[TheDude8]

You hear it all the time when talking about a Z4 but what does that mean? The M40i comes with a bigger engine, better suspension, body changes etc.

Pretty sure the engine we have is the same as the new m4 convertible right?

Why is ours considered not a real M and what do you think BMW would do differently to make this a real M?

[BMWGirlFL]

Same engine as the M440i. B58 not S58.

[TheDude8]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

Same engine as the M440i. B58 not S58.

Attachment 2612810

Very cool - thanks for sharing! So curious if you know what we’d likely see one or two jumps up the scale?

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by TheDude8

Very cool - thanks for sharing! So curious if you know what we’d likely see one or two jumps up the scale?

I know nothing.

[CJ421]

The last time that BMW offered a real M version of the Z4 was with the E85 generation in the mid-2000s: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M_...6%E2%80%932008)

What made the Z4M different from the regular Z4 is similar to what makes any "real" M different from the normal production car. Typically:
--Wider front and rear track for improved handling. Includes wider fenders and fatter tires. The tires are non-runflat.
--Different, lighter weight wheels.
--Styling changes. Almost always different bumpers, side skirts, and hood.
--Altered suspension components (stiffer bushings, lighter materials, upgraded dampers/shocks, and more aggressive alignment with increased camber). The general suspension design e.g. MacPherson strut is typically not changed.
--Larger brakes for increased fade resistance and better cooling (the latter being part of the reason for a changed front bumper).
--An S series engine (built by BMW M division). The S58 is the M version of the B58 in the G29 Z4 M40i. There is no M version of the B48 in the 30i. This would be coupled with stiffer engine mounts, an upgraded driveshaft, and a more aggressive exhaust (less sound deadening).
--Upgraded transmission (strengthened to handle increased stress) with stiffer mounts and faster shift times for automatics.
--Quicker steering ratio. The steering rack is usually different.
--More selectable driving modes. See a video review of a recent M3/M5 to get an idea; it's more than just comfort and sport/sport plus.
--Interior upgrades, mainly the seats, upholstery designs, a tri-stitch steering wheel, and an M-branded gear selector and door sills.
--Changed instrument cluster and HUD with a more aggressive/performance-oriented undertone.
--Exotic options - for instance, you can order a carbon fiber roof on some models.
--Special paint colors not available on the production car.

The normal production car can often be retrofitted with some parts from the M car, such as suspension compnents (though typically not the dampers) and some interior parts, but swapping in anything else is generally a no-go due to the design differences. In short, the M car is a complete overhaul. Even if you managed to swap over most of the parts, you would be missing the electronic side of things (ECU, suspension controls, etc.) which is a big part of what makes an M car different.

The G29 Z4 is somewhat unique within BMW's lineup since it is much sportier than any other non-M production car even in its 20i/30i guises with no options. This is inherent in its design - a two-seat roadster with a low center of gravity. Also, it is the only non-M car that BMW sells exclusively with non-runflat tires; the suspension was designed with them from the beginning.

BMW's offerings scale like this:
--Normal production cars - 2/3/4 series and so on.
--Normal production cars w/ M Sport package. This is primarily a visual enhancement with changed bumpers, different wheels, interior changes (a sporter steering wheel and, often, seats with more aggressive bolstering), and special paint colors. May include a brake and suspension upgrade, though not always. (Might need to add a "high performance cooling" or "dynamic handling" package to get those, model dependent.)
--M Performance cars - M240i, Z4 M40i, etc. It's the production car with the M Sport package and other bits, such as an upgraded suspension, brakes, and differential. These only come with the most powerful engine available in the production car.
--M cars and their derivatives. The CS and CSL models are limited production models with very high prices that you would probably not drive every day, whereas any "regular" M car is suitable as a daily driver.

One way to try an M car is to attend a BMW M Performance driving school. You get professional instruction in an M car (usually M2/M3/M4). It's a relatively inexpensive way to try before you buy.

Charles

[badfitter]

"Frankly my dear, I really don't give a damn"

I really don't... I wanted a fun roadster that I could throw around and enjoy. My M40i certainly provides that.

