New BMW Z4 and Z4 M Roadster Unveiled

More detailed infro found HERE

Short Version

More than any other sports car in the world, this unique car embodies the typical roadster: The BMW Z4 Roadster thrills the car world through its fascinating, sporting dynamism created by a perfect synthesis of a high-performance power unit, the outstanding chassis and suspension, and in*novative features all round. And not least it is the wonderful design of the BMW Z4 Roadster which makes this car so unique, desirable and a genuine must-have. And now, four years after its world debut, the BMW Z4 Roadster is making a new, brilliant appearance with new engines.

Marking another highlight on the same occasion, the only purist high-performance roadster in the world is making its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show in Detroit in January 2006: The upcoming BMW Z4 M Roadster is the high-performance ultra-sports version of the Z4 Roadster so many cus*tomers have been waiting for. Extending BMW’s roadster family right at the top, this unique car takes up and continues the brand’s tradition in a seg*ment originally created by BMW M in the first place: Back in 1997, the BMW Z3 M Roadster marked the world’s first high-performance production roadster, with more than 15,000 units being sold to customers by the year 2002, making the Z3 M Roadster the best seller in its class and the absolute leader in dynamic performance, agility, and sportiness.

The Z4 M Roadster: Awe-Inspiring Performance in Every Respect.

Boasting BMW M’s straight-six power unit, the Z4 M Roadster features a high-performance engine unparalleled in the roadster market: In 2005 this unique engine received the “Engine of the Year Award” acknowledged and highly respected the world over for the fifth time in a row, setting up a record never seen before. Through its high-speed concept and virtually optimum transmission ratios, this outstanding power unit generates enormous thrust and performance in all speed ranges. Its specifications alone are very im*press*ive: six cylinders, 3,246 cc, 252 kW/343 hp at 7,900 rpm, 365 Newton-metres/269 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm, maximum engine speed 8,000 rpm.

Two other figures perhaps say even more about the engine’s outstanding performance: Output per litre is 106 hp and the power-to-weight ratio is 4.1 kilos/hp. On the road this means acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, with the same short time of 5.0 seconds being required for intermediate acceleration in fourth gear from 80–120 km/h (50–75 mph). Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph.

The Joy of Shifting Gears Six Times Over.

The high-speed engine concept is simply ideal for a sports car in combina*tion with a short overall transmission ratio, since this allows the conversion of engine power into optimum thrust on the rear wheels. And combining the M final drive with a six-speed manual gearbox, the engineers at BMW M are able to fulfil this requirement to the highest standard. Short and crisp shift travel, supreme running smoothness, and precise guidance of the shift lever with sensitive feedback ensuring that the gear is properly in mesh, are typi*cal fortes of this transmission.

Variable M Differential Lock for Supreme Power in Bends.

The Z4 M Roadster comes with the speed-sensitive variable M differential lock already well-known and greatly admired on the M3. This special feature gives the car both superior driving stability and optimum traction especially when accelerating out of a bend. Allowing a very sporting style of motoring, especially on roads with a higher frictional coefficient, the M differential lock enables the experienced driver to enhance the positive features of rear-wheel drive to an even higher standard. Under challenging conditions such as a different frictional coefficient on each side of the car typical of winter weather and road surfaces, the system gives the Z4 M Roadster supreme traction and stability.

New Six-Cylinder Power Units for the Z4 Roadster.

While the six- and four-cylinder power units featured in the BMW Z4 Road*ster naturally cannot match the output and performance of the M engine, they are everything but under-powered. Indeed, the new 3.0-litre straight-six in the BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0si is currently the most innovative engine in its class, setting the standard in motoring refinement and dynamic performance. Further strengths are the engine’s high output per litre, a very good power-to-weight ratio, and the lowest specific fuel consumption. Maximum output is 195 kW/265 hp at 6,600 rpm, maximum engine speed is 7,000 rpm, and the engine maintains its peak torque of 315 Newton-metres or 232 lb-ft maintained consistently from 2,500–4,000 rpm. Complying, last but not least, with both the EU4 and ULEV II standards, this outstanding power unit is also a role model from the perspective of the environment.

