The new BMW Z4 2.2i

Contents: ... Overview ... Standard Specification - Z4 2.2i, 2.5i, 3.0i ... Technical specifications - 2.2i, 2.5i, 3.0i

The new BMW Z4 2.2i

BMW's latest addition to its highly respected roadster pedigree, the Z4, has
become more accessible with the addition of the new 2.2-litre model to the
current 2.5i and 3.0i line up. Following the Z4's June UK debut, production of
the third Z4 roadster variant started in October 2003, priced at £24,255 on-the
road.

Engine
The familiar straight-six, 2.2-litre engine from the 3 and 5 Series ranges lies
under the bonnet, powering the Z4 2.2i from rest to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds. With
the engine also developing 210 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, the car is no slouch
on twisting, mountainous roads or the highway. The car is capable of a
wind-in-the-hair top speed of 140 mph.

Developing maximum power output of 170 bhp at 6,100 rpm, its engine is
controlled by a drive-by-wire throttle butterfly. Engine and gearbox
electronics 'know' which gear is selected and adapt the throttle butterfly
response offering supreme flexibility and maximum performance whatever the
circumstances.

Gearbox
As on the 2.5-litre model, the Z4 2.2i offers drivers a manual five-speed
gearbox as standard with the option of a five-speed automatic priced at £1,350.
Carried over the from the 3 Series range, the automatic gearbox includes BMW's
Steptronic system with manual shift; drivers simply pull back the lever to
change up and push forwards to down shift.

Chassis and Body
Using lightweight components such as an aluminium bonnet and roll bars
integrated into the basic body structure, the Z4 2.2i weighs in at a svelte
1,325kgs - that's 30kgs lighter than its predecessor, the Z3 2.2i and lighter
than the 2.5i and 3.0i models too.

However, the car is remarkably strong and scuttle shake is now a thing of the
past. Boasting torsional rigidity of 14,500 Nm/degree, the Z4 is almost three
times as stiff as its predecessor Z3 (5,600Nm/degree) an unprecedented figure
for the roadster segment.

Electric Power Steering (EPS) is an electro-mechanical system, which made its
debut in both 2.5i and 3.0i Z4 launch models and is also standard on the 2.2i.
EPS consigns the weighty power steering pump to the parts bin and replaces it
with a torque sensor and electric motor. The sensor measures the driver's
steering input and translates it into a turning angle using an electric motor
connected to the steering spindle. Steering feel and feedback can therefore be
controlled by software, which provides a precise steering damper effect,
optimising the driving experience whatever the road surface.

Safety
Drivers of the Z4 will naturally feel safe, cosseted in a cockpit with high
waistlines and permanent rollover protection. Moreover, both active and
passive safety is of primary concern on all BMWs and occupant protection is
assured in the Z4 thanks to the Advanced Safety Electronics system. This
features a control module linked to satellite sensors located in the left and
right B pillars, which detect the nature of any impact and activate relevant
airbags should they be required. The module also deactivates the fuel pump and
alternator as well as breaking the safety terminal on the battery, reducing the
risk of fire.

Standard Equipment
Not only is the new Z4 2.2i an exceptionally well-specified roadster, it also
holds a world record - it has the fastest retracting fully automatic
convertible roof on the market. One push of the button on the centre console
releases latches on the windscreen surround, and the roof glides into its
lowered position. In less than 10 seconds the roof is down, with the front
section acting as a tonneau cover. A simple push of the button returns it to
its fully closed position.

Drivers who want roof-down motoring but also need to maximise storage space
will benefit from the innovative Variable Soft Top Compartment. With the roof
up, an additional 20 litres of boot space is available (up from 220 to 240
litres) by collapsing the roof storage box in the boot, normally used to store
the roof.

The Z4 2.2i also comes as standard with air-conditioning, single CD player,
Sports seats and Sports steering wheel. Additionally, the 16" Cross Spoke
alloy wheels fitted as standard on the Z4 2.2i are fitted with Run-flat tyres -
which come with optional wheels across the Z4 range too. Driven carefully at
50 mph, the car can travel for up to 90 miles with one or more punctured tyres,
signalling the end of road side wheel changes or the wait for breakdown
assistance. In the absence of a spare wheel, the car also benefits from less
weight and more boot space.

Optional Equipment
As well as high levels of standard specification, a myriad optional equipment
is available for the Z4 2.2i. Five different alloy wheel options are available,
from a 16" through to a Composite 18" wheel.

Creature comforts normally associated with Executive saloons are also
available, with the option of Business or Professional navigation systems. The
Business system is integrated into the dashboard facia, while the Professional
system features an 8.8 inch (22.5cm) monitor which rises from the dashboard at
the push of a button, with the screen doubling as a television where
specified. All navigation systems for BMW cars now include a DVD disc that
provides quick access to detailed maps covering the whole of Europe.

