BMW M Roadster
Encyclopedia
The BMW M Roadster is the BMW M
performance model of the BMW Z3
and BMW Z4
convertibles. It was produced between 1998 and 2002 and again during the 2006-2008 model years. All models were produced in the Spartanburg, South Carolina
manufacturing facility
, though the complete M engine was imported from Germany.
Roadster was designed to be the performance version of the BMW Z3
, and there were significant differences between the two variants. The body of the M Roadster had many slight differences. These included front and rear bumpers, gills, rear wings
, boot and mirrors.
Under the skin many of the components were beefed up with many of them taken from the E30 M3 and E36 M3 Evo including brakes and much of the suspension. Based on the E36
platform, the Z3 Roadster was considered the E36/7 platform. The M Roadster could run a wider track under the flared wheel arches as well as wider wheels and tires to try to tame the increased power. Standard tyre sizes for the M Roadster is 225/45r17 at the front and 245/40r17 at the back. The low offset
of the rear wheels allows plenty of flexibility to increase the rear tire width. A dual exhaust system fed each set of three cylinders to two dual tailpipes. This quad exhaust has since become an BMW M
division signature.
Other changes included adding a limited slip differential, a different gearbox and strengthening the chassis.
The interior had a different look to the standard Z3, starting with the M-version steering wheel and including different instrumentation such as an oil temperature gauge.
Finally, the car was available in M-specific colors which were not released for the regular Z3, at least in the early production years (not counting BMW's Individual program).
Early cars featured ABS
as standard. Traction and stability control also became standard with the new engine. The Z3 was facelifted
, but in common with other BMW M vehicles, the M Roadster's appearance was not updated.
s produced in the same time frame. This makes them very rare and highly desired by car and performance enthusiasts.
In addition to the larger displacement, the S52 utilizes the following special M components:
The European-spec powerplant, known as the S50 B32, is a much more exotic unit. With a bore of 86.4 mm (3.4 in) and a stroke of 91 mm (3.6 in), the S50 B32 has a total displacement of 3,201 cc. Like the S52, it has an iron block and aluminum head with four valves per cylinder. However, the S50 B32 incorporates the following special features to allow it to produce an impressive 321 PS at 7,400 rpm and 258 lbft of torque at 3,250 rpm:
The S54 powerplant of the later M roadsters and coupes is technically an evolution of the iron-block S50 B32 unit used in all European-spec cars built through June 2000. Although the peak power and torque of the S54 (325 hp at 7,400 rpm and 261 lbft of torque at 4,900 rpm) are barely increased compared to the S50 B32 (321 hp at 7,400 rpm and 258 lbft of torque at 3,250 rpm), they share few major components and differ in many areas including:
Increased cylinder bore to 87 mm (from 86.1 mm) for a new total displacement of 3,246 cc (from 3,201 cc), modified camshafts, high pressure Double VANOS continuously variable valve timing system with faster operation at high rpm, increased compression to 11.5:1 (from 11.3:1), a more advanced BMW/Siemens MSS 54 engine management control, finger-type rocker arms for reduced reciprocating mass and friction, one-piece aluminum head casting for lighter weight, and a scavenging oil pump to maintain pressure during heavy cornering
The only accurate way to determine differences in the engines outfitted in each years production is to refer to the vehicles VIN number.Using the labeling on the valve cover may prove inaccurate as some early 1998 US M Roadsters shipped with valve covers inscribed with BMW MPower vs. the simple M logo. The other major addition to the revised M roadster is an M-tuned version of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) for all markets. An evolution of Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T), DSC compensates for oversteer and understeer through manipulation of each individual brake as determined by sensors measuring steering angle, vehicle speed, cornering force, brake pressure and the vehicle’s rotation around its vertical axis. The system is fully integrated with the BMW/Siemens MSS 54 engine management control, and its intervention can be reduced or completely eliminated via a console-mounted button.
All of the updated M roadsters sold worldwide are powered by the S54 engine, as used in the E46 M3. ROW versions are rated at 325 PS, while North American versions produce 315 hp. The small loss in power can be attributed to the more restrictive placement of the catalysts on North American-spec cars in order to improve cold-start emissions. All S54-powered M roadsters have an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (S52-powered M roadsters were limited to 137 mph), though the U.S.-spec model is not equipped with the two-piece floating front brake discs.
