Z3 update info (and 7er facelift)

[andrew.j.thomas@xxxxxx]

Hi all, again.

More gumph from this week's Autocar about the proposed changes to the Z3.

As some of you will be aware, certain markets (mostly in central Europe)
get a 115 bhp, 8-valve sohc version of the Z3. This engine is to be
replaced by the new 1895 cc, 118 bhp 8v engine created for the E46 318i,
and becomes the entry-level model (before you cry foul, bear in mind that
this low-tech engine produces as much torque as the 16v M44 - 133 lb-ft -
over a much wider speed range). The 16v M44 engine will soldier on for a
while, and eventually be replaced with the 150 bhp 2.0 litre six, using the
widened chassis already seen in the Z3 2.8. This satisfies the pent-up
demand seen by BMW for an affordable six-pot BMW roadster; I guess this is
something that will set it apart from Miatas and MGFs (about time too).
European markets (not the UK) will also get the 2.0 litre six in the new 3
as well.

The Z3 also gets the 170 (Euro) /168 (US) bhp 2.5 litre engine used in the
various 323s; still badged as a 2.3, it's for the US only.

Also the 7er gets a wash-and-brush-up. The front lights have been given the
E46 cut-out treatment, and the engine have been double-VANOS'd - the 3.5
litre engine gets 10bhp more power and 18 lb-ft more torque and the 4.4
litre engine 15 lb-ft more torque.

Finally BMW is fitting DSC as standard to all 5s and 7s, as well as Dynamic
Brake Assist (that full-on brake stomp thing invented by Mercedes a couple
of years ago).

That's all.

Regards

Andrew T
'95 318is.

------------------------------