The new BMW Z4 3.0si and M Coupé

The BMW Z4 3.0si and M Coupé Contents 1. The BMW Z4 3.0si and M Coupé 2. Short story 3. Design concept - a 'Pocket GT' 4. Drivetrain 5. Chassis and suspension 6. Safety and technology 7. Market 8. History 9. Standard and optional equipment 10. Technical specifications

Short Story
Design - a 'Pocket GT'

"The new BMW Z4 Coupé is best described as a Pocket GT," said Adrian van
Hooydonk, Head of BMW Brand Design. "The Z4 Coupé should be considered as a
fully fledged GT car that has been shrink-wrapped around two people. It
represents the smallest possible package that can accommodate the occupants and
enough luggage for a long journey while still retaining the strong, muscular
stance of the cutting-edge Z4 Roadster."

"In common with the outgoing Z3, when designing the new Z4 family, we were
designing a Roadster for those who appreciate open-topped motoring and the
Coupé for customers who want a compact long-distance GT car," he continued.
"Interestingly, the new Coupé was actually designed at the same time as the
original Z4 Roadster in the late 1990s. BMW's hugely successful launch of new
models in recent years left some of the more niche models on the drawing
board. But my design team and I pushed for this car and an opportune time to
engineer the car for production. Designing the two Z4 models simultaneously
ensured that both share a common design theme and a cohesive appearance," he
concluded.

Front, back and sides:
From the front, the only visual difference from the Roadster is the 'double
bubble' contoured roof. This serves as an aerodynamic aid as well as offering
additional headroom to taller occupants. The side view is identical to the
profile of the Roadster from the front bumper back to the A-pillar and for the
full length of the car below the shoulder line. Above this, the gently sloping
Coupé roofline culminates at the rear of the car with a subtle aerodynamic lip
spoiler.

From the rear, the Coupé shares the same new rear lamp clusters as those
introduced on the Roadster in early 2006. Light conductor rods are fitted,
which illuminate a split-second earlier than conventional bulbs. The light
units sit on each side of the large clamshell hatchback lid that covers the
340-litre boot - easily enough to stow the luggage for a weekend away.

BMW Motorsport's Z4 M Coupé takes the Pocket GT design and adds a distinctive
sporting edge. A lower front valance with large air intakes dominates the
frontal view. The power bulge in the bonnet, created by two sharp
front-to-rear crease lines, also highlights the potential of the
high-performance M variant. From the rear, similar high performance traits are
exhibited. BMW M's trademark four exhaust tailpipes protrude from an
aerodynamic rear diffuser that ensures the car stays firmly planted on the
road. In profile, the Z4 M Coupé shares the lightweight five-spoke alloy wheel
design with the Roadster and they clearly display the M3 CSL braking system
behind (only on the M derivative).

High-performance Drivetrain:
The launch of the new Z4 Coupé offers UK customers a new BMW engine / model
definition. It is the first time that a roadster-based Coupé has been offered
with a 3.0-litre engine alongside the high-performance M Coupé derivative.
Drivers now have the choice of the lightest production six-cylinder engine in
the world powering their Coupé or the seven-times International Engine of the
Year category-winning BMW Motorsport powerplant - a focused high-performance
model line-up that will whet the appetites of motoring enthusiasts.

Z4 M Coupé:
The new BMW Z4 M Coupé is powered by BMW's familiar 3,246cc Motorsport engine.
Delivering 343hp at 7,900rpm, it easily surpasses the magical 100hp per litre
benchmark for naturally-aspirated high performance engines. Maximum torque of
365Nm is achieved at 4,900rpm and, highlighting the powerplant's flexibility,
80 per cent is available below 2,000rpm.

Such sporting statistics translate into scintillating performance, with the new
Z4 M Coupé posting a zero to 62mph time of 5.0 seconds before going on to an
electronically limited top speed of 155mph. These commendable figures do not
compromise the economy of the car, with the Coupé delivering a combined fuel
consumption of 23.3mpg and recording a CO2 output of 292g/km.

Variable M differential:
The high levels of power and torque are translated onto the road via a
six-speed manual gearbox and BMW's Variable M differential. Unlike a standard
fixed-ratio 'limited-slip diff', the Variable M differential delivers a fully
variable zero to 100 per cent of available power to the wheel that can most use
it in any given situation. It works by using a pump to generate internal
pressure when a wheel starts to spin. This pressure is applied to a clutch
that transfers power across the rear axle to the wheel with most grip. The
result? Lateral cornering acceleration that is higher than is permitted by a
conventional differential, a limited slip differential or any form of traction
control system.

Z4 3.0si Coupé - fast and frugal:
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.