Drivers are able to keep in touch on the move by specifying either the
Professional car telephone, or Bluetooth phone preparation. Compatible Nokia
and Sony telephones can be paired with the car, where the Bluetooth wireless
connection provide hands-free functionality. Additionally, Voice Control can
be specified to direct a number of telephone and navigation functions without
needing to remove your hands from the steering wheel.

For the ultra-hardy Z4 driver, seat heating makes roof down motoring in the
winter even more comfortable.

Market
The new BMW Z4 was launched on 19 June 2003 to instant accolades. Autocar
rated the new car as better than the Porsche Boxster, commenting that the
difference was "the accumulation of small advantages such as the car's superior
bottom-end performance, its slicker gear change, its price advantage and more
contemporary looks."

The dynamic appeal of a genuine sports car is complemented by strong economy
figures. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 32.1 mpg with C02 emissions
at 214g/km, placing it in the 28 per cent band for company car tax.

Figures to the end of October confirm that a total of 3,800 cars have left BMW
showrooms around the UK, with 55 per cent being the Z4 2.5i. Customers wishing
to order a car should act quickly if they want a Z4 roadster for next summer.
Waiting lists for the 2.5i and 3.0i launch models already stretch into June
2004, with the 2.2i variant bound to follow suit.

Standard Specification in detail - Z4 2.2i

Safety
· Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
· Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
· Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III), incl. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
· Low beam in ellipsoid technology; high beam free-form headlights
· Raised 3rd brake light integrated in luggage compartment lid
· Side indicator repeaters in side panel front, with integrated BMW roundel
· Tyre Run Flat indicator
· Roll bar protection system
· Airbags for driver and front passenger, with seat occupant detector for
front passenger
· Side airbags
· Remote central locking; locks doors, trunk lid, fuel tank flip, rear storage
box between the backrests
· Disc brakes - front inner-vented
· Bumpers with aluminium impact absorbers
· Deformation zones at the front and rear
· Safety-belt (automatic with pyrotechnic belt latch tensioners)
· Side impact protection system
· Warning triangle
· Fog-lights

Engine
· 6-cylinder in-line engine with 4-valve technology
· Alloy engine block
· Alloy cylinder head
· Digital motor electronics (DME)
· Double-VANOS
· Emissions Management EU3
· Ignition distribution, static
· On-board diagnosis
· Selective cylinder anti-knock control
· Three-way catalytic converter

Transmission / Suspension
· 5-speed manual transmission
· Central link-arm rear axle
· Single joint spring strut front axle
· Servotronic steering
· Anti-roll bars - front and rear
· SAC clutch (self adjusting)

Interior Equipment
· Specially contoured sports seats
· Sun visors with vanity mirror, with slide cover for driver and front
passenger
· Interior trim strips in silk graphite
· Free Spirit Sensatec technical fabric upholstery
· Electric window lifts
· Storage facility between seats at rear
· Lockable glove compartment
· Storage compartments behind rear seats
· Tool bag in storage box of battery tray
· Steering wheel column adjustment, for reach and rake
· On-board computer
· Instrument cluster with circular instruments, for speed, rev counter, fuel
tank level display, coolant temperature and fuel consumption display
· Velour floor mats
· Smokers package
· Automatic air-conditioning
· Radio BMW Business CD
· Tool Kit
· First Aid Kit
· Variable soft top compartment

Exterior Equipment
· Hardtop preparation
· Exterior door handles in body colour
· Fully automatic soft top operation
· Alarm system
· 16" light alloy wheels - cross spoke style 104 with 205/55 R16 tyres
· RFT (Run Flat Tyres) wheels with emergency-run characteristics through
reinforced side walls and extended hump rim
· Exterior mirrors in body colour, electrically adjustable
· Aluminium bonnet hinged at the rear face, with gas spring support
· Heated rear glass window
· Heat insulated glass green, windscreen and side windows
· Luggage compartment lid unlock function by electric motor, from inside
· Front grille with vertical kidney grill bars black
· Headlights inner housing black
· Headlight surrounds
· Z4 designation on trunk lid; engine capacity front wing
· Soft top - black

Standard equipment - Z4 2.5i
(in addition to Z4 2.2i)
· 16" Star Spoke Style Alloy Wheel with 225/50 R16 tyres
· Sports steering wheel with leather rim
· Handbrake handle and gaiter in leather
· Gear lever with leather knob and gaiter
· Interior rear view mirror with anti-dazzle function
· Driving Dynamics Control (DDC)

Standard equipment - Z4 3.0i
(in addition to Z4 2.5i)
· Anthracite Chrome Line Interior
· Electric seat adjustment, with memory for driver's seat
· Headlamp Washer system
· Rain Sensor
· Automatic air conditioning
· Interior trim strips in brushed aluminium
· Oregon Leather Upholstery
· 17" light alloy wheels double spoke style 103
· Headlight surrounds in Matt Chrome
· Brake disks, rear inner-vented
· Interior light package
· M Sports Suspension
· 6-speed manual transmission
· Front arm-rest

For technical specifications table see downloadable .rtf file