BMW MZ4 Write up w/specs!

[Big Daddy]

From Autoweek:

"BMW’s powered-up open-top retort to the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG and Porsche Boxster S, the Z4 M roadster gets the same 3.2-liter inline- six engine as the soon-to-be-discontinued fourth-generation M3. Sitting up front in the new car’s distinctive shark-like nose, the high-strung alloy block unit produces 343 hp at 7900 rpm—a solid 78 hp more than the 3.0-liter I6 in the facelifted Z4 3.0i. It is also 43 hp more than the 3.3-liter I6 Roadster S offer*ed by Alpina, which up until now was the fastest Z4 offered through official BMW channels. Look for the same powerplant in the M version of the Z4 Coupe when it arrives in 2007.

Drive goes though a standard six-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels via BMW’s fast-acting M-differential. BMW claims the 3267-pound Z4 M roadster hits 62 mph from a standstill in 5.0 seconds—a mere 0.1 second slower than the SLK55 AMG"

The full story and photos here:Autoweek

 

[Kirby]

Nice! A few nice items:

- they dropped the electric assist PS and went back to hydraulic. There were more than a few complaints about the electric assist.

- 9.5" rear wheels with flared rear fenders. Hopefully you can order it WITHOUT runflats...

 

[MrElussive]

0-60 in 5.0? I was expecting around 4.7 seconds....

but yeah, it's gonna be amazing.

 

[nadroj]

0-60 in 5.0? I was expecting around 4.7 seconds....

but yeah, it's gonna be amazing.

i agree with you, it seems like it should be faster than the e46 m3.. wierd..

 

[Kirby]

0-60 in 5.0? I was expecting around 4.7 seconds....

but yeah, it's gonna be amazing.

Yeah, I wanted to see 4.5 - 4.7 too......

 

[MrElussive]

Not just that, I was hoping BMW would make the M Z4 faster than the SLK55 AMG since they are pretty direct competitors.

 

[PhatBimmer]

Maybe if they made a CSL version of it?

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

I think the 5 second time is conservative, and that source is not absolutely reliable...

That's going to be hillarious when the E90 M3 convert with its 400hp engine is going to be faster than the Z4 M roadster. "My 4 (or 5) seater is faster than your lighter 2-seater" Unless BMW intentionally makes the M3 slower. The Bavarian engineers must have a love affair with that 3.2 I6... looks like that's going to be the only BMW left with an engine-oil-dipstick.

 

[Kirby]

The rumor has been that they looked closely at putting the new V8 in it, and it fits in the engine bay on prototypes. But they could not get the engine into the car from the underside which is how the cars are assembled on the production line.

Supposedly when they do the next facelift in 2007, the frame will be redesigned to allow the V8 installation.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

From Autoweek:

the Z4 M roadster gets the same 3.2-liter inline- six engine as the soon-to-be-discontinued fourth-generation M3. Sitting up front in the new car’s distinctive shark-like nose, the high-strung alloy block unit produces 343 hp at 7900 rpm

Strange, but I'm of the impression that that six has a cast iron block...

 

[Big Daddy]

You are correct and Autoweek has erred, the S54, first produced in 2000 has a cast iron block, while all other late model BMW 6's have the high strung alloy block with cast iron liners.

 

[MrElussive]

I think the 5 second time is conservative, and that source is not absolutely reliable...

That's going to be hillarious when the E90 M3 convert with its 400hp engine is going to be faster than the Z4 M roadster. "My 4 (or 5) seater is faster than your lighter 2-seater" Unless BMW intentionally makes the M3 slower. The Bavarian engineers must have a love affair with that 3.2 I6... looks like that's going to be the only BMW left with an engine-oil-dipstick.

Hehehe, can you blame them? It produces amazing power and amazing sounds in a light package.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

You are correct and Autoweek has erred, the S54, first produced in 2000 has a cast iron block, while all other late model BMW 6's have the high strung alloy block with cast iron liners.

lol I thought so! Thanks for clearing this up.

 

[Kirby]

A few more interesting tidbits direct from BMW:

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - November 7, 2005... The BMW M Roadster returns to the stable of BMW M products for the 2006 model year.

The car that so many enthusiasts have been asking for, the 2006 BMW M Roadster, will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2006, alongside the 2006 Z4 Roadster.

At the heart of the new M Roadster is BMW M's award winning, 3.2-liter in-line six cylinder engine. In 2005, this engine was voted "Engine of the Year" by an international jury a record fifth consecutive time. With its high-speed concept, this engine works through a six-speed manual transmission to provide exhilarating performance in all speed ranges. As in the BMW M3, this 3,246 cc engine features dual overhead cams, double-VANOS variable valve timing, and six individual throttle plates. This normally aspirated engine generates more than 100 hp per liter. On the road, this means 0 - 60 in less than five seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

The M Roadster features the speed-sensitive variable M differential lock, already well-proven and admired in the M3. It provides outstanding stability and traction, particularly when accelerating out of bends. The M differential lock enables the enthusiast to fully experience the benefits of rear wheel drive. Under challenging conditions such as a different frictional coefficient on each side of the car, often the case in wet or slippery weather, the system contributes to a remarkable level of traction and stability.

The DSC system in the M Roadster is designed to take full advantage of the capabilities of the M differential lock.

High-performance Compound Braking System for the M Roadster

To maximize its braking capabilities, the new M Roadster uses BMW M's floating compound high performance braking system originally conceived for the M3 CSL and included in the M3 Competition Package. With weight-saving aluminum hubs and steel cross-drilled discs, this system minimizes the risk of warping under hard use.

New exterior colors, including three that are exclusive to BMW M, allow the new Z4 or M Roadster to be tailored to individual tastes.

=================================

I'll take mine in Interlagos Blue, thank you.

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Less than 5 seconds as expected.... I knew the 5 second time from the third party automobile magazine wasn't reliable.

 

[///M SPEED]

It will be nice to have the M roadster back in mix. I can't wait to see this beast....

 

[Big Daddy]

I would like to take her for a spin and compare it to the three I already have.

 

[MReedBMWM3]

I would like to take her for a spin and compare it to the three I already have.

What are the other two that you drive?

My fiancee drives a 2003 X5, so we have the best of both worlds.

 

[Big Daddy]

I meant that I have already driven, I only own the M roadster at this time, but I have owned a 97 Z3 2.8 roadster, driven a Honda S2000, and a Posrche Boxster. Or as far as what other BMW's I have owned? 84 733i, 84 320i, 91 318is, 91 750iL, and a 97 Z3 2.8.

 

[MReedBMWM3]

Nice, I bet the 750 was fun.

I have owned a 1987 GMC Sonoma 4x4, 1987 Honda Accord LXI, 1984 Plymouth Reliant K, 1990 Honda Accord EX, 1996 Volvo 850, 2001 Toyota 4 Runner, and now my M3.

I think I would like to get a 5 series, someday..... I plan on keeping my 95 M forever and ever.

Speaking of cars you have driven, the most unique car I have ever driven was a 1969 Rally Sport Z28, it had factory disc brakes, a 302 engine that you could rev to 8 grand, it was # 34 of 206 produced and had only 70,000 miles on it. It was one bad mother.