Tamiya M-04L BMW Z3: Tamiya's latest mini goes ragtop

When it comes to quality, detail and innovation, Tamiya's* reputation is well-known. With the recent release of the second-generation M-chassis-the M-04L BMW the company adds another dimension to the run-for-fun RC car segment. The original "M" was very versatile. Its wheelbase length could be adjusted to accommodate a variety of body shells, and it could be front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. All this made it possible to have a Mini Cooper or a Porsche 911 on the same chassis.

The new I'M" takes the original's versatility to a new level: many parts are interchangeable with those on the

KIT FEATURES

CHASSIS. The new M-04L was designed to be rear-wheel-drive only. The wheelbase may be adjusted, thanks to the bulkhead extension that gives this particular chassis its "L" (for long) designation. Without the bulkhead, the chassis would be the appropriate length (225mm) for a Tamiya Miata, or Alfa Romeo Gulia body. The chassis consists of two main halves that connect the frontsuspension bulkhead and the rear gear case. A platform holds a small electronic speed control and an equally small receiver. If you choose to use the included wiper-style speed control, you'll mount it on an outrigger that has a cage to protect it from any side impacts. A front foam bumper promises damage control.

DRIVE TRAIN. The 3-gear diff has been with the M-chassis since the beginning, and if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It offers low maintenance and dependable performance.

A bevel-gear cliff distributes power to the rear wheels by the way of steel dogbones and drive cups. There has been some evolution in the pinion-gear-selection department: you can now choose a 17-, 19-, or 21 -tooth pinion gear instead of the previous version's 16-, 18- and 20-tooth options. Tall sedan tires driven by