BMW Z4

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BMW

BMW Z4

2002 - 2016
Country:
Germany
Engine:
In-line 6L / 4L
Capacity:
2979 cc 6L Turbo
Power:
n/a
Transmission:
5/6 spd. MT/AT
Top Speed:
n/a
Number Built:
E85 180,856 Roadsters / 17,094 Coupes
Collectability:
3 star
2009 BMW Z4
BMW Z4
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 3

Introduction



The BMW Z4 followed a long line of past BMW roadsters such as the BMW Z1, BMW 507, BMW Z8, and the BMW Z3. Production of the first generation started in 2002 at a plant in Greer, South Carolina, of BMW US, with both roadster and coupe versions of the car. When launched, it won Automobile Magazine "Design of the Year Award".

Starting with the 2009 model year, the second-generation Z4 was launched. This beautiful version was built at BMW's Regensburg, Germany plant as a retractable hardtop roadster – and it was this model that took out the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in 2009 – and who could blame them for bestowing the award on such a damn beautiful motor car. We here at Unique Cars and Parts believe that not since the Jaguar E-Type has there been a more beautiful motor car made. It took guts to design a small roadster with such a large front end - but oh boy does it work.

First generation E85 | 2003–2009



The first-generation BMW Z4 was designated the E85 in roadster form and E86 in coupé form. It was designed by Danish BMW-designer Anders Warming. 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), a 2.5si with a 2.5 I6 with 218 bhp (163 kW; 221 PS), a 2.2i with a straight-6 170 bhp (127 kW; 172 PS) engine, or a 2.0i with a 150 bhp (112 kW; 152 PS) 2.0 L I4. The Z4 coupé is available only in the high-performance 3.0si trim powered by the 3.0 L 255 hp (190 kW) I6. The Z4 (E85 Roadster/E86 Coupe) was built at the Greer plant.

2004 Z4 Model



Little was new for the 2004 model year. The 2.5i got 16-inch wheels, the 3.0i received 17-inch wheels. 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 Z4 Model



For the 2005 Z4 model range the Sequential Manual Gearbox remained available on the 3.0i, it was dropped for the 2.5i. Buyers could optional heated seats, a navigation system and, as an option within an option, BMW Assist emergency and concierge service.

2006 Z4 Model



For 2006 BMW introduced more powerful engines, freshened up the styling a little, and midyear there was the introduction of a hatchback coupe. Other changes included the 215-hp 3.0i replacing the 184-hp 2.5i as the base convertible powerplant, while the 255-hp 3.0si was available in convertible and coupe form.

Z4 M Roadster And Coupe



The Z4 M was powered by a 3.2-litre straight-six engine (S54B32). Performance figures were: 3,246 cc displacement, 330 hp (250 kW) at 7,900 rpm, 269 lb·ft (365 N·m) of torque at 4,900 rpm, 8,000 rpm redline. Output per litre is 107 bhp (80 kW; 108 PS), and power-to-weight ratio is 9.9 lb/bhp. Acceleration to 60 mph (96 km/h) comes in 4.8 seconds. (0–62 mph / 100 km/h is 5.0) and top speed is limited electronically to 156 mph (251 km/h).[citation needed]

BMW Z4 sDrive23i convertible (Europe)



The vehicle was originally announced on 13 December 2008. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Credited as "the first BMW designed by two females," the E89 body was styled by Juliane Blasi, with Nadya Arnaout designing the interior. This time a coupé-convertible with folding hardtop, the Z4 (E89) was built in Regensburg alongside the (E93) 3-Series Cabrio, likely due to the U.S. plant needing more room for SUV production.

The Z4 used the in-line six-cylinder M54 engine used to power the 3 Series. There were two versions: the 2.5-litre, which provided 184 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm; the 3.0-litre, which provided 225 hp @ 5,900 rpm and 214 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm. The all-aluminum engines featured dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. There was also variable valve timing. An electronic throttle system - a.k.a., drive-by-wire - was utilized. (Speaking of drive-by-wire: there was also an electric power steering system used that replaced the conventional hydraulic pump with an electric servomotor. In other words, steer-by-wire. This system is probably the biggest drawback of the 2nd Gen Z4 as is lead to slightly wafty and too light steering.)

There were four gearboxes available. The standard in the 2.5i model was a five-speed manual; a new six-speed manual was standard in the 3.0i. Both models could be fitted with the automatic five-speed steptronic, which permitted manual shifting. Starting in April 2003 BMW added a sequential manual gearbox (SMG); this six-speed manual could either operate in an automated mode (D3) or could be manually shifted via either the shift levers of the F1-racing-like shift paddles on the steering wheel.

In late 2011 BMW reintroduced a 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder powerplant with twin-scroll turbo (N20 engine variant). Z4 production ended in June 2016.

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BMW History
BMW Specifications
BMW Z4 Brochures
BMW Colour Codes
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