Wider front and rear tracks (by 0.4 inches) Reduced ride height (by 1.1 inches) Modified front suspension geometry Firmer springs and shocks Thicker anti-roll bars Stronger semi-trailing arms Reinforced subframe
When the M roadster switched to the S54 engine (2/01 production), the chassis was upgraded to the even stiffer springs and shocks developed for the M coupe.
The U.S. market was denied the more efficient two-piece discs offered in the rest of the world because BMW of North America was concerned that, if not properly maintained, the discs presented the possibility of failing, thus creating a legal liability. However, M roadsters produced for the Canadian market were equipped with the floating discs.
The exterior of the S54-powered M roadster shares all of its body panels with that of the earlier version. Only the curved M badges and RoadStar alloy wheels with Chrome Shadow finish are unique to the newer model. It is also available in several exterior colors shared with the E46 M3: Laguna Seca Blue (448), Steel Gray metallic (400) and Phoenix Yellow metallic (445).
The most significant alteration to the interior of the revised M roadster is the addition of grey-faced gauges. In some markets, there is also a smaller auto-dimming rear-view mirror with chrome surround. Finally, two interior color combinations (Evergreen/Black and Kyalami Orange/Black) are discontinued on the newer model, while Laguna Seca Blue/Black and Dark Beige interiors are available.
The interior of all M roadsters are essentially identical except for the instruments. In the main cluster, early Euro-spec cars have a 280 km/h / 170 mph speedometer and a tachometer that reflects the S50 engine's 7,200-rpm redline, while North American models have a 160 mph / 260 km/h speedometer and a tachometer with a redline graduated between 6,500 and 7,000 rpm to reflect the S52 engine's variable redline. In the center console, European models have an outside temperature gauge instead of the voltmeter used in North American editions.
The later S54-powered M roadsters all have essentially the same grey-faced instruments, including a 280 km/h / 170 mph speedometer and an outside temperature gauge (Fahrenheit on U.S. models, Celsius for all others).
All M roadsters sold in North America are equipped with cruise control and the Harmon/Kardon audio system, which were optional features in Europe.
Z4
in late 2006. Called the M Roadster, it's powered by the same 3.2L, 8,000rpm, S54 inline-6 engine as the E46 series M3
, delivering 330hp
through a manual gearbox and a new 6-speed manual transmission. Engine management is via the Siemens MS S70 with higher processing power (64 million calculations per second) than the MS S54 (25 million CPS) in the M3. Other performance parts borrowed from the M3 include the CSL's compound (aluminum hubs, iron floating rotors) brakes and most of the M3's suspension components. Other changes include a hydraulic steering setup which provides better feel than the electric system in standard Z4 models. Weighing 3197 lb (1450 kg), the M Roadster has been tested by major U.S. car magazines to accelerate from Zero-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is slightly quicker than the Porsche Boxster S
and Porsche Cayman S
. . Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mi/h.
A new six-speed manual transmission is used since the M3's original six-speed doesn't fit the Z4's chassis. The six speed is the only transmission available in the M Coupe/Roadster; its final gear ratios are virtually the same as those of the M3. It is widely reported on owner forums that the 6-speed gearbox in the 2006 & 2007 M roadsters and coupes is prone to grinding when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear at high rpm. According to reports, there has been mixed response by BMW dealerships to this issue, some owners claiming to have received entirely-new gearboxes and others claiming their dealer calls the grinding "normal".
The M Roadster's MSRP is $52,100. A fixed-roof version (the M Coupe) is also available, though marginally heavier. Around the Top Gear test track, the BMW set a time of 1:26.0 which is 0.8 of a second faster than the Base Corvette C6 LS2.
Options included a premium package (cruise control, power memory seats, upgraded audio, BMW Assist system), heated seats, extended leather, navigation and a body color aluminum hardtop.
Production Figures
Coupes: Worldwide: 4,275; North America: 1,815.
