BMW Z4

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2002 – present
Predecessor	BMW Z3

The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German car maker BMW. It follows a line of past BMW roadsters such as the BMW Z1, BMW 507, BMW Z8, and the BMW Z3. The Z4 replaces the Z3. First generation production started in 2002 at BMW USA's Greer, South Carolina plant, with production of both roadster and coupe forms. When debuted, it won Automobile Magazine "Design of the Year Award". Starting with the 2009 model year, the second-generation Z4 is built at BMW's Regensburg, Germany plant as a retractable hardtop roadster. In 2009, the BMW Z4 won the Red Dot Design Award.

First generation (E85)

2003 BMW Z4 front view

2003 BMW Z4 rear view

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2002 - 2008
Assembly	BMW US Manufacturing Company, Greer, South Carolina, United States
Class	Luxury Car-Sports Car-Roadster
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door coupé
Layout	FR layout inline-six variant, FMR layout inline-four variant
Engine	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
Transmission	5/6 speed manual 5/6 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,495 mm (98.2 in)
Length	4,090 mm (161.0 in)
Width	1,780 mm (70.1 in)
Height	1,300 mm (51.2 in) (roadster) 1,285 mm (50.6 in) (coupé)

First generation (E85)

Main article: BMW Z4 (E85)
The first generation BMW Z4 was designated the E85 in roadster form and E86 in coupe form. It was designed by Danish BMW-designer Anders heat.
From 2003 the Z4 Roadster is available as a 3.0i (3.0 L I6 with 231 hp), a 3.0si available with the new generation 3.0 L I6 with 265 hp (198 kW), 2.5si with a 2.5 I6 with 218 bhp (163 KW: 221 PS), a 2.2i straight-6 170 bhp (127 kW; 172 PS) engine, or 2.0I with a 150 bhp (112 kW; 152 PS) 2.0 L I4. The Z4 coupe is only available on high-performance 3.0si trim powered by 3.0 L 255 hp (190 kW) I6. The Z4 (E85 Roadster/E86 Coupe) was built in Greer plant.

2004

Little was new for the 2004 model year.

• The 2.5i got 16-inch wheels, the 3.0i got 17-inch rubber.
• An optional Sport Package included a sport suspension, plus increased wheel size to 17 inches on the 2.5i, or 18 inches on the 3.0i.
• A Dynamic Driving Control console button was added that quickened throttle action and reduced power-steering assist.
• Leather upholstery was standard in the 3.0i and optional for the 2.5i.
• Xenon headlamps were optional on both models.
• A removable hardtop and a wind deflector were dealer-installed options.

2005

• The Sequential Manual Gearbox remained available on the 3.0i, it was dropped for the 2.5i.
• Optional heated seats
• Optional navigation system
• Optional BMW Assist emergency and concierge service.

2006

More powerful engines, freshened styling, and midyear introduction of a hatchback coupe mark 2006 for BMW's two-seaters.

• The 215-hp 3.0i replaces the 184-hp 2.5i as the base convertible.
• The 255-hp 3.0si in convertible and coupe form.

Z4 M Roadster/Coupé

Main article: BMW Z4M

The Z4 M is powered by a 3.2-liter straight-six engine (S54B32). Performance numbers: 3246 cc removal, 333 brake horsepower (248 kW) at 7,900 rpm, 269 pounds · ft (365 N · m) of torque at 4,900 rpm, 8,000 rpm redline. Output per liter is 107 bhp (80 kW; 108 PS), and power-to-weight ratio is 9.9 pounds / bhp. Acceleration to 60 mph (96 km/h) was 4.8 seconds. (0-62 mph / 100 km/h is 5.0) and top speed is limited electronically to 156 mph (251 km/h).

Second generation (E89)

2010 BMW Z4 front view

2010 BMW Z4 rear view

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2009 – present
Assembly	Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany
Class	Luxury Car-Sports Car-Roadster
Body style	2-door roadster
Layout	FR layout inline-six variant, FMR layout inline-four variant
Engine	1,997 cc (121.9 cu in) N20B20 I4 2,497 cc (152.4 cu in) N52B25 I6 2,996 cc (182.8 cu in) N52B30 I6 2,979 cc (181.8 cu in) N54B30 twin-turbocharged I6
Transmission	6 speed manual 6 speed automatic 7 speed automatic 8 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,496 mm (98.3 in)
Length	4,239 mm (166.9 in)
Width	1,790 mm (70.5 in)
Height	1,291 mm (50.8 in)
Curb weight	1,470 kg (3,241 lb) (sDrive30i manual) 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) (sDrive30i auto) 1,565 kg (3,450 lb) (sDrive35i manual) 1,585 kg (3,494 lb) (sDrive35i auto)

Main article: BMW Z4 (E89)
Vehicle was originally announced December 13, 2008. Vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This time coupe-convertible with folding hardtop, Z4 (E89) is built in Regensburg alongside the (E93) 3-Series Cabrio, likely due to the U.S. plant needing more room for SUV production. Moved upmarket, dropping the small four-cylinder base engine. In late 2011 BMW reintroduced a 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder powerplant with twin-scroll turbo (N20 engine variant).

Back to BMW Z Series
Back to BMW
Last updated on 19 August 2013 at 00:59.