Wednesday 23rd September 2009

AC Schnitzer Reveals 178mph BMW Z4

Top-end Z4 sDrive35i gets the Schnitzer treatment

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Erstwhile BMW tweaker AC Schnitzer has breathed on the latest BMW Z4 to create this, the BMW Z4 ACS4.

It uses the range-topping sDrive35i as a base, but ECU tweaks and a pair of stainless steel exhausts push power for the twin-turbo six up to 355bhp from the standard car's 302bhp. Schnitzer also frees the Z4 from the shackles of its electronic speed limiter.

As a result the ACS4 tops out at 178mph and passes the 62mph mark in 4.8secs (0.4secs quicker than the standard Z4).

Visual changes are relatively subtle, with a chrome front grille, a chunky front spoiler and an unusual 'twin' rear spoiler. Even the 18-inch five-spoke wheels are restrained, although 19-inch and 20-inch alloys are available.

Schnitzer has also massaged the handling with a stiffer set of springs. According to the folks at Schnitzer, the grip of their new ACS4 defies physics. "Thanks to a new spring kit" they say, "the transverse acceleration appears to bypass the conventional laws of nature". Blimey...

 

[ar0u2211]

Should I be surprised that schnitzer actually seem to have got it right?

Like

[kambites]

Wheels are terrible. Reasonable effort otherwise though.

I guess if BMW don't make an M, there will be quite a lot of these kind of things springing up to try to fill the void.

Edited by kambites on Wednesday 23 September 13:31

[Mr Whippy]

It looks like it's riding about 8cm too high, and looks horrendous.

Give me the subtle M-sport body-kitted one any day of the week please

Dave

[Neil G60]

I'm not sure those wheels will last too long on UK roads! Also, with turbos going bang left right and centre on that engine is tuning it wise?

Edited by Neil G60 on Wednesday 23 September 13:40

[Staffy1984]

kambites said:

Wheels are terrible. Reasonable effort otherwise though.

I guess if BMW don't make an M, there will be quite a lot of these kind of things springing up to try to fill the void.

Edited by kambites on Wednesday 23 September 13:31

+1

[JumpinJack]

I think it's not a bad effort. But than some of the things they have thrown out previously! BUT... those wheels don't go with the shape at all!

[CliveM]

Aha - it appears that you CAN polish a turd (perhaps still smarting at the whole "no M version of this because we're too busy sticking M badges on 4x4s" thing).

[alock]

When the first Z4 was launch, I hated it. Over time I gradually started to warm to the unique design and almost bought one.

With the new Z4, the first time I saw it I wanted one. Over time I'm gradually starting to notice parts of the design that I don't like and now think it already looks like it needs a facelift. Unfortunately this isn't it.

[ctallchris]

CliveM said:

Aha - it appears that you CAN polish a turd (perhaps still smarting at the whole "no M version of this because we're too busy sticking M badges on 4x4s" thing).

I reckon they've just tried to cover it up with a maybe if we put loads of power in it people won't realize it's as dull as a night out in Belgium with a bunch of chartered surveyors who really dislike nights out.

[evenflow]

In white with shadow-chrome CSL alloys that would look the nuts.

[Staffy1984]

CliveM said:

Aha - it appears that you CAN polish a turd (perhaps still smarting at the whole "no M version of this because we're too busy sticking M badges on 4x4s" thing).

Not polished! Rolled in Glitter!!!!!

[RobCrezz]

Preferred the last Gen Z4. Would love a Z4MC.

[jontysafe]

I like this, unfortunately it won`t make a noise like my Z4MC, so I`ll stick with that!!

[SleeperCell]

CliveM said:

Aha - it appears that you CAN polish a turd (perhaps still smarting at the whole "no M version of this because we're too busy sticking M badges on 4x4s" thing).

They said they weren't going to make an M versions of the Z3 and then Z4 when they were both released. Then once the model lineup gets old and people start losing interest they magically come up with some M powered versions to renew interest.

[Belfast Boy]

I hope they've sorted out the Tram-lining?

[Merefield]

Staffy1984 said:

kambites said:

Wheels are terrible. Reasonable effort otherwise though.

+1

+ another 1

Wheels are indeed AWFUL, its all just bling - those brakes don't look up to the performance hike.

Plus they won't have fixed the heavy rear end due to hard roof mechanism.

BMW needs to make an M version with a soft top alternative to improve the balance, and/or create a full-on coupe version imho.

Nothing against the vanilla BMW car, as its already fantastic, its just frustrating they don't offer a more focussed version.

[ChapppeRS]

Surely they're not 18s? They barely fit inside the arches!!!

[Marlon Bodicker]

kambites said:

Wheels are terrible. Reasonable effort otherwise though.

I quite like what I'm looking at, but as you rightly say, those wheels need to go.

Speaking of tuners, has Hamann ruined the Z4 yet?

[V8A*ndy]

Well I feel i'm fully qualified to comment on this.

The front looks great and that's about it.

NEXT!

[daz4m]

I think thats very cool, not 100% on the wheels but thats easily fixed.