BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW Z4 Forums (G29) BMW Z4 (G29) General Forum BMW M Chief Says New Z4 M Unlikely

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-30-2018, 05:32 PM   #1
supra93
Colonel
2474
Rep
2,334
Posts

Drives: Z4, E500, Supra, RX7
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: TX

iTrader: (0)

A New BMW Z4 M? Don’t Hold Your Breath

BIMMERPOST
     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com
Quote:
M division chief says a hotter Z4 is unlikely.

While Toyota remains tight-lipped about its forthcoming Supra coupe, BMW has been far more forthright about its roadster, which will share mechanical underpinnings with the Toyota. We’ve driven a prototype version of the 2020 BMW Z4 roadster and reported positive early impressions of the turbocharged six-cylinder M40i version.

But while our natural instinct is always to hope for more performance and a sharper dynamic focus, it looks as if the M40i that we drove will be the top of the hierarchy. BMW M division boss Frank van Meel said the business case to produce a full-on M variant as a successor to the former Z4 M roadster and coupe is likely too marginal to justify the investment.

“Let me put it this way: I think the M40i is the perfect positioning regarding performance of that car,” he said at a media event in Spain. “It’s quite close to the M2, so we’re really happy with the overall concept of that car being an M40i. If you would go any higher, it would be very, very narrow in customer groups.”

His statement, although not a formal denial of a faster version, does seem pretty close to a negative. Of course, if Toyota were to choose to create a higher-performance version of the Supra coupe, which we know will use the same BMW 3.0-liter engine, then corporate honor might oblige BMW to try to keep up. So let’s hope that happens.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a-...ld-your-breath
Appreciate 0
      07-31-2018, 08:02 AM   #2
TK421BMW
First Lieutenant
111
Rep
325
Posts

Drives: BMW 328, X5, Z4
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Minnesota

iTrader: (0)

I guess we'll need to wait and see what Dinan and others can coax out of the m40. With the new Z4m40 at 386ish(?), if Dinan can get another 30-40hp out of it, that should move pretty well. With it being less $$ than a true M, that might make most folks content. Though considering the Boxter S is 350hp from a 4 banger, I don't see why they couldn't have done a little better.
Appreciate 0
      07-31-2018, 10:09 AM   #3
Nomana
Lieutenant Colonel
Nomana's Avatar
1465
Rep
1,637
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: SN

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TK421BMW View Post
I guess we'll need to wait and see what Dinan and others can coax out of the m40. With the new Z4m40 at 386ish(?), if Dinan can get another 30-40hp out of it, that should move pretty well. With it being less $$ than a true M, that might make most folks content. Though considering the Boxter S is 350hp from a 4 banger, I don't see why they couldn't have done a little better.
I guess people want the true M badge on it. Lol
Appreciate 0
      07-31-2018, 10:13 AM   #4
Lt1camaro
Lieutenant
Iran
185
Rep
477
Posts

Drives: 2016 535i, 2015 435i, 2013 M3
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Ontario, Canada

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nomana View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by TK421BMW View Post
I guess we'll need to wait and see what Dinan and others can coax out of the m40. With the new Z4m40 at 386ish(?), if Dinan can get another 30-40hp out of it, that should move pretty well. With it being less $$ than a true M, that might make most folks content. Though considering the Boxter S is 350hp from a 4 banger, I don't see why they couldn't have done a little better.
I guess people want the true M badge on it. Lol
These new M40 models are pretty darn good too though!
__________________
Current Car List
2020 F87 M2 CS - Hockenheim Silver
2020 F97 X3M- Phytonic Blue
Appreciate 0
      07-31-2018, 10:16 AM   #5
Nomana
Lieutenant Colonel
Nomana's Avatar
1465
Rep
1,637
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: SN

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lt1camaro View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nomana View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by TK421BMW View Post
I guess we'll need to wait and see what Dinan and others can coax out of the m40. With the new Z4m40 at 386ish(?), if Dinan can get another 30-40hp out of it, that should move pretty well. With it being less $$ than a true M, that might make most folks content. Though considering the Boxter S is 350hp from a 4 banger, I don't see why they couldn't have done a little better.
I guess people want the true M badge on it. Lol
These new M40 models are pretty darn good too though!
That's true
Appreciate 0
      07-31-2018, 10:16 AM   #6
AmmarYasirA
Ammar
AmmarYasirA's Avatar
United_States
73
Rep
406
Posts

Drives: a lot
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Atlanta

iTrader: (0)

WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED.

