BMW E85
Encyclopedia
The first-generation of BMW Z4 was designed by Danish
BMW-designer Anders Warming
for Silas Acosta by request. The Z4 was introduced at the Paris Auto Show in 2002, and went on sale in November of the same year for the 2003 model year. It is a physically larger, completely redesigned successor to the Z3. Initially, it was only available as a roadster with the 2.5L or 3.0L inline six cylinder engines. Warming's design was controversial, as were many BMW designs of the time produced under the watch of BMW chief designer Chris Bangle.
The Z4's design addressed many criticisms of the preceding Z3
; the Z4 is larger, and has a significantly stiffer chassis
. The Z4 features a strut type front suspension like its predecessor. The rear suspension, however is considerably different from that of the Z3, 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
.
Run flat tires remove the need for a spare tire, saving more weight.
Advanced aerodynamics yield a drag coefficient of 0.35 and a relatively calm passenger compartment when the top is down.
Advanced engine technology, including all alloy construction, double VANOS variable valve timing, streamlined intake and exhaust manifolds, throttle by wire.
Advanced safety technology, such as ABS, stability control, traction control.
A "Sport Package", adding stiffer and lower suspension, larger wheels, and sport tuned electronic steering, throttle and shift parameters.
Available SMG transmission, in addition to the usual manual and automatic.
Optional HID headlights.
Speed sensing electric power assist steering.
Generously sized 4 wheel disc brakes.
Many luxury features usually not expected on performance oriented roadsters.
Decent trunk space (for a roadster).
Production of a more attainable BMW Z4 2.2i began in October 2003 that cost £18,500 in UK. It weighs 35 kg (77.2 lb) less than the 3.0L version, but is still heavier than the 2.5L Z3's weight of 1315 kg (2,899.1 lb).
Production on a 2.0L inline 4 cylinder engine for the European market began in May 2005.
coupé version of the Z4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. The design of the Z4 and Z4 coupé has variously been ascribed to Anders Warming, Chris Bangle
, the controversial former BMW Head Designer, and Adrian van Hooydonk
, current BMW design chief, and BMW designer Tomasz Sycha. The company announced in 2005 that the coupé would be available for production including the return of the M Coupé
. The production cars were introduced at the New York Auto Show in April 2006.
The M Coupé shares its 3.2 L Inline-6 with the M Roadster. Thanks to its hatch design, the Z4 Coupé offers 10.1 cu ft (0.2860001547 m³) of trunk space, as opposed to 8.5 cu ft (0.2406931995 m³) for the roadster.
The E86 Coupé features:
Production:
Over the Z4 E86 life cycle (2006–2008), only 12,819 Z4 coupés (E86) were produced worldwide, as well as 4,275 Z4M coupés, yielding a total of 17,094 coupés (Z4 and Z4M).
It is a concept car inspired by the BMW 328
Mille Miglia Touring Coupé, but uses Z4 M Coupé's drive components. The concept car is 23 cm longer, 14 cm wider, and 4 cm flatter than Z4 M Coupé. Other features of the concept car include 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/40R20 tires, permanently integrated sidewalls, swing-up cockpit, LED headlight panel, silver-coloured carbon-fibre reinforced plastic body, 3-material (stainless steel, untreated cowhides and Lycra fabric) interior.
The vehicle was designed by Anders Warming.
"M" engine. The standard cars received the new N52
I6 engines. The N52 features a magnesium block construction, which consists of an aluminium 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 continued with the heavier S54 iron block engine.
Standard equipment include Run Flat Tyres, ABS Brakes, Stability Control, Traction Control, CD Player, Power Locks, Power Windows and Air Conditioning. The Z4 included Side Airbags, Driver Airbags, Passenger AirBags, Knee Airbags and 5 Star Rollover Protection.
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 2006 BMW Z4 received a number of updates including a revised exterior, more powerful engines and improved interior features. Highlighted by a new front bumper ensemble with a larger air intake, rectangular foglights and front side reflectors, the exterior also received new wheels, rear bumper and taillight designs. The interior was fitted with a new aluminium trim, shift knob for automatic transmission and new colors. The 3.0i replaced the 2.5i and the 3.0si replaced the 3.0i. Power remained at 215 hp and 180 lbft of torque for the 3.0i while the 3.0si got 261 hp and 232 lbft of torque (Euro spec). A 6-speed manual transmission was standard with an optional 6-speed automatic. 17-inch wheels were standard on both trims and the Sport Package also features new wheels as well.
