Z4M Rumor in March Motor Trend

Kirby

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Motor Trend is reporting that the Z4M will be released this fall as a 2006 model, using the current M3 343 hp motor orphaned by the coming M3 V8 upgrade. Also, the base Z4 will get a facelift. They accurately point out that it will still be underpowered compared to it's closest rival, the SLK55 AMG.

If this is indeed the case, I know we've bantered this before, why should I by a Z4M for $60K to $65K, only to get my butt handed to me by any number of cars that sell for much less? If this report is true, then there just may be a Z06 in my future for the money....
 
Tom

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I've read that the Z06 might be well over $70k when it comes out.

Regardless, I'm still glad BMW is releasing the MZ4.
 
Kirby

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Yes, I have seen that it will base at $65K but will typically sell higher. Since I'm 3 - 4 years out on this purchase, maybe my other option could be a 1 or 2 year old M5...

It just bugs me that a Scooby WRX STi could potentially kick a Z4M's butt!

Yes, I too am thrilled that they are apparently going to sell it. For me, a lot will depend on where it is classed for AutoX and how competitive it can be. Right now, the current M3 isn't competitive in many classes. If the Z4M is competitive, I would be much more likely to buy it. But there is also the fact that the amateur racing of the new Z06 won't void it's warranty.
 
Kirby

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Yes, there's about a 400 lb weight difference and the M3 is "officially" 4.8 sec, so it probably would be in that range. Somewhere I read that in general 100 lbs. = .1 sec in 0 - 60, but I don't know if that really is true.

I'm just pouting [:(] because I was really hoping they would stuff the new V8 in it.
 
bmw046series

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It might not be that bad, the Z4 is so wide and long, I love taking it on curvy roads because it just flies!

Motortrend is wrong a lot of the time though - a while ago they said Caddy was going to put 600 horses in the Caddy CTS-V, then the next issue they said it was a mis-print

We'll see what BMW says when they report it! Wouldn't the new M5-6 engine just be awesome - 507 Hp V-10 BMW Z4M.

I wonder what they mean by facelift - pull the headlights back like the 5er.
 
Bmw 325i 7803

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bmw046series said:
It might not be that bad, the Z4 is so wide and long, I love taking it on curvy roads because it just flies!

Motortrend is wrong a lot of the time though - a while ago they said Caddy was going to put 600 horses in the Caddy CTS-V, then the next issue they said it was a mis-print

We'll see what BMW says when they report it! Wouldn't the new M5-6 engine just be awesome - 507 Hp V-10 BMW Z4M.

I wonder what they mean by facelift - pull the headlights back like the 5er.
Click to expand...
I don't think it would fit, or be able to utilize that power effectively and efficiently...
 
MrElussive

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Kirby said:
Yes, there's about a 400 lb weight difference and the M3 is "officially" 4.8 sec, so it probably would be in that range. Somewhere I read that in general 100 lbs. = .1 sec in 0 - 60, but I don't know if that really is true.

I'm just pouting [:(] because I was really hoping they would stuff the new V8 in it.
Click to expand...
Okay, first of all, BMW is not even using a V8 for the next-generation M3. Despite all their bragging about a supposedly "400hp 4.0L V8" and "an unparalleled willingness to rev", BMW recently quietly stated that they're probably going to end up enlarging the M3's 3.2 I6 to a 3.5L 380hp I6 which is just fine and dandy to me. BMW's I6 is a legend, and I prefer the legend to remain alive.
Second of all, if the Z4 can use the 3.0L I6 and do 0-60 in 5.9 seconds (whereas the 330Ci takes 6.4 seconds), you can expect the M Z4 to do 0-60 in the mid-4-second range, which is faster than a WRX STi and SLK55 AMG (don't listen to the STi guys who claim ridiculous 0-60 and 1/4 mile times for their cars without ever having been to a drag strip).
Third of all, where did this red-light-racer attitude come from??? The STi is $30K of pure sports car and that's it. It has a hollow feel to it, no luxury at all, no real technology features, etc. Basically, it's STILL a Subaru!!

BMW has rules that they like to follow: the suspension always has to be faster than the engine, it has to be RWD, etc.
If you don't want to pay $65K for it, then don't. Nobody's pointing a gun at your head to do it, but it makes me so pissed off that you're accusing it of being overpriced! [mad]
You will regret it if you don't go with a German machine....that much I can promise you.


P.S. I'm sorry if I come off harsh, it's just that I feel very strongly about what I said...I don't mean it in an insulting or condescending way.
 
bmw046series

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MrElussive said:
Second of all, if the Z4 can use the 3.0L I6 and do 0-60 in 5.9 seconds (whereas the 330Ci takes 6.4 seconds), you can expect the M Z4 to do 0-60 in the mid-4-second rangeQUOTE]

I can get my Z4 3.0i to do faster than that - with the DSC off and it's fully loaded with the sport pack i've tested it at about 5 to 5.5 secs.
Click to expand...
 
Kirby

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Let me start off by saying that you make good points, they are not taken as insults or condescending. But also reread my posts and take note that I said I was pouting/whining.

I read similar info about the M3 getting a worked 6, but I think it will be a V8. Time will tell.

By the time the Z4M ships in quantity, the WRX STi will be available with 330 - 350+ hp.

I don't know where the red light racer attitude came from, not me. As you know I run AutoX, and that is what my next purchase will be focused on. The STi turns killer times, they are and will continue to be serious competition for BMW I6 vehicles.

At a recent hard core AutoX event I attended, the following results - all experienced drivers that run regionals and/or nationals - these aren't unfounded "sitting on the work bench" claims:


Porsche 996 - 37.696
Porsche 996 - 38.016
Corvette Z06 - 38.705
WRX - 38.927
Bimmer 2002 - 39.073
WRX - 39.403

Clearly the WRX is more than a red lite racer. Most other cars ran 39 - 45 second runs. Stock or mildly prepped E46 M3s are not competitve in this group. The only bimmer to be close to these times was a *full out race prepped* 2002.

Finally, I didn't say the Z4M would be overpriced at $65K. What I said was that there are cars with better performance for less or equal money, that's a fact that can't be denied. Never said anything about quality, luxury, etc.

AutoX for pure fun - doesn't matter what car you drive. But if you want to really compete for regional and national ranking (I would really love to get to that point in 5 years), you have to determine which cars are best in class, and be driving one on that short list, to be competitive.
 
tool fan

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Hell guys....just cut out the middle man.....take out a second mortgage and finance a Lambo Gallardo. No one could touch you...........I have come to the realization that I really DON'T LIKE Mercedes anymore....now that I am driving one again. There is no comparisson to the BMW world.
 
Kirby

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The February Roundel came today. They are saying that the M Roadster will appear next year with the 400 hp V8. I guess the bottom line is - nobody really knows.
 
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