Roadsters: Worldwide: 5,070; North America: 3,042
• Part No. 01 41 0 012 980 BMW Z4 M Roadster, Z4 M Coupe Owners Manual | E85/E86
BMW M
BMW M GmbH is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG.BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just "M" was initially created to facilitate BMW’s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s...
performance model of the BMW 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,...
and BMW Z4
BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German car maker BMW. It follows a line of past BMW roadsters such as the BMW Z1, BMW 507, BMW Z8, and the BMW Z3. The Z4 replaces the Z3. First generation production started in 2002 at BMW USA's Greer, South Carolina plant, with production of both...
convertibles. It was produced between 1998 and 2002 and again during the 2006-2008 model years. All models were produced in the Spartanburg, South Carolina
Spartanburg, South Carolina
thgSpartanburg is the largest city in and the county seat of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, United States. It is the second-largest city of the three primary cities in the Upstate region of South Carolina, and is located northwest of Columbia, west of Charlotte, and about northeast of...
manufacturing facility
BMW Manufacturing Co. Spartanburg
The BMW US Manufacturing Company in Greer, South Carolina is BMW's only US production facility. It was built to serve the demand of BMW automobiles directly in the US...
, though the complete M engine was imported from Germany.
Z3 M Roadster (1998–2002)
The BMW MBMW M
BMW M GmbH is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG.BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just "M" was initially created to facilitate BMW’s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s...
Roadster was designed to be the performance version of the BMW 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,...
, and there were significant differences between the two variants. The body of the M Roadster had many slight differences. These included front and rear bumpers, gills, rear wings
Fender (vehicle)
Fender is the US English term for the part of an automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle body that frames a wheel well . Its primary purpose is to prevent sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other road spray from being thrown into the air by the rotating tire. Fenders are typically rigid and can be...
, boot and mirrors.
Under the skin many of the components were beefed up with many of them taken from the E30 M3 and E36 M3 Evo including brakes and much of the suspension. Based on the E36
BMW E36
The BMW E36 is the third generation of the 3 Series compact executive cars produced by BMW. It was introduced in late 1990 for Europe and in late 1991 for US and Canada. It was the successor to the E30 3 Series and was eventually replaced by the E90 3 Series in 2005, though E36 coupes were still...
platform, the Z3 Roadster was considered the E36/7 platform. The M Roadster could run a wider track under the flared wheel arches as well as wider wheels and tires to try to tame the increased power. Standard tyre sizes for the M Roadster is 225/45r17 at the front and 245/40r17 at the back. The low offset
Offset (wheel)
The offset of a vehicle's wheel is the distance between the centerline of the wheel and the plane of the hub-mounting surface of the wheel. It can thus be either positive or negative, and is typically measured in millimeters...
of the rear wheels allows plenty of flexibility to increase the rear tire width. A dual exhaust system fed each set of three cylinders to two dual tailpipes. This quad exhaust has since become an BMW M
BMW M
BMW M GmbH is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG.BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just "M" was initially created to facilitate BMW’s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s...
division signature.
Other changes included adding a limited slip differential, a different gearbox and strengthening the chassis.
The interior had a different look to the standard Z3, starting with the M-version steering wheel and including different instrumentation such as an oil temperature gauge.
Finally, the car was available in M-specific colors which were not released for the regular Z3, at least in the early production years (not counting BMW's Individual program).
Early cars featured ABS
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
as standard. Traction and stability control also became standard with the new engine. The Z3 was facelifted
Facelift (automobile)
The automotive facelift comprises changes to a car's styling during its production run — often including new sheetmetal and/or interior design) with minimal changes to its underlying mechanicals — allowing a carmaker to freshen a model without complete redesign.A facelift retains the...
, but in common with other BMW M vehicles, the M Roadster's appearance was not updated.
Production Numbers
In the 5 years, from 1998–2002, approximately 15,000 M Roadsters were produced for both European and North American markets. This is compared to the 300,000 standard Z3BMW 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,...
s produced in the same time frame. This makes them very rare and highly desired by car and performance enthusiasts.
