Considering Z4M - few questions *Z4M pics added*

[dgm]

They do have the same gearbox, the ratios are obviously different but otherwise it's the same box. The box is a 6-speed Getrag 217 manual gearbox.

Are you sure about that, I read that the M3 box didn't fit into the Z4m. Look up the part numbers to know for sure.

Beaver I hope you get it fixed, I'm going to get mine fully checked over next month at the service.

Everything I've ever read points to it being the same gearbox. The part numbers aren't going to prove differently as there are different ratios between the 2 cars. I still think it is the same box.

 

[SO8]

Well, an update

I pick up my 56 plate Z4M on Saturday morning ... and then off for a nice drive - I can't wait :evil:

The first I drove that ended up smoking was rough compared to the one I drove yesterday .... which was great - which was why, even though a bit older, I bought it !!

I managed to get them to reduce the price by £1500 which seemed reasonable - with the standard years warranty and "AA" type cover (which if they let me I will extend in due course). I have seem the V5 and it is demo + one local owner who traded it for a new Z4. It has had the 1200 miles service and shows 12K to it's next service (so I'll start saving now).

They gave me £18250 for my Golf GTi so I am well happy - just praying the '7 day insurance' gets emailed to them so they can tax the beast :|

Who do people use for insurance - my current insurance broker (Greenlight) are great for modified GTi's but hate the Z4M due to a few big claims (apparently). Admiral quoted me £580 with an excess of £350 and Adrian Flux were not much dearer but with a £500 excess. Chris Knott were shut when I tried :roll:

I am now praying for a dry Saturday ! Not bothered how cold ... just dry

 

[Disco Steve]

I'm with Bell, which is the same company as Admiral and Elephant, since I've had mine. They have been by far the cheapest! Just renewed they other day for £630, £350 x's. Which might be quite high to others but I'm in Glasgow with only 2 years NCB. (Travelled about with work for years so drove there cars).

Roll on Saturday, you will love it, I've been using another car the past few weeks as I've been doing dull motorway miles. When I got back in it I reminded just how great it is!

Enjoy!

 

[gannet]

SO8 - Congrats

 

[Breaker]

Try Swift insurance. Always comes out best for me, but could be an age thing! :wink:

Enjoy your new Z!

 

[daz05]

They do have the same gearbox, the ratios are obviously different but otherwise it's the same box. The box is a 6-speed Getrag 217 manual gearbox.

Are you sure about that, I read that the M3 box didn't fit into the Z4m. Look up the part numbers to know for sure.

Beaver I hope you get it fixed, I'm going to get mine fully checked over next month at the service.

Everything I've ever read points to it being the same gearbox. The part numbers aren't going to prove differently as there are different ratios between the 2 cars. I still think it is the same box.

From the M registry.... hope the information helps you. (http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=24)

What type of transmission is used in the E86 M Coupe?
All E86 M Coupes are equipped with a ZF Type H 6-speed manual gearbox featuring the following ratios: 4.35 (1), 2.50 (2), 1.66 (3), 1.23 (4), 1.00 (5), 0.85 (6). This is mated to a 3.62:1 final drive with M Variable Differential Lock.

And (http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=19)

What type of transmission is used in the E46 M3?
The E46 M3 utilizes a Getrag Type D six-speed manual gearbox with the following ratios: 4.23 (1), 2.53 (2), 1.67 (3), 1.23 (4), 1.00 (5), 0.83 (6). This is mated to a 3.62:1 final drive with M Variable Differential Lock.

 

[mmm-five]

For manual transmissions (although the SMG 'box is the same 'box but with the SMG gubbins attached) and according to BMW ETK...

The Z4M uses the GS6-37BZ-TJEE (BMW part number 23007837983)

The 3.0si Z4 uses the GS6-37BZ-TJES (BMW part number 23007565178)
The pre 2006 3.0 Z4 uses the GS6-37BZ-TBEA (BMW part number 23007531345)
The post 2006 3.0 Z4 uses the GS6-37BG-TBEW (BMW part number 23007562722)
The 2.5 Z4 uses the GS6-17BG-TCBI (BMW part number 23007575052)
The 2.2 Z4 uses the S5D250G-TBDT (BMW part number (23007533112)
The 2.0 Z4 uses the GS6-17BG-TCBH (BMW part number 23007575050)

The e46 M3/CS/CSL uses the S6S 420G-TBAI (BMW part number 23002229721)

 

[Z4coupebeaver]

For manual transmissions (although the SMG 'box is the same 'box but with the SMG gubbins attached) and according to BMW ETK...

