BMW Z4
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The BMW Z4 is a 2-door, rear wheel drive sports car. Production started in 2003, and thus replaced the BMW Z3. The design addresses many criticisms of the Z3; the Z4 is larger, more powerful, and has a significantly stiffer chassis. It is built in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Initially, the Z4 was available only as a roadster, but in 2006 the coupé version was officially launched.
See Wikicars' comprehensive BMW Z4 Review.
Recent Changes
- For 2008, the Z4 recieves two new trim packages: the "Sport" package and the "Exclusive" package. The model also recieves BMW's trademark EfficientDynamics fuel-saving technology.
Styles and Major Options
The 2007 Z4 comes in two trims, the 3.0i and 3.0si. Both are rear wheel drive vehicles operated by a 6-speed manual transmission w/OD, but while the 3.0i is powered by a 3.0L 215hp I-6 engine, the 3.0si utilizes a 3.0L 255hp I-6 engine. In addition, both coupe and roadster versions are available. A list of the standard safety features can be found below in the Safety section. Other standout features on the Z4 include:
3.0i
- Stainless steel exhaust
- 17" silver alloy wheels
- 6-way front sports seats
- Leatherette seating and door trim
- Metal-look dashboard insert
- Leather/metal-look steering wheel and shift knob
- Manual convertible roof (roadster model)
- Manual front air conditioning
- 10-speaker AM/FM/MP3/CD audio system
- Cruise Control
- Heated front wiper jets
3.0si
Adds to or replaces 3.0i features with:
- Leather seating and door trim
- Aluminum dashboard insert
- Front reading lights
- Automatic air conditioning
- 10-speaker THX certified Carver AM/FM/MP3/CD audio system
- Systems monitor and trip computer
Pricing
Today's actual prices for the BMW Z4 can be found at CarsDirect.
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Z4 Trims |
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3.0si coupe |
3.0si roadster |
3.0i roadster |
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MSRP |
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$40,400 |
$42,400 |
$36,400 |
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Invoice |
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$37,350 |
$39,190 |
$33,670 |
Gas Mileage
As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
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Trim |
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MPG |
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21/30 |
20/29 |
21/30 |
20/29 |
16/24 |
16/24 |
Reliability
Automotive Information Systems awarded an overall Green rating to the 2004 model of the Z4, indicating minimal problems in all categories surveyed. Accurate reliability information on models newer than 2004 is not yet available.
Safety
In safety tests carried out by the NHTSA, the 2007 Z4 performed relatively well. Its side-impact crash test received a 3-Star rating, but it scored 4-Star ratings for both driver and passenger side front-impact crash tests, and tests for rollover earned it a 5-Star rating. Standard safety features on the Z4 include:
- ABS and driveline traction control
- Dynamic stability control
- Front and rear anti-roll bars
- Four wheel anti-lock brakes
- Driver/passenger front-impact airbags
- Driver/passenger door mounted side-impact airbags
- Driver/passenger knee airbags
- Side impact bars
- Ignition disable
Photos
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Colors
Available colors will vary by trim, and a full list is viewable at CarsDirect.com. Some of the possible combinations include:
Exterior
- Alpine White
- Black Top
- Bright Red
- Deep Green Metallic
- Jet Black
- Monaco Blue Metallic
- Montego Blue Metallic
- Silver Gray Metallic
- Titanium Silver Metallic
Interior
- Beige
- Black
- Dream Red
- Saddle Brown
- Champagne
Main Competitors
Hybrid Models
There are currently no hybrid models of the Z4 in production.
Unique Attributes
Resale Values
According to Kelley Blue Book, "the Z4 may be pricey, but it possesses an excellent resale value—higher than the Porsche Boxster, Audi TT and Mercedes-Benz SLK."
Criticisms
- "If you're looking for the latest in retractable hardtop technology, the soft-top Z4 won't make the cut. Although the Z4 is more expensive than some convertibles, keep in mind it is a premium brand, much faster and more sophisticated than a Mazda MX-5 or Pontiac Solstice." - Kelley Blue Book
Current Generation: (2003–present)
While the Z4's front suspension is essentially the same as the Z3's, the rear suspension is considerably different from its predecessors, 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.
Options
The Z4 offers a choice of four straight-six motors: A 2.2 L, a 2.5 L, a 3.0 L, and a 3.2 L. The 2.2 L, 120 kW (170 bhp) version can reach 100 km/h in 7.7 s, but is not sold in the United States. All except the 3.2L M motor are variants of the BMW M54 engine. In the european market, a 2.0 L straight-4 is also offered.
The 2.5 L engine produces 141 kW (184 bhp) at 6000 rpm. BMW claims a 7.0 s time to 100 km/h (62 mph) with a manual transmission. It weighs 1,335 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 bhp) (at 5900 rpm) straight six has a claimed time to 100 km/h (62 mph) of 5.9 s.
The 3.2 L M motor, 246 kW (330 bhp) at 7900 rpm and (262 lb-ft) of torque at (4900 rpm)
Five-speed manual gearboxes are standard on all models except the 3.0 L and the M Roadster and coupe, which has a 6-speed. 5-speed automatic or 6-speed SMG transmissions are available on all cars. The M Roadster/Coupe shares its 6-speed manual gearbox with the M3.
A Sport package is also available, which adds stiffer and lower suspension, larger wheels with run-flat tires, and Dynamic Driving control, BMW's Vehicle Stability Control system.
M versions
The Z4 M Roadster and the Z4 M Coupé were introduced in 2006. They feature the 330 horsepower 3.2 L I6 from the E46 M3, coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission also borrowed from the M3. Some of the reported features available are 18-inch wheels, stability control, cross-drilled rotors, a limited-slip differential, and hydraulic rack and pinion steering. 0-60 time is reported to be 4.9 seconds, with a limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Coupé
BMW unveiled a Christopher Bangle-designed concept coupe version of the Z4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. The company announced on November 22, 2005 that the coupe would be available for delivery in the US starting in June 2006, including the return of the M Coupe. The base Z4 Coupe will use an updated version of the 3.0 L straight-6 R6 engine developing 195 kW (265 PS) and 315 N·m (232 ft·lbf), while the high-end M variant will use the award-winning 3.2 L S54.
Production of the BMW Z4 Coupé (both regular and M) began at the Spartanburg, South Carolina BMW plant on April 4, 2006. The cars were introduced at the New York Auto Show in April of 2006.
Worldwide
Design quirks and oddities
The Z4 was designed by Chris Bangle and began the controversy over his "flame surfacing" design and aggressive styling choices, which can also be seen on modern BMW 7 Series and BMW 5 Series cars.
Awards
See also
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External Links
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see BMW Z4, which includes these contributors.
