Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. The BMW Z4 was introduced in 2002 and was styled by BMW's Danish designer Anders Warming. The car had its own distinctive appeal that helped it take on the Porsche Boxster directly, where the earlier Z3 had always trailed in the Porsche's wake. Thanks to a spread of engines and dose of practicality, the Z4 also managed to challenge the Mercedes SLK and Audi TT to be a very competent all-round Roadster. They were all fully built at BMW USA's South Carolina plant with the exception of the Z4M, launched in 2006, which was assembled in Carolina using engines and transmissions from BMW's 'M' Division in Germany. The essence of any 'M' car is always the powertrain really and the heart of the Z4M is the special grey cast iron block 3. 2-litre straight-six (iron was used iron for extra rigidity at high rpm). Designated S54, it's the last in the M50 line of engines and benefited from all the latest technology, including individual 'fly by wire' throttle bodies and dual variable cam timing (VANOS in BMW-speak) which all helped it to pump out 338bhp at 7, 900rpm and 269lb/ ft of torque at 4, 900rpm, with an 8, 000rpm red line. All these 'Pferde' are directed towards the back wheels through a Getrag 'Type H' 6-speed. Engine management, however, is specific to the Z4M: the Siemens MSS70 with higher processing power (64 million calculations per second) than the MSS54 (25 million CPS) in the M3. Other performance parts borrowed from the M3 include the CSL's compound (aluminium hubs, stainless steel pins, cross drilled iron floating rotors) brakes and most of the M3's suspension components. Other changes include a hydraulic steering setup which provides better feel than the electric system in standard Z4 models.
This fabulous 2009 Roadster was originally supplied by BMW (UK) Thorn in Yorkshire, finished in Black Sapphire Metallic with a striking Imola Red Nappa leather interior. It was later purchased in 2011 from Hereford BMW for £25, 811 as an investment, however our vendor has sadly passed away with the car subsequently being offered to a family member who has no real interest in it, consequently this desirable Z4M is now available on the open market.
It's accompanied by its original book pack containing the relevant service/ handbooks/ manuals etc. and the current MOT (no advisories) is valid until June 2025. There is one stamp in the book by Cotswold Hereford BMW (Sept 2017) at 11, 416 miles and an invoice dated May 2022 for £701. 61 for general works. The indicated mileage was 14, 921 at the time of cataloguing and the car will be detailed professionally to a showroom standard ready prior to our sale and will benefit from a fresh oil service.
This very low-mileage Z4M is certainly of collector quality and represents an excellent opportunity to own one of these underrated Z cars for a sensible outlay.