The most striking feature from the customer’s perspective in comparison with the former engine is the sporting responsiveness of the new power unit in conjunction with thrilling engine sound whenever the driver calls up its power, as well as supreme refinement and motoring culture when cruising or just breezing along.

Superior power and low weight naturally also mean superior performance and efficiency: The Z4 Roadster 3.0si accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h (50–75 mph) in fourth gear comes in 5.5 seconds.

Like the Z4 M Roadster, the Z4 Roadster 3.0si is limited electronically to a top speed of 250 or 155 mph. Fuel consumption in the combined EU cycle, finally, is just 8.6 litres Premium plus/100 km, equal to 32.8 mpg Imp.

Everything but Mediocre: the Two 2.5-Litre Six-Cylinders.

Two 2.5-litre power units round off the range of six-cylinders:
The BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5si, developing maximum output of 160 kW/218 hp, is among the top performers in its segment. Peak torque of 250 Newton-metres or 184 lb-ft is maintained consistently between 2900 and 4250 rpm, accelerating the Z4 Roadster 2.5si from 0–100 km/h in a mere 6.5 seconds. Equally su*perior torque and muscle is borne out by the car’s acceleration from 80–120 km/h in fourth gear likewise in 6.5 seconds. Top speed is 240 km/h or 149 mph, standard fuel consumption is 8.4 litres Premium plus/100 km, equal to 33.6 mpg Imp. And again it goes without saying that the Z4 Roadster 2.5si com*plies in full with both the EU4 and ULEV II emission standards.

In another version also boasting a 2.5-litre power unit, the Z4 Roadster 2.5i comes with maximum output of 130 kW/177 hp and peak torque of 230 Newton-metres or 169 lb-ft, replacing the former BMW Z4 Roadster 2.2i. The big benefit for the customer offered by the larger engine is the extra power and torque, a significant advantage above all when accelerating from low speeds.

The performance data: 0–100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, acceleration from 80–120 km/h (50–75 mph) in 4th gear in 7.0 seconds. Top speed is 229 km/h or 142 mph, fuel consumption 8.2 litres premium plus on 100 kilometres (equal to 34.5 mpg Imp), and naturally this model also complies in full with the EU4 and ULEV II emission standards.

All of these straight-six power units offer the customer best-in-class per*formance and excellent running smoothness in typical BMW style. They come with a composite aluminium/magnesium crankcase, a bedplate struc*ture, and the cylinder head made of magnesium, fully variable VALVETRON*IC valve control, infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment, and four-valve technology.

BMW Z4 Roadster 2.0i – Entering the World of Real Roadster Motoring.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder power unit featured in the BMW Z4 Roadster 2.0i rounds off the range of engines in this unique family of roadster. Developing 110 kW/150 hp at 6,200 rpm and maximum torque of 200 Newton-metres or 147 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm, this straight-four also guarantees superior dynamics and undiluted roadster pleasure: Acceleration to 100 km/h takes just 8.2 seconds, exactly the same time as the fast sprint from 80–100 km/h (50–75 mph) in fourth gear. Top speed, in turn, is an equally superior 220 km/h or 136 mph.

Consuming just 7.5 litres premium plus/100 kilometres (equal to 37.7 mpg Imp), the four-cylinder is very fuel-efficient and, complying with the EU4 and ULEV II emission standards, offers superior environmental friendliness. The engine is also equipped with BMW’s innovative VALVETRONIC and dual-VANOS management systems. A further feature is the DISA intake mani*fold, a technology able to change the length of the oscillating pipes as a function of engine load. Operating in conjunction with the engine manage*ment system, this technology ensures a level of spontaneity when accele*rating previously only to be found in sports engines with individual throttle butterflies.

Six Gears on All Models.