We can throw an M badge on a gigantic X5 (I have no qualms with the X5M before you guys crucify me), BUT WE CANT HAVE A M Z4???

K.

I guess I'll just keep living in 2006.

Im also well aware that a Z4 M(whatever number) is gonna be great, but it'd be nice to have a proper M Z4 again.
__________________
E85 ///M Roadster -SapphireBlack/Imola - Garage Queen
2018 F150 Platinum - Black/Black - Leveled on 34's - DD
Appreciate 3
JustChris17423.00
DCG780.50
Erpicum90.00
      07-31-2018, 10:18 AM   #7
SoCali E36
BMW Client Advisor
SoCali E36's Avatar
United_States
999
Rep
3,525
Posts

Drives: X5 40e/e36 M3 Sedan
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Where the road takes me...

iTrader: (10)

I'm sorry but this is bullsheet. They're ok with an imposter M performance model but no M car?
__________________
Appreciate 3
Erpicum90.00
The_Werm212.00
cbertels1212.00
      07-31-2018, 10:19 AM   #8
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4462
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Meaningless news. They've said exactly this before the E36/7/8 the E85/E86 and the E89. So even if they really don't make a new one, they're still lying half of the time. And maybe 75% of the time.
Appreciate 2
Louv300.50
Ibiza3478.50
      07-31-2018, 10:19 AM   #9
dmboone25
Lieutenant General
dmboone25's Avatar
4971
Rep
10,200
Posts

Drives: 2024 Golf R / 2022 718 Spyder
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas, TX

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2007 E92 328i  [10.00]
2007 328i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lt1camaro View Post
These new M40 models are pretty darn good too though!
They're as good as the base models used to be...

Aka, they're now a marketing exercise. I know because I had one, and it was my least favorite BMW ever. Pushed me into a Porsche...so, if this is the strategy, I guess it's working.
__________________
Past rides: 2016 981 BGTS, 2020 MINI JCW, 2017 F80, 2015 981 CS, 2014 F22 235, 2011 E82 135, 2008 E82 135, 2007 E92 328, 2007 E92 328 (My lady drives an OG M2. So does my dad)

Last edited by dmboone25; 07-31-2018 at 10:38 AM..
Appreciate 3
Red Bread4462.00
JustChris17423.00
Erpicum90.00
      07-31-2018, 10:20 AM   #10
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4462
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

I know the Supra is getting an LSD, did I miss the news that the Z4 is too? Or will it still be a one wheel drive mess?
Appreciate 0
      07-31-2018, 10:28 AM   #11
DrivenByE30
Brigadier General
DrivenByE30's Avatar
France
578
Rep
3,870
Posts

Drives: '12 F30 Lux 335i 6MT
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: OC - SoCal

iTrader: (0)

That guy sounds like a cock blocker party poopers ..

Either that or he has no spine standing up to the loisy been counters....

An MZ4 Manual would sell by the dozen ....
Appreciate 3
Louv300.50
Erpicum90.00
ried791.50
      07-31-2018, 10:33 AM   #12
flinchy
Brigadier General
124
Rep
3,099
Posts

Drives: E82 135i
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: QLD, Australia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TK421BMW View Post
I guess we'll need to wait and see what Dinan and others can coax out of the m40. With the new Z4m40 at 386ish(?), if Dinan can get another 30-40hp out of it, that should move pretty well. With it being less $$ than a true M, that might make most folks content. Though considering the Boxter S is 350hp from a 4 banger, I don't see why they couldn't have done a little better.
Errr people here don't actually pretend that Dinan is still relevant right?

I mean.. you know people already tune these motors and yes they get 420-430rwhp out of them..

However, it's only going to be putting out all of 350crank, not 386..

Quote:
Originally Posted by DrivenByE30 View Post
That guy sounds like a cock blocker party poopers ..

Either that or he has no spine standing up to the loisy been counters....

An MZ4 Manual would sell by the dozen ....


