Our good friend Kurt Ernst at RideLust.com posted an interesting porn video… I mean time lapse build video… showing the complete build of a BMW Z4 GT3 racecar. Team West Coast Racing spent about 600 hours to completely build out this project. It is said that this build costs $470,000 plus the time that it takes YOU to complete assembly, which is required.

You may have already been reading surprising information on BMW vehicles powered by the N54 turbocharged inline-6 engines about them having a defect regarding the high pressure fuel pump. Recently ABC News posted a story about many owners complaining of losing power while driving in certain vehicles equipped with the N54 engine due to a malfunctioning fuel pump forcing their car into ‘limp home’ mode. After the story, BMW announced they will be performing a recall on various vehicles including 2007-2010 135, 335, 535, X6, Z4 and 20,000 2008 X5s.

ABC is said to be continuing their investigation of the matter as well as the NHTSA. So far there have not been any related accidents or deaths from the matter, only a large amount of discouraged BMW owners. Some of angry owners are ‘repeat offenders’ for visiting the service department for the same issue that so far BMW has failed to completely resolve until now.

[source: ABC News]

BMW Recall Press Release [source: BMW]

BMW to Conduct Voluntary Emissions and Safety Recalls

* 26.10.2010
* Press Release

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 26, 2010… BMW of North America has notified the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of its intent to conduct a voluntary recall of some model year 2007-2010 BMWs equipped with twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engines, all of which feature BMW’s High Precision Injection direct fuel injection system. It has also asked for approval from the California Air Resources Board to conduct this action. Affected vehicles may experience a failure of the high-pressure fuel pump.
Symptoms include long-crank engine starting times along with the illumination of the “Service Engine Soon” light. In certain cases, the driver may experience reduced engine performance in a Safe Mode accompanied by a tone and the illumination of the “Engine Malfunction” light.

Based on the individual service history of the vehicle, the action will entail replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump and/or a software update.

Approximately 130,000 vehicles are potentially affected with about 40,000 expected to require a new high pressure fuel pump. Affected BMW models include:

* MY 2007–2010 335i models.
* MY 2008–2010 135i, 535i and X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupes
* MY 2009 – 2010 Z4 Roadster sDrive35i

In a separate action, BMW has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will voluntarily recall approximately 20,800 MY 2008 X5 Sports Activity Vehicles equipped with normally-aspirated inline six-cylinder engines to replace the low-pressure fuel pump. In this case, should the fuel pump experience a failure, the engine will stop running and the driver will lose power assist for the steering and brakes although both the steering and the brakes remain operational.

Letters will be sent by First Class mail to owners of affected vehicles in the coming weeks, requesting the scheduling of a service appointment with an Authorized BMW Center to have the update performed.
No injuries have been reported with either of these issues.

In the case of either issue, if the customer experiences a problem, they should contact their authorized BMW Center. Customers with additional questions should contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-563-4269 or email CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

For the celebration of 70 years from the Mille Miglia victory in the 19040s in a BMW 328 MM Touring Coupe, BMW has announced a limited edition of the 2010 Z4 sDrive35is Mille Miglia.

BMW is said to only build 99 of these limited edition units with the same Polaris Metallic matte finish, M aerodynamic kit, blacked-out kidney grill, and dark chrome 19-inch wheels. Inside of the Mille Miglia Limited Edition you will find an M steering wheel with red stitching and Alcantara seating with red stitching.

The Z4 Limited Edition gets the same upgraded N54 3.0-liter 6-cylinder twin turbo engine with 340hp and 369 lb-ft of torque directing its power through a 7-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission. 0-62mph times are expected to be 4.8 seconds and top speed is limited to 155 mph.

[source: BMW]

You may remember when we posted images and press information on the BMW M3 GTS which was basically a race-tuned version of the current E92 BMW M3. Well now BMW Motorsports has race-prepped the Z4 and turned it into a V8-powered Z4 GT3. It uses the same naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 found in the BMW M3 with a little extra tuning to make 480hp.

If you ever wanted a Z4 M that you can take on the race track, then this is the answer to your prayers. All you need now is over $400Kusd and you can live out your dream as that race-car driver now that you are all grown-up.

BMW will offer the Z4 GT3 to a small number of consumers in the second half of this year. Catch the full Z4 GT3 press release below.

Press Release

BMW Z4 GT3.

As part of its customer racing programme, BMW Motorsport is offering private teams another attractive car from 2010: the BMW Z4 GT3. This sports car is an impressive addition to the BMW product range and offers drivers and teams the opportunity to compete in international and national championships in accordance with GT3 regulations – such as the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open and the ADAC GT Masters – as well as in 24-hour endurance races.

