01 · Overview
The closed sister model
Four years after the roadster, the Z4 received a fixed roof. Unlike its predecessor, the Z3 Coupé with its estate-style tail, the E86 is a fastback with a tailgate. It shares its technical base with the open car, but is considerably more torsionally rigid — which shows in its handling.
The coupé was offered with six-cylinder engines only: the 3.0si with 265 PS and the Z4 M with 343 PS. A total of 17,094 E86 units were built — a marginal figure compared to 180,565 roadsters. How many of these were M Coupés depends on the source; the figures are listed below.
02 · History
Einordnung
Three dates for context.
- 2005 The Z4 Coupé is first shown as a concept at the IAA.
- 2006 Production model at the Geneva Motor Show, alongside the revised roadster. The Z4 M Coupé arrives with it.
- 2008 End of production after roughly two years.
03 · Engines
Der S54
The same engine as in the M Roadster — in a stiffer body.
S54B32 · inline six-cylinder verified
The high-revving naturally aspirated engine from the M3 E46. The Z4 M Coupé was its last production application. Nine works racing versions of the Z4 M Coupé were additionally built.
Technische Daten anzeigen
| Hubraum | 3.246 cm³ |
| Leistung | 343 PS (252 kW) at 7,900/min |
| Drehmoment | 365 Nm |
| Getriebe | 6-Gang-Handschaltung |
BMW M · BMW Group Classic · Wikipedia
04 · Engineering
Coupé versus Roadster
Torsionssteifigkeit
Fastback instead of estate-style tail
Six-cylinder only
Technical data — final drive ratios & gearboxes
- Length
- 4,090 mm
- Width
- 1,780 mm
- Height
- 1,285 mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,495 mm
- Coupés total (E86)
- 17,094
- Roadsters total (E85)
- 180,565
- Not verifiable and therefore not listed as a figure
- the production number of the Z4 M Coupé. Zwischengas cites 4,275 units, BMW Group Classic cites 4,581. Both sources are credible in their own right, but the discrepancy of a good three hundred vehicles is too large to average out or to select one figure over the other.
The dimensions refer to the coupé; the roadster is 15 mm taller at 1,300 mm.
05 · Buying guide
What matters
As with the M Roadster, everything hinges on the S54 — plus the question of originality, since the coupé was often driven hard.
Rod bearings: The best-known issue with the S54. Ask for proof of work carried out.
VANOS: Rattling on cold start, rough idle.
Tailgate and seals: On the fastback, it is worth checking for water traces in the boot.
Track use: The coupé was frequently driven on track. Check brakes, tyre wear and the underbody.
06 · The competition
The Competition
Porsche Cayman S (987)
The direct rival — mid-engine, similar power output, considerably more expensive.
BMW Z3 M Coupé (E36/8)
Its own predecessor. Estate-style tail instead of fastback, S50 or S54 respectively.
07 · Sources
Belege & Literatur
Primary sources are BMW Group Classic and BMW M, cross-checked against Wikipedia, zwischengas and specialist press. Where production figures conflict, the discrepancy is noted in the technical data.