Z4 Bolt -on panels
 

Just a quick question....... Does the Z4 have bolt-on panels ala Z3, so (as an example) the 250 SWB kit could be bolted on in a similar way to the Z3.
In fact the Z3 and Z4 (if you squint) just look like a 'cosmetic change' - Is this the case? Forgive me if this is a daft question, but I know very little about BMWs.:doh:

Please, inquiring minds want to know...

It is those 3 litre engines isn't it?

Of course it is!

Thanks Jeff

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewto...77653&start=15


http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=59313

Thank you!

I like where this is going! 275 on a 3litre Z4 with DNA interior. Sign me up.

So ok, it looks like all panels are just bolted on (sills?), but has the Z4 the same 'bare' dimensions?. I suspect it's just a 'cosmetically updated' Z3 - can someone confirm?

Mitchelkitman - It might be worth dropping a PM to Danny to see if his Z4 plans were ever put into action.

He wrote this way back in Nov. 2015...

With this update in September 2016…

But not sure if the plan ever got off the ground.

Good luck, Paul. :)

Z3 is built on the E36 chassis - the same as the compact not the saloon/coupe/vert. Z4 is built on the E46 chassis so quite a bit more has changed. Rear suspension is completely different as the Z3's rear is the same as the older E30.

The real question is will the Tribute 250SWB body go onto the Z-4.

Whilst it might look similar there are some obvious bits that differ. The doors are a different shape , the rear edge and that deep swage line. The sill shape isn't flat , it curves up following the curve of the back edge of the door.
The boot on the Z4 looks a fair bit higher etc.
The Z4 would be a better donor with more bigger engine choices available and the fact its a much younger car from the start.
I can only think it won't be that easy to fit the kit panels without much more reworking / remoulding from Tribute.

Thanks. I have also learned the wheelbase is longer and the Z4 is wider.
Oh, well. Continue my search for a 1997 3.0 Z3.

In 97 the largest engine in a non-m car will be the M52B28. Only the very last models of the Z3 had the M54B30 from the E46 range. Different story if your looking for an M car earlier ones are 3.0 later ones are 3.2. m Roadsters are starting to get expensive now though.

The 3.0 Z3's are thin on the ground and expensive. The cheapest I could see today was on Gumtree at £6k. There are plenty of 2.8's about , I've seen a few go recently for as little as £1500. If only the smaller engine cars were any good as there are hundreds out there for about a grand !

Sills on the Z4 are much deeper
Doors as pointed out are a very different shape
Z3 bonnet hinges hold the whole of the front of the 250 kit. Z4 has standard bonnet hinges.
Therefore the front of the Z4 has wings and front panels that are a totally different design.
I'm sure it could be done but it will be a lot of work.
I'm sure they will want to get the 275 finished before reworking the 250 for the Z4.
However, looking at the prices of DNA's 2fifty it would be worth doing but probably worth building the 250 on the Z4 to a much higher standard (and cost to customer), the resale values would seem to be a big bonus.
Personally I prefer the shape of the Tribute 250 swb convertible over the California but it is of course all personal preference.
Would love to see Ericholmes (Andy's) 250 sitting next to a completed 2fifty to compare them like for like.

Anyway, my next project is going to be a DNA Daytona on a Z4.
I'm on the list!!
Still also looking for an unfinished Daytona kit with a view to fitting it to a E46 BMW.

Z3 3.0 are getting rarer and rarer. Mine is a 3.0 and I got lucky with a chap around the corner from me having a really late model wanting to basically just get shot as he hadn't used it in years, struggingly to get in it with his advanced years.

https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/ looks like there are around 1000, Z3 3.0's out there but alot more 2.8's

Good luck with the search, something will come up!

You can't really compare the Tribute 250 convertible like for like with the 2fifty because they are two different cars. The Tribute isn't a replica of anything whilst the 2fifty is a replica of a Ferrari California. I prefer the Tribute's unique shape over the 2fifty which to me looks like a big MGB.

And also the massive difference in quality - it's immediately apparent - not just in terms of GRP but also symmetry