BMW Z4 E85 2.2i (170 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.2 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

BMW Z4:

The first generation of the BMW Z4 consists of the BMW E85 and BMW E86 sports cars. The E85/E86 generation was produced from 2002 to 2008. The E85/E86 replaced the Z3 and is the third model in the BMW Z Series. Initial models were in the roadster body style, with the coupé body style being added in 2006. In February 2009, the BMW Z4 began production as the successor to the E85/E86.
As was its Z3 predecessor, the E85/E86 was manufactured in Greer, South Carolina. The M model, the Z4 M, is powered by the S54 straight-six engine....(Read more on Wikipedia)

E85 Overview:

BMW Z4 (E85). With 210 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.7 l/100km). With a weight of 1325 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.7 s). The top speed reaches 225 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year Not tested
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The BMW Z4 E85 generation was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, it features standard safety equipment for its era, including multiple airbags and ABS.

2.2i (170 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Adequate performance for a roadster, offering a pleasant drive but lacking the outright punch of the larger engines.

Fuel Economy

The most fuel-efficient option in the E85 lineup, making it a sensible choice for daily use.

Best Use Case: City driving, relaxed open-top cruising, and budget-conscious ownership.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Engaging driving dynamics and precise steering
  • • Iconic roadster styling and open-top experience
  • • Smooth and powerful inline-six engine options
  • • Good build quality and premium interior materials for its era
  • • Strong aftermarket support and enthusiast community

Cons:

  • • Firm ride quality, especially on rougher roads
  • • Limited practicality with only two seats and modest trunk space
  • • No official Euro NCAP safety rating
  • • Some common M54 engine issues (e.g., VANOS, cooling system)
  • • Interior can feel dated compared to modern cars

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E85: 2002 - 2006).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:Z4
Generation:E85
Modification (Engine):2.2i (170 Hp)
Start of production:2003
End of production:2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Roadster
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:170 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:78.3 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:210 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M54B22 More details about the engine M54B22
Engine displacement:2171
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Coolant:8.3 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:80 mm
Piston Stroke:72 mm
Compression ratio:10.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.7 sec
Maximum speed:225 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.8 kg/Hp, 128.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.3 kg/Nm, 158.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1325
Max. weight:1550
Max load:225
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:300 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4091 mm [Same length.]
Width:1781 mm [Same width.]
Height:1299 mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2495 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1473 mm
Rear (Back) track:1523 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.8 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size205/55 R16
Wheel rims size7J x 16
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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