Review: Mahesh Kale's 2013 BMW Z4 35is M Sport
15 December 2017, Neil Parkhi
Introduction
The BMW Z4 is a range of two-seat roadster and coupé models which have been produced since 2002. It is the third model in the BMW Z Series and the successor to the Z3. The BMW E89 Z4 was officially announced in December 2008 and was unveiled in the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit alongside the MINI Convertible. The BMW E89 Z4 was then launched in markets on May 2009. New equipment available for the E89 includes Regenerative braking, auto Start-stop system, Electric power steering on all models. Driving mode selector, Electric parking brake, adaptive headlights, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Along with the Z4’s general heritage, I would also like to mention that this car is special for the channel. This particular Z4 belongs to Indian Classical Musician Mahesh Kale, who is a musical inspiration for myself, and youth in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have not noticed the license plate, it says 4 U ABHI. Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki was Mahesh’s music teacher and this plate is in his honor.
Heritage
The first generation (E85/E86) was produced with either a soft-top convertible roof, or as a fixed-roof coupe. The second generation was produced in one body style, using a retractable hardtop roof. The Z4 has been powered by a range of inline-4 and inline-6 petrol engines. For the first generation (E85/E86), all of the engines were naturally aspirated. For the second generation (E89), the first turbocharged engine became available and by 2011 the entire range used turbocharged engines. Initially, the Z4 was produced in South Carolina in the United States. In 2008, production was moved to Regensburg, Germany. The BMW E85/E86 is the first generation of BMW Z4 roadsters and coupes, which were produced from 2002 to 2008. The E85/E86 replaced the Z3 and is the third model in the BMW Z Series. Initial models were in the roadster (E85) body style, with the coupe (E86) body style being added in 2006. The E85 was designed by Danish BMW-designer Anders Warming from mid-1998 to March 1, 2000. The Z4 was introduced at the Paris Auto Show in 2002, and North American models went on sale in November of the same year as the 2003 model year. European sales began in March 2003. The BMW E89 is the second generation of the BMW Z4 roadsters, which was produced from 2009 to 2016. The E89 is the first BMW to be designed by two female designers, Juliane Blasi and Nadya Arnaout in 2006.
Specifications
| Steering and Transmission | |
|---|---|
| Steering Type | Speed Proportional, Electro-Mechanical, Rack and Pinion Power Steering |
| Transmission Type | 7 Speed Automatic |
| Wheels and Tires | |
| Front Wheel Type | 19 by 9 inch 5 spoke alloys |
| Rear Wheel Type | 19 by 9 inch 5 spoke alloys |
| Front Tire Type | 225/35R19 |
| Rear Tire Type | 225/35R19 |
| Front Brake Type | Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Disc |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension Type | Independent MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension Type | Independent Multi-Link |
| Suspension Features | Stabilizer Bars, Coil Springs, Gas Pressurized Shock Absorbers |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (in, mm) | 166.9in, 4239mm |
| Width (in, mm) | 70.5in, 1790mm |
| Height (in, mm) | 50.8in, 1290mm |
| Wheelbase (in, mm) | 98.3in, 2497mm |
| Weight (lb, kg) | 3549lb, 1610kg |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine Type | 3.0 litre twin turbocharged inline 6 cylinder |
| Power (bhp, PS, kW) | 335bhp, 340PS, 250kW @ 5900 rpm |
| Torque (lb-ft, Nm) | 332lb-ft, 450Nm @ 1500RPM |
| 0-60 mph (0-97 kmph) | 4.3 seconds |
| Top Speed (mph, kmph) | 155 mph, 250 kmph |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Tank Size (gal, L) | 14.5 gallons, 55L |
| Fuel Type (AKI, RON) | 91 Octane/AKI Petrol (95 RON) |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 17mpg, 7kmpL |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 24mpg, 10kmpL |
| Cargo Specifications | |
| Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 8ft3, 227L |
| Max. Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 8ft3, 227L |