| Manufacturer | BMW |
|---|---|
| Also called | Land Shark |
| Production | 2002-2008 |
| Assembly | Greer, Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States (BMW US Mfg. Co.) |
| Class | Luxury Car-Sports Car-Roadster |
| Body style | 2-door roadster 2-door coupé |
| Layout | FMR layout |
| Engine |
2.0 L N46B20 I4 |
| 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) (coupe) |
The first-generation of BMW Z4 was designed by Danish BMW-designer Anders Warming for Silas Acosta by request.[1] 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.
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Lightweight materials to offset weight of increased size, such as aluminum hood and suspension components, magnesium roof frame.
Run flat tires remove the need for a spare tire, saving more weight.
Advanced aerodynamics yield a drag coefficient of 0.35 and a relatively calm passenger compartment when the top is down.
Advanced engine technology, including all alloy construction, double VANOS variable valve timing, streamlined intake and exhaust manifolds, throttle by wire.
Advanced safety technology, such as ABS, stability control, traction control.
A "Sport Package", adding stiffer and lower suspension, larger wheels, and sport tuned electronic steering, throttle and shift parameters.
Available SMG transmission, in addition to the usual manual and automatic.
Optional HID headlights.
Speed sensing electric power assist steering.
Generously sized 4 wheel disc brakes.
Many luxury features usually not expected on performance oriented roadsters.
Decent trunk space (for a roadster).
Production of a more attainable BMW Z4 2.2i began in October 2003 that cost £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).
Production on a 2.0L inline 4 cylinder engine for the European market began in May 2005.
BMW unveiled a concept coupé version of the Z4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. The design of the Z4 and Z4 coupé has variously been ascribed to Anders Warming, Chris Bangle, the controversial former BMW Head Designer, and Adrian van Hooydonk, current BMW design chief,[2][3] and BMW designer Tomasz Sycha. The company announced in 2005 that the coupé would be available for production including the return of the M Coupé. The production cars were introduced at the New York Auto Show in April 2006.
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,[4] as opposed to 8.5 cu ft (0.24 m3) for the roadster.[5]
The E86 Coupé features:
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,[7] yielding a total of 17,094 coupés (Z4 and Z4M).[8]
It is a concept car inspired by the BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupé, but uses Z4 M Coupé's drive components. The concept car is 23 cm longer, 14 cm wider, and 4 cm flatter than Z4 M Coupé. Other features of the concept car include 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/40R20 tires, permanently integrated sidewalls, swing-up cockpit, LED headlight panel, silver-coloured carbon-fibre reinforced plastic body, 3-material (stainless steel, untreated cowhides and Lycra fabric) interior.[9]
The vehicle was designed by Anders Warming.[10]
In 2006, BMW updated the Z4 line by introducing the M Roadster, and later the M Coupe, with the vaunted S54 "M" engine. The standard cars received the new N52 I6 engines. The N52 features a magnesium block construction, which consists of an aluminium interior for the cylinders, and an outer magnesium block. The engine features BMW's Valvetronic variable valve timing system for increased performance, are considerably more powerful through the middle of the rev range, and also improve fuel economy noticeably. A final benefit of the N52 engines 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 continued with the heavier S54 iron block engine.
Standard equipment include Run Flat Tyres, 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 remained at 215 hp (160 kW) and 180 lb·ft (240 N·m) of torque for the 3.0i while the 3.0si got 261 hp (195 kW) and 232 lb·ft (315 N·m) of torque (Euro spec). 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.
| Model | Years | Curb Weight[15] | 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time, sec[16] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0i | 2005–2008 | 2,855 lb (1,295 kg) | 8.2 |
| 2.2i | 2003–2005 | 2,932 lb (1,330 kg) | 7.7 |
| 2.5i | 2003–2005 | 2,943 lb (1,335 kg) | 7.0 |
| 2.5i | 2006–2008 | 2,965 lb (1,345 kg) | 7.0 |
| 2.5si | 2006–2008 | 2,998 lb (1,360 kg) | 6.5 |
| 3.0i | 2003–2005 | 3,009 lb (1,365 kg) | 6.2 |
| 3.0i | 2006–2008 | 3,020 lb (1,370 kg) | 6.5 |
| 3.0si | 2006–2008 | 3,086 lb (1,400 kg) | 5.9 |
| E86 3.0si Cpe | 2006–2008 | 3,075 lb (1,395 kg) | 5.9 |
| M Rdst | 2006–2008 | 3,197 lb (1,450 kg) | 5.0 |
| E86 M Cpe | 2006–2008 | 3,230 lb (1,470 kg) | 5.0 |
All models are E85 roadsters except as noted. European specifications shown. North American vehicles have slightly lower power ratings, due to lower compression ratios necessitated by fuel quality issues.
