08-07-2006
The ‘entry-level’ Z4 3.0si Coupé offers 265hp at 6,600rpm and peak torque of 315Nm at a relatively low 2,750rpm. These maximum performance levels are assisted by pressing the Sport button located in the centre console. One touch of the button quickens the throttle response as the car accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and, if left unchecked, travel on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. However, this performance is not delivered at the expense
of economy - the 3.0si model delivers a combined fuel consumption of 31.7mpg while emitting 213g/km of CO2.
Sport automatic gearbox:
The new BMW Z4 3.0si comes with a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox as standard. Those drivers preferring the choice of automatic transmission convenience and manual gearbox involvement will choose BMW’s new Sport automatic transmission. Based on a conventional automatic gearbox, a new torque converter and software installation offers a 40 per cent improvement in the gearbox response time compared to a conventional automatic gearbox and a gear change time that is twice as fast.
The Sport automatic system features steering wheel-mounted paddles as a dynamic accompaniment to BMW’s traditional Steptronic gear lever. Finally, in common with the sporting pedigree of the new Coupé, this automatic gearbox will blip the throttle on down changes.
Rigid yet lightweight body and CSL suspension:
A key aim for the Z4 engineers was to develop a roadster with the stiffest body structure of any open-topped car. Successfully achieved, the Coupé’s foundations were immediately in place and the addition of a fixed roof increased the structural rigidity still further to 32,000Nm/degree. The Z4 Coupé features one of the stiffest body structures of any production car.
And this has not been achieved by the addition of extra weighty bracing. As a consequence, the new Z4 3.0si Coupé weighs just 1,395kgs and the high-performance 3.2-litre M Coupé 1,495kgs – only 10 kilograms more than the Z4 M Roadster.
Steering:
The BMW Z4 3.0si Coupé features the electrically assisted Servotronic steering from the Roadster. With its electrical assistance, engine power normally needed to drive a hydraulic steering pump is reduced, equating to a reduction in fuel consumption of one litre per 250 miles. The M division rightly ploughs its own furrow and following many thousands of miles of evaluation on the Nürburgring, engineers from BMW M decided to equip their car with conventional hydraulic assistance.
In their expert opinion it offered an even firmer steering feel – perfect for the M experience.
Class-leading safety systems:
Keeping the high levels of performance firmly connected to the road is the responsibility of the most advanced traction control and stability system available – Dynamic Stability Control +. BMW’s ‘standard’ DSC system maintains traction by reducing engine power, applying the brakes where necessary and monitoring the yaw angle of the car, bringing it back into line whenever needed. DSC+ has five additional features to provide yet further safeguards and comfort for the
driver.
However, the laws of physics still apply and should the worst happen, the occupants of the Z4 Coupé are well protected.
BMW’s Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE) system uses remote satellite sensors around the car to control the two front and two side airbags. In the event of an accident, ASE will also separate the battery terminal, deactivate the alternator and switch off the fuel pump to minimise the risk of fire. In addition, the system will open the central locking and illuminate the interior lights and hazard warning lights to warn approaching traffic of the problem.
Customers of cars fitted with BMW’s innovative BMW Assist system (in conjunction with Navigation) benefit from additional peace of mind. In the event of an emergency, occupants can select the Assist feature in the on-board monitor. This opens a telephone call that connects them to the Emergency Services call centre who can dispatch assistance as necessary. Should the car be involved in an accident where the airbags deploy, the car will automatically connect to the call centre. If the call centre receives no response, they will dispatch help to the co-ordinates supplied by the navigation system.
Another safety feature now widely used on BMW cars is Run-flat tyres. Since their introduction, thousands of customers have realised the benefits of these unique tyres. In 2005 alone, it is estimated that approximately 3,000 drivers of Run-flat tyre-equipped BMWs and MINIs in the UK who suffered a puncture were able to get home, or to a dealer, without having to perform a potentially dangerous wheel-change.
The new Z4 3.0si Coupé is equipped with Run-flat tyres that, in the event of a slow puncture or a high-speed blow-out, can continue to be driven for 150 miles at 50mph, while still retaining the benefits of the DSC+ traction control system and ABS brakes. This not only minimises the possibility of loss of control of the car but also reduces weight and removes the inconvenience and danger associated with changing a wheel at the side of the road.
The removal of the spare wheel and associated jacks and tools eliminates approximately 20 kilograms from the rear of the car, lowering the centre of gravity and improving still further the handling characteristics.
During the development of the Z4 M Coupé, engineers from BMW M evaluated the Run-flat and conventional tyres around the infamous Nürburgring. They concluded that the high levels of performance from the M car necessitated the fitment of ‘conventional’ tyres as standard on all Z4 M Coupés. However, to maintain the highest safety levels, the wheels of the Z4 M Coupé are designed to prevent the tyre coming off the wheel, even in the event of a high-speed blow out. Punctures can be sealed using the M Mobility System and, without a spare wheel, the same weight benefit as the Run-flat tyre solution is achieved.
Enthusiasts’ market:
The recent launch of the new Z4 Roadster marked the first time that Z4 had been offered with Sport models. Having proved successful in other BMW model series - 65 per cent of six-cylinder 3 Series and up to 95 per cent of all X5 vehicles being bought as Sport models - the take up of Z4 3.0si Coupé Sport is expected to be approximately 80 per cent.
In addition to the SE specification, Sport models feature:
... 18-inch M double spoke or optional 18-inch composite alloy wheels
... Sports seats covered in Dakota leather upholstery
... Anthracite headlining
... Three-spoke M leather steering wheel
... M Sports suspension
Customers purchasing the Z4 3.0si Coupé can also benefit from BMW’s Service Inclusive pre-paid servicing packages. Owners can select from a three-year / 36,000 miles or five-year / 60,000 mile Service package that covers the cost of all service items, from £430. ‘Service and Maintenance’ coverage can also be purchased for the same periods. In addition to the Service package, this covers costs associated with replacement brake pads, brake discs, brake sensors,
brake fluid, clutch assembly (if worn) and wiper blade rubbers. This level of cover starts at £720.
Text and photos courtesy of BMW AG
