European manufacturers have made convertible car models for many years, even for the american market. One of these is BMW. Have you heard about the Z3 roadster? This was the first mass-market and assembled BMW convertible in the United States. We saw this model on the market in 1996, just after it was featured in the James Bond movie, Golden Eye. The production ended in the year 2002 and before that many variants were introduced. The coupe version was also introduced in 1999 after having been manufactured and assembled in Spartanburg, South Carolina. In the late 2002 the Z4 model – the successor to the Z3 model – was introduced in the Paris Auto Show.

The engineers which developed the Z3 used the E36 of the BMW 3 Series as a platform. The l name of the platform that resulted out of this was referred as the E36/7 model. The rear semi-trailing arm suspension from the E30 model was used rather than the more sophisticated multilink suspension from the E36. At first, just the 1.9 L M44B19 straight-4 engine was offered, though its 138 hp made the vehicle less of a performer than many buyers wanted. Feedback from customers told that the interiors of this model were not good as it was in the other models of this manufacturer. Especially bad looking was the plastic rear window even in comparison to to the glass unit found on the much-cheaper 1999 model Mazda Miata.

In 1997, this little four was complemented by a larger straight-6 engine In the North American market, the 2.8 L M52B28. This engine, taken from the 328i, was especially attractive with its 189 hp. As the four was retired a 3.2 L S52B32 I6 engine was used in the M Roadster that came in the year after. In 1999, the 1.9L 4-cylinder engine was replaced with a 2.5L straight-6, producing as much as 170 hp. Curiously, this BMW model was badged as the ’2.3′.

Outside of North America a 2.0L straight-6 was used instead of a 1.9L 4-cylinder. All of the engines were replaced when the car was freshened for a few years later; more precisely in 2001. The range now consisted of the 2.2 L M54B22 (available outside of North America), 2.5 L M52B25, 3.0 L M52B30, and (for the M Roadster) 3.2 L S54B32. All three of these straight-6 engines lasted through the end of the car’s run the year after. Except for the plastic window, the whole interiors were refurbished.

Other problems of the Z3 model reported were bad oxygen sensors, the plastic water pump and a rear shock mount that failed. The retro styling though, was more popular and the Z3s have held their value fairly well in the resale market.

M Roadster
From 1998 to 2002, the Motorsports division of BMW produced the well known model M Roadster. This model included suspension upgrades and the engine from the BMW M3. A 3.2L S52 motor was there in the as early as in 1998 as well as 1999, and 2000 M roadster along with a quad exhaust. The models after the millennium change, in other words the 2001 and 2002 models had the S54 motor from the E46 M3 as well as interior upgrades with additional gauges in the center console. A lighted “M” shift knob, various chrome bits throughout the cockpit and sport seats were also part of the standard equipment. There were also many exterior changes, like larger wheels spaced further apart and more aggressive fenders than were installed on the regular Z3. It was also an option to have hardtops.

BMW has recently announced its upcoming hydrogen-powered 7 series. According to Andreas Klugescheid, corporate communication manager of western operations for BMW, the upcoming cars will be having top speed BMW engines of 143 mph and runs off a V-12 internal combustion engine with 260 horsepower. The vehicles will also be capable of running on gasoline.

Milivoje Kostic, associate professor of mechanical engineering said “It could burn with oxygen in an engine or a burner similar to other hydro-carbon fossil fuels, but it could be used in a fuel cell to produce electricity without any moving parts, just electro-chemical reaction. The BMW hydrogen car can burn hydrogen in a combustion engine and could use regular fuel instead. It does not use fuel cells.”

Another professor in mechanical engineering by the name Pradip Majumdar added, “It is very clean when hydrogen is used directly rather than through conversion from other conventional fuels using a reforming process. The only by-products of fuel cells are water and heat when hydrogen is used as fuel.” He also added, “Since the molecular weight and density of hydrogen are very small, storing and transporting a significant amount of hydrogen in its gaseous form requires very large, high pressure containers which may not be feasible in application such as in automobiles.”

Kostic further noted, “Hydrogen, as a very reactive gas, has a whole host of problems with regard to storage and distribution. That’s why the American Academy of Arts and Sciences issued a statement that without a major breakthrough there is not a future for hydrogen economy.”

Hydrogen is part of water, biomass, natural and landfill gas. It is obtainable from various sources in nature. Furthermore, hydrogen produces cleaner emissions compared to fossil fuels. Nonetheless, it also has its set of drawbacks that can delay its development.

Anima Bose, associate professor of mechanical engineering, finally noted, “Illinois has abundant resources for renewable energy to resolve the energy problems in our state. I hope that Illinois’ leadership takes advantage of these resources to be the leader in alternate energy development and technology.”

BMW has unveiled its coupe version of the Z4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. BMW Z4 is a, 2-door, rear wheel drive sports car designed by Chris Bangle and was manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It is made bigger and more powerful than its ancestor – Z3.

Z4 was originally built as a roadster. However, this year a coupe version was eventually introduces to the automotive world. It exudes Bangle’s controversial ‘flame surfacing’ design which is said to be aggressive yet stylish. This design is also noticeable in most BMW vehicles.

The stunner of the 2005 Frankfurt auto show was produced in May 2006. BMW Z4 comes in two distinct flavors – the 255-hp 3.0si and the 330-hp M. BMW’s new Z4 3.0si is designed to be fascinating and fun. To grab the attention of the fanatics, Z4 coupe is given a sloping, double-bubble roof that tapers to the rear like a droplet. The front suspension of Z4 is also made different from its ancestor. Said suspension is based on E30 BMW 3-Series only that in the recent version, said is made more advanced. The bigger engines power outputs range from 170 hp (2.2i) to 231 hp (3.0i). On the other hand, the base of the car uses an updated version of the 3.0 L straight-6 N52 engine that produces 195 kW and 315 N•m. This is done to accumulate primed speed.

BMW Z4 is also furnished with tempting equipment. Its pride includes the BMW Z4 alloy wheel, electric roof, standard air-conditioning, CD player, twin front and side airbags, leather upholstery and sports steering wheel. Further, its electronic driver assists in the stability control as well as cover traction.

Prices for BMW Z4 3.0si coupe start at $40,795, $2000 less than its ragtop counterpart. Moreover, the price is almost $10,000 lower than the base price of its rival – Porsche Cayman.