E85 Z4 M Roadster
03-20-2010, 02:15 PM
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My Ride: 2010 535i M Sport 6MT
Model Year: 2010
Having driven an E60 M5 and E85 Z4M Roadster, I find the M vehicles require high levels of effort for steering and clutch operation. You guys driving an M daily are getting a work out! I still feel tingly after driving the Z4M for about an hour from all that road feedback.
The specs on my friend's 2007 E85 Z4 M Roadster 6MT:
3.2L 330 hp I6
330 HP @ 7900 RPM
262 lb-ft @ 4900 RPM
3200 lbs curb weight
Lots of torque! 80% of maximum torque available from 2000 RPM and up. 2000 RPM @ 5th gear is about 52 MPH. Outside of the city, 5th or 6th gear will do just about anything you want it to, up to an electronically limited 155 MPH. In the city, 3th and 4th gets you just about anywhere you want, when you want it. Steering is high effort, quick ratio and responsive. Suspension is harsh but glued to the road. Pavement quality is clearly transmitted to the driver, no doubt about that. The Z4M will go as fast as you want to and does not seem to run out of steam. The Sport mode ups the throttle response, probably like the Sprint Booster that many write about, although I have not driven a vehicle with a Sprint Booster. For smoother manual transmission operation, I find that I prefer Sport mode off. I must say that I enjoy driving the Z4M Roadster and am curious about the normally aspirated Z4 Roadster now. The Z4 Coupe is heavier than the Roadster by 30 lbs. Outward visibility is good with the soft top engaged. There are no blind spots to speak of, provided one uses the SAE method of side mirror adjustment. The Z has a really long hood, but it is easily to get used to. With non-aggressive driving and overtaking, and keeping up with the flow of traffic on the highway, the trip computer indicated 24.x MPG. Not bad if it is a daily driver
Since the ground clearance and driving position is much lower than my sedans, I have to:
- Increase my following distance to allow for more reaction time for road debris that other vehicles can clear but the Z4M may not
- Ensure that I have space around me at all times for emergency lane change due to road debris or inattentive lane changers
- On the highway, I really hate large vehicles that past me and then proceed to move into my lane and slow down to match my speed
The specs on my friend's 2007 E85 Z4 M Roadster 6MT:
3.2L 330 hp I6
330 HP @ 7900 RPM
262 lb-ft @ 4900 RPM
3200 lbs curb weight
Lots of torque! 80% of maximum torque available from 2000 RPM and up. 2000 RPM @ 5th gear is about 52 MPH. Outside of the city, 5th or 6th gear will do just about anything you want it to, up to an electronically limited 155 MPH. In the city, 3th and 4th gets you just about anywhere you want, when you want it. Steering is high effort, quick ratio and responsive. Suspension is harsh but glued to the road. Pavement quality is clearly transmitted to the driver, no doubt about that. The Z4M will go as fast as you want to and does not seem to run out of steam. The Sport mode ups the throttle response, probably like the Sprint Booster that many write about, although I have not driven a vehicle with a Sprint Booster. For smoother manual transmission operation, I find that I prefer Sport mode off. I must say that I enjoy driving the Z4M Roadster and am curious about the normally aspirated Z4 Roadster now. The Z4 Coupe is heavier than the Roadster by 30 lbs. Outward visibility is good with the soft top engaged. There are no blind spots to speak of, provided one uses the SAE method of side mirror adjustment. The Z has a really long hood, but it is easily to get used to. With non-aggressive driving and overtaking, and keeping up with the flow of traffic on the highway, the trip computer indicated 24.x MPG. Not bad if it is a daily driver
Since the ground clearance and driving position is much lower than my sedans, I have to:
- Increase my following distance to allow for more reaction time for road debris that other vehicles can clear but the Z4M may not
- Ensure that I have space around me at all times for emergency lane change due to road debris or inattentive lane changers
- On the highway, I really hate large vehicles that past me and then proceed to move into my lane and slow down to match my speed
03-20-2010, 08:15 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: St. Louis Burbs, USA
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My Ride: 2007 530i. Purchased 6/28/07. Titanium Silver Metallic, Black Dakota Leather, Dark Poplar Trim, Steptronic, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Bluetooth, Adaptive Control Xenons. 10/30/07 Added OEM 124s with 245/40/18 & 275/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Installed red Cal Covers� from BavAuto. 11/21/07 Added OEM all-weather floor mats (for winter, carpet in summer) and coat rack. 6/26/08 installed M5-style rear spoiler. 6/30/08 put on red reflectors. 8/22/08 Euro turn signal stickers applied. 3/20/09 Installed Shadowline Trim. 3/27/09 Added Matte Black Kidney Grilles from Trinity. 4/03/09 Installed Bimmian Shadow Matte Black 530i Badges. 4/04/09 Installed LED license plate lights from Trinity. 5/01/09 Installed Brabus Interior LED Kit and White Angel Eyes. 5/02/09 Put in Brabus 6K Fogs. 5/14/09 Removed charcoal filter. 5/15/09 Installed light smoke LED side marker lamps from Trinity. 5/21/09 Sprint Booster. 6/12/09 Painted exhaust tips flat black. 6/13/09 Pulled red Cal Covers and painted calipers low gloss black. 6/27/09 RPI Ram Air Scoop from Trinity. 8/15/09 Installed Brabus's silver invisibulbs front and rear. 9/24/09 Installed R-Dash license plate LEDs from Brabaus (John).
Nice write-up Victor.
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