| Type | Spec | Engine | Dates | Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CK91 | European LHD | S50 | 09/1996 – 06/2000 | 3,557 |
| CK92 | European RHD | S50 | 11/1997 – 06/2000 | 918 |
| CK93 | North American LHD | S52 | 02/1998 – 06/2000 | 8,938 |
| CL91 | European LHD | S54 | 02/2001 – 05/2002 | 283 |
| CL92 | European RHD | S54 | 02/2001 – 04/2002 | 79 |
| CL93 | North American LHD | S54 | 02/2001 – 05/2002 | 1,600 |
Drivetrain
BMW M developed two versions of the original M roadster, one for the European market (in both left- and right-hand-drive) and one for the North American market. The European-spec model is fitted with the 321-hp (DIN) S50 B32 powerplant, as used in the European version of the E36 M3. North American-spec M roadsters utilize the 240-hp (SAE) S52 engine, as found in the North American iteration of the E36 M3. Both versions have identical ZF five-speed manual gearboxes, but the North American version is the only one fitted with BMW’s ASC+T traction control system (as of 9/98 production) until the facelift. Also, the European-spec M roadster is electronically governed to 155 mi/h, while the North American version is limited to 137 mi/h. (U.S-spec M roadsters also lack the "floating" front brake discs fitted to all other M roadsters.)Differences between the S50 and S52 engines
The North American-spec powerplant, known as the S52, is based closely on the regular production M52 engine. Like that motor, the S52 is a six-cylinder with a cast iron block, aluminum head and four valves per cylinder, with two-stage VANOS variable valve timing on the intake strokes. Unique to the S52 is a bore of 86.4 mm (3.4 in) and stroke of 89.6 mm (3.5 in) for a total displacement of 3,152 cc. The engine is rated at 240 hp at 6,000 rpm and 236 lbft of torque at 3,800 rpm.In addition to the larger displacement, the S52 utilizes the following special M components:
- Ported and polished cylinder head
- Retuned VANOS variable valve timing for greater high-rpm power
- Heavy-duty valve springs
- More finely balanced camshafts
- Valve lifters, springs and spring seats with reduced mass
- Free-flowing intake and exhaust systems
The European-spec powerplant, known as the S50 B32, is a much more exotic unit. With a bore of 86.4 mm (3.4 in) and a stroke of 91 mm (3.6 in), the S50 B32 has a total displacement of 3,201 cc. Like the S52, it has an iron block and aluminum head with four valves per cylinder. However, the S50 B32 incorporates the following special features to allow it to produce an impressive 321 PS at 7,400 rpm and 258 lbft of torque at 3,250 rpm:
- Individual throttle plates for each cylinder
- Increased compression ratio to 11.3:1
- Advanced BMW/Siemens MSS50 engine management system able to compute 20 million instructions per second
- Double VANOS continuously variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust strokes
- Lightweight pistons
- Dual-mass flywheel
- Graphite-coated conrods
- Larger inlet valves
- Second oil pump.
The S54 powerplant of the later M roadsters and coupes is technically an evolution of the iron-block S50 B32 unit used in all European-spec cars built through June 2000. Although the peak power and torque of the S54 (325 hp at 7,400 rpm and 261 lbft of torque at 4,900 rpm) are barely increased compared to the S50 B32 (321 hp at 7,400 rpm and 258 lbft of torque at 3,250 rpm), they share few major components and differ in many areas including:
Increased cylinder bore to 87 mm (from 86.1 mm) for a new total displacement of 3,246 cc (from 3,201 cc), modified camshafts, high pressure Double VANOS continuously variable valve timing system with faster operation at high rpm, increased compression to 11.5:1 (from 11.3:1), a more advanced BMW/Siemens MSS 54 engine management control, finger-type rocker arms for reduced reciprocating mass and friction, one-piece aluminum head casting for lighter weight, and a scavenging oil pump to maintain pressure during heavy cornering
The only accurate way to determine differences in the engines outfitted in each years production is to refer to the vehicles VIN number.Using the labeling on the valve cover may prove inaccurate as some early 1998 US M Roadsters shipped with valve covers inscribed with BMW MPower vs. the simple M logo. The other major addition to the revised M roadster is an M-tuned version of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) for all markets. An evolution of Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T), DSC compensates for oversteer and understeer through manipulation of each individual brake as determined by sensors measuring steering angle, vehicle speed, cornering force, brake pressure and the vehicle’s rotation around its vertical axis. The system is fully integrated with the BMW/Siemens MSS 54 engine management control, and its intervention can be reduced or completely eliminated via a console-mounted button.
All of the updated M roadsters sold worldwide are powered by the S54 engine, as used in the E46 M3. ROW versions are rated at 325 PS, while North American versions produce 315 hp. The small loss in power can be attributed to the more restrictive placement of the catalysts on North American-spec cars in order to improve cold-start emissions. All S54-powered M roadsters have an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph (S52-powered M roadsters were limited to 137 mph), though the U.S.-spec model is not equipped with the two-piece floating front brake discs.