All new BMW Z4 Roadsters come with a six-speed manual gearbox. The typical strengths of this transmission are the short and crisp gearshift travel, superior running smoothness and precise guidance of the gearshift lever in the middle, with shift forces remaining smooth and consistent at all times. With the six gears coming close together with only small increments in between, and with the large gap between the lowest and highest gear, the driver is always able to choose the ideal gear ratio quickly and smoothly even when driving fast and dynamically.

Another BMW First: the New Sport Automatic.

Automatic transmission in the Z4 Roadster 3.0si and 2.5si comes as a high*light with shift paddles on the steering wheel. In conjunction with the new set-up of the transmission, this outstanding gearshift gives even the afici*onade of automatic transmission a dynamic experience of sporting perform*ance in the Z4 Roadster without having to forego the superior comfort of an automatic gearshift.

Supreme Body Stiffness for Four Stars in the EuroNCAP Crash Test.

Designed and built from the start as an open-air model, the body of the BMW Z4 Roadster is also simply ideal in terms of weight and stiffness: Of*fering 14, 500 Nm/degree of static torsional stiffness, this is the stiffest body*shell in the segment.

Apart from thrilling performance and agility in bends, this also means that the BMW Z4 Roadster achieves excellent results in the demanding EuroNCAP crash test: Achieving four out of five possible stars, the car’s result is truly remarkable for an open-air two-seater. Indeed, in the 2004 EuroNCAP test, the Z4 Roadster scored 15.64 points for head-on collisions and 16 points for side-on collisions out of a possible maximum result of 16 points in each case, the best figures ever measured on the dummies in a roadster, receiving the EuroNCAP Best-in-Class Award. This means that in practice the Z4 Roadster protects its occupants better than all the cars in this segment tested so far. In fact the forces and strain acting on the car’s occupants are lower than in most cars with a fixed roof.

Chassis and Suspension: a Star in Bends.

The BMW Z4 Roadster offers its driver exactly the right chassis and sus*pen*sion virtually tailor-made for sports motoring, guaranteeing sheer driving pleasure all the way to the absolute limit. And should the driver ever be so enthusiastic that his sheer driving pleasure reaches the limits to physical stability, sophisticated control systems still guarantee active safety of the highest standard.

The chassis and suspension are designed in terms of their spring and damper action, as well as kinematics and elastokinematics, for superior dynamism, agility and handling. This makes the BMW Z4 Roadster in all its variants most probably the most agile and dynamic roadster in the world. For even more sporting behaviour, the genuine enthusiast moreover has the choice of a sports suspension lowering the entire car by 15 millimetres or 0.59´´. The runflat tyres featured as standard are specially matched to the sporting character of the BMW Z4 Roadster and now offer somewhat more comfortable suspension qualities without affecting the agility of the car.

The Z4 M Roadster: Ultimate Driving Pleasure of the Highest Standard.

The chassis and suspension of the Z4 M Roadster is a consistent enhance*ment upgrading the suspension of the Z4 Roadster to an even higher stand*ard. The entire system therefore offers even greater driving pleasure, with*out in any way impairing the car’s everyday driving qualities and comfort.

New DSC Setting the Standard in Suspension Control.

Reflecting BMW’s consistent philosophy, the chassis and suspension control systems on the Z4 Roadster and the Z4 M Roadster do not serve to up*grade the suspension as such – simply because the suspension already of*fers a very high standard – but rather to help the driver master critical situ*ations when driving to the limit. And indeed, the safety reserves offered by BMW’s roadsters are already very substantial to begin with. But this does not stop BMW from offering new, supplementary functions such as Hill Start Assistance, Dry Braking, etc.

Using the integrated Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function on the BMW Z4 Roadster, the driver is able at the touch of a button to improve traction and, accordingly, the drive power actually conveyed to the road on slippery surfaces such as snow. He is also able to adjust the driving behaviour of the BMW Z4 to higher dynamic requirements, thus capitalising on the sporting qualities of the car. One example is that DTC allows greater slip on the rear wheels whenever appropriate.

Numerous Interesting Ancillary Functions.

BMW’s new DSC Dynamic Stability Control offers a number of additional functions: Start-Off Assistance on uphill gradients, for example, automa*tic*ally operates the brakes for a short period, preventing the car from rolling back on an uphill gradient and thus no longer requiring the driver to pull the handbrake when setting off.