The Z4M uses the GS6-37BZ-TJEE (BMW part number 23007837983)

The 3.0si Z4 uses the GS6-37BZ-TJES (BMW part number 23007565178)
The pre 2006 3.0 Z4 uses the GS6-37BZ-TBEA (BMW part number 23007531345)
The post 2006 3.0 Z4 uses the GS6-37BG-TBEW (BMW part number 23007562722)
The 2.5 Z4 uses the GS6-17BG-TCBI (BMW part number 23007575052)
The 2.2 Z4 uses the S5D250G-TBDT (BMW part number (23007533112)
The 2.0 Z4 uses the GS6-17BG-TCBH (BMW part number 23007575050)

The e46 M3/CS/CSL uses the S6S 420G-TBAI (BMW part number 23002229721)

Isn't the S6S 420G-TBAI the SMG box?

 

[dgm]

All noted but I'm still not clear on this. If you search back at the reviews from the release date of the Z4MR and subsequently the Z4MC there are constant references to them using the same gearbox from the E46 M3. I accept that the part numbers are different and when you look at the casings there are obvious differences but I'm unsure if that means that this is an entirely different gearbox to the M3 or if the original E46 box had a redesign of it's casing to make it fit the Z4. I went directly from the M3 to the Z4 and I've got to say that the gearbox felt identical in nature to use with all the same low gear notchiness which suddenly started to make sense and come together when pushing the car hard through quick gear changes. I'd be intriqued to know the definitive answer.

 

[Z4coupebeaver]

If mmm-five is right then the Z4M gearboz is closer to the Z4 3.0Si box than the M3. I think the 7th characher in the coding indicates the manufacturer. Z = ZF, G = Getrag.

This is important to me right now as I'm being told that the Z4M box should be noisy when in fact the Z4 box isn't.

What is your source on this info mmm-five?

 

[dgm]

It's on RealOEM.com.

 

[Z4coupebeaver]

Not sure if I should be starting a separate thread on this as it has turned into a gearbox discussion.

I can see the info on RealOEM now - many thanks. This then certainly indicates that the Z4M and M4 box are not even made by the same manufacturer.

This brings a new dimension to this as it would indicate that the "noise" is not normal.

Shunt has kindly offered to let me listen to his gearbox so I will reserve judgement until I hear his.

 

[Z4coupebeaver]

One thing that doesn't make sense looking at RealOEM is that the Z4M bellhousing looks the same as on the Z4 3.0Si. Surely this is incorrect?

Could anyone enlighten me on this?

 

[mmm-five]

One thing that doesn't make sense looking at RealOEM is that the Z4M bellhousing looks the same as on the Z4 3.0Si. Surely this is incorrect?

Could anyone enlighten me on this?

The pictures on RealOEM and any other ETK source are not always correct. I would never use anything on the ETK as a template to ensure correct fitting - it's just to give the user a reference to where one part might be in relation to another.

The SMG boxes seem to be simply whatever box is normal for that car with the extra SMG gubbins attached.

 

[Z4coupebeaver]

Yes, that's a good point, the diagrams probably are generic but the part numbers will be correct. I still don't understand why the Z4M and M3 both have gearbox oil changes at 1200 miles but not the 3.0Si.

 

[daz05]

Mmmmfive - top answer. Think the case is closed. Reviews should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Re- oil change, perhaps because the M cars are putting out more power and torque than the Si, just a guess.

 

[Z4coupebeaver]

Re the oil change, that's the conclusion I came to as well. My box has ZF in big letters on the side of the bellhousing so that answers the point over whether it is a Getrag or a ZF.

I suspect my local dealer is going to have some answers to find as they can't use the excuse of "they all do that because it's a high performance box!

Thanks for all the input everyone. Hope I can help in the future.

 

[dgm]

Mmmmfive - top answer. Think the case is closed. Reviews should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Re- oil change, perhaps because the M cars are putting out more power and torque than the Si, just a guess.

Agreed, case is closed. I find myself suitably admonished.

 

[WLH]

Perhaps you will find this BMW doc useful...
http://www.eastpazscca.org/bmw/Techdataeu.pdf

 

[Z4coupebeaver]

It's interesting to see that the 3.0Si shows a Getrag type H box and the Z4M a ZF type H. The ratios are the same but it still begs the question are the internals the same.

I suspect they are.