The Original Z3

Most of us saw it originally in Pierce Brosnan's first James Bond movie, Golden Eye. The new roadster from BMW -- the Z3 -- the latest in the line from the classic roadster BMW first built in the 1930's with the 328.

Z4 Photos

 

First released in the summer of 1996, the BMW Z3 from Golden Eye had some of the most amazing features ever found on a Bond car. The Bond Z3 had bullet proofing, full SATNAV tracking equipment, satellite downlink capabilities, a rear parachute, all-points radar, a great sound system, and Stinger missiles!

Second Generation Styling

The next-generation Z3 will be re-named the Z4. BMW's newest creation will be shown at the Paris Motor Show in the fall. Then, it will be launched in the USA market before it reaches Europe in spring 2003.

The Z4 continues the corporate styling changes started with the new 7 Series sedan, especially the styling of the rear of the automobile. Where did BMW get its design cues? Here are two photos comparing the BMW to the Ferrari:

The Z4 has several design elements from the X-Coupe first shown at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show, including the "flame surfacing" paint finish that creates light and shadow from different angles, like looking at a diamond.

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The above photo shows one reason why flame surfacing will look so good. A Z line has been carved from the hood line, joining the A pillar down to the front wheel well, and extending upward to the door line. In this photo, the Z line crosses the distinctive BMW Roundel.

As well as looking better, the new Z3 will be bigger in almost every dimension. With the new larger body, the Z4 will have more cabin space, and a wider wheel base.

The Z4's ride and handling will improve from major suspension revisions. While the current Z3 rides on a modified E36 3 Series platform, the Z4 has an all-new set-up featuring BMW's Z-axle rear suspension.

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Both versions of the Z4 come standard with a host of advanced features for improved handling, including vehicle speed-sensitive electric power steering, dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, electronic brake proportioning, ABS and cornering/avoidance-stability enhancement.

The Z4 features new trapezoidal-link rear suspension, with DSC stability control and traction control, and improved dynamics, ride and handling. The Z4 has an extremely low center of gravity and optimum 50/50 weight distribution to provide outstanding agility and handling.

DSC has been improved for the Z4 and renamed Dynamic Drive Control (DDC).  DDC is activated by pressing the 'sport' button on the center console. BMW says DDC allows the Z4 engine management system to "deliver an even sportier accelerator pedal response curve and change the steering weight to a more direct feel".

 

Z4 Power

The Z4 will be available with two six-cylinder engines; the Z4 roadster 2.5i with the 2.5L, 184-horsepower powerplant, and the Z4 roadster 3.0i featuring the 3.0L, 225-horsepower engine. The 3.0i engine has 231 hp and a top speed of 155 mph, while the 2.5i has 192 hp and a maximum speed of 146 mph.

The Z4 2.5i will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds with the standard five-speed manual transmission and in 7.2 seconds with the automatic, while the Z4 3.0i needs 5.9 seconds using the standard six-speed manual and 6 seconds with the automatic.
 

The Z4 3.0i features a new six speed manual gearbox. The SMG -- Formula 1 inspired -- Sequential Manual Gearbox will be available as an option on both engine models. This second generation system features a modified six-speed transmission and enables the driver to make instant gearshifts via paddles on the steering wheel or with the gear selector.

The top-of-the-line will still be called the M Roadster and should be powered by the 3.2L, 343 bhp 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine from the BMW M3. This configuration may include the 6-speed manual transmission and the M3 SMG Formula One style transmission for serious performance. So equipped, the Z4 should zoom from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, with a top speed (limited) of 155 mph.

 

Interior

The interior has been completely redesigned, although traditional BMW elements remain like the twin-pod instrument cluster, center console with gear shift and parking brake, and sport seats.

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With the extended length of the Z4, the interior is more spacious. Luggage space has been increased to a capacity of 260 liters.

Standard features include sport seats, a leather sports steering wheel, and a rollover safety system. Other standard features of the new Z4 include adjustable steering column, remote entry system, and Z folding fully automatic roof with heated glass rear window. The lined, automatic soft top has a heated-glass rear window and will open or close in 10 seconds.

The new Z4 will be available with an array of options including a DVD-based satellite navigation system with 16:9 display that retracts fully into the instrument panel, hands-free car telephone and state of the art Carver audio system.

A 10-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with radio data system is standard in the Z4 2.5i. A premium audio system with upgraded audio power, Carver Technology and 10 audiophile-quality speakers with two subwoofers is standard in the Z4 3.0i and optional in the Z4 2.5i.

Building the Z4

All Z3's worldwide are built at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA, assembly plant.

Built for the original Z3, the Spartanburg plant was upgraded for the X5 SAV in 1999. The X5 has more than 9,000 parts, compared with about 3,000 parts in the current Z3. The X5 adopted a new automated body assembly system designed in Germany that consists of small, flexible manufacturing cells. The assembly line for the Z4 will be even more automated than the 2-year-old X5 line.

The last Z3 roadster was produced at Spartanburg on June 28, 2002. The 6-cylinder Sepia Metallic roadster with Arizona Sun leather interior rolled off the production line at 12:34 p.m. June 28, 2002. The roadster will remain at the plant as a display in the Zentrum museum and visitors center.

The first Z3 rolled off the assembly line on September 20, 1995. During its seven-year model run, 297,087 roadsters were built and distributed to more than 130 countries. Almost one-half of all Z3's were sold in the USA.

 

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