The BMW Z4 GT3 is powered by a four-litre, eight-cylinder engine producing approximately 480 bhp. When it comes to electronics, the private teams can look forward to innovative BMW solutions, which have proven themselves in the BMW M3 GT2: the engine is controlled by the modern ECU 408, while the Power400 control unit is responsible for operating all actuators. The transmission takes place via a sequential, six-speed gearbox. The scope of delivery also includes rims with locking and safety clips, as well as racing ABS and optional air conditioning.

The BMW Z4 GT3 in its racing version is available from the second quarter of 2010 at an estimated price of 298,000 Euro (plus VAT). If interested, please send an email to Z4GT3@bmw-motorsport.com or send a fax to +49 89 382 208 55.

‘THE ULTIMATE DRIVNG MACHINE FOR ALL SEASONS’

This new BMW Z4 is the brand’s first retractable hardtop convertible and is the successor to both the Z4 roadster and Z4 coupe.  At the touch of a button, and in less than 20 seconds, the new Z4 goes from stunning coupe to stunning roadster, giving the car a low-slung rear-end design reflecting the traditional proportions of a roadster as well as a large luggage compartment ranging in capacity from 6.3 to 10.9cu.ft.  The two-piece electrohydraulically retractable top is fabricated from lightweight aluminum shell construction.  The high quality interior lining is finished in an extra-light color as well as hand-cut and sewn leather, large windows, including the heated glass window at the rear; all to ensure an exclusive look and optimized all-around visibility.  This is the perfect two-seat roadster for all four seasons.

The new Z4 exhibits an extra-long front lid, large wheel arches, a long wheelbase and small front and rear overhangs.  The unmistakable look of the car shows with a low-slung front end with a chin spoiler, a striking shoulder line, and the rear end accentuating the sheer width of the car.  The engine compartment lid extends beyond the wheel arches, the large BMW signature kidney grille up front, with Xenon adaptive headlights, intake gills at the side, black A-pillars, the contoured roof, LED rear lights and wide dual exhaust tips   set characteristic highlights.

For such a small two-seat vehicle, I was surprised at 6ft. 3in. at how much room was made available inside for driving comfort and the feeling of space that is quite unique in the growing two-seat, hardtop roadster segment.  Head and elbow room as well as the degree of comfort in entering the car have been significantly enhanced over the former Z4 models.

Extra storage inside include a wide storage crosswise compartment behind the seats.  The optional storage package and through-loading including a transport bag for bulky items of luggage such as skis or a golf bag ensure even greater variability.

The low seating position near the rear axle guarantees the driving experience typical of a BMW roadster.  High-quality materials like the Ivory White Nappa leather, 12-way power-adjustable sport bucket seats, easy to use controls, first-class quality of finish with anthracite wood trim, and the driver-oriented design of both the instrument panel and the center console, make for an emotional driving experience in a particularly refined ambience as only BMW can do.

Optional in the Z4 hardtop roadster is the BMW iDrive control system.  In conjunction with the optional BMW navigation system the new generation of BMW iDrive comprises an ergonomically optimized Controller for the selection and control of functions by tuning, pressing and tipping the Controller, function buttons on the Controller for direct menu entry, freely programmable favorite buttons for even easier operation, as well as a folding 8.8 inch color display with high-resolution graphic presentation and an optimized menu structure.  The enhanced navigation system has an even wider range of functions in entering destinations, planning trips and presenting maps.  An optional audio system comes with a hard disc memory.  My test Z4 didn’t come with this option but the manual set buttons and aluminum climate control dials were easy to operate.

I’m not a real fan of the new high-tech controllers found in BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz as you have to take your eyes off the road to correctly use and find your chosen setting.  The manual set buttons and switches are more ‘hands-on’ and safer when driving the ultimate driving machine at high speed.

The real thrill of the new BMW Z4 hardtop roadster lies beneath the sheet metal as BMW offers three straight-six powerplants to choose ranging from 204hp to 306hp.  All versions offer an optimum combination of acceleration and fuel economy in their respective class.  BMW Efficient Dynamics are featured as standard with specific highlights tailored to each model: variable VALVETRONIC valve management or, respectively, High Precision Injection direct gas injection technology, Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand management of the map-controlled oil pump, gearshift point indicator, all-aluminum or, respectively, composite magnesium/aluminum crankcase, optimized aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight technology, and all tires with reduced roll resistance.