Safety is further enhanced by automatic Fading Compensation as well as the Brake Standby function automatically pre-loading the brake linings. Auto*matic Dry Braking of the brake discs on wet roads, in turn, serve to improve brake response when needed.

The Z4 M Roadster incorporates BMW’s variable M differential lock in com*bi*nation with a special configuration of the DSC dynamic control system.

Electric Power Steering Optimising the Steering System.

The Z4 Roadster and the Z4 M Roadster also differ in terms of their steering system: The Z4 Roadster features BMW’s electromechanical EPS Electric Power Steering highlighting the dynamic and agile set-up of the BMW Road*ster. This unique system offers a very high standard of flexibility in its steer*ing characteristics, an optimum compromise of the steering damping effect and feedback from the steering, as well as low control forces at low speeds and when manoeuvring. A further important point is the very good centering effect, with the steering wheel returning smoothly and reliably to its zero position. Servotronic, finally, comes as standard.

Cutting-Edge Precision when Steering.

The steering system in the Z4 M Roadster, by contrast, is supported by hy*drau*lic power assistance. This ensures unparalleled steering manoeuvres in terms of overall precision and optimum feedback of all driving conditions. The overall steering transmission ratio is 47 : 1, allowing even faster steering control and operation and thus offering benefits in terms of supreme driving dynamics.

Lightweight Brakes with Outstanding Performance.

A new feature is the 17-inch brake system on the Z4 Roadster 3.0i. The particular fortes in this case are extreme stopping power, very good resist*ance to fading, and optimum long-term brake qualities.

Compound High-Performance Brakes Keeping M Power under Control.
With its even higher standard of performance, the Z4 M Roadster features BMW M’s floating compound high-performance brake system originally con*ceived for the BMW M3 CSL as a system carried over directly from motor*sport. This superior brake system ensures stopping power of the highest standard, giving the Z4 M Roadster a stopping distance of just 34 metres or 112 feet from a speed of 100 km/h.

New Highlights in Design.

In their design, both the updated BMW Z4 Roadster and the new Z4 M Road*ster consistently continue the characteristic design language of BMW’s thoroughbred roadster concept: The BMW Z4 Roadster boasts moderate updates including a modified front section drawn down closer to the road. Other new features are the foglamps and the reflectors so typical of the car.

Benefiting from new tail lights with integrated light conductors as well as more horizontal lines, the modifications at the rear give the car an even wider, lower, and more muscular appearance. Featuring even more sophis*ticated, top-quality materials and additional colours, the interior is truly ex*qui*site in its looks without in any way foregoing its sporting, purist character.

Z4 M Roadster: High Performance at Very First Sight.

Clearly recognisable as a Z4 Roadster, the Z4 M Roadster visualises its su*perior character of high performance even more convincingly. The functional and technical qualities of the car are reflected directly and authentically by the design of the Z4 M Roadster, numerous details both outside and inside distinguishing it from the “basic” model.

The most conspicuous highlights are the front air dam with its X-shaped com*bination of lines and openings, the large air intake scoops, as well as the low-slung kidney grille and the two striking precision lines on the engine compartment lid. A feature exclusive to the Z4 M Roadster is the double-spoke design of the 18-inch aluminium rims. And last but certainly not least, the rear end also comes in that typical M style, with four striking tailpipes and a horizontal diffuser.

The Interior: Sporting and Functional All in One.

Inside, the new BMW Z4 M Roadster boasts a sporting, purist but at the same time exclusive look throughout. Clear shapes and the very best mate*rials give the interior its particular touch, powerfully emphasising the thrill of sports motoring.

The BMW M colours are also to be found on the speedometer and rev count*er with their face finished in black and boasting both white numbers and red indicator needles accentuated by permanent white illumination.

