The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German automaker BMW. Replacing the Z3, first-generation production started in 2002 at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, with both roadster and coupe forms produced. Starting with the 2009 model year, the second-generation Z4 is built at BMW's Regensburg, Germany plant as a retractable hardtop roadster.

The Z4 offers a choice of four straight-six engines: 2.2 L, 2.5 L, 3.0 L, and 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, 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp) version can reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.7 s. The 2.5 L engine produces 141 kW (192 PS; 189 hp) at 6000 rpm. BMW claims a 6.8 s time to 100 km/h (62 mph) with a manual transmission. It weighs 1335 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 PS; 228 hp) (at 5900 rpm) straight six has a claimed time to 100 km/h (62 mph) of 5.9 s.

The most powerful car of the Z4 line-up is the Z4 M. It features a naturally aspirated, in-line six cylinder engine, used in the third generation of the BMW M3, producing 252 kW (343 PS; 338 hp) at 7,900 rpm and 365 N·m (269 lb·ft) of torque at 4,900 rpm. 0-100 km/h takes 5.0 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Five-speed manual gearboxes are standard on all models except the 3.0 L and the M Roadster, which get a 6-speed Getrag. 5-speed or 6-speed automatic are available on all non M cars. The M Roadster shares its 6-speed Getrag 217 manual gearbox with the M3. [2]

A Sport package, adding stiffer and lower suspension, larger wheels with run-flat tires, and Dynamic Driving control, BMW's Vehicle Stability Control system, is also available.
2006-2008 BMW Z4 3.0si

In 2006, BMW updated the Z4 line by installing its new N52 I6 engines. In the 3.0si, this engine makes 190 kW (258 PS; 255 hp) and 315 N·m (232 lb·ft) of torque. The N52 features a magnesium block construction, which consists of an aluminum 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 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.

The last Z4 to be built at the Spartanburg plant rolled off the production line at the end of August 2008 (on August 28th, 2008 - it was a Z4 3.0 liter Roadster in Space Grey). Production of the second-generation Z4 (E89) takes place at the Regensburg plant in Germany.

[edit] Coupé (E86)
Z4 Coupé at the IAA 2005 in Frankfurt
Z4 coupe (US)

BMW unveiled a concept coupe version of the Z4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. The design of the Z4 and Z4 coupe has variously been ascribed to Anders Warming, Chris Bangle, and Adrian von Hoydonk.[3][4] The company announced on 22 November 2005 that the coupe would be available for delivery in the US starting in June 2006, including the return of the M Coupé. Production began at the Spartanburg BMW plant on 4 April 2006, and the production cars were introduced at the New York Auto Show in April 2006.

Unlike the roadster (which was offered in some countries with an engine as small as 2.0L), the BMW Z4 Coupe was only offered in a 3.0si spec with the N52 engine.[5] The M Coupe shares its 3.2 L Inline-6 with the M Roadster. Thanks to its hatch design, the Z4 Coupe offers 10.1 cu-ft of trunk space,[6] as opposed to 8.5 cu-ft for the roadster.[7]

Design:
The E86 Coupe features:

* a fixed hard-top roof which yields additional torsional rigidity -- 32,000 Newton-meters per degree of body twist -- which improves driving dynamics and corner handling.
* a 'double bubble' contoured roof which serves as an aerodynamic aid, and offers more headroom than the roadster (when closed);
* a sleek fastback rear window;
* an integrated spoiler shaped to deliver downforce to the rear axle at speed.

Production:
In total, only 17,094 Z4 coupés (3.0si and M combined) were ever produced, compared to 180,856 Z4 roadsters.[8]

Production of all variants of the Z4 coupe at the Spartanburg, South Carolina plant ceased on August 14, 2008.



BMW redesigns its 2-seat sports car for 2003, renaming it and making it longer and wider but carrying over engines. Like the outgoing Z3, the Z4 is built in South Carolina, but unlike the Z3, it has no coupe companion for its convertible body style. A manual soft top with heated glass rear window is standard. So are run-flat tires, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and an antiskid system. A power soft top is available. Two inline 6-cyl engines return with unchanged power. The Z4 2.5i has a 2.5 liter, the Z4 3.0i has a 3.0. The 2.5i comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, the 3.0i a 6-speed manual. Both offer an optional 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate, and, added midyear, an optional Sequential Manual Gearbox. This 6-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT) has no clutch pedal, shifts via the gear lever or steering-wheel paddles, and can be set to shift like an automatic. The 2.5i comes with 16-inch wheels, the 3.0i with 17s. An optional Sport Package includes a sport suspension and increases wheel size to 17 on the 2.5i, 18 on the 3.0i. It also adds a Dynamic Driving Control console button that quickens throttle action and reduces power-steering assist. Leather upholstery is standard on the 3.0i, optional on the 2.5i. Xenon headlamps are optional on both. A removable hardtop and a wind deflector are dealer options.

Good Points: 1) economical - i manage 7.6L/100km combined 2) accurate steering/feed back from steering 3) smooth/responsive accaleration 4) thraoty exhaust note 5) bmw built quality 6) unique angles/styling 7) out performs others in its class 8) reliable - nothing ever breaks 9) gear change feel very machanical 10) great sound system if you have the Harman Kardon pack

Bad Points: 1) Stock suspension is good but I swaped them with adjustiable koni sock obsorbers which turned out too hard so keep the existing suspension if you going to use it for on road more than track use. 2) small petrol tank, only about 50 litres but still last more than 550km. 3) built quality is not as good comparing to my E39 5 series but its still not bad.