Like Scirocco and Corrado owners, the drivers of BMW's Z4 M Coupe are a quirky bunch. They seek out the unusual and gain immense satisfaction knowing that not everybody "gets" their choice of transport.
Owning one of these coupes requires a certain amount of patience because you're constantly explaining to people what they are, since there are relatively few on the road. What's more, you have to learn to live with the compromises that a lack of stowage space and imperfect visibility out of the rear windows can sometimes bring.
However, all owners will agree this is a small price to pay to have one of the most distinctive vehicles on the road today. And in its M version, the BMW Z4 M Coupe and Roadster are among the most satisfying cars to drive quickly. With its potent E46 M3 motor under that long hood, we can't understand why some dealers are forced to discount the Z4MC so heavily. Whatever the reason, it currently represents one of the best performance car deals available today.
With its style, low weight and 50/50 weight distribution, the M Coupe lends itself to motorsport and BMW developed the Z4 M Coupe GT for just this purpose. Released at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, it weighed just 2650 lb (almost 600 lb lighter than stock) thanks largely to its stripped interior and lightweight carbon-fiber bodywork.
It was developed by BMW Motorsport and BMW Racing Parts Distribution for private race teams to compete in events like the grueling Nrburgring 24-hour race (et 4/07). It was also suitable for series like the German Endurance Championship and many other European GT races.
 |  The orange car's interior...  The orange car's interior is tastefully enhanced but features extreme Recaro SPG seats |  3.2 liter M3-derived motors...  3.2 liter M3-derived motors are mildly tuned with intakes and exhausts. Weight saving is the biggest performance gain |
One group of visitors to the famous Nrburgring event was from Japanese BMW specialist Studie AG. The creator of many remarkable BMWs, its E92 M3 (et 6/08) and E93 M3 replica (et 5/08) have been featured before. We also brought you its 130i (et 5/07) but this wasn't the 1-Series Coupe US readers are now familiar with. It was based on the European five-door hatchback and the car featured a carbon-fiber widebody sourced directly from BMW Motorsport in Germany. It was the same lightweight kit used by BMW's factory racecars and, finished in bright blue, made an incredible sight.
 BMW Z4 M Coupes The Studie...  BMW Z4 M Coupes
The Studie Z4MCs are used as "taxis" during the tuner's annual track day |  Lightweight dry carbon body...  Lightweight dry carbon body kit is genuine BMW Motorsport equipment |  |
The Japanese tuner builds a new project car each year for its annual BMW Familie car show and track day, supported by Yokohama Tires. The cars are used as "taxis" to take customers on the ride of their life around the Fuji Speedway.
When we visited the tuner's workshops and showroom in Yokohama city to drive the 130i, we got a first glimpse of its next project - a bright green Z4 M Coupe.
Like the 1-Series, it would also get a genuine carbon-fiber widebody from BMW Motorsport in Germany, thanks to Studie's special relationship with the factory. In fact, they were able to obtain two body kits to create a second car in bright orange.