Gearbox
All M roadsters use the ZF Type C five-speed manual gearbox with the following ratios: 4.21 (1), 2.49 (2), 1.66 (3), 1.24 (4), 1.00 (5). The final drive is either 3.23:1 (S52) or 3.15:1 (S50 and S54). A limited slip differential with a maximum locking of 25 percent is standard.Chassis
Like all Z3s, the M roadster’s suspension is made up of MacPherson struts in the front and semi-trailing arms in the rear. However, compared to the six-cylinder Z3 roadster, the M roadster has the following modifications:Wider front and rear tracks (by 0.4 inches) Reduced ride height (by 1.1 inches) Modified front suspension geometry Firmer springs and shocks Thicker anti-roll bars Stronger semi-trailing arms Reinforced subframe
When the M roadster switched to the S54 engine (2/01 production), the chassis was upgraded to the even stiffer springs and shocks developed for the M coupe.
Brakes
The M roadster adopted the brakes from the contemporary E36 M3, four-wheel vented discs measuring 12.4 inches (31.5 cm) in the front and 12.3 inches (31.2 cm) in the rear. In addition, all M roadsters except those produced for the U.S. market were equipped with two-piece "floating" front discs.The U.S. market was denied the more efficient two-piece discs offered in the rest of the world because BMW of North America was concerned that, if not properly maintained, the discs presented the possibility of failing, thus creating a legal liability. However, M roadsters produced for the Canadian market were equipped with the floating discs.
Wheels and tires
All M roadsters use the same size tires (225/45ZR17 in the front and 245/40ZR17 in the rear) mounted on one of two versions of the five-spoke "M RoadStar" alloy wheel. Both are sized 7.5x17-inch (front) and 9x17-inch (rear), but there are two distinct finishes: Early M roadsters (S50 and S52 engines) feature a Chromeline finish, while the later models (S54 engine) utilize a darker Shadow Chrome finish.Cosmetics
The M roadster is based on the wider six-cylinder Z3 roadster body, but adds a more aggressive front fascia with brake cooling ducts in place of foglights, unique side gill vents with the M logo, chrome windshield washer nozzles (later models), curved M side-view mirrors, a lower rear bumper with four exposed exhaust tips and a relocated rear license plate (located between the taillights instead of within the bumper). NOTE: The M roadster was never updated to the reshaped rear fenders and taillights introduced on all other Z3 roadsters as part of the April, 1999 revision.The exterior of the S54-powered M roadster shares all of its body panels with that of the earlier version. Only the curved M badges and RoadStar alloy wheels with Chrome Shadow finish are unique to the newer model. It is also available in several exterior colors shared with the E46 M3: Laguna Seca Blue (448), Steel Gray metallic (400) and Phoenix Yellow metallic (445).
Cosmetics – European spec vs. U.S.spec
The North American-spec version of the M roadster is cosmetically very similar to the European version, but can be identified by its amber side marker lights (and turn signal lenses on cars built before September, 1998) in the front bumper, "free form" headlights in place of the ellipsoid units and twin side-mounted rear license plate illumination lights instead of the single bumper-mounted design.Interior
The interior of the M roadster features several unique items including a chrome-ringed instrument cluster with red needles and the M logo, three auxiliary chrome-ringed gauges in the center console, power and heated sport seats with special pleated leather trim (monotone black or two-tone), a 375 mm three-spoke M steering wheel with tri-color stitching, an illuminated M leather shift knob with the M logo on the shift pattern and a chrome boot surround, an oval-shaped rear-view mirror, leather door pulls and center console trim, chrome inside door handles, and door sill plates with the "M" logo.The most significant alteration to the interior of the revised M roadster is the addition of grey-faced gauges. In some markets, there is also a smaller auto-dimming rear-view mirror with chrome surround. Finally, two interior color combinations (Evergreen/Black and Kyalami Orange/Black) are discontinued on the newer model, while Laguna Seca Blue/Black and Dark Beige interiors are available.