All models are E85 roadsters except as noted. European specifications shown. North American vehicles have slightly lower power ratings, due to lower compression ratios necessitated by fuel quality issues.
Power and torque figures will vary slightly between North American and European specification engines.
The Z4 M shares the same engine as the E46 BMW M3, but due to gearing differences, is marginally slower than the M3. North American version is 3 horsepower shy of the M3's 333 horsepower. However this is better than the Z3 version, which while using the same engine was all the way down to 315 horsepower. 0-60 mp/h takes 5.0 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph).
Britcar 24 Hour Race with a BMW Z4 M Coupé. The unit of the racing version is modified and reinforced version of the S54B32
3.2-litre engine, delivering around 294 kW/400 hp. The car is made by BMW's M Division
and called the Z4 M Coupé Motorsport. The Z4 Coupe Motorsport version weighs 1,200 kg/2,643 lb with a driver and has a 120 litre/30 gallon fuel tank for endurance racing. The racing kit for the Z4 M Coupé is available for € 250,000, plus VAT (391, 025 U.S. dollars) in addition to the list price of the car. The Racing Kit is very popular among N Class
drivers, which also got a lot of good results in the track.
In August, 2008, a modified Z4 debuted in Round 6 of the Super GT season
, participating in the GT300 class. It is powered by a detuned version of the S62
V8 engine from the E39-Series
M5. Although it is well known by fans since it has a unique image (or called "Itasha
"), this car also marked the return of BMW to Super GT
series since their exit from the previous JGTC (which they used the M3
). They continues to participate in the 2009 Super GT season
other than Sepang Race, and they would replace their H-pattern to a sequential transmission, as well as their S62 Engine with an S65B40
after race 3, after they had suffered an unrepairable engine blow in race 2 at Suzuka. The car served them for 2008 and 2009 season, and their team used the BMW Z4 GT3 in 2011 season instead, which helps them becomes the GT300 Champion that season.
In 2008 Super Taikyu Endurance Series (equivalent to Group N
championship) in Japan, both BMW Z4M entered by Petronas
Syntium Team won the Super Taikyu 1 class first and second taking both the championship and drivers title. Both cars dominated the series by taking first and second at every race in the 2008 season beating cars like Porsche GT3 (both 996 and 997), Honda NSX
, Mitsubishi Evolution X, Mazda RX-7
, Nissan GTR and Nissan 350Z
. Super Taikyu endurance races usually last for at least 500 kilometers or 4 hours highlighted by the race of the season, 24 Hours of Tokachi. In total Petronas Syntium Team gather 277 points compared to the second place team Endless Sports with a mere 98 points. The cars were driven by established and popular drivers such as Nobuteru Taniguchi
, Masataka Yanagida, Manabu Orido
and father and son pairing of Hans-Joachim Stuck and Johannes Stuck.
The last of the first-generation Z4 (Z4 3.0si Roadster in Space Grey) rolled off the production line in 2008-08-28.
Over Z4's life cycle, 197,950 vehicles had been produced, with 180,856 roadsters and 17,094 coupés.
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
BMW-designer Anders Warming
Anders Warming
Anders Warming is a Danish automotive designer working for BMW AG. He is the new chief of Design for the Mini division of BMW. He was recently the chief of exterior design for BMW from 2007 to the end of 2010.- Education and early career :...
for Silas Acosta by request. The Z4 was introduced at the Paris Auto Show in 2002, and went on sale in November of the same year for the 2003 model year. It is a physically larger, completely redesigned successor to the Z3. Initially, it was only available as a roadster with the 2.5L or 3.0L inline six cylinder engines. Warming's design was controversial, as were many BMW designs of the time produced under the watch of BMW chief designer Chris Bangle.
The Z4's design addressed many criticisms of the preceding Z3
BMW Z3
The BMW Z3 was the first modern mass-market roadster produced by BMW, as well as the first new BMW model assembled in the United States. The Z3 was introduced as a 1996 model year vehicle, shortly after being featured in the James Bond movie,...
; the Z4 is larger, and has a significantly stiffer chassis
Chassis
A chassis consists of an internal framework that supports a man-made object. It is analogous to an animal's skeleton. An example of a chassis is the underpart of a motor vehicle, consisting of the frame with the wheels and machinery.- Vehicles :In the case of vehicles, the term chassis means the...
