BMW Z4 (E85)
| BMW Z4 (E85 & E86) | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | September 1, 2002 – August 28, 2008 (Roadster) |
| Assembly | Greer, Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States (BMW US Mfg. Co.) |
| Designer | Anders Warming (1999) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact luxury sports car (S) |
| Body style | 2-door roadster 2-door coupé |
| Layout | FMR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
2.0 L N46B20 I4 |
| Transmission | 5/6-speed manual 5/6-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,495 mm (98.2 in) |
| Length | 4,090 mm (161.0 in) |
| Width | 1,780 mm (70.1 in) |
| Height | 1,300 mm (51.2 in) (roadster) 1,285 mm (50.6 in) (coupe) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW Z3 |
| Successor | BMW Z4 (E89) |
2.0 L N46B20 I4
2.2 L M54B22 I6
2.5 L M54B25 I6
3.0 L M54B30 I6
3.0 L N52B30 I6
The first generation of the BMW Z4 was designed by Danish BMW-designer Anders Warming from mid-1998 to March 1, 2000. 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 watchful eyes 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.
The Z4 used lightweight materials to offset the increased weight over the smaller Z3, such as aluminum hood and suspension components, magnesium roof frame. Run flat tires removed the need for a spare tire, which in addition to saving weight, allowed for a larger boot.
Advanced aerodynamics yield a drag coefficient of 0.35 and a relatively calm passenger compartment when the top is down.
The 6-cylinder engines included all-alloy construction, double VANOS variable valve timing and streamlined intake and exhaust manifolds, throttle by wire. Safety technology included four-wheel disc brakes and electronic stability control, incorporating ABS and traction control. The electric power steering was speed-sensitive, allowing for easier manoeuvering at low speeds.
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Wikipedia