[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by alex2364

Aren't they calling this Z5?

What I've heard is that the cabriolet will be called the z4 and that later a coupe will/may come called the Z5

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by SCOTT26

For the time being there will be the Z4 M.Performance.
I am not optimistic about a Z4 M. That market has and continues to shrink.

Yep. The market shrinks even *faster * when you go 6-7 years without making a viable product

[supra93]

Can someone please explain the differences between a Z4 M.Performance and a Z4 M?

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by supra93

Can someone please explain the differences between a Z4 M.Performance and a Z4 M?

There is no 'z4 M Performance'.

But BMW's M performance line are basically the strongest cars below the M cars.
But they dont have the real performance parts the M cars have (or had have for at least the last 20 years or so), like an LSD and semi floating brakes/rotors.
On some cars you can get an LSD as an option (I think the m235i is the only one in that)

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Yep. The market shrinks even *faster * when you go 6-7 years without making a viable product

Yeah, there's no market. Unless you actually build good cars. Boxsters, Corvettes and Miatae sell. Crap TTs, SLCs and the current Z4 don't.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Yeah, there's no market. Unless you actually build good cars. Boxsters, Corvettes and Miatae sell. Crap TTs, SLCs and the current Z4 don't.

the new Miata MX-5 RF is rather compelling....

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by supra93

Can someone please explain the differences between a Z4 M.Performance and a Z4 M?

sounds like @scott26 is saying that a Z4 M-performance S drive 40i is coming

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

the new Miata MX-5 RF is rather compelling....

Exactly the market the first Z3 inhabited. A Miata with a few simple luxury features. Then it sprouted a straight six and got a little off track. Then it got comically ugly and I bought an M Coupe, so off track wasn't all bad. But getting back to something direct, simple and fun like the 4 cylinder Z3s would be a great solution.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Exactly the market the first Z3 inhabited. A Miata with a few simple luxury features. Then it sprouted a straight six and got a little off track. Then it got comically ugly and I bought an M Coupe, so off track wasn't all bad. But getting back to something direct, simple and fun like the 4 cylinder Z3s would be a great solution.

the odd thing with the most recent Z4 is that BMW attempted to go with a six cylinder as a differentiator from the competition. Now that the new Boxster is out with a 4 cylinder as well as most of the competitors now going to 4 cyl turbos.. does BMW still try and be different with a six?

And if so.. why don't they really be different and put some performance into their six cylinder model and make an M ?

The simple fact is.. if it's worth building at all.. it's worth making at least 2 versions.. one or more 4 cyl models for the daily driver chick cars and potentially a range topping 6 cyl higher performance model for those that want a more sporting vehicle.

[supra93]

So does that mean the standard 6 cyl will be the B58B30M0 and the Z4 M-performance with the B58B30O0? Or some other similar configuration. Sorry I'm not up to date on BMW powertrains.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by supra93

So does that mean the standard 6 cyl will be the B58B30M0 and the Z4 M-performance with the B58B30O0? Or some other similar configuration. Sorry I'm not up to date on BMW powertrains.

No. More than likely it means that the M Performance (M40i) model will be the only six cylinder model. This is true for the G2x/G0x 3/4/X3/X4 lineup, so it makes sense that it will hold true for the G29 Z4 as well. Unfortunately, while the others will all get a full blown M model sitting above the M40i powered by a 450hp+ S58, there are currently no plans for a Z4 M (according to SCOTT). But you never know, that could change.

[jts1981]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

the odd thing with the most recent Z4 is that BMW attempted to go with a six cylinder as a differentiator from the competition. Now that the new Boxster is out with a 4 cylinder as well as most of the competitors now going to 4 cyl turbos.. does BMW still try and be different with a six?

And if so.. why don't they really be different and put some performance into their six cylinder model and make an M ?

The simple fact is.. if it's worth building at all.. it's worth making at least 2 versions.. one or more 4 cyl models for the daily driver chick cars and potentially a range topping 6 cyl higher performance model for those that want a more sporting vehicle.

Wasn't the Z3 considered a dog unanimously amongst all automotive journalists?

Isn't the N54 considered one of the best engines in recent years? The 1m is now considered one of the best new M models, capturing the spirit og a true drivers car.

Never saw anyone say BMW out a 6 cylinder in to differentiate itselt from a competitor. In fact one could say BMW is known for its amazing 6 cylinders.

[supra93]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

No. More than likely it means that the M Performance (M40i) model will be the only six cylinder model. This is true for the G0x/G2x 3/4/X3/X4 lineup, so it makes sense that it will hold true for the G29 Z4 as well. Unfortunately, while the others will all get a full blown M model sitting above the M40i powered by a 450hp+ S58, there are currently no plans for a Z4 M (according to SCOTT). But you never know, that could change.

Aww bummer

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by jts1981

Wasn't the Z3 considered a dog unanimously amongst all automotive journalists?

Isn't the N54 considered one of the best engines in recent years? The 1m is now considered one of the best new M models, capturing the spirit og a true drivers car.