| Model | Years made | Engine Code | Engine Type | Power@rpm | Torque@rpm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines[18] | |||||
| 2.0i | 2005–2008 | N46B20 | 1,995 cc (1.995 L; 121.7 cu in) I4 | 150 PS (110 kW; 150 hp)@6200 | 200 N·m (150 lb·ft)@3600 |
| 2.2i | 2003–2005 | M54B22 | 2,171 cc (2.171 L; 132.5 cu in) I6 | 170 PS (130 kW; 170 hp)@6250 | 210 N·m (150 lb·ft)@3500 |
| 2.5i | 2003–2005 | M54B25 | 2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in) I6 | 192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp)@6000 | 245 N·m (181 lb·ft)@3500 |
| 2.5i | 2006–2008 | N52B25 | 2,497 cc (2.497 L; 152.4 cu in) I6 | 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp)@5800 | 230 N·m (170 lb·ft)@3500 |
| 2.5si | 2006–2008 | N52B25 | 2,497 cc (2.497 L; 152.4 cu in) I6 | 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp)@6500 | 250 N·m (180 lb·ft)@2750 |
| 3.0i | 2002–2005 | M54B30 | 2,979 cc (2.979 L; 181.8 cu in) I6 | 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp)@5900 | 300 N·m (220 lb·ft)@3500 |
| 3.0i | 2006–2008 | N52B30 | 2,996 cc (2.996 L; 182.8 cu in) I6 | 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp)@6250 | 250 N·m (180 lb·ft)@2750 |
| 3.0si | 2006–2008 | N52B30 | 2,996 cc (2.996 L; 182.8 cu in) I6 | 265 PS (195 kW; 261 hp)@6600 | 315 N·m (232 lb·ft)@2750 |
| M | 2006–2008 | S54B32 | 3,246 cc (3.246 L; 198.1 cu in) I6 | 343 PS (252 kW; 338 hp)@7900 | 365 N·m (269 lb·ft)@4900 |
Power and torque figures will vary slightly between North American and European specification engines.
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 mp/h takes 5.0 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (160 mph).
Dieter Quester, Dirk Werner, Jamie Campell-Walter and Tim Mullen won the Silverstone Britcar 24 Hour Race with a BMW Z4 M Coupé.[19] 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.[20] 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 N Class 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,[21] 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.[22] 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.[23] 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.[24]
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.[25]
Over Z4's life cycle, 197,950 vehicles had been produced, with 180,856 roadsters and 17,094 coupés.[8]
| Type | Series | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| Small family | 3 Compact | E36/5 | E46/5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 Series | E81 / E82 / E87 / E88 | F20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact exec | 3 Series | E21 | E30 | E36 | E46 | E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 | F30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive | 5 Series | E12 | E28 | E34 | E39 | E60 / E61 | F10 / F11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury Coupé | 6 Series | E24 | E63 / E64 | F12 / F13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury | 7 Series | E23 | E32 | E38 | E65 / E66 / E67 / E68 | F01 / F02 / F03 / F04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | Z Series | E30 (Z1) | E36/7 & E36/8 (Z3) | E85 / E86 (Z4) | E89 (Z4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M | 1 Series M Coupe | E82 M | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M3 | E30 M3 | E36 M3 | E46 M3 | E90/92/93 M3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M5 | E28 M5 | E34 M5 | E39 M5 | E60/61 M5 | F10 M5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M6 | E24 M635CSi/"M6" | E63/64 M6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M Roadster | E36/7 (Z3) M | E85 (Z4) M | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M Coupé | E36/8 M Coupé | E86 M Coupé | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supercar/GT | E26 (M1) | E31 (8 series) | E52 (Z8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports Activity | X1 | E84 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X3 | E83 | F25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X5 | E53 | E70 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X6 | E71 / E72 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Progressive Activity | 5 GT | F07 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||