What Is It?
2006 BMW M Roadster
What's Special About It?
BMW is returning the M badge to its roadster lineup for 2006. And, not surprisingly, the new M Roadster bows with the same 3.2-liter straight six and six-speed manual transmission used in the M3. Rated at 330 horsepower in the roadster, the engine is just shy of the current M3's 333-hp rating.
"Differences in the exhaust system reduce power slightly," said Rob Mitchell, manager of corporate communications for BMW. "Structurally, the car is identical to the Z4. The chassis was stiff enough to accommodate the extra power."
The chassis and engine have been seen before, but the tuning to make them work together and their supporting systems are all-new for the roadster platform. According to Mitchell, the suspension and steering systems are tuned specifically for the M Roadster. The Z4's springs, dampers, antiroll bars and bushings are all recalibrated. The Z4's electrically assisted power steering has also been reworked to more closely match the M car's need for more accurate feedback and response.
BMW's most advanced braking system as seen on the M3 Competition Package and, more recently, the M5 is also used on the two-seater. The system utilizes lightweight two-piece rotors that are 13.7 inches up front and 12.9 inches in the rear. Tires are sized 225/45-18 and 255/40-18 front and rear, respectively.
At 3,197 pounds, about 220 pounds lighter than the M3 Competition Package, the roadster is expected to have slightly better acceleration and braking performance. BMW claims it will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
M Roadsters will go on sale this spring for $51,995, including destination and handling.
What's Edmunds' Take?
As much as we love anything with an M badge, we've always been partial to BMW's coupes. However, the new M Roadster should be a big improvement over the previous version given the Z4's improved rear suspension and structure. — Josh Jacquot
2006 BMW M Roadster
What's Special About It?
BMW is returning the M badge to its roadster lineup for 2006. And, not surprisingly, the new M Roadster bows with the same 3.2-liter straight six and six-speed manual transmission used in the M3. Rated at 330 horsepower in the roadster, the engine is just shy of the current M3's 333-hp rating.
"Differences in the exhaust system reduce power slightly," said Rob Mitchell, manager of corporate communications for BMW. "Structurally, the car is identical to the Z4. The chassis was stiff enough to accommodate the extra power."
The chassis and engine have been seen before, but the tuning to make them work together and their supporting systems are all-new for the roadster platform. According to Mitchell, the suspension and steering systems are tuned specifically for the M Roadster. The Z4's springs, dampers, antiroll bars and bushings are all recalibrated. The Z4's electrically assisted power steering has also been reworked to more closely match the M car's need for more accurate feedback and response.
BMW's most advanced braking system as seen on the M3 Competition Package and, more recently, the M5 is also used on the two-seater. The system utilizes lightweight two-piece rotors that are 13.7 inches up front and 12.9 inches in the rear. Tires are sized 225/45-18 and 255/40-18 front and rear, respectively.
At 3,197 pounds, about 220 pounds lighter than the M3 Competition Package, the roadster is expected to have slightly better acceleration and braking performance. BMW claims it will hit 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
M Roadsters will go on sale this spring for $51,995, including destination and handling.
What's Edmunds' Take?
As much as we love anything with an M badge, we've always been partial to BMW's coupes. However, the new M Roadster should be a big improvement over the previous version given the Z4's improved rear suspension and structure. — Josh Jacquot
Add A Comment »