CSL inspiration:
When the Z4 design team were charged with creating a more sports-oriented car
than the Z3, they did have one serious advantage - access to componentry and
technology from the inspirational M3 CSL. The new Z4 M Coupé uses the CSL's
345 x 28mm front and 328 x 20mm rear drilled and vented brake discs and
high-performance callipers. Suspension components from the M3 CSL, such as the
single-joint front axle with McPherson spring struts, forged aluminium track
control arms and separate mountings for the springs and dampers, are also used
in the Z4 to offer the highest levels of agility and traction.

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.

... Brake Pre-tensioning shortens stopping distances by priming the brakes the
instant the driver snaps off the accelerator in preparation for an emergency
stop.
... Brake Drying improves braking performance in the wet by periodically
applying the brakes to wipe off moisture.
... Hill Start Assistant allows a manual transmission car to pull away
smoothly on a gradient without rolling backwards.
... Fade Compensation recognises when the brakes are getting excessively hot
and 'fading', and applies additional hydraulic braking pressure to compensate,
without any extra effort from the driver.
... Soft Stop prepares the car for a perfectly smooth stop by releasing a
small proportion of braking pressure as the car comes to a standstill.

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.

A niche market for exclusive customers:
The new BMW Z4 is sure to have a wide emotional appeal for both sports car and
BMW fans. But with only two seats, the car is unlikely to be on the shopping
list of the majority of car buyers. It is, quite naturally, a niche model and
will be an exclusive sight on British roads. As a result, BMW UK expects to
sell approximately 1,000 Z4 Coupés in 2006, of which approximately 200 are
expected to be the high-performance M variant.

The typical buyer of the Z4 3.0si and M Coupés will be male, married and aged
between 35 and 45 years. Irrespective of these expectations, the owner of a Z4
Coupé will be a driving enthusiast who enjoys the thrill of driving exclusive,
high-performance sports cars.

"Most cars in the sporting coupé sector try to be a jack of all trades.....and
end up being the master of none,' said Jim O'Donnell, Managing Director of BMW
(UK) Ltd. "The Z4 Coupé is different - it is a focused sports car aimed fairly
and squarely at drivers who love driving."

The Z4 M Coupé, in particular, is an unashamed performance car as much at home
on the race track as it is on the road," he continued. "This is not a car
trying to be all things to all men."

Limited history:
Very few roadster-based Coupés have been produced in BMW's history. Each car
that has made it to production has been produced in very small numbers. The
first, the 1940 BMW 328 Mille Miglia Coupé, is arguably BMWs most exclusive car
with only two examples ever built, and both of these were for racing. The
open-topped 328 was a limited production, high-performance sports car that was
adapted for racing. Clothed in aluminium, each racing Coupé weighed less than
650kgs and developed 135bhp at 5,500rpm from the two-litre engine. This made
the cars capable of speeds exceeding 130mph - a speed many modern day two-litre
cars struggle to attain.

Nearly 60 years passed before a car adopting the same principle arrived for a
wider audience in the form of the BMW Z3 Coupé. The Z3 Roadster evolved into a
coupé in 1998 and was launched in the UK with BMW M's 321hp powerplant.

Many European markets offered 2.8i and 3.0i derivatives but, in the UK, M
models satisfied purists' requirements. Combining an engine that delivered
over 100bhp per litre with a very rigid yet compliant chassis, the Z3 M Coupé
was considered an out-and-out driver's car. Its rarity and unusual styling
gave it a unique place in the hearts' of sports car aficionados. It was a car
many considered to be for those 'in the know'. In total, 17,815 cars were
built before it ceased production in 2002.

BMW Concept Coupé Mille Miglia:
The BMW Concept Coupé Mille Miglia connects the success of the 1940 328 Mille
Miglia Coupé with the new Z4 Coupé. Unveiled prior to the 2006 Mille Miglia,
the concept took pride of place as the entrants were scrutineered before to the
event in Brescia, Italy on May 10 2006.

While the styling unashamedly looks to the past, the modern, multi-award
winning BMW six-cylinder engine from the Z4 M Coupé powered the car.
Modifications were made to the inlet and exhaust systems of the 343 hp unit to
give the concept car more of a 'racing' sound at both idle and full throttle.

The concept car's hinged hardtop roof was a reference to the relaxation of the
racing car rules when closed vehicles became eligible to race. Similarly, the
new Z4 Coupé is derived from the Z4 Roadster soft-top. The concept also
benefits from an extremely lightweight chassis, with the aluminium and
carbon-fibre reinforced plastic body 'stretched' over a lattice frame and
painted in 'fine silver', a full-gloss paint with extremely fine pigments that
recall classic silver race colours.