z4 features a strut type front suspension like its precessor, the Z3. The rear suspension, however is considerably different from that of the Z3, which was based on that of the E30 BMW 3 Series. Instead of a semi-trailing arm suspension, the Z4 uses a more advanced multi-link suspension.
Features
The Z4 offers a choice of four straight-six motors: A 2.2 L, a 2.5 L, a 3.0 L, and a 3.2 L. All are variants of the BMW M54 engine. In the European market, a 2.0 L straight-4 is also offered.
The 2.2 L, 120 kW (170 bhp) version can reach 100 km/h in 7.7 s, but is not sold in the United States.
The 2.5 L engine produces 141 kW (192 bhp) at 6000 rpm. BMW claims a 6.8 s time to 100 km/h (62 mph) with a manual transmission. It weighs 1,335 kg (2,932 lb) with a manual transmission—30 kg (66 lb) lighter than the 3.0 L version, but still heavier than the 2.5 L Z3's weight of 1315 kg (2899 lb).
The 3.0 L, 170 kW (231 bhp) (at 5900 rpm) straight six has a claimed time to 100 km/h (62 mph) of 5.9 s.
The 3.2 L motor produces 246 kW (330 bhp) at 7900 rpm and (262 ft·lbf) of torque at (4900 rpm)[1]
Five-speed manual gearboxes are standard on all models except the 3.0 L and the M Roadster, which has a 6-speed Getrag. 5-speed automatic are available on all cars. The M Roadster shares its 6-speed Getrag 217 manual gearbox with the M3. [2]
A Sport package is also available, which adds stiffer and lower suspension, larger wheels with run-flat tires, and Dynamic Driving control, BMW's Vehicle Stability Control system.
In 2006, BMW updated the Z4 line by installing its new N52 I-6 engines. In the 3.0si, this engine makes 190 kW (255 bhp) and ft·lbf ( N·m) of torque. The N52 features magnesium block construction and BMW's Valvetronic variable valve timing system. Although the new engines represent a modest upgrade in peak power over the M54, they are considerably more powerful through the middle of the rev range, and also improve fuel economy noticeably. A final benefit of the N52 engines (the lightest production 6-cylinder engines in the world [citation needed]) is that they improve handling and turn-in due to the decreased weight over the nose of the car. This is particularly noticeable when compared to the Z4 M, which continues with the heavier S54 iron block engine.
In addition to the powertrain updates, BMW made mild revisions to the styling of the Z4, added several electronic features, and increased the brake size on the 3.0si models.
2008
- For the 2008 model year, the Z4 3.0i Roadster, when equipped with the optional Sport Package, comes fitted with wheels very similar to those first seen on the Z4 Coupe concept vehicle, although, the production wheels come in a smaller size and with a satin finish.
M versions
The Z4 M Roadster and the Z4 M Coupé were introduced in 2006. They feature the (In the US) horsepower (246 kW) 3.2 L S54B32 from the E46 M3, A new six-speed manual transmission is used since the M3's six-speed didn't fit. The six speed is the only transmission available; its final gear ratios are virtually the same as those of the M3. [3] The SMG sequential manual transmission was not offered due to its lukewarm reception from both automotive journalists and the buying public in the E46 3-Series[4]. Some of the features available are 18-inch wheels, stability control, cross-drilled rotors from the M3 CSL, a variable M limited-slip differential, and hydraulic rack and pinion steering. BMW's claimed 0-60 mph time is 4.9 seconds, with a limited top speed of 250 km/h.[5] The European version of both cars will have the full 252 kW/343 bhp power due to less strict emissions requirements [6]
Coupé
BMW unveiled a Bangle-designed concept coupe version of the Z4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. The company announced [7] on November 22, 2005 that the coupe would be available for delivery in the US starting in June 2006, including the return of the M Coupe. Production began at the Spartanburg, South Carolina BMW plant on April 4, 2006, and the production cars were introduced at the New York Auto Show in April of 2006.
Racing
Dieter Quester, Dirk Werner, Jamie Campell-Walter and Tim Mullen won the Silverstone Britcar 24 Hour Race with a BMW Z4 M Coupé. [8] The unit of the racing version is modified and reinforced version of the S54B32 3.2-litre engine, delivering around 294 kW/400 hp. The car is made by BMW's M Division and called the Z4 M Coupè Motorsport. [9] The Z4 Coupè Motorsport version weighs 1200 kg/2643 lb with a driver and has a 120 liter/30 gallon fuel tank for endurance racing. The racing kit for the Z4 M Coupé is available for € 250,000 (plus VAT) in addition to the list price of the car.
The Z4 roadster is currently used in the American KONI Challenge series, while the Coupe runs in the FIA GT4 European Cup.
References
External links
- Zed-Cars.EU is the biggest Z4 Community for meetings & events
- BMW's Z4 webpage
- BMW USA's Z4 webpage
- BMW UK's Z4 webpage
- BMW South Africa's Z4 Coupe portal
- A Video on how the BMW Z4 is made
- The BMW Z4 Enthusiasts Forum
- UK BMW Z4 Reviews & Information Website
- BMW Z4 Coupe
- Danny's Z4 Roadster & Coupe Site
- Z4 Forum
- Z4 Coupe Addicts // The first online community dedicated to the Z4 Coupe
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