New Z4M a step closer?

[sammyz]

Motoring mags reporting BMW are developing a 1 series M car that will have a tuned version of the 35i engine. Talking about lifting the diff, suspension, brakes etc from the M3. The engine will be tuned to produce near 400 BHP. Priced between M3 and 135i and could be out by 2011.

You wonder if this project will make the costs/development work for a Z4M pretty easy and viable for BMW.

 

[mikedav]

I guarantee there will be an M.

Z3M - denied then built.
Z4M - denied then built.

It's very simple marketing....

A) People are impatient, so you tell the world there won't ever be one.
B) Everyone who would have bought one doesn't want to wait and see, and buys an Sdrive 35 instead.
C) 3 years later, announce the M. Along with new customers, you get 35 owner upgrades.
D) More sales than launching the M from day one, keeps the model range fresh.

It happens even when the future models are known, too; that's why the first 3 Series Coupe was launched as a 335i in SE spec. People want the new Coupe, so they buy it even if the engine is bigger than they wanted. Smaller engines come next (stepped down - the last one is usually the smallest). Then the Sport kit everyone wanted on day one is released, freshens range. Many upgrade. Then the M is launched, more new customers and another potential upgrade, halo product, freshens range....many 335i owners chop their car in for a 335i.

So basically, deny the Z4M outright = more sales later

 

[sammyz]

The biggest problem is going to be the price. 35i is £40k+ so I would guess £50k+ for Z4M.

If they do use the 35i engine it would weigh the same as stock , DCT gearbox, M diff and uprated brakes would weigh a little more maybe so the car would need to go on a diet. Apparently the 1 series M is to loose weight to help performance. A soft top?? would be one way to lessen weight and reduce centre of gravity.

As you say it would be a suprise if the 'M' never gets built despite what BMW say.

 

[mikedav]

The M3 went up nigh on £10k when the new model was launched and shifted it up a class; 'free' Nav and leather but still £50k vs £40k as a starting point...loaded M3 convertibles pushing £68k. I know what you mean on the price though, a loaded 35i can be nigh on £50k which is an awful lot for a car at this level, and would suggest a Z4M coming in at £50k-£60k, but as is the way with these things...cars get bigger, more expensive, faster, heavy with each class creating space for a new model underneath. Maybe we would see the fabled Z2 around the same time?

I'd love DCT on a Z4M...

 

[wooter]

So basically, deny the Z4M outright = more sales later

True, except for the people who know the marketing tricks and can wait

Not so convinced yet that I would go for a twin turbo'd 400hp new Z4 if the old one is lighter at 343hp out of an inline 6... And fabric roof

And there is the problem BMW will face in the future, according to the cars they're putting out now: the new 7 series is better than the old one, but the case is not so clear for the new 5 series. Will they be able to improve the 3 series that much? And the new Z4 is good, but the line between a new Z4 35i or old Z4M is very very thin...

 

[Andy]

but it would have new generation nav, dct and adaptive suspension, something that will be even more tempting in 2+yrs time.

ive still got slim hope it's all being designed around the existing m3v8. if so, you can have my deposit now.

 

[wooter]

I'm more keen on a Z2M then

Or an M6 . I really hate the usable trunk space (or lack of) in a 3 series convertible, and have seen my share of warped roofs already. Friend of a supplier got himself a new Z4 and it's already for sale after having to be towed away with a warped roof in less than a month after delivery. Rather a coupe than a flappy roof .

But, each to their own

 

[chetalien]

Z4m would be interesting and great if they can get V* and get 400+ bhp, more torqueir and also adaptive susp. need to guess the price?

 

[mmm-five]

but it would have new generation nav, dct and adaptive suspension, something that will be even more tempting in 2+yrs time.

Just make sure that you keep a warranty running on one of those - as the M5's adaptive suspension (EDC) costs £1000/corner at the moment.

 

[pvr]

I am waiting for a new M, I would never downgrade to a S3.5 from the current M and then kick myself if a year later there is an M. I guess once you have had a real M, a wannabe will never do.

 

[sammyz]

If the fabled Z2 ever appears based on th next gen 1 series then a Z2M is a distinct possibility if there's to be a 1M as seems certain . It would be basically the same car as the E46 M3 was to the Z4M.

 

[Wondermike]

So with the 35is announced, does that kill off the ///M once and for all.

Not sure that 340bhp, 0-62 in 4.8 and a list price of £41k+ leaves much room for it, apart from a limited slip diff?

 

[AlanJ]

So with the 35is announced, does that kill off the ///M once and for all.

Not sure that 340bhp, 0-62 in 4.8 and a list price of £41k+ leaves much room for it, apart from a limited slip diff?

But it will have 'M' badges..........

 

[PawnSacrifice]

So with the 35is announced, does that kill off the ///M once and for all.

Not sure that 340bhp, 0-62 in 4.8 and a list price of £41k+ leaves much room for it, apart from a limited slip diff?

Hope not! Even if I don't own one be nice to know it's out there.

Wonder if they'll add on £10k or so flog it as something akin to a CSL! Now, who would like a V8 Z4M CSL?

 

[Andy]

hadn't seen this, but yes it does look a little close.

My question is now where's this fabled 40i on all the parts listings, will there be a 40is too?

 

[Andy]

I'm more tempted now than I have been, but that's probably because it's red

The more I think about this though, the more it *could* be that if a new Z4M e89 comes along, it will be even better than expected.

They're quoting 4.8s 0-60 though, & they quoted a very conservative 5.0s with ours, most testers have broken 4.8s, so if this is 4.6-ish, is there really a need for anything quicker?

PLEASE put the 4.0 V8 in.

 

[Wondermike]

hadn't seen this, but yes it does look a little close.

My question is now where's this fabled 40i on all the parts listings, will there be a 40is too?

Wouldn't have thought so, I think that maybe this was the 40i at the time of the parts list being produced, but the name was still at large. Must admit, 40i would have made a bit more sense that 35is.

 

[mikedav]

Love the look of this new 35is (Despite the stupidly long full name)...front and rear treatment much better. Would be sorely tempted by a 6 month old one. It's still not an M car though.... they have confirmed a 1 Series M now (and are arguing over what to call it apparently) - another one for which there was strong denial initially while the 135i was the latest thing, and for which there was perceived overlap (would it be as quick as an M3 but cheaper?). The Z4 has also moved upmarket slightly (especially in price) so I am still certain there is room for one.

I'd put £20 on a Z4M being available around 2012. Hopefully with a V8...

 

[Phoenix]

So apparently this 35is has an additional radiator... wonder what it could be remapped to - 400hp ish?

That may make it worthwhile if no //M comes out.

Remember on top gear the normal 35 was slower than the cayman s in a drag race, so this 35is should be at least as fast.... though wonder how the handling compares.

Its just the weight that concerns me.

 

[Breaker]

Remember on top gear the normal 35 was slower than the cayman s in a drag race, so this 35is should be at least as fast.... though wonder how the handling compares.

Can't remember that one? I thought it was only on Top Gear against the Nissan 370Z. :?