BMW Z4 (E85)
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The first-generation of BMW Z4 was designed by Danish BMW-designer Anders Warming from mid-1998 to March 1, 2000. The Z4 was introduced at the Paris Auto Show in 2002, and went on sale in November of the same year for the 2003 model year. It is a physically larger, completely redesigned successor to the Z3. Initially, it was only available as a roadster with the 2.5L or 3.0L inline six-cylinder engines. Warming's design was controversial, as were many BMW designs of the time produced under the watch of BMW chief designer Chris Bangle.
The Z4's design addressed many criticisms of the preceding Z3; the Z4 is larger, and has a significantly stiffer chassis. The Z4 features a strut type front suspension like its predecessor. 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.
The Z4's design addressed many criticisms of the preceding Z3; the Z4 is larger, and has a significantly stiffer chassis. The Z4 features a strut type front suspension like its predecessor. 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.
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Manufacturer
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BMW
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Production
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September 1, 2002 – 2008
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Assembly
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Greer, Spartanburg County, South Carolina,
United States (BMW US Mfg. Co.)
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Predecessor
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Successor
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Class
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Luxury Car-Sports Car-Roadster
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Body style
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2-door roadster
2-door coupé
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Layout
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FMR layout
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Engine
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2.0 L N46B20 I4
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
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Transmission
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5/6-speed manual
5/6-speed automatic
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Wheelbase
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2,495 mm (98.2 in)
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Length
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4,090 mm (161.0 in)
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Width
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1,780 mm (70.1 in)
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Height
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1,300 mm (51.2 in) (roadster)
1,285 mm (50.6 in) (coupe)
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Designer(s)
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Anders Warming (1999)
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Features
The Z4 used lightweight materials to offset the increased weight over the smaller Z3, such as aluminum hood and suspension components, magnesium roof frame. Run flat tires removed the need for a spare tire, which in addition to saving weight, allowed for a larger boot.Advanced aerodynamics yield a drag coefficient of 0.35 and a relatively calm passenger compartment when the top is down.
The 6-cylinder engines included all alloy construction, double VANOS variable valve timing and streamlined intake and exhaust manifolds, throttle by wire. Safety technology included four-wheel disc brakes and electronic stability control, incorporating ABS and traction control. The electric power steering was speed-sensitive, allowing for easier maneuvering at low speeds.
A "Sport Package" added stiffer and lower suspension, larger wheels, and sport tuned electronic steering, throttle and shift parameters.
The SMG transmission was offered in addition to the usual manual and automatic.
Production of a cheaper 2.2-litre model began in October 2003, priced from £18,500 in UK. It weighs 35 kg (77 lb) less than the 3.0L version, but is still heavier than the 2.5L Z3's weight of 1,315 kg (2,900 lb). A 2.0L 4-cylinder engine for the European market was introduced in May 2005.
Z4 Coupe (E86)
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The M Coupé shares its 3.2 L Inline-6 with the M Roadster. Thanks to its hatch design, the Z4 Coupé offers 10.1 cu ft (0.29 m3) of trunk space, as opposed to 8.5 cu ft (0.24 m3) for the roadster.
The E86 Coupé features a fixed hard-top roof which yields additional torsional rigidity—32,000 N·m (24,000 lb·ft) per degree of body twist on the coupe compared to 14,500 N·m (10,700 lb·ft) per degree on the roadster. This additional rigidity improves driving dynamics and corner handling. The roof now features a 'double bubble' contour which serves as an aerodynamic aid and offers more headroom than the roadster with top closed. The coupe has a sleek fastback rear window that slopes down to an integrated spoiler shaped to deliver downforce to the rear axle at speed.
Production:
Over the Z4 E86 life cycle (2006–2008), only 12,819 Z4 coupés (E86) were produced worldwide, as well as 4,275 Z4M coupés, yielding a total of 17,094 coupés (Z4 and Z4M).
BMW Concept Coupe Mille Miglia 2006
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| BMW Concept Coupé Mille Miglia 2006, BMW Museum, Munchen, Germany |
The vehicle was designed by Anders Warming.