My test Z4 came with the powerful 3.0 liter dual overhead cam, 24-valve inline turbocharged engine with Direct Injection and Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing that makes 306hp at 5,800rpm and 295lb.ft. of torque at 1,300-5,000rpm.  This enables my Z4 to accelerate from a standstill to 60mph in just 5.2 sec.  Power delivery is smooth, consistent, and quiet up front, but with a sporty, growling exhaust note out the rear when you press the pedal to the metal.

Two transmissions are available in the new Z4 hardtop roadster-a close-ratio, smooth shifting, 6-speed manual gearbox that I found exciting to use, and a seven-speed sport automatic with double clutch as an option on the sDrive35i model.  Shifting gears without the slightest interruption of traction, this transmission provides a unique combination of the extra comfort of a BMW automatic transmission with maximum dynamism and performance.  Acceleration and fuel economy are slightly better than the 6-speed manual.  A six-speed sports automatic with optimized gearshift dynamics, direct connection to the engine and minimized converter slip are optional on the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 sDrive23i models.  All sports automatic transmissions come with gearshift paddles on the tilt/telescoping, 3-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel that feels perfect in your hands.

Also excellent is the Z4’s fully independent suspension system that features an aluminum double-joint tiebar strut axle, displaced castor, small positive steering roll radius, with compensation of lateral forces and anti-dive posture up front, and a central-arm axle with aluminum upper transverse links, separate coil springs and dampers, and anti-squat and anti-dive elements in the rear.

The rear wheel drive Z4 front end bites hard into the turns thanks to a strut tower brace in the engine bay that stiffens the front and gives immediate response to your steering wheel inputs.  With the sturdy strut tower brace in place there was no cowl shake when driving over bumpy road surfaces.

All Z4 hardtop roadsters come with the latest generation of BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control that allows you to set up the car in three stages at the touch of a button.  Dynamic Drive Control acts on the gas pedal control map, engine management, Dynamic Stability Control response, the power steering control map, the dynamic gearshift on the optional sports automatic transmission and on cars fitted with the optional, Adaptive M Suspension, the control map for the electronic damper adjustment.

My Z4 hardtop roadster came equipped with the sport package that features the Adaptive M Suspension providing even more precise, quick-reacting handling thanks to the control map for electronic damper adjustment.  You can set it for comfort or sport.  Just set it for how you want the car to react to your inputs, and depending on how well the road surface is on your trip as the adjustable dampers soak up the bumps on poorly paved roads.  Driving at triple-digit speeds the car was solid and responsive.  When I drove the Z4 in the mountains challenging steep curving roads, it stayed on track like it was on rails.  The vehicle-speed-sensitive, electromechanical SEVOTRONIC power rack & pinion steering system was a perfect match for the Adaptive M Suspension as it reacted quickly to my inputs at the wheel an exhibited a great feel for the road and on center.

Quickly slowing the new Z4 down from speed are unique BMW designed, four-wheel, power-assisted, steel disc brakes.  Up front are 13.9in. vented discs clamped with large, aluminum single-piston swing-calipers, while the rear brakes measure 12.8in. vented discs also clamped with aluminum single-piston swing-calipers.  These fantastic brakes are enhanced with ABS, CBC Cornering Brake Control, Dry Braking, and Brake Fading Compensation.

Also enhancing your driving control are Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control safely keeping the Z4 on your chosen path and direction.  You can of course turn the Traction Control and Stability Control system off with the push of a console mounted button to let the rear end slip out then in with a light lifting of the throttle.

The new BMW Z4 sDrive35i rides on wheel-well stuffing,18X8.5in. light alloy aluminum wheels that are wrapped with Bridgestone 225/40R18in. front and 255/35R18in. Potenza high-performance low profile tires that enhances the grip, traction, stability and gives a compliant ride you’ll enjoy when piloting the new Z4 roadster.

Standard systems to keep you safe in the event of a collision include an extremely stiff body structure with defined load paths, specific use of high-strength steel and special deformation elements, head/thorax airbags integrated at the front and at the side in the seat backrests, three-point inertia-reel seat belts with new belt tightening technology, massively reinforced A-pillars and roll bars behind the headrests, tire pressure monitoring system, and steel beams in each door.

Standard features inside but not mentioned above of the Z4 sDrive35i include cruise control, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlight control, service interval indicator, on-board trip computer, AM-FM stereo/CD/MP3 player audio system with auxiliary audio, electronic climate control/air-filtration, power windows/door locks, power-remote side mirrors, dual map lamps and thick floor mats..  The base price for the sDrive35i model starts at $51,550.00

My test Z4 sDrive35i came with these options: deep sea blue metallic paint, universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto-dimming, heated power-sideview mirrors, power front seats, lumbar support, Premium Surround Sound AM-FM-CD/MP3 Player Audio System with 7-speakers and an 8in. subwoofer, iPod and USB adapter, Adaptive M Suspension, exclusive Ivory White Nappa leather, sport seats, Servotronic power steering, multi-function, leather-wrapped, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, automatic door open when approaching the car with push button start/stop, through-loading system, automatic A/C, and Dynamic Cruise Control.  That’s how

I would outfit my personal Z4.  This nicely loaded test Z4 sDrive35i was priced at $63,095.00 including destination chargers.