. The Z4 features a strut type front suspension like its predecessor. The rear suspension, however is considerably different from that of the Z3, which was based on that of the E30
BMW E30
The BMW E30 was a compact executive car produced by BMW. It was replaced by the BMW E36 in 1990. BMW continued to produce the cabriolet E30 well into 1993. The Touring remained in production until 1994 when the E36 touring replaced it...
BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the...
. Instead of a semi-trailing arm suspension, the Z4 uses a more advanced multi-link suspension
Multi-link suspension
A multi-link suspension is a type of vehicle suspension design typically used in independent suspensions, using three or more lateral arms, and one or more longitudinal arms....
.
Features
Lightweight materials to offset weight of increased size, such as aluminum hood and suspension components, magnesium roof frame.Run flat tires remove the need for a spare tire, saving more weight.
Advanced aerodynamics yield a drag coefficient of 0.35 and a relatively calm passenger compartment when the top is down.
Advanced engine technology, including all alloy construction, double VANOS variable valve timing, streamlined intake and exhaust manifolds, throttle by wire.
Advanced safety technology, such as ABS, stability control, traction control.
A "Sport Package", adding stiffer and lower suspension, larger wheels, and sport tuned electronic steering, throttle and shift parameters.
Available SMG transmission, in addition to the usual manual and automatic.
Optional HID headlights.
Speed sensing electric power assist steering.
Generously sized 4 wheel disc brakes.
Many luxury features usually not expected on performance oriented roadsters.
Decent trunk space (for a roadster).
Production of a more attainable BMW Z4 2.2i began in October 2003 that cost £18,500 in UK. It weighs 35 kg (77.2 lb) less than the 3.0L version, but is still heavier than the 2.5L Z3's weight of 1315 kg (2,899.1 lb).
Production on a 2.0L inline 4 cylinder engine for the European market began in May 2005.
Z4 Coupé (E86)
BMW unveiled a conceptConcept car
A concept vehicle or show vehicle is a car made to showcase new styling and or new technology. They are often shown at motor shows to gauge customer reaction to new and radical designs which may or may not have a chance of being produced....
coupé version of the Z4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. The design of the Z4 and Z4 coupé has variously been ascribed to Anders Warming, Chris Bangle
Chris Bangle
Christopher Edward "Chris" Bangle is an American automobile designer. Bangle is known best for his work as Chief of Design for BMW Group, where he was responsible for the BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce motor cars.- Biography :...
, the controversial former BMW Head Designer, and Adrian van Hooydonk
Adrian van Hooydonk
Adrian van Hooydonk , is a Dutch automobile designer, best known for several modern BMW concept cars and production vehicles. He is based in Munich, Germany.- Biography :...
, current BMW design chief, and BMW designer Tomasz Sycha. The company announced in 2005 that the coupé would be available for production including the return of the M Coupé
BMW M Coupe
The BMW M Coupe is a Shooting-brake styled high-performance automobile produced by BMW. As of February 2009, two generations of the M Coupe have been manufactured, one based on the E36/8 Z3 Coupe and the second off of the E86 Z4 Coupe. Both generations have a "sister" Convertible/Roadster model...
. The production cars were introduced at the New York Auto Show in April 2006.
The M Coupé shares its 3.2 L Inline-6 with the M Roadster. Thanks to its hatch design, the Z4 Coupé offers 10.1 cu ft (0.2860001547 m³) of trunk space, as opposed to 8.5 cu ft (0.2406931995 m³) for the roadster.
The E86 Coupé features:
- a fixed hard-top roof which yields additional torsional rigidity—32000 newton metre per degree of body twist on the coupe compared to 14500 newton metre per degree on the roadster — and this additional rigidity 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:
Over the Z4 E86 life cycle (2006–2008), only 12,819 Z4 coupés (E86) were produced worldwide, as well as 4,275 Z4M coupés, yielding a total of 17,094 coupés (Z4 and Z4M).
BMW Concept Coupé Mille Miglia 2006
BMW 328
The BMW 328 is a sports car made by BMW between 1936 and 1940, with the body design credited to Peter Szymanowski, who became BMW chief of design after World War II ....
Mille Miglia Touring Coupé, but uses Z4 M Coupé's drive components. The concept car is 23 cm longer, 14 cm wider, and 4 cm flatter than Z4 M Coupé. Other features of the concept car include 20-inch alloy wheels with 245/40R20 tires, permanently integrated sidewalls, swing-up cockpit, LED headlight panel, silver-coloured carbon-fibre reinforced plastic body, 3-material (stainless steel, untreated cowhides and Lycra fabric) interior.