If you want a race car for the street, hope you are willing to compromise comfort and drivability. Real race cars are rarely roadsters... since they lose body stiffness.

There is a big difference in what a boy racer and a mature driver wants to own

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by CJ421

The last time that BMW offered a real M version of the Z4 was with the E85 generation in the mid-2000s: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M_...6%E2%80%932008)

What made the Z4M different from the regular Z4 is similar to what makes any "real" M different from the normal production car. Typically:
--Wider front and rear track for improved handling. Includes wider fenders and fatter tires. The tires are non-runflat.
--Different, lighter weight wheels.
--Styling changes. Almost always different bumpers, side skirts, and hood.
--Altered suspension components (stiffer bushings, lighter materials, upgraded dampers/shocks, and more aggressive alignment with increased camber). The general suspension design e.g. MacPherson strut is typically not changed.
--Larger brakes for increased fade resistance and better cooling (the latter being part of the reason for a changed front bumper).
--An S series engine (built by BMW M division). The S58 is the M version of the B58 in the G29 Z4 M40i. There is no M version of the B48 in the 30i. This would be coupled with stiffer engine mounts, an upgraded driveshaft, and a more aggressive exhaust (less sound deadening).
--Upgraded transmission (strengthened to handle increased stress) with stiffer mounts and faster shift times for automatics.
--Quicker steering ratio. The steering rack is usually different.
--More selectable driving modes. See a video review of a recent M3/M5 to get an idea; it's more than just comfort and sport/sport plus.
--Interior upgrades, mainly the seats, upholstery designs, a tri-stitch steering wheel, and an M-branded gear selector and door sills.
--Changed instrument cluster and HUD with a more aggressive/performance-oriented undertone.
--Exotic options - for instance, you can order a carbon fiber roof on some models.
--Special paint colors not available on the production car.

The normal production car can often be retrofitted with some parts from the M car, such as suspension compnents (though typically not the dampers) and some interior parts, but swapping in anything else is generally a no-go due to the design differences. In short, the M car is a complete overhaul. Even if you managed to swap over most of the parts, you would be missing the electronic side of things (ECU, suspension controls, etc.) which is a big part of what makes an M car different.

The G29 Z4 is somewhat unique within BMW's lineup since it is much sportier than any other non-M production car even in its 20i/30i guises with no options. This is inherent in its design - a two-seat roadster with a low center of gravity. Also, it is the only non-M car that BMW sells exclusively with non-runflat tires; the suspension was designed with them from the beginning.

BMW's offerings scale like this:
--Normal production cars - 2/3/4 series and so on.
--Normal production cars w/ M Sport package. This is primarily a visual enhancement with changed bumpers, different wheels, interior changes (a sporter steering wheel and, often, seats with more aggressive bolstering), and special paint colors. May include a brake and suspension upgrade, though not always. (Might need to add a "high performance cooling" or "dynamic handling" package to get those, model dependent.)
--M Performance cars - M240i, Z4 M40i, etc. It's the production car with the M Sport package and other bits, such as an upgraded suspension, brakes, and differential. These only come with the most powerful engine available in the production car.
--M cars and their derivatives. The CS and CSL models are limited production models with very high prices that you would probably not drive every day, whereas any "regular" M car is suitable as a daily driver.

One way to try an M car is to attend a BMW M Performance driving school. You get professional instruction in an M car (usually M2/M3/M4). It's a relatively inexpensive way to try before you buy.

Charles

Thanks for the explanation. The chart makes more sense now. Basically, both my M235 F23 and incoming G29 M40i are in the same category.

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Thanks for the explanation. The chart makes more sense now. Basically, both my M235 F23 and incoming G29 M40i are in the same category.

Pretty sure introduction of "M Performance" models began with the F22/F23.

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

Pretty sure introduction of "M Performance" models began with the F22/F23.

Just enough to give me a track feel but comfortable enough use daily.

[DPelletier]

As they said, it's not an "M"......but the waters are muddy with the M sport differential, brakes and suspension and the additional output of the B58.