The new 2009 BMW Z4 sDrive35i is a pure joy to drive top up or down.  It combines the styling, engineering, performance, sportiness, comfort and luxury, as well as one of the safest to be driving in as only BMW can deliver.  This two-seat hardtop roadster is the choice in the segment, the ultimate driving machine.

COPYRIGHT:2009:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: MSRP $51,560 As-Tested $63,095

Type: Compact Convertible
Where Built: Germany
EPA Class: Two Seaters

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 166.9 in.
Width: 70.5 in.
Height: 50.8 in.
Wheel Base: 98.3 in.
Curb Weight: 3450 lbs.
Gross Weight: 4134 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 39.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 53.3 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.2 in.
Maximum Seating: 2

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 6
Horsepower: 300 hp
Max Horsepower: 5800 rpm
Torque: 300 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 1400 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 35.1 ft.
0-60mph: 5.2 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Manual: 18 mpg / 25 mpg / 20 mpg
Range in Miles:
Manual: 261 mi. / 362.5 mi. / 290 mi.

Not many tuners have touched the BMW Z4 let alone turned it into a tuners dream-car until now. Manhart Racing, a German company known for stuffing big V10’s and V12’s in cars that were never originally designed for them, has taken the BMW M5’s V10 and put it in one of their latest creations, a BMW Z4M. Already, the Z4 M is not slouch sharing the S54 engine from the BMW M3 producing about 343hp. Why not slap a supercharger on that inline-6, no no, Manhart had to take it a few notches up… BAAM… A big V10 powers this Z4.

Obviously stuffing the mammoth V10 from the E60 M5 was no easy task but they did that and were able to squeeze another 50hp out of it. They used the same manual 6-speed and rear differential from the donating M5. The clutch was replaced with a Fichtel & Sachs. The V10 is able exhale through an AC Schnitzer stainless steel exhaust system with HJS racing cats.

The Z4 sits on Blistein B16 PSS10 coilovers and .5x19f/235/35ZR19 fronts – 10×19 285/30ZR19 rear black BBS Challenge wheels.

With this complete package you can haul butt from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds. That’s fast!

PRESS RELEASE Manhart Racing – BMW Z4 V10

HEART TRANSPLANT – 550 HP in Z4

The M version of the BMW Z4 is famously known by nature for being anything but underpowered, since the chassis of the sports convertible already has a heck of a lot of work with the 343 HP and the forward thrust in the lower gears could last forever.

As is generally known however, the sport oriented motorist can never have enough power at his command. Sufficient cause for Günther Manhart, who by now has over 25 years experience in rebuilding BMW engines – a first for Europe – to transplant a brand new, much stronger heart into the Z4. The transplantation of the ten cylinder engine from the current M5 generation into the narrow engine bay of the roadster was anything but a walk in the park and it earned the Manhart Racing engineers quite a few grey hairs. Nevertheless: everything fitted in the end and now the fire of a 5.0 litre V10 engine with an impressive output of 550 HP blazes above the front axle of the Z4. A catalytic converter, a modified DME electronic control unit and the removal of the factory-set V-Max restriction up to 250 km/h are part of the rebuild. Consistent to the M5 V10 engine Manhart Racing has treated the Z4 to an original M5 E60 6 gear manual transmission which includes a Fichtel & Sachs clutch and a M5 E60 differential. An AC Schnitzer stainless steel exhaust system with four muffler tips which was fitted with HJS racing catalytic converters caters for a perfect V10 sound at the rear.

The Manhart Z4 M V10 goes like hell and thanks to the perfectly tuned Bilstein B16 PSS10 coilovers, the virtually unrestrained power of 550 HP can be brought under control to the tarmac. Black BBS Challenge wheels rotate in the wheel arches of the Manhart Z4 M V10 with 8.5Jx19 ET35 235/35ZR19 front tyres and 10Jx19 ET20 285/30ZR19 back tyres.

Conclusion: 550 HP ten cylinders, an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, kerb weight 1450kg, 2.6kg per HP… who could guess that these impressive figures belong to a Z4? Hardly anyone, however Manhart Racing turns dreams into reality and does this with 25 years experience.