Interior – European spec vs. U.S. spec
The interior of all M roadsters are essentially identical except for the instruments. In the main cluster, early Euro-spec cars have a 280 km/h / 170 mph speedometer and a tachometer that reflects the S50 engine's 7,200-rpm redline, while North American models have a 160 mph / 260 km/h speedometer and a tachometer with a redline graduated between 6,500 and 7,000 rpm to reflect the S52 engine's variable redline. In the center console, European models have an outside temperature gauge instead of the voltmeter used in North American editions.
The later S54-powered M roadsters all have essentially the same grey-faced instruments, including a 280 km/h / 170 mph speedometer and an outside temperature gauge (Fahrenheit on U.S. models, Celsius for all others).
All M roadsters sold in North America are equipped with cruise control and the Harmon/Kardon audio system, which were optional features in Europe.
Factory options
Compared to other M models, there are only slight variations in standard and optional equipment for the M roadster, depending on the market and production date. Because all M roadsters have Nappa leather upholstery, air conditioning, power seats with two-stage heating and (from 9/98) a power-folding soft top, the list of options is short. In general, it included cruise control (standard in some markets), headlight washers (not offered in the U.S.), a removable body-color hardtop and various audio systems.Z4 M Roadster (2006–2008)
BMW introduced an M version of the E85BMW E85
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...
Z4
BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German car maker BMW. It follows a line of past BMW roadsters such as the BMW Z1, BMW 507, BMW Z8, and the BMW Z3. The Z4 replaces the Z3. First generation production started in 2002 at BMW USA's Greer, South Carolina plant, with production of both...
in late 2006. Called the M Roadster, it's powered by the same 3.2L, 8,000rpm, S54 inline-6 engine as the E46 series 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...
, delivering 330hp
Horsepower
Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
through a manual gearbox and a new 6-speed manual transmission. Engine management is via the Siemens MS S70 with higher processing power (64 million calculations per second) than the MS S54 (25 million CPS) in the M3. Other performance parts borrowed from the M3 include the CSL's compound (aluminum hubs, iron floating rotors) brakes and most of the M3's suspension components. Other changes include a hydraulic steering setup which provides better feel than the electric system in standard Z4 models. Weighing 3197 lb (1450 kg), the M Roadster has been tested by major U.S. car magazines to accelerate from Zero-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, which is slightly quicker than the Porsche Boxster S
Porsche Boxster
The Porsche Boxster is a mid-engined roadster built by Porsche. The Boxster is Porsche's first road vehicle to be originally designed as a roadster since the 550 Spyder....
and Porsche Cayman S
Porsche Cayman
The Porsche Cayman is a mid-engined, rear wheel drive 2-seat sports car produced by Porsche AG of Germany. First launched in the 2006 model year, the Cayman is a coupé derived from Porsche's second generation Boxster convertible. Like the Boxster, most Caymans were assembled in Finland for Porsche...
. . Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mi/h.
A new six-speed manual transmission is used since the M3's original six-speed doesn't fit the Z4's chassis. The six speed is the only transmission available in the M Coupe/Roadster; its final gear ratios are virtually the same as those of the M3. It is widely reported on owner forums that the 6-speed gearbox in the 2006 & 2007 M roadsters and coupes is prone to grinding when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear at high rpm. According to reports, there has been mixed response by BMW dealerships to this issue, some owners claiming to have received entirely-new gearboxes and others claiming their dealer calls the grinding "normal".
The M Roadster's MSRP is $52,100. A fixed-roof version (the M Coupe) is also available, though marginally heavier. Around the Top Gear test track, the BMW set a time of 1:26.0 which is 0.8 of a second faster than the Base Corvette C6 LS2.
Options included a premium package (cruise control, power memory seats, upgraded audio, BMW Assist system), heated seats, extended leather, navigation and a body color aluminum hardtop.
Production Figures
Coupes: Worldwide: 4,275; North America: 1,815.
Roadsters: Worldwide: 5,070; North America: 3,042
Awards
- The Z3 M Roadster was in Car and Driver's "Ten Best" (1999)
- "Design of the Year" award for the M Coupe in Automobile Magazine (1999)
External links
- BMW M "M Classics" Z3 M Roadster
- BMW Z3 Club
- BMW Z4M Production CSV File – With Build Options and Dates for all North American Z4Ms
• Part No. 01 41 0 012 980 BMW Z4 M Roadster, Z4 M Coupe Owners Manual | E85/E86