Even if you’re a committed BMW cynic or are not entirely
convinced by the new design direction the BMW Z4 has taken (relative to the
first-generation E85 model), you’d be hard-pressed to call the
current-generation Z4 ugly. Especially not when it has those angular lines,
that graceful long bonnet, and rearward-set cabin – the latter element echoing
the silhouette of iconic BMW convertibles from the past (the 507 and Z8, for
example).
Making the Z4 look even better is a bit of a tall order. But
if anyone can do it, Hamann can.
This car is dressed up with a full complement of body
styling accessories from the German tuner. And to add a particularly classy
finishing touch, it’s clad in a matte white wrap. This has the effect of making
the car look like marble, which makes the blacked-out model and variant badges
on the boot lid and front wings stand out even more.
BMW Z4 sDrive35i
The body kit comprises a new front bumper with integrated
LED daytime running lights (to supplement BMW’s “corona rings” surrounding the
headlights), a pair of heavily sculpted side skirts, a new rear bumper and –
the cherry on the cake – a boot-lid-mounted spoiler. Completing the look is a
set of two-piece, two-tone, deep-dish 19-inch BBS wheels with Michelin’s
stellar Pilot Super Sport tyres wrapped around them.
This Z4 has the “voice” to back up its even more aggressive
new look as well. It comes packing new “lungs” in the form of a Hamann exhaust
system, complete with a quartet of chrome-nish stainless steel tailpipes.
Immediately apparent even at idle, the new exhaust setup lends this car a
throaty, metallic bark – a far cry from the stock vehicle’s muted tones.
And this white Bavarian stallion will leap forward just as
eagerly as its exhaust note will suggest, thanks to a Juzz Power throttle
controller from Juzz For Cars. This useful little gizmo smooths out the stock
throttle map, allowing for greater sensitivity to inputs. This is especially
handy when attempting to summon some power, but nothing is forthcoming, no
thanks to a “hollow” spot in the throttle response.
Helping that along further is an ECU reflash, courtesy of
Wetterauer. The German ECU tuner, hailing from the lakeside town of Bodensee,
has boosted the output of the stock car’s 3-litre turbocharged inline-6 from
306bhp to 360bhp. Torque rises as well, from 400Nm to 480Nm. This healthy
increase in power and torque isn’t too surprising, since Wetterauer proudly
asserts it has a “passion for power”.
Needless to say, the 18 percent and 20 percent improvement
in power and torque respectively should make this Z4 quite formidable,
providing more than enough “go” to match its “show”.
BMW Z4 sDrive35i
Engine
For anyone who has ever driven a standard sDrive35i Z4, we
reckon the word “slow” would be the furthest thing from his mind. Obviously,
the same applies to this tweaked Z4. BMW claims a zeroto-100km/h time of 5.1
seconds for the original model. And with the improved punch under the bonnet,
we think a century sprint time that approaches 4.5 seconds isn’t too
unrealistic.
That said, what goes very quickly must also come to a stop
at some point, and with this car’s higher output, the ability to halt the car
when you want it to becomes even more important. Providing stopping power for
this Z4 are a set of ATE ceramic brake pads augmenting the power of the stock
BMW callipers. According to ATE, these pads produce lowered amounts of dust and
noise. Best of all, they last longer. Naturally, the brake lines haven’t been
spared attention, with Stoptech providing the uprated braided steel lines.
BMW Z4 sDrive35i
right side view
On the inside of this white beauty, the owner has elected to
keep things simple, with its ivory-coloured leather seat upholstery (a great
match for this Z4’s white exterior), though the more eagle-eyed observer might
spot a few non-stock parts lurking within the cabin.
These include some drilled aluminium pedals, also from
Hamann (including the footrest), that are anodised a handsome gunmetal grey.
The even more astute spotter will also note that the famous
BMW roundel on the steering wheel has been replaced. The badge’s sky-blue
sections are now silver carbon fibre, and this aftermarket badge treatment can
also be found on the car’s exterior (on the bonnet, boot lid and front wings).
Given all the enhancements to this car, it would be safe to
conclude that beauty, like money or time, is something you can’t have too much
of, though don’t think this Z4 is good only for boulevard cruising. Its
upgraded performance puts it firmly in the “seriously quick” category. And
should you have any doubts about its performance potential, just listening to
the rasp of the Hamann exhaust should clear that up.