Yet another unique feature is the engine speed band presented in the rev counter like in the other BMW M cars: The yellow pre-warning field and the red warning field limit the permissible range of engine speed as a function of current engine oil temperature. With the temperature of the oil in the engine increasing, the useful speed range increases accordingly, making it easier for the driver to intuitively monitor the current temperature level.

The steering wheel, gearshift lever **** and door entry strips are further features specific to BMW M, just like the air conditioning and fresh air ad*justers, the door openers and door closing handles galvanically upgraded in pearl gloss chrome.

Three exterior colours exclusive to BMW M and five special paintwork col*ours for the BMW Z4 Roadster enable the customer to give his – or her – Z4 M Roadster a very special personal touch. Within the interior, no less than four different colours, two leather trim options with a varying degree of leather finish, as well as three exclusive trim surfaces add to the high de*gree of individual style.

Sufficient Space for Two.

Both the BMW Z4 Roadster and the BMW Z4 M Roadster offer a lot of space for a car of this kind: The glove compartment, several storage boxes, as well as a large, approximately ten-litre box in the rear bulkhead ensure a high degree of practical value. And whenever required, the variable roof com**partment folds up to provide additional space in the luggage compart*ment at the rear increasing from an already generous 240 litres or 8.4 cu ft sufficient for transporting two golf sets to 260 litres or 9.1 cu ft – in the Z4 M Roadster from 200 (7.0 cu ft) to 220 litres (7.7 cu ft) due to the battery housed in the luggage compartment in this case.

A Special Roof with Special Folding Configuration.

All of BMW’s new Z4 Roadsters come with an extremely compact folding roof where the front, rigid section moves down on top of the fabric roof like a cover and locks in position flush with the body of the car. The roof is easy to open and close with one hand; the heated rear window is made of scratch-proof mineral glass.

A fully automatic, electrically operated roof is naturally available as an option and comes as standard on the Z4 M Roadster, also opening and closing from outside by remote control.

Bi-Xenon Headlights for Optimum Visibility.

The BMW Z4 Roadster comes as standard with dual halogen headlights. As an option – and as a standard feature on the Z4 Roadster 3.0si and the Z4 M Roadster – static bi-xenon headlights ensure maximum high- and low-beam intensity.

The car’s position lights are formed by two light conductor rings, this feature so characteristic of the BMW brand now also highlighting the Roadster series.

Extra Safety Thanks to the Adaptive Brake Display.

All Z4 Roadsters come as standard with BMW’s two-stage Adaptive Brake Display helping efficiently to avoid collisions from behind: Whenever the driv*er applies the brakes hard or with ABS intervening, the illuminated areas in the rear lights grow larger and are intuitively perceived by motorists fol*low*ing from behind as a clear sign of an emergency braking manoeuvre. Accordingly, drivers following the BMW will respond appropriately by ap*plying the brakes harder in good time and thus benefiting from extra stop*ping distance.

Options Galore: Top-Class Audio and Navigation Systems.

Apart from the “basic” audio system, the Z4 Roadster is available with two truly outstanding HiFi systems developed especially for this car. Two navi*gation systems also enable the roadster driver to benefit from BMW’s lead*ing position in navigation technology. And the final point is that all of these systems may be combined with virtually all telecommunication features cur*rently available.

BMW Z4 and Z4 M Roadster Pricing


The BMW Z4 model range has received a thorough facelift. In addition to two new 2.5-litre – with 130 kW/177 bhp and 160 kW/218 bhp - and 3.0-litre six-cylinder power units, now available with 195 kW/265 bhp, the bodywork and interior of models within the sporty Roadster range have also been modified to a certain degree. Moreover, the BMW Z4 M Roadster featuring a six-cylinder power unit delivering 252 kW/343 bhp has recently been brought to market. Please refer to the following pages for further information regarding all new Z4 models.



The basic prices (including 16% German VAT) of the new Z4 models, which will arrive at German BMW dealers on 25th March 2006, are as follows:



BMW Z4 Roadster 2.0i - €28,900

BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5i - €31,400

BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5si - €34,400

BMW Z4 Roadster 3.0si - €40,400

BMW Z4 M Roadster - €57,900