Hello all,
Just back from the M5 D/E, awesome experience and well worth the trip for those of you who have not yet attended.
We were the first group to have hands-on experience in the new Z4 3.0!
Details:
225 hp
Steptronic transmission (6-speed is comming later on 3.0, with "SMG" available next spring).
Color was in "launch color" - grey/black
Wheels - 18"
Sport, Premium, Convenience package
Impressions:
Looks much better in person IMHO. The long hood and short deck gives it quite a sporty presence. The top is fully powered with glass rear window. Comparisons to the Z3 are almost meaningless as there is much more interior space than in Z3, plenty of elbow, leg, and head room. Exhaust sound is throaty, and the car is very well balanced. No squeeks nor rattles, with top down. Ability to carry on a conversation at freeway speeds, and heater works fairly well at 45-50F degrees! This car handles curves incredibly well, due to the lower center of gravity, wider tract and longer wheelbase. Decent trunk space as well. Power delivery was smooth and progressive, with plenty of torque to pass or pull around the turns. The general consensus among the group was very positive.
Needless to say, the sight of 10 grey Z4 was quite impressive and created quite a nice little "stir" at the Biltmore and on the road.
No "official" word on a M version, although it was noted that there is plenty of room in the engine bay.
__________________ NEW '08 E86 Z4 M Coupe
Sapphire Black Metallic / Black Nappa Leather / Aluminum Trim
Previously owned M's:
'02 E39 M5 Carbon Black Metallic/Black All Leather Nappa Heritage/Dark Burr Walnut trim
very interesting how they're using the Z4's now for the M5 DE.... I would have prefered it if they used the old 321hp M Roadsters though... would have been more fun to drive... they should have waited till the M Roadster version of the Z4, or at least used a manual version for the DE...
__________________ US Spec 2001 E39 M5 - LHD AC Schnitzer
DFC suspension, anti-sway bars, pedals
front splitters, rear wing w/ carbon fiber
Hi Tfung,
The Z4 3.0's do have a good amount of torque (and low weight 3,000 lbs) to handle the winding roads we experienced in South Carolina. Obviously not M5 like, but probably more usable than on the Z3 chasis, IMHO.
I would imagine that as the 6-speed, or later a M version arrives, that they will be using those cars...
Cheers,
__________________ NEW '08 E86 Z4 M Coupe
Sapphire Black Metallic / Black Nappa Leather / Aluminum Trim
Previously owned M's:
'02 E39 M5 Carbon Black Metallic/Black All Leather Nappa Heritage/Dark Burr Walnut trim
went to the Z4 launch party tonight at bmw of manhattan, was surprised to see how much room they left in the engine bay. Do they have plans to fit a big engine block in that chassis somewhere down the pipeline?
Other than that, the car looks better in person, sport rims look great too. Thanks for the review on the performance aspect.
'08 E86 Z4 M Coupe 
they should have waited till the M Roadster version of the Z4, or at least used a manual version for the DE... 
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