Ya that's exactly why they won't make them, they'd only sell a few dozen

Last edited by flinchy; 07-31-2018 at 10:38 AM..
Appreciate 0
      07-31-2018, 10:44 AM   #13
duky
The Tanzanian
duky's Avatar
United_States
1313
Rep
1,508
Posts

Drives: BMW M3, Audi RS6, Mini Cooper
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (9)

Garage List
How does Porsche make money from its arsenal of Boxster model variants then? Maybe BMW just thinks they can’t command the same premium, which is fair but I don’t see why a proper Z4M priced between M2 and M4 wouldn’t sell.
__________________

2023 F56 MINI Cooper SE Midnight Black II on Carbon Black
2021 C8 Audi RS6 Avant Mythos Black on Black/Grey
2016 F80 BMW M3 Black Sapphire Metallic on Silverstone
Appreciate 1
      07-31-2018, 10:51 AM   #14
cbertels
Captain
cbertels's Avatar
1212
Rep
774
Posts

Drives: M3 YMB-SS
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Orlando

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AmmarYasirA View Post
WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED.

We can throw an M badge on a gigantic X5 (I have no qualms with the X5M before you guys crucify me), BUT WE CANT HAVE A M Z4???

K.

I guess I'll just keep living in 2006.

Im also well aware that a Z4 M(whatever number) is gonna be great, but it'd be nice to have a proper M Z4 again.
I'm with you. X6M? Sure. Proper M roadster? No can do. : :
Appreciate 2
Erpicum90.00
      07-31-2018, 10:58 AM   #15
wdeerfield
A family of bimmers
United_States
2744
Rep
7,741
Posts

Drives: '18 G01 X3M40i
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Clifton Park, NY

iTrader: (0)

whoever thinks this optioned out will be less than an m4 is dreaming. BMW cant wait to have something to compete with the 718 and then option the heck out of it. Starting price on the z4 m40i will easily be in the 60-70 range and then add options you are talking 75-85. Then comes all the special editions with mperformance parts and its closer to 90 now. Add in individual paint and leathers and youve got a 100k roadster.
__________________
2018 PB/Black G01 X3M40i | 699M | ZDA | ZPP | ZPX | Maxton front lip | X3M vents | 15mm Spacers | Diamond G20 style grills
Appreciate 0
      07-31-2018, 10:59 AM   #16
hellrotm
Banned
4143
Rep
6,926
Posts

Drives: F80
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: ...Location...Location

iTrader: (0)

Toyota will build GRMN version of Supra, there is your M version.
Appreciate 0
      07-31-2018, 11:51 AM   #17
The HACK
Midlife Crises Racing Silent but Deadly Class
The HACK's Avatar
1817
Rep
5,337
Posts

Drives: 2006 MZ4C, 2021 Tesla Model 3
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Welcome to Jamaica have a nice day

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Bread View Post
Meaningless news. They've said exactly this before the E36/7/8 the E85/E86 and the E89. So even if they really don't make a new one, they're still lying half of the time. And maybe 75% of the time.
I don't ever recall them saying "M isn't likely" on the E36/7/8 and the E85/6. I think when the E36/7 came out it was implied that an M model with the S52 would likely follow. And the E36/8 models were introduced WITH a Z3 M Coupe in conjunction with the 3.0i Coupe.

On the E85 for SURE that an M model was implied as soon as the Z4 came out in 2003. The only question that remained was wether or not it would be like the Z3 M where the newer M3 engines would be slotted for the Z4 M once the E9x M3 production ramped up. BMW was vague and ambivalent about that, using terms like "unlikely" rather than "no way in hell." I held out hope that they would drop the V8 S65 in the Z4 M when I placed an order in 2006 for mine, assuming that the 2008 and later Z4 M would be the V8 (hence I signed a short term lease).

In fact, the Z3 and first gen Z4 followed the M script to a tee. Z3 was introduced in 1996 (remember Golden Eye?) as a 1997 model, and sure enough, 2 years later a Z3 M was introduced in 1999. Z4 was introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model, and 2.5 short years later, the Z4 M Roadster was available as a 2006 model year car. Same formula as the E46 M3 and E9x M3 (2-2.5 years after their respective 3 series chassis was introduced).

