[Alex Baumann]

It's maybe not an interesting info for most of us but wanted to share.

According to an information I recently got, BMW is planning to stop the production of the Z8 Roadster in 2003

The production line is needed for the coming 5-Series.

 

[Bruce]

BMW never intended to build more than 4000 examples of the Z8. However I heard a rumor a year before production that the Quandts weren't happy with the excessive costs or R&D on the car that they might consider a steel bodied Z8 with a 4.4L V8. I haven't heard the rumors in years so I assume it is dead (to the happiness of all Z8 owners around the globe).

 

[aldo]

Z-8 on a production line?

Alex, That's very interesting, buy somewhat perplexing. I thought that the Z-8's were "hand built" rather than built on a production line. I think there was a story to that effect in the latest issue of BMW magazine that I received.

 

[Alex Baumann]

Re: Z-8 on a production line?

Alex, That's very interesting, buy somewhat perplexing. I thought that the Z-8's were "hand built" rather than built on a production line. I think there was a story to that effect in the latest issue of BMW magazine that I received.

They are actually hand built, but the body parts and the some other components are/were built on a line. And they are put together by hand.

 

[JST]

Re: Re: Z-8 on a production line?

They are actually hand built, but the body parts and the some other components are/were built on a line. And they are put together by hand.

Are they built at Garching, or at a "normal" BMW plant?

 

[Alex Baumann]

Re: Re: Re: Z-8 on a production line?

Are they built at Garching, or at a "normal" BMW plant?

Raw body is built at Dingolfing. Assembly at München.

 

[JBsC5]

It's maybe not an interesting info for most of us but wanted to share.

According to an information I recently got, BMW is planning to stop the production of the Z8 Roadster in 2003

The production line is needed for the coming 5-Series.

Could it be that the present 5 series is the basis for the Z8 and with the introduction of the new 5 series coming..the Z8 doesn't make financial sense to continue as it exists today?

The Z8 is truly one of the most beautiful designs in the world.

I would hope it would continue to evolve to the new even more amazing V10 500hp engine and chassis that is to be available on the upcoming new 5 series....

 

[Bruce]

Re: Re: Rumor about the Z8

Could it be that the present 5 series is the basis for the Z8 and with the introduction of the new 5 series coming..the Z8 doesn't make financial sense to continue as it exists today?

It isn't based on the 5 series. The Z8 chassis is unique.

 

[JBsC5]

Oh..I didn't know that..I thought the Z8 and 5 series shared a portion of their componentry..(sp)

Either way..the loss of the Z8 to the sports car landscape will be a loss for all enthusiasts..

I have to say being so close to BMW's north american headquarters..I get to see these wonder cars quite often..probably as most BMW execs live in the area.

I once in awhile head over there and snoop around..

BMW's technology and advances to driving excellence is well deserved.

I would hope the Z8 will evolve with mechanicals in some way derived from the next M5..

I hear the new M5 will sport as much as 500 hp and contain sequential shifting technology that far exceeds the performance envelop of what the standard transmission presently offers

Although I don't own a BMW I certainly admire their technology driven corporate ideology..and implementation for the ultimate driving experience.

I do hope they continue the line of superior two seat sports cars such as the Z8!

 

[Bruce]

Oh..I didn't know that..I thought the Z8 and 5 series shared a portion of their componentry..(sp)

The E28 (5er) and the E24 (6er) in the 80s shared a chassis. I believe the 8 series (E31) was similar to the E34 (5er).

hear the new M5 will sport as much as 500 hp and contain sequential shifting technology that far exceeds the performance envelop of what the standard transmission presently offers

That's the rumor...an engine very similar to the F1 V10 (the M5 is supposed to get a V10 that revs to 9 or 10k rpms. Don't bet on a sequential tranny puching the envelope, the SMG in the E46 is great, but doesn't make the car perform better.

I do hope they continue the line of superior two seat sports cars such as the Z8!

BMW is working on a succesor to the E24 as the E31 was murdered by the press for losing the sportiness of the E24. It is supposed to share the chassis with the E60, but I have also heard that the V10 might not fit (V10 for an M6).

The next fews years appear to be good for the M fans.

 

[JBsC5]

Wow..thanks for the great information..on model designations..I don't know if I understand which stands for what since I'm not quite as involved with BMW as I should be.

As far as the sequential shifters..the guys I spoke to at a local autocross raved about them.

I haven't driven one yet so I could n't tell you..but the consistancy alone should be quite impressive.

That 500 hp V10 sounds incredible!

Hope it mates up with the sequential shifter and both end up in the upcoming six series..

What a killer car that would be !

 

[Bruce]

Wow..thanks for the great information..on model designations..I don't know if I understand which stands for what since I'm not quite as involved with BMW as I should be.

E28= 5 series mid to late 80s
E24= 6 series- late 70s to late 80s
E34= 5 series early to mid 90s
E39= 5 series- 1997 to present
E30= 3 series 1984-1991
E36= 3 series 1992-1998
E46= 3 series 1999 to present
E31= 8 series

As far as the sequential shifters..the guys I spoke to at a local autocross raved about them.

I know a guy that has one (in an E46 M3) and loves it when it works, but he is having serious issues with it. My fear is it is like Steptronic in that you use it until the newness wears off. I don't think that will be 100% the case, but still a fear of mine nonetheless.

It is really just a slick automatic tranny (don't tell me it isn't an auto tranny, I know the mechanicals, but it functions as an auto).

 

[JBsC5]

Thats for the information on all the various series of Bimmers!

I do think that if the formula one racing drivers use a similiar concept..its because it works..

Of course many with standard shifts like ourselves could be slow to change over..in much the same way many felt when ABS brakes or traction control came out.

Different strokes for different folks..


I find the work that BMW is doing in the area of performance to be admired. ..inclusive of sequential shifting technology..

JMO..
and again..thanks for the series classification..

All were very cutting edge in their time.

I believe the SMG II will be considered such in years to come.

 

[Bruce]

I do think that if the formula one racing drivers use a similiar concept..its because it works..

They use it because it is one less thing to worry about. This year they are saying many drivers are not selecting the gears, the shifts are preprogrammed.