The vehicle was designed by Anders Warming.
2006 update
In 2006, BMW updated the Z4 line by introducing the M Roadster, and later the M Coupe, with the vaunted S54BMW S54B32
The S54B32 was a high-performance engine used in BMW M vehicles. The block was made from grey cast iron rather than aluminum to achieve greater rigidity from the same dimensions. It is a 3.2 L engine; bore is and stroke is...
"M" engine. The standard cars received the new N52
BMW N52
The BMW N52 is a straight-6 engine made by BMW, which debuted in 2004 on the BMW E63 630Ci. The N52 is BMW's 12th generation production straight-6 engine.Its crankcase is made entirely of magnesium and aluminum, a first in the world of engine construction...
I6 engines. The N52 features a magnesium block construction, which consists of an aluminium 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 continued with the heavier S54 iron block engine.
Standard equipment include Run Flat Tyres, ABS Brakes, Stability Control, Traction Control, CD Player, Power Locks, Power Windows and Air Conditioning. The Z4 included Side Airbags, Driver Airbags, Passenger AirBags, Knee Airbags and 5 Star Rollover Protection.
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 2006 BMW Z4 received a number of updates including a revised exterior, more powerful engines and improved interior features. Highlighted by a new front bumper ensemble with a larger air intake, rectangular foglights and front side reflectors, the exterior also received new wheels, rear bumper and taillight designs. The interior was fitted with a new aluminium trim, shift knob for automatic transmission and new colors. The 3.0i replaced the 2.5i and the 3.0si replaced the 3.0i. Power remained at 215 hp and 180 lbft of torque for the 3.0i while the 3.0si got 261 hp and 232 lbft of torque (Euro spec). A 6-speed manual transmission was standard with an optional 6-speed automatic. 17-inch wheels were standard on both trims and the Sport Package also features new wheels as well.
Criticisms
- Electro-mechanical power assist steering. The Z4 includes an electro-mechanical power assist steering system which earned the vehicle considerable criticism. The system was introduced as a fuel-saving device by removing hydraulic pump loads from the engine. BMW claims this system provides a "more dynamic drive" and a "more direct feel." Motor journalists and racing drivers complained, however, that this device gave the vehicle an artificial, synthetic or indirect steering feel. The BMW Z4 M on the other hand, only included conventional hydraulic assistance, said to have given the car a much more direct and communicative feel.
- Some motorsports journalists have on a couple of occasions complained on the harsh ride of a car they otherwise favour. The harsh ride of the vehicle is possibly explained by a change in rear toe angle when the Z4's rear suspension moves up and down, meaning it would begin to 'steer' from the rear on undulations found on less than track condition roads.
E85 & E86 Variants
| Model | Years | Curb Weight | 0-100 kph time, sec |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0i | 2005–2008 | 2855 lb (1,295 kg) | 8.2 |
| 2.2i | 2003–2005 | 2932 lb (1,329.9 kg) | 7.7 |
| 2.5i | 2003–2005 | 2943 lb (1,334.9 kg) | 7.0 |
| 2.5i | 2006–2008 | 2965 lb (1,344.9 kg) | 7.0 |
| 2.5si | 2006–2008 | 2998 lb (1,359.9 kg) | 6.5 |
| 3.0i | 2003–2005 | 3009 lb (1,364.9 kg) | 6.2 |
| 3.0i | 2006–2008 | 3020 lb (1,369.8 kg) | 6.5 |
| 3.0si | 2006–2008 | 3086 lb (1,399.8 kg) | 5.9 |
| E86 3.0si Cpe | 2006–2008 | 3075 lb (1,394.8 kg) | 5.9 |
| M Rdst | 2006–2008 | 3197 lb (1,450.1 kg) | 5.0 |
| E86 M Cpe | 2006–2008 | 3230 lb (1,465.1 kg) | 5.0 |
All models are E85 roadsters except as noted. European specifications shown. North American vehicles have slightly lower power ratings, due to lower compression ratios necessitated by fuel quality issues.
- 2.0i was only sold in Europe. 3.0i Roadster was sold in Germany until 2005.
- US models include 2.5i ('03-'05), 3.0i Roadster, 3.0si Roadster & Coupé, M Roadster & Coupé.
