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BMW Z8 E52 4.9 (400 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW Z8:
The BMW Z8 is a roadster produced by German automotive manufacturer BMW from 1998 to 2003. The Z8 was developed under the codename "E52" between 1993 and 1999, through the efforts of a design team led by Chris Bangle from 1993 to 1995. The exterior was designed by Henrik Fisker and the interior by Scott Lempert.
The Z8 originally was designed as a styling exercise intended to evoke and celebrate the 1956–1959 BMW 507. Prototypes were spotted testing between 1996 and 1999. A concept was later developed to preview the Z8, called the Z07 and was showcased in October 1997 at the Tokyo Motor Show....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E52 Overview:
BMW Z8 (E52). With 500 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1660 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.7 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The BMW Z8 (E52) was not tested by Euro NCAP, which is common for low-volume, high-performance luxury vehicles of its era. It featured standard safety equipment for its time, including ABS.
4.9 (400 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The Z8's 4.9-liter S62B50 V8 engine delivers exhilarating performance, with 400 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque providing rapid acceleration (0-100 km/h in 4.7s) and a thrilling soundtrack. Its naturally aspirated character ensures immediate throttle response and a linear power delivery.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a high-performance V8 roadster from its era, fuel economy is a significant consideration. The combined consumption of 14.5 l/100 km (21.1 urban, 10.6 extra-urban) reflects its performance-oriented nature rather than efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Stunning and timeless retro-modern design
- • Potent S62 V8 engine with excellent performance
- • Exceptional driving experience and handling
- • High exclusivity and rarity, a true collector's item
- • Appreciating classic car status
- • Fantastic exhaust note from the naturally aspirated V8
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption
- • Expensive maintenance and parts due to rarity and performance
- • Limited practicality (2-seater roadster with modest trunk space)
- • Firm ride may not appeal to all for long journeys
- • High initial purchase price (now collector's market price)
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | Z8 |
| Generation: | E52 |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.9 (400 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 400 Hp @ 6600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 81 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 500 Nm @ 3800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S62B50 |
| Engine displacement: | 4941 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 7.5 l |
| Coolant: | 12.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 94 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 21.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 14.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.2 kg/Hp, 241 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.3 kg/Nm, 301.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1660 |
| Max. weight: | 1900 |
| Max load: | 240 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 203 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 73 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4400 mm mm |
| Width: | 1830 mm mm |
| Height: | 1317 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2505 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1550 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1570 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 245/45 R18; 275/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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