Never saw anyone say BMW out a 6 cylinder in to differentiate itselt from a competitor. In fact one could say BMW is known for its amazing 6 cylinders.

There are a lot of very nice and lovingly maintained Z3's in my town so I won't diss them. But despite their high sales numbers, Richard Hammond of Top Gear did call them "a bit girlie". The later E85 Z4 was a much more potent performer, although sales were hampered by its controversial Bangle flame- surface styling (which - guess what - I like), low feedback electric steering, and awful run flat tires (which I've replaced with Michelin PSS in my car).

Re the N54, I understand that it had issues with the high pressure fuel pumps; that was a common issue on the first E89 SDrive 35I Z4's. The later N55 is a much more reliable power plant.

The old Top Gear Z4 review:

[yousefnjr]

No Z4M but X3M instead bean counters fully in-charge

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by yousefnjr

No Z4M but X3M instead bean counters fully in-charge

Haha, exactly. Lululemon Pants can act like a bad ass, but the actual sports car won't have an LSD or an S coded motor.

[jts1981]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

There are a lot of very nice and lovingly maintained Z3's in my town so I won't diss them. But despite their high sales numbers, Richard Hammond of Top Gear did call them "a bit girlie". The later E85 Z4 was a much more potent performer, although sales were hampered by its controversial Bangle flame- surface styling (which - guess what - I like), low feedback electric steering, and awful run flat tires (which I've replaced with Michelin PSS in my car).

Re the N54, I understand that it had issues with the high pressure fuel pumps; that was a common issue on the first E89 SDrive 35I Z4's. The later N55 is a much more reliable power plant.

The old Top Gear Z4 review:

Just want to touch base on a few points. The e85 still had the hydraulic steering which is awesome. I love driving my friends e85, and I am jealous of the steering feel. On my e89 Z4 I did improve steering feel and response with m3 upper/ lower control arms, better bushings, and an very god strut bar. But you're right the electric steering is built in a way that it will never match the feel of hydraulic.

For n54, the hpfp was only an issue in early years. I think from 2011 on it was improved. I know for certain 13'/'14 model years had zero issue.

btw I love that Top Gear review for the e85. I also liked the e89 one from Top Gear. Its unfortunate though Fifth Gear compared the regular 35i to a Boxster S, which is a higher trim level. I think the 35is vs Boxter S would have been a better comparison, but why cry over spilt milk.

The Z3 was grossly underpowered and did not have enough kit. I do agree that my e89 is bloated in comparison, but I do like all the creature comforts and the n54 is an amazing engine that is very easy to mod for 400+ whp, 4xx+ tq. As you can see by my signature I'm also heavily modded.

[supra93]

I know some people were speculating two 6 cyl trims because of the two different types of larger wheels that were spied.

[supra93]

Higher quality spy shots.

[supra93]

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by jts1981

Wasn't the Z3 considered a dog unanimously amongst all automotive journalists?

Isn't the N54 considered one of the best engines in recent years? The 1m is now considered one of the best new M models, capturing the spirit og a true drivers car.

Never saw anyone say BMW out a 6 cylinder in to differentiate itselt from a competitor. In fact one could say BMW is known for its amazing 6 cylinders.

Because new school BMW fans think the six is the only motor BMW should ever use. They have made outstanding 3,4,6,8,10 and 12 pot motors across the years but 80% of bimwads want a 6. Of course now turbo 4 cyl motors are replacing 6 cylinder motors around the world - even Porsche has made the step down.

BMW hasn't even gotten seriously into the 4 cyl game right now again .. when they should be developing a kick arse twin turbo 4 cylinder S motor like an S20 or S48.

So yes... they are clinging to the 6 cylinder as a differentiator. The M2 is a 6 cyl and competes with the 5 cylinder Audi and a 4 cylinder turbo boxster/Cayman and a 4 cylinder Mercedes A45 sedan.

[jts1981]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Because new school BMW fans think the six is the only motor BMW should ever use. They have made outstanding 3,4,6,8,10 and 12 pot motors across the years but 80% of bimwads want a 6. Of course now turbo 4 cyl motors are replacing 6 cylinder motors around the world - even Porsche has made the step down.

BMW hasn't even gotten seriously into the 4 cyl game right now again .. when they should be developing a kick arse twin turbo 4 cylinder S motor like an S20 or S48.

So yes... they are clinging to the 6 cylinder as a differentiator. The M2 is a 6 cyl and competes with the 5 cylinder Audi and a 4 cylinder turbo boxster/Cayman and a 4 cylinder Mercedes AMG sedan.

Who knows now. It seams like BMW would probably go hybrid/ awd for daily driver vehicles, and high output turbo 6,8,12 for the M models.

I respect your opinion. To each their own.

On a side note its good knowing these changes only help to increase the value of previous gen, so a 4 cylinder turbo, or hybrid, etc will only make the n54 equipped models more desirable.