2006 update
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| 2006–2008 BMW Z4 3.0si |
Standard equipment include Run Flat tires, ABS Brakes, Stability Control, Traction Control, CD Player, Power Locks, Power Windows and Air Conditioning. The Z4 included Side Airbags, Driver Airbags, Passenger AirBags, Knee Airbags and 5 Star Rollover Protection.
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.
The 2006 BMW Z4 received a number of updates including a revised exterior, more powerful engines and improved interior features. Highlighted by a new front bumper ensemble with a larger air intake, rectangular foglights and front side reflectors, the exterior also received new wheels, rear bumper and taillight designs. The interior was fitted with a new aluminium trim, shift knob for automatic transmission and new colors. The 3.0i replaced the 2.5i and the 3.0si replaced the 3.0i. Power for the 3.0i was lowered from 228 hp (170 kW) and 220 lb·ft (300 N·m) of torque to 215 hp (160 kW) and 180 lb·ft (240 N·m) of torque, while the 3.0si got 261 hp (195 kW) and 232 lb·ft (315 N·m) of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission was standard with an optional 6-speed automatic. 17-inch wheels were standard on both trims and the Sport Package also features new wheels as well.
Criticisms
- Electro-mechanical power assist steering. The Z4 includes an electro-mechanical power assist steering system which earned the vehicle considerable criticism. The system was introduced as a fuel-saving device by removing hydraulic pump loads from the engine. BMW claims this system provides a "more dynamic drive" and a "more direct feel." Motor journalists and racing drivers complained, however, that this device gave the vehicle an artificial, synthetic or indirect steering feel. The BMW Z4 M on the other hand, only included conventional hydraulic assistance, said to have given the car a much more direct and communicative feel.
- Some motorsports journalists have on a couple of occasions complained on the harsh ride of a car they otherwise favor. The harsh ride of the vehicle is possibly explained by a change in rear toe angle when the Z4's rear suspension moves up and down, meaning it would begin to 'steer' from the rear on undulations found on less than track condition roads.
Specifications
E85 & E86 variant
Model
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Years
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Curb Weight
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0-100 km/h (62 mph) time, sec
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2.0i
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2005–2008
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2,855 lb (1,295 kg)
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8.2
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2.2i
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2003–2005
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2,932 lb (1,330 kg)
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7.7
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2.5i
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2003–2005
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2,943 lb (1,335 kg)
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7.0
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2.5i
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2006–2008
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2,965 lb (1,345 kg)
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7.0
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2.5si
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2006–2008
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2,998 lb (1,360 kg)
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6.5
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3.0i
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2003–2005
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3,009 lb (1,365 kg)
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5.7
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3.0i
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2006–2008
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3,020 lb (1,370 kg)
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5.9
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3.0si
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2006–2008
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3,086 lb (1,400 kg)
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5.4
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E86 3.0si Cpe
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2006–2008
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3,075 lb (1,395 kg)
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5.9
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M Rdst
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2006–2008
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3,197 lb (1,450 kg)
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5.0
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E86 M Cpe
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2006–2008
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3,230 lb (1,470 kg)
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5.0
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- 2.0i is only sold in Europe. 3.0i Roadster is sold in Germany until 2005.
- U.S. model 2.5i ('03-'05) Roadster 3.0i, 3.0si Roadster & Coupe, M Roadster & Coupe.
