BMW Z4MC - NLC

[Neil72]

I happen to think these are ugly as sin.

So do I.

Nice engine though

[jj]

Not a massive fan of the exterior or interior, but awesome car all the same

Disguised compliment there ?

Love it G

[campbell]

Gareth,

I happen to think these are ugly as sin

Campbell

Go wash your mouth out old man.

pfflwlwwplkkkk, gargle gargle, spit

Still don't like it

So there!

[Andy G]

Not a massive fan of the exterior or interior, but awesome car all the same

Disguised compliment there ?

Love it G

Just cause i dont like it doesnt mean its not a great car - the styling i dont like - the engine I'd gladly try and fit to my S1

[graeme]

Strange opinions round here... Some don't like the styling, which is quite clearly utterly head-turningly trouser-tentingly fantastic and anyone who disagrees should be in an old-folks' home. Others love the engine, which is an antiquated lump of low-tech 90s pig-iron, which is all very well in a lardy 4-door supersaloon, but has no place whatsoever in a sporty techno-coupe. The new (post 2006-ish) lightweight 3.0si is the real star of the line-up. I reckon Ze Chermanz have detuned that new 3.0 to keep it from embarassing the M.

Obviously, I'd still have the M just for the non-hairdressery tailpipe count though.

Good choice G.

[holly]

good choice !I
my favorite car i would get it in white!!!

[j2 lot]

I happen to think these are ugly as sin.

So do I.

+1

Sorry Gareth

[Gareth]

there's a Europa in your avatar

GLOL!!

If we all liked the same cars life would be boring.

[Stevoraith]

Others love the engine, which is an antiquated lump of low-tech 90s pig-iron

106bhp per litre and 8k rpm from a large normally aspirated engine. Antiquated and low-tech? Not the words I would use.

And it sounds

[graeme]

Others love the engine, which is an antiquated lump of low-tech 90s pig-iron

106bhp per litre and 8k rpm from a large normally aspirated engine. Antiquated and low-tech? Not the words I would use.

And it sounds

It does indeed sound

I don't agree that high output is the same as high tech though. The S54B32 was a world class engine 7 years ago, but look how things have moved on since then. It won't beat the magnesium N52 (from the 3.0si) on bhp/kg and it won't win on mpg or emissions against the equally powerful and Mahooosively torquey twin-turbo N54 from the 335i, so I stand by my comment that it's showing its age now.

The Z3 and Z4 Ms didn't get their own engine development. They got existing M3 engines. That won't work now, as the V8 won't fit (I guess). Who wouldn't love to see an all-new up-to-date lightweight M-lump specifically for the Z4? We're not due a new M3 or M5 for a while, so who knows?

[Gareth]

For the record I stuck with a 335i the other day....straight line stuff though, no idea what either car would be like on the corners...but hey, that's not why I bought the car. It's my "daily sh!tter"

[j2 lot]

I happen to think these are ugly as sin.

So do I.

+1

Sorry Gareth

there's a Europa in your avatar

I almost added '.. but who am I to comment as I own a Europa'

there's a Europa in your avatar

GLOL!!

If we all liked the same cars life would be boring.

You're right - each to their own.

[Stevoraith]

I don't agree that high output is the same as high tech though. The S54B32 was a world class engine 7 years ago, but look how things have moved on since then. It won't beat the magnesium N52 (from the 3.0si) on bhp/kg and it won't win on mpg or emissions against the equally powerful and Mahooosively torquey twin-turbo N54 from the 335i, so I stand by my comment that it's showing its age now.

Fair point, it's starting to show it's age in terms of emmissions and all that eco friendly stuff (my brother gets mid teens mpg in his on a spirited road drive ). And yeah, other BMW engines are now starting to make it feel low tech but lets not forget that BMW are particularly advanced in terms of engine development. I still say it's a cracking engine

The Z3 and Z4 Ms didn't get their own engine development. They got existing M3 engines. That won't work now, as the V8 won't fit (I guess). Who wouldn't love to see an all-new up-to-date lightweight M-lump specifically for the Z4? We're not due a new M3 or M5 for a while, so who knows?

Interesting to note that the next M3 will aparently go back to straight six power (probably with twin turbos I would guess). As you say a new 3 is a fair way off (2012 I think) so maybe the new E89 Z4 will get the new M3 engine first?

For the record I stuck with a 335i the other day....straight line stuff though, no idea what either car would be like on the corners...but hey, that's not why I bought the car. It's my "daily sh!tter"

335i's are rumoured to come out of the factory with a bit more than the quoted 300bhp. Even with a heavier car I guess the low down torque would even out a quick sprint (unless the M happened to be at the right revs to start off with). Guess whats top of the list for my next one!

Not bad for a "daily sh!tter!" Gareth!

[DJ]

I happen to think these are ugly as sin.

So do I.

+1

Sorry Gareth

I am one of those guys who have come full circle on this car. I would have agreed with the above peeps when the Z4 first came out, but has grown on me over the last year or so and now I think it looks fantastic. Just the coupe mind you - the roadster for some reason still doesn't look right. It's as if BMW are slightly ahead of their time with designs. The 5 series was their first real change in direction for the current look and arrived to lots of criticism. Hated it too when it came out but now I think it looks great as far as big comfy 5 seaters go.

V nice car ... and colour too

[Neil72]

You can't use facts, figures and data to define "greatness". The S1 Elise being a case in point.

I still say this is one of the greatest road car engines of all time, certainly in the top 10.

Anyway, time to stop defending this car. It's still sooooooooooooooo ugly