Engines
| Model | Years made | Engine Code | Engine Type | Power@rpm | Torque@rpm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | |||||
| 2.0i | 2005–2008 | N46B20 | 1995 cc I4 | 150 PS@6200 | 200 newton metre@3600 |
| 2.2i | 2003–2005 | M54B22 | 2171 cc I6 | 170 PS@6250 | 210 newton metre@3500 |
| 2.5i | 2003–2005 | M54B25 | 2494 cc I6 | 192 PS@6000 | 245 newton metre@3500 |
| 2.5i | 2006–2008 | N52B25 | 2497 cc I6 | 177 PS@5800 | 230 newton metre@3500 |
| 2.5si | 2006–2008 | N52B25 | 2497 cc I6 | 218 PS@6500 | 250 newton metre@2750 |
| 3.0i | 2002–2005 | M54B30 | 2979 cc I6 | 231 PS@5900 | 300 newton metre@3500 |
| 3.0i | 2006–2008 | N52B30 | 2996 cc I6 | 218 PS@6250 | 250 newton metre@2750 |
| 3.0si | 2006–2008 | N52B30 | 2996 cc I6 | 265 PS@6600 | 315 newton metre@2750 |
| M | 2006–2008 | S54B32 BMW S54B32 The S54B32 was a high-performance engine used in BMW M vehicles. The block was made from grey cast iron rather than aluminum to achieve greater rigidity from the same dimensions. It is a 3.2 L engine; bore is and stroke is... |
3246 cc I6 | 343 PS@7900 | 365 newton metre@4900 |
Power and torque figures will vary slightly between North American and European specification engines.
The Z4 M shares the same engine as the E46 BMW M3, but due to gearing differences, is marginally slower than the M3. North American version is 3 horsepower shy of the M3's 333 horsepower. However this is better than the Z3 version, which while using the same engine was all the way down to 315 horsepower. 0-60 mp/h takes 5.0 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph).
Motorsports
Dieter Quester, Dirk Werner, Jamie Campell-Walter and Tim Mullen won the SilverstoneSilverstone Circuit
Silverstone Circuit is an English motor racing circuit next to the Northamptonshire villages of Silverstone and Whittlebury. The circuit straddles the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire border, with the current main circuit entry on the Buckinghamshire side...
Britcar 24 Hour Race with a BMW Z4 M Coupé. The unit of the racing version is modified and reinforced version of the S54B32
BMW S54B32
The S54B32 was a high-performance engine used in BMW M vehicles. The block was made from grey cast iron rather than aluminum to achieve greater rigidity from the same dimensions. It is a 3.2 L engine; bore is and stroke is...
3.2-litre engine, delivering around 294 kW/400 hp. The car is made by BMW's M Division
BMW Motorsport
BMW Motorsport is the division of BMW responsible for motorsport-related activities, including works-run competition programmes in touring car racing, sportscar racing and Formula One.-See also:* BMW M* BMW in motorsport* BMW Sauber* Schnitzer Motorsport...
and called the Z4 M Coupé Motorsport. The Z4 Coupe Motorsport version weighs 1,200 kg/2,643 lb with a driver and has a 120 litre/30 gallon fuel tank for endurance racing. The racing kit for the Z4 M Coupé is available for € 250,000, plus VAT (391, 025 U.S. dollars) in addition to the list price of the car. The Racing Kit is very popular among N Class
N class
N class may refer to:* J, K and N class destroyer, a class of British Royal Navy ships* NZR N class, a class of steam locomotives used by the New Zealand Railways Department and the Wellington and Manawatu Railway...
drivers, which also got a lot of good results in the track.
In August, 2008, a modified Z4 debuted in Round 6 of the Super GT season
2008 Super GT season
The 2008 Autobacs Super GT Series was the 15th season of the GT Championship in Japan including the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship era, and the 4th season as the Super GT series. It is a series for Grand Touring race cars divided into two categories: GT500 and GT300...
, participating in the GT300 class. It is powered by a detuned version of the S62
BMW M62
The BMW M62 is a V8 piston engine, built in Munich, Germany. It has an aluminum block with 98 mm bore centers and two aluminum DOHC cylinder heads.-M62:...
V8 engine from the E39-Series
BMW E39
The BMW E39 is the BMW 5 Series made between 1995 and 2003. The E39 was the successor of the BMW E34 in 1995, and itself was replaced by the E60 platform in 2003. Sales to Germany and the United Kingdom began in 1995, and by 1996 sales to the rest of the world had commenced. A mid-generational...