I had a '97 Z3 1.9L and still have my '06 MZ4 Coupe, and my recollection about BMW's M plans for their first 2 generation roadsters were very different from yours.
__________________
Sitting on a beat-up office chair in front of a 5 year old computer in a basement floor, sipping on stale coffee watching a bunch of meaningless numbers scrolling aimlessly on a dimly lit 19” monitor.
Appreciate 0
      07-31-2018, 12:08 PM   #18
The HACK
Midlife Crises Racing Silent but Deadly Class
The HACK's Avatar
1817
Rep
5,337
Posts

Drives: 2006 MZ4C, 2021 Tesla Model 3
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Welcome to Jamaica have a nice day

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by wdeerfield View Post
whoever thinks this optioned out will be less than an m4 is dreaming.
THIS.

It's pretty simple fellas. BMW follows a pretty strict formula. Don't let your secondary offerings cannibalize the sales of your bread and butter.

This was apparent in their pricing strategy for the E85/6 Z4 M. The roadster at $62K was more than $7,000 higher than the E46 M3 convertible. The Z4 M Coupe was about $4,000 more than the base E46 M3 Coupe. When in reality the Z4 Ms should be priced BELOW the E46 M3, but at that point, you start eating into the sales of the M3. They (BMW) ultimately had to throw about $10,000 worth of trunk cash to move the Z4 Ms in 2007-2008.

The other strict formula is a little bit more complex, and this is the reason why BMW will likely NOT offer an "M" version of the new Z4, because they already consider the Z4 M40i fitting said criteria. BMW models are slotted into a specific power to weight ratio. Anything under 10 lbs / 1 hp can be considered the top tier "M" models. The E89 Z4sDrive3.5i BARELY falls outside of that threshold at 3,5xx lbs /335 hp. The new M40i on the other hand, is 3,384 lbs / 382 hp.

NO OTHER BMW model line-up has 2 vehicles with better than 10 lbs / 1 hp ratio. EVER. Look it up. BMW won't slot another car above the M40i, period.
__________________
Sitting on a beat-up office chair in front of a 5 year old computer in a basement floor, sipping on stale coffee watching a bunch of meaningless numbers scrolling aimlessly on a dimly lit 19” monitor.
Appreciate 3
F32Fleet3539.50
t61212.00
Ibiza3478.50
      07-31-2018, 01:29 PM   #19
raysspl
Brigadier General
raysspl's Avatar
992
Rep
3,001
Posts

Drives: walking, bicycle, & bus
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Good way to keep the hype down low. Very conservative prediction until board green lights it
__________________
re
Appreciate 1
      07-31-2018, 02:31 PM   #20
The Automotive Enthusiast
Retired BMW Genius
The Automotive Enthusiast's Avatar
United_States
2888
Rep
3,404
Posts

Drives: 2018 Audi S5 Coupe
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: DMV

iTrader: (1)

Missed opportunity, I think.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by LucBroDude View Post
TRAITOR.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LucBroDude View Post
TRAITOR.
Appreciate 1
ried791.50
      07-31-2018, 02:58 PM   #21
adc
Major General
United_States
2725
Rep
6,750
Posts

Drives: 2018 F80 M3 ED
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: MD/DC

iTrader: (12)

Quote:
Originally Posted by hellrotm View Post
Toyota will build GRMN version of Supra, there is your M version.
I’ll keep my eyes on that one for sure. No badge snobbery.

What a missed opportunity by BMW... their only chance at a sports car.
__________________

2018 F80 Santorini
2019 Z4 3.0i
2022 X2 M35i
Appreciate 1
      07-31-2018, 02:59 PM   #22
Louv
Driver
Louv's Avatar
United_States
301
Rep
382
Posts

Drives: Mephisto Gray
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Mainely

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by DrivenByE30 View Post
...
An MZ4 Manual would sell by the dozen ....
Yup. I'm ok with that... as long as the bean counters are.
I love owning BMWs that sell by the dozen... per year.

Z4 3.0si Coupe - 6MT
Z4M Coupe - 6MT
X6M
i8
G450X

__________________
cages:'18 M2, '15 i8, '15 X6M and '18 K1600GT
History: '96 Z3, '95 540i, '95 540iA, '00 M5, '04 X5, '88 M6, '89 750iL, '08 Z4MCoupe, '12 ActiveE, '62 R60/2, '76 R90S, '08 R1200GSA, '10 G450X
I own no garage queens. If it's in my driveway, it's been ridden hard and put away wet. ...and now, with a light crust of Maine road salt.
Appreciate 1
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:37 AM.




bmw
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST