Complete Vehicle

Complete Vehicle

Complete Vehicle
Model: (E85)Z4
Production: Start of Production MY 2003

System Desciption Topics

^ Locate the major control units in the car.
^ Recognize the differences between the Z3 and the Z4.
^ Explain basic vehicle operation.

History
The (E85) Z4 is due to enter production around 09/2002 at the Spartanburg plant and will replace the E36/7 (Z3). In so doing it will be writing the next chapter in the history of the BMW roadster.
That tradition started with the historic 328 and 507 models and has been continued by the Z1, Z3 and Z8.
The latest model, the Z4 (development code (E85) Z4), is being built only as a roadster. There will be no coupe as there was with the Z3. The 3.0i and the 2.5i versions of the Z4 will both be fitted with the M54 engine.
With a breathtaking, completely new design and even more sporting driving characteristics, it is intended to advance to a leading position with regard to dynamism among the competition. A range of equipment that is modern and suited to the market is the basis for successful higher placement in comparison to the Z3.
This higher placement is reinforced by the exclusive use of 6cylinder engines as well as the new name (the Z3 becomes the Z4). In order to secure market leadership, the (E85) Z4 features numerous technical gems, whereby the soft-top and audio systems were assigned particular attention during development; the Z4 is to be the "best in each class."Different lines of equipment and the offer of virtually all special equipment that has so far been reserved for higher series (including High navigation with folding monitor) complete the image of the (E85) Z4 as a premium model.

Alongside its breathtaking design in a completely new language of shape, the (E85) Z4 also features a variety of technical innovations:

^ Engine bonnet made of aluminum
^ Completely new soft-top design with Z folding
^ Soft-top rear window made of glass
^ Top HiFi audio system with Carver woofers
^ Engine Sound System MSS (only 3.0i)
^ Emission free fuel tank
^ Electro-mechanical power assisted steering (Electric Power Steering EPS)
^ Standard tires with run flat tires, no spare wheel
^ 6-speed manual gearbox (as of 12/2002)
^ 6-speed HSMG gearbox (as of 04/2003)

Design

The (E85) Z4 features all of the proportions that are typical of a roadster: long engine hood, short rear and short overhangs. Both seats stretch far to the back almost to the rear axle.
These basic characteristics lend the (E85) Z4 an extravagant and futuristic appearance The design does not adopt the same direction as the E65, but rather interprets the values of sporting character and dynamism by deliberately omitting classical luxury.
The use of "flame surfacing" for the first time makes the new BMW roadster into a breathtaking pioneer in a new era of design. The mix of curves and straight lines, crossing lines, concave and convex elements underlines this language of shape. Depending on the angle of view, the (E85) Z4 reveals a wide variety of details to the beholder.
In comparison to the Z3, the front is smoother and rounder, but preserves the typical BMW characteristics of kidney grille and double headlights. The kidney grille has been lowered into the deforming elements made of yielding foam material. The turn indicator lamps extend across the entire lower edge of the front headlights (biXenon as special equipment) up to the side top edge.
The side line continues the roundings of the front with a striking sweep. The front limit line of the engine bonnet runs across the headlight top edges into the vehicle flanks. There, it continues over the front mudguard in a curve all the way to the lower edge of the doors, which it closes off to the rear.
A slanted straight bead in front of the doors adopts the line of the A-pillars. It clearly delineates the front mudguards and is interrupted by a large BMW emblem, surrounded by the side turn indicator lamps. Although the soft-top lies open in the soft-top compartment, it is permanently covered and dirt protected by means of the new Z folding by its own front third.


The highly expressive rear end is kept visually flat by means of the almost horizontal side lines. Together with the rear lights cut straight at the top and curved at the bottom, the (E85) Z4 radiates just as much dynamism and activity from the rear as it does from the front. The centre brake light is inserted beneath the striking cut edge of the luggage compartment lid. The wheels deployed are exclusively light alloy wheels, initially with 6 different rim designs with 16, 17 or 18 inches diameter.