M5. Although it is well known by fans since it has a unique image (or called "Itasha
Itasha
, literally "painmobile", is a Japanese term for an otaku fad of individuals decorating the bodies of their cars with fictional characters of anime, manga, or video games . These characters are predominately "cute" female. The decorations usually involve paint schemes and stickers...
"), this car also marked the return of BMW to Super GT
Super GT
The Super GT series, formerly known as the All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship or JGTC , is a grand touring car race series promoted by the GT-Association...
series since their exit from the previous JGTC (which they used the M3
BMW M3
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupé, sedan and convertible body styles...
). They continues to participate in the 2009 Super GT season
2009 Super GT season
The 2009 Super GT season was the 16th season of the Japan Automobile Federation Super GT Championship. The season opener on March 22, was moved to Okayama, due to the continued renovation of Suzuka in preparation for the 2009 Japanese Grand Prix...
other than Sepang Race, and they would replace their H-pattern to a sequential transmission, as well as their S62 Engine with an S65B40
BMW S65
The S65 is a naturally aspirated DOHC 32-valve automobile V8 engine from BMW.Derived from the BMW S85 V10 engine used in the M5/M6, it shares the same basic architecture and aluminium construction. It was introduced in the E92 M3 as a replacement for the S54 straight-6...
after race 3, after they had suffered an unrepairable engine blow in race 2 at Suzuka. The car served them for 2008 and 2009 season, and their team used the BMW Z4 GT3 in 2011 season instead, which helps them becomes the GT300 Champion that season.
In 2008 Super Taikyu Endurance Series (equivalent to Group N
Group N
In relation to motorsport governed by the FIA, Group N refers to a set of regulations providing 'standard' production vehicles for competition, often referred to as the "Showroom Class"....
championship) in Japan, both BMW Z4M entered by Petronas
Petronas
PETRONAS, short for Petroliam Nasional Berhad, is a Malaysian oil and gas company that was founded on August 17, 1974. Wholly owned by the Government of Malaysia, the corporation is vested with the entire oil and gas resources in Malaysia and is entrusted with the responsibility of developing and...
Syntium Team won the Super Taikyu 1 class first and second taking both the championship and drivers title. Both cars dominated the series by taking first and second at every race in the 2008 season beating cars like Porsche GT3 (both 996 and 997), Honda NSX
Honda NSX
The Honda NSX, or Acura NSX, is a sports car that was produced between 1990 and 2005 by the Japanese automaker Honda. It is equipped with a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, powered by an all-aluminium V6 gasoline engine featuring Honda's Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control ...
, Mitsubishi Evolution X, Mazda RX-7
Mazda RX-7
Series 1 is commonly referred to as the "SA22C" from the first alphanumerics of the vehicle identification number. This series of RX-7 had exposed steel bumpers and a high-mounted indentation-located license plate, called by Werner Buhrer of Road & Track magazine a "Baroque depression."In 1980...
, Nissan GTR and Nissan 350Z
Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z is a two seat sports car that was manufactured by Nissan from 2002 to 2009 and marks the fifth generation of Nissan's Z-car line. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. The first year there was only a coupe, as the roadster did not debut...
. Super Taikyu endurance races usually last for at least 500 kilometers or 4 hours highlighted by the race of the season, 24 Hours of Tokachi. In total Petronas Syntium Team gather 277 points compared to the second place team Endless Sports with a mere 98 points. The cars were driven by established and popular drivers such as Nobuteru Taniguchi
Nobuteru Taniguchi
is a Japanese racing driver and former drifting driver who currently competes in Super GT. Taniguchi is commonly nicknamed "NOB" or "The Pimp" as a reference to his S15 Silvia which he is best known for....
, Masataka Yanagida, Manabu Orido
Manabu Orido
is a Japanese racing driver who currently competes in the Super GT series for Toyota Team Tsuchiya in a Lexus SC 430 sponsored by Eclipse and AdvanOrido began his racing career as a street racer and then progressed to touge racing...
and father and son pairing of Hans-Joachim Stuck and Johannes Stuck.
Production
M coupe's production began at the Spartanburg BMW plant in Greer on 2006-04-04.The last of the first-generation Z4 (Z4 3.0si Roadster in Space Grey) rolled off the production line in 2008-08-28.
Over Z4's life cycle, 197,950 vehicles had been produced, with 180,856 roadsters and 17,094 coupés.