Whatever it is, it is a solid performer, outperforming the M2 on the Nurburgring and handily outperforming every previous Z3 or Z4....even the Z4M

Dave

[DPelletier]

https://www.bmwblog.com/2018/09/12/b...than%20an%20M2.

Not bad considering this Z4 was the lower hp Euro version...


Dave

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by DPelletier

https://www.bmwblog.com/2018/09/12/b...than%20an%20M2.

Not bad considering this Z4 was the lower hp Euro version...


Dave

Peak top speed of 163 mph, the US version is going to be a monster. Thanks for posting.

[CJ421]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

Pretty sure introduction of "M Performance" models began with the F22/F23.

The F22/23 M235i was the first time in a long time that BMW added an M prefix to a non-M car. But they had done it decades ago on models like the E12 M535i (introduced 1979).

Charles

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by CJ421

The F22/23 M235i was the first time in a long time that BMW added an M prefix to a non-M car. But they had done it decades ago on models like the E12 M535i (introduced 1979).

Charles

I think my 1989 E30 325is was a similar step down from the M3. Sport suspension, LSD, etc. but not the engine and otherwise less track oriented.

[Kwajtrader]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

Just enough to give me a track feel but comfortable enough use daily.

Exactly...

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Kwajtrader

Exactly...

Comfort is king.

[Designer003]

One of the biggest difference between M Power cars and M performance cars is the engine.

S58 is the new M engine with 2 turbo charger, one turbo per 3 cylinders. Where as B58 has only one turbo with twin scrolls. There are a lot of other differences as well but simply put M power engine like S58 produce much more power and torque than Non M engines like B58 which is in G29 M40i.

However, B58 or B48 focuses more on the balance between power and efficiency. Caring about fuel economy and reduced emissions, while providing a smooth acceleration of straight 6 and enough power for an exciting driving experience. (also BMW can pay less environment and emission related tax.)

Realistically, if you put S58 engine(M3,M4,X3M, X4M) into G29, it will get terrible wheel spins since G29 is so light. Supra is the same and thats why lots of Supra tuners don't post 0 to 60 numbers... there is a traction problem and it is not a safe daily car.

Thus M40i has really good balance of power, and agility. No need to have a real M power engine. I'm sure its faster than M3,4,5,8 on mountains or winding roads.

[blvvet]

"M" is just an idea defined by the manufacturer.
What I want is defined by myself....which I think is the current m40i, suitable for daily driving and come with some performance

[ejm3]

If you like the car then just buy it, drive it and enjoy it no matter what the badge on the outside says.

I think BMW starting putting 'M" badges on "non-M" cars in response to Audi who some years ago started slapping an "S" on lots of their cars.

[DPelletier]

Originally Posted by ejm3

If you like the car then just buy it, drive it and enjoy it no matter what the badge on the outside says.

I think BMW starting putting 'M" badges on "non-M" cars in response to Audi who some years ago started slapping an "S" on lots of their cars.

If you go to the Mercedes forums, you'll get the same discussion about the AMG badge where vehicles like the 43 AMGs aren't considered "real" AMG's because the engines weren't hand built.

I don't much care; it's all about how the car looks, feels and drives to me and my M40i has over 400hp, does 0-60 in less than 4 seconds and the quarter mile in 12 flat.......I don't care what it's called, it's a fast car. Just for fun I looked up the performance of the last "real M" Z4 and it seems it was a 13.2 - 13.8 sec 1/4 mile car which is 1 - 1.5 seconds slower than a G29 Z4 M40i - a huge difference....dynamically, the difference is just as large; 8 min, 15 sec around the Nurburgring compared to the M40i's 7 min, 55 seconds.

Yes, the M40i isn't a "real M car" but fast is fast.

2 cents,
Dave

[Geradeaus]

Originally Posted by Designer003

Thus M40i has really good balance of power, and agility.

Hey, my lowly 30i meets all those criteria. And it's an M Sport version with an M steering wheel to boot!

[TAZ007]

Originally Posted by Geradeaus

Hey, my lowly 30i meets all those criteria. And it's an M Sport version with an M steering wheel to boot!

I wouldn't call yours lowly.