Engines
Model
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Years made
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Engine Code
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Engine Type
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Power@rpm
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Torque@rpm
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Petrol engines
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2.0i
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2005–2008
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N46B20
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1,995 cc
(1.995 L; 121.7 cu in) I4
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150 PS
(110 kW; 150 hp) @6200
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200 Nm
(150 lbft) @3600
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2.2i
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2003–2005
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M54B22
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2,171 cc
(2.171 L; 132.5 cu in) I6
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170 PS
(130 kW; 170 hp) @6250
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210 Nm
(150 lbft) @3500
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2.5i
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2003–2005
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M54B25
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2,494 cc
(2.494 L; 152.2 cu in) I6
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192 PS
(141 kW; 189 hp) @6000
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245 Nm
(181 lbft) @3500
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2.5i
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2006–2008
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N52B25
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2,497 cc
(2.497 L; 152.4 cu in) I6
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177 PS
(130 kW; 175 hp) @5800
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230 Nm
(170 lbft) @3500
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2.5si
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2006–2008
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N52B25
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2,497 cc
(2.497 L; 152.4 cu in) I6
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218 PS
(160 kW; 215 hp) @6500
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250 Nm
(180 lbft) @2750
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3.0i
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2002–2005
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M54B30
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2,979 cc
(2.979 L; 181.8 cu in) I6
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231 PS
(170 kW; 228 hp) @5900
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300 Nm
(220 lbft) @3500
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3.0i
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2006–2008
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N52B30
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2,996 cc
(2.996 L; 182.8 cu in) I6
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218 PS
(160 kW; 215 hp) @6250
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250 Nm
(180 lbft) @2750
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3.0si
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2006–2008
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N52B30
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2,996 cc
(2.996 L; 182.8 cu in) I6
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265 PS
(195 kW; 261 hp) @6600
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315 Nm
(232 lbft) @2750
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M
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2006–2008
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S54B32
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3,246 cc
(3.246 L; 198.1 cu in) I6
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343 PS
(252 kW; 338 hp) @7900
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365 Nm
(269 lbft) @4900
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The Z4 M shares the same engine as the E46 BMW M3, but due to gearing differences, is marginally slower than the M3. North American version is 3 horsepower shy of the M3's 333 horsepower. However this is better than the Z3 version, which while using the same engine was all the way down to 315 horsepower. 0-60 mph takes 5.0 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 250km/h or 155mph.
Motorsports
Dieter Quester, Dirk Werner, Jamie Campell-Walter and Tim Mullen won the Silverstone Britcar 24 Hour Race with a BMW Z4 M Coupé. 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 Coupé Motorsport. The Z4 Coupe Motorsport version weighs 1,200 kg/2,643 lb with a driver and has a 120-litre/30-gallon fuel tank for endurance racing. The racing kit for the Z4 M Coupé is available for € 250,000, plus VAT (391, 025 U.S. dollars) in addition to the list price of the car. The Racing Kit is very popular among Group N drivers, which also got a lot of good results in the track.In August, 2008, a modified Z4 debuted in Round 6 of the Super GT season, participating in the GT300 class. It is powered by a detuned version of the S62 V8 engine from the E39-Series M5. Although it is well known by fans since it has a unique image (or called "Itasha"), this car also marked the return of BMW to Super GT series since their exit from the previous JGTC (which they used the M3). They continues to participate in the 2009 Super GT season other than Sepang Race, and they would replace their H-pattern to a sequential transmission, as well as their S62 Engine with an S65B40 after race 3, after they had suffered an unrepairable engine blow in race 2 at Suzuka. The car served them for 2008 and 2009 season, and their team used the BMW Z4 GT3 in 2011 season instead, which helps them becomes the GT300 Champion that season.
In 2008 Super Taikyu Endurance Series (equivalent to Group N championship) in Japan, both BMW Z4M entered by Petronas Syntium Team won the Super Taikyu 1 class first and second taking both the championship and drivers title. Both cars dominated the series by taking first and second at every race in the 2008 season beating cars like Porsche GT3 (both 996 and 997), Honda NSX, Mitsubishi Evolution X, Mazda RX-7, Nissan GTR and Nissan 350Z. Super Taikyu endurance races usually last for at least 500 kilometers or 4 hours highlighted by the race of the season, 24 Hours of Tokachi. In total Petronas Syntium Team gather 277 points compared to the second place team Endless Sports with a mere 98 points. The cars were driven by established and popular drivers such as Nobuteru Taniguchi, Masataka Yanagida, Manabu Orido and father and son pairing of Hans-Joachim Stuck and Johannes Stuck.
The team of Bas Leinders secured pole position at the 2011 24 Hours of Spa in their Z4. This team did not finish, however the Z4 of Dirk Werner came 2nd in the race.
Production
M coupe's production began at the Spartanburg BMW plant in Greer on 2006-04-04.The last of the first-generation Z4 (Z4 3.0si Roadster in Space Grey) rolled off the production line in 2008-08-28.
Over Z4's life cycle, 197,950 vehicles had been produced, with 180,856 roadsters and 17,094 coupés.
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Last updated on 18 August 2013 at 11:13.
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