what do you think of it?

 

Looks like a Z4 with an M badge...... I'm sure it will be quick but its still a Z4 and to be honest I can't see any obvious differences to a standard version other than the badge and quad exhaust. The new Z4 coupe however actually looks quite good and an M version of that would be better IMHO.

 

It's an okay car and I wouldn't get the ordinary z4 when u have the M - but - the folding hardtop roof means the SLK 55 AMG is streaks ahead!

 

I would actually choose the z4 M coupe!! Much better lo0o0oking ...

but forget the open top experience ... opps

 

I really like the looks of this car. Of course, its not as nice looking as the SLK55 and it looks/feels smaller on the inside, like even I would be a little cramped in there.

 

It looks like a good snack for my Kleemann. :v

Seriously, its a nice car. I'm just not a fan of soft tops nor that sloping dash that seems to becoming more prevalent in so many cars (looks like a slanted "shelf & its UGLY). Besides, BMW service is HORRIBLE where I live. My boss wanted a new 7 series to replace his aging 745i & finally opted for a new Lexus instead because BMW would not give him the time of day when he was looking to buy a new 750. Idiots...now he's driving a Lexus.

-Matt

 

It's a nice looking update to the Z4.
However, unless BMW was able to stuff a V8 under that long hood,
there's no way it will hang with our SLK55.

 

Nova, I wouldn't be so sure. 333Hp vs 355Hp is a a puny 22 Hp advantage. The current 3.0 V6 Z4 weighs in 400 lbs lighter than the SLK55 & I doubt the 333Hp (another V6) will weigh more. I doubt 22 Hp is going to offset approx 350 - 400 lbs in added weight. I'm sure that thing will accelerate rather quickly (on par with the AMG IMO, we'll see).

-Matt

 

I think it will be a great performer... CSL brakes , S54 engine ... the new suspension setup for track use .. the M LSD ... It will be go0o0od for sure.. but its still not up to the AMG standard...

is it 333 hp or 343? I think its 343 in germany ... but keep in mind its 343 when you engage the SPORT button...

 

YellowR1:
You may be right.
I couldn't locate the number for torque in your post above for the M version of the Z4.
Wonder if you could enlighten on this?
You are very quick to point out the weight and horse-power numbers, but you have omitted the number that (at least for me) is the most relevant.
I think the torque numbers (hopefully) will indicate a more powerful situation for the hand-built "warp drive" engine in our SLK55's.

 

Just found out the numbers, so I'll answer my own question above.

Projected torque for M version of Z4 = 269lbs @ 4,900 rpm

Torque for AMG SLK55 = 376lbs @ 4,000 rpm

Difference = 107 lbs.

 

On straights, it would take a very good driver for the Z4 to keep up w/ our '55. That 107 lb-ft of torque difference is a good indication that the SLK55 will get the jump, plus that 7spd auto would definitely help out. However, on the track would be a different story....

 

how can it have the S54? while that's a great motor, it's a pathetic attempt by BMW.

the late-version E37 M-Roadsters and M-Coupes had S54's in them with 315hp. since when does a manufacturer like BMW shove the same motor (albeit slightly tweaked) into the next generation successor? that would be like the W211 E55 AMG having just a slightly tweaked W210 E55 AMG motor. s54 is a great motor, but i think people forget that the S54 was available in the previous generation M car, which this new M roadster directly replaces. well nonetheless, it works. i was hoping that M would debut the "v8" that they plan to put in the e90 M3.

 

Fellas, think about it. The current M3 Coupe runs a 13.1 sec 1/4 mi. Think about that same powerplant in a car 400 lbs lighter. Yes, it has less torque, but be aware it does not need as much due to its weight.

Will the SLK55 be quicker? Likely. By much? Unlikely.

I'm not a big Bimmer fan but I think this new M version of the Z4 is pretty cool (I just like the SLK55 more ).

-Matt

 

Yellow R1 , you are right about the torque , is hp figures more important than torque? if the vehicle is light in the z4 M case here, or is it always a benchmark factor vs torque?

 

There's no replacement for that folding hardtop on the slk in my opinion. It's a nice car, but if it's about the same price it's no contest.

 

Torque is "how much" work can be done. Hp is "how fast" the work gets done (in simplistic terms). So, one needs more torque if their car weighs more than your vehicle. If they both have the same Hp (and the heavier car has adequate torque to move its extra heft), they "should" accelerate at the same rate of speed (all other factors being equal such as gearing, Cd, traction, ambient temps, etc).

So, the new M Z4 should be a tad slower since the SLK55 has more than enough torque to carry its extra 400lbs. The 22 Hp would allow the SLK to pull ever so slightly away (again, given similiar gearing, Cd as speed gets into triple digits, etc).

Hope this helps? I'm no rocket scientist but the above should hold true between the 2 cars.

-Matt

 

Germancarfans.com states the 0-60 will be 5.0 seconds, any more questions?

 

wow, a very nice way to make it so simple and direct! ... thank you for lightening up the dark part of the question...

 

you still drive the c32?

 

It's a concervative number, as always (from BMW and MB).

It probably does it in 4.8 if you're good.

Also, some people mention having gotten as low as 4.3 or 4.2 in the SLK 55 AMG... I think that the torque really helps to push the 1.5 kilos of the monster that the SLK is.

 

I got the slk55 about two weeks ago, full options. I love it.

 

I haven't asked if you got the SLK 55 and if you love it or not, I asked about if you still have and drive your C32...