The first generation of the BMW Z4 consists of the BMW E85 (roadster version) and BMW E86 (coupe version) sports cars. The E85/E86 generation was produced from 2002 to 2008. The E85/E86 replaced the Z3 and is the third model in the BMW Z Series. Initial models were in the roadster (E85) body style, with the coupé (E86) body style being added in 2006. In February 2009, the BMW Z4 (E89) began production as the successor to the E85/E86.
As was its Z3 predecessor, the E85/E86 was manufactured in Greer, South Carolina. The M model, the Z4 M, is powered by the S54 straight-six engine.
Development and launch
The E85 was designed by Danish BMW-designer Anders Warming from mid-1998 to the summer of 1999. The coupe models were designed by Tomasz Sycha.[3] The E85 designs were frozen on March 1, 2000.[4] The Z4 was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 2002,[5] and North American models went on sale in November of the same year (as the 2003 model year). European sales began in March 2003.[6]
Initial models consisted of the roadster body style powered by a 2.5L or 3.0L 6-cylinder engine.
Body styles
Roadster (E85)
The Z4 Roadster was launched in 2002 with the 2.5i and 3.0i six-cylinder models.[7] Transmission choices were a five-speed manual, six-speed manual, five-speed automatic and a six-speed SMG-II automated manual transmission.[8]
A four-cylinder model, the Z4 2.0i Roadster, was introduced for the European market in May 2005.
The drag coefficient is maximum of .[9]
Coupé (E86)
BMW unveiled a concept coupé version of the Z4 at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show
Chassis and body
Compared with its Z3 predecessor, the Z4 is larger and has a stiffer chassis.[19] As per the Z3, the front suspension is a Macpherson strut design. The rear suspension uses a multi-link design, instead of the semi-trailing design used by the Z3.[20]
The Z4 used lightweight materials to offset the increased weight over the smaller Z3, such as an aluminum hood and suspension components, magnesium roof frame. Run-flat tires removed the need for a spare tire, which reduces weight and allows for a larger trunk.[21]
Equipment
The 6-cylinder engines included all-alloy construction, variable valve timing (double-VANOS), and throttle by wire. Safety technology included four-wheel disc brakes and electronic stability control, incorporating ABS and traction control.
An optional "Sport Package" included added stiffer and lower suspension, 18 inch wheels, and sport tuned electronic steering, throttle and shift parameters ("Dynamic Driving Control").[22]
Electric power steering replaced the traditional hydraulic power steering used by the Z3.[23][24] The power assist is speed-sensitive, allowing for easier maneuvering at low speeds.[25] However, the Z4 M uses hydraulic power steering, and has been judged as having a more direct and communicative feel to the steering.[26]
Transmissions
The available transmissions were:
Models
* The 2.0i was only sold in Europe.[39]
All models are E85 roadsters except as noted. European specifications shown. North American vehicles may have slightly lower power ratings. US models include 2.5i Roadster, 3.0i Roadster, 3.0si Roadster & Coupé, M Roadster & Coupé.[40]
Z4 M versions
The Z4 M Coupé/Roadster was introduced in 2006 and is powered by the S54 straight-six engine shared with the E46 M3. The S54 was also on the Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2001 through 2004.[41] The engine in the North American Z4 M models are rated at 330 hp at 7,900 rpm, 3 hp less than the North American M3.[42] In other markets, the power output is the same 252 kW as the M3. The engine had BMW double VANOS system and a compression ratio of 11.5:1. The torque generated by the engine amounted to 262 lbft at 4,500 rpm. The torque was available from 2,500 rpm.
The Z4 M uses hydraulic power steering, unlike the electric power steering used by the rest of the Z4 range.[42] The Roadster used the E46 M3 steering rack, the Coupé the faster M3 CS/CSL rack. Other changes include a wider front track, revised front suspension, wider non-runflat-tires (measuring 225/45 at the front, 255/40 at the rear), and steering geometry.[42] The brakes and the entire rear axle was too from the M3 CS/CSL.
Special models
Alpina Roadster S (2004–2006)
The Alpina Roadster S is a high-performance iteration of the pre-facelift Z4 introduced at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. Manufactured by German automobile manufacturer Alpina, the Roadster S was assembled at the manufacturer's Buchloe plant from body-in-white sent by the Spartanburg BMW factory. The Roadster S was produced for two years (2004 to 2005) before production was halted due to stricter emission regulations stopping engine supplies. The Roadster S was available in two trims, those being Standard and Luxury with the Luxury trim adding more creature comforts and bigger wheels over the Standard trim. The car had a claimed top speed of 168 mph and accelerated to 100 kph from a standstill in 5.3 seconds. The engine was modified by Alpina and change the name to E5/2. The engine create max output 300 hp and max torque 362 Nm.
Concept Coupé Mille Miglia (2006)
The Concept Coupé Mille Miglia is a concept car inspired by the BMW 328 Mille Miglia Touring Coupé. It was unveiled at the 2006 Mille Miglia rally in Italy.[43]
Model year changes
2005
- Four-cylinder model (2.0i) introduced.
2006 facelift or LCI
The Z4 facelift (also known as LCI) models were launched at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.[46] The major changes were:
- Introduction of Coupé models.
- Introduction of the M Roadster, powered by the S54 straight-six engine (the M Coupe began production a few months later, in April 2006)
- Discontinuation of the 2.2i model.[47]
Safety
Production
Over the Z4's life cycle, 197,950 vehicles had been produced, with 180,856 roadsters and 17,094 coupés.[49]
The last of the first-generation Z4 (Z4 3.0si Roadster in Space Grey) rolled off the production line on 28 August 2008.[50]
Motorsport
Endurance racing
Dieter Quester, Dirk Werner, Jamie Campell-Walter and Tim Mullen won the Silverstone Britcar 24-Hour race with a BMW Z4 M Coupé.[58] The unit of the racing version is a modified version of the S54B32 3.2-litre straight-six engine, producing approximately 294 kW. The car is made by BMW's M Division and called the Z4 M Coupé Motorsport.[59]
In the 2008 Super Taikyu Endurance Series in Japan, the Petronas Syntium Team entered two Z4M cars.[60] The cars dominated the series by taking first and second at every race, finishing the Super Taikyu 1 class in first and second place to win both the championship and drivers title. The Petronas Syntium Team earned 277 points, compared to the next placed team on 98 points.[61]
References
- Patent Images United States Patent and Trademark Office, retrieved 2022-09-05^
- Patent Images United States Patent and Trademark Office, retrieved 2022-09-05^
- Wirtualna Polska Media s. a.. Polscy projektanci samochodów moto.wp.pl, 19 February 2014, retrieved 26 June 2020