The BMW Z4 M40i is an incredible car; one that packs proper M car performance and surprisingly good agility in a funky looking roadster buy with infinite headroom. There’s one problem, though — it’s a bit expensive. Considering that the lesser-powered BMW Z4 sDrive30i is quite a bit cheaper, yet has the same great handling and style, it’s going to be an attractive option for customers. The only real downside is its loss of power. However, the folks at DTE Systems have a quick and easy solution for that.
As-standard, the BMW Z4 sDrive30i uses a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Those aren’t shabby numbers, to be honest, and help the little four-pot Z4 get from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. However, if you want just a touch more and some extra traffic-light-drag-strip cred, DTE Systems offers a simple plug-and-play chip to boost power just enough.
The DTE chip brings just 24 hp and 49 lb-ft of torque, yet that’s enough to drop the 0-60 mph time to under five seconds. And that’s just with the standard DTE Power Control Unit. If you opt for the slightly more expensive Power Control X Unit, you get 15-percent better fuel economy while also gaining smartphone integration and control.The Power Control X Unit is $949 and that’s not too expensive for a decent power upgrade.
Bringing the 0-60 mph time under five seconds makes a big difference in real world feel. The BMW Z4 sDrive30i is a quick car as it is but with some extra juice it will feel like a properly fast car. It still won’t be as potent as the Z4 M40i but it will feel more than fast enough to be exciting and engaging. After upgrading the power, the only thing left to upgrade is its exhaust, which does sound flat compared to the M40i’s right from the factory. So a simple tune, a new exhaust and you’re ready to have some real fun in the little four-pot BMW Z4 sDrive30i while still spending less than the Z4 M40i.
[Source: Car Scoops]
