Rumor: Z4 M35i Performance Model to Come With LCI Refresh

[Jason]

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Rumor: Z4 M35i Performance Model to Come With LCI Refresh

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UPDATE: The Z4 M35i is now rumored to be debuting at the 2013 Detroit NAIAS in January, together with the Z4 LCI facelift refresh (recent spy photos).

Is an M Performance Z4 model coming? Yes, if BMW insider Scott26's response to our M related interview at the 2012 NYIAS actually comes to fruition.

This is what he had to say on the matter:

The forthcoming Z4 Life Cycle Impulse will see the Z4 35iS absorbed into the BMW M Performance Automobiles line.

North America will not be getting diesel M Performance models with the current generation of cars, so this rumored Z4 M35i model (or "Z4 sDriveM35i") could possibly join the rumored X1 M35i xDrive as the first M Performance Automobiles to be available for the North American market.

If it comes to market, a Z4 M35i M Performance model would join an M Performance Automobile lineup which already features 3 diesel models (M550d, X5 M50d, X6 M50d), and one gasoline model concept (the F20 M135i Concept, which will see production as it's already been spied in testing).

Everything is rumors until confirmed by BMW, so consider everything with a grain of salt. Afterall, a rumored Z4 M turned out to be vaporware. But, this would be exciting news for Z4 fans if a Z4 M Performance Automobile model indeed comes.

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[MrClean335i]

What we need is Z4 Coupe and a Z4 M Coupe with the S65

[Zebra99]

I'm not excited by a simple name change and some esthetic mods....

If I read correctly the current 335iS will become the new M. Wth is the point in that? Oh wait, it's another BMW tax, sorry i forgot...

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Hi Jason,

I predicted this some time back got shot down like Manfred von Richthofen in WW1 eventually was Time will tell I guess how much truth there will be to this.

[Rich@GTBPerformance]

Originally Posted by MrClean335i

What we need is Z4 Coupe and a Z4 M Coupe with the S65

Agreed.

A Z4M with the S65 would be a truly amazing car. Maybe they could do it as a single year production run like the 1M coupe.

[ZheHbKa]

interesting to see LCI, i was thinking about it and its hard to come up with any improvements except LED halo rings

[nick3753]

Originally Posted by Zebra99

I'm not excited by a simple name change and some esthetic mods....

If I read correctly the current 335iS will become the new M. Wth is the point in that? Oh wait, it's another BMW tax, sorry i forgot...

+1

[az34]

i'll be the first surprised if BMW spend a single penny in the current gen of z4, it is too late they should be working onto the next gen by now!

[M3_WC]

This is not the car we want BMW.

Absorbing the 35is into the M-perf line is not really news.

[Soorena]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

This is not the car we want BMW.

Absorbing the 35is into the M-perf line is not really news.

We need a true M Z4 prepared by M engineers. The Z4 35is was disappointing, the steering was connected to nothing. Worst steering feedback in that segment. And while the engine is a thing of beauty, it lacks the spirit of an S engine.

[Z4Andy]

This might sound silly but if BMW do bring out a true M E89 i'll never buy another BMW ever again.


I was sold on the iS that an M wasn't coming. I had a 23i. I could have waited until an M came along.

I purchased the iS when I did as we were told "no M version ever" as confirmed by BMW.

Sure i'll be in a 458 Spider by then anyway and the wife will have an F-Type

[vladberca]

The M Performance model might have a lot of dynamic improvements
Its main german rivals have some hardcore models for the moment that are a lot sportier than the iS

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by Rich@GTBPerformance

Agreed.

A Z4M with the S65 would be a truly amazing car. Maybe they could do it as a single year production run like the 1M coupe.

They've already done it, it's the Z4 GT3. You just need ~$350K.

[Levi]

What I have been saying for some time already gets more confirmation.

[Mako]

I don't think that is what Scott26 meant.

I think he meant that the new Z4 35i LCI will have an "M Performance package" option on it, just like the new X6 35i will have that option. And since it comes with a little extra HP, that will eliminate the need for the Z4 is. I don't think he meant there is going to be a full blown M Performance model like Europe is getting right now.

I think there is a lot of confusion between the M Performance "package" and "model". The models have a bunch of changes on them and very close to an actual M, the "package" just adds a little horsepower, exterior M looks and maybe a few other smaller tweaks (just like the "is" did), but the model designation does not change when you get the package. So this would not be a Z4 M Performance badged car. Think more along the lines of AMG offering the performance package that adds power to their cars, doesn't make it a different model like the "black edition" though.

[HerrK]

Maybe we'll finally get a Performance Brake and/or locking differental option(s). That would be a vast aesthetic and performance upgrade.

[Rich@GTBPerformance]

Originally Posted by jphughan

They've already done it, it's the Z4 GT3. You just need ~$350K.

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I can think of better places to put 350k

[SCBMW02]

I am one who really likes the 35is in spite of the not so great steering! The engine, DCT and looks are hard to beat. However, a full blown M suspension and brakes would be nice. My lease is up in May 2013 so I hope to have some options by then.

[positiveions]

I'm wondering what will BMW use for an engine in Z4M

[bimmerjph]

I hope they offer it with a manual.

[southlight]

Originally Posted by eatrach73

I'm wondering what will BMW use for an engine in Z4M

Just to be clear, Scott is suggesting an Z4 M35i Performance model. The Z4 M was officially ruled out by Dr. Nitschke for this generation of Z4.


Best regards,
south

[09BlkSapphire]

Originally Posted by Mako

I don't think that is what Scott26 meant.

I think he meant that the new Z4 35i LCI will have an "M Performance package" option on it, just like the new X6 35i will have that option. And since it comes with a little extra HP, that will eliminate the need for the Z4 is. I don't think he meant there is going to be a full blown M Performance model like Europe is getting right now.

I think there is a lot of confusion between the M Performance "package" and "model". The models have a bunch of changes on them and very close to an actual M, the "package" just adds a little horsepower, exterior M looks and maybe a few other smaller tweaks (just like the "is" did), but the model designation does not change when you get the package. So this would not be a Z4 M Performance badged car. Think more along the lines of AMG offering the performance package that adds power to their cars, doesn't make it a different model like the "black edition" though.

Scott wouldn't have said "M Performance Automobile" line if he meant just M Performance Parts program for the Z4. And if he also wouldn't have just limited it to the 'is' model if he was talking about M Performance Parts.

Sounds like he means a full out M Performance Automobile model like the M135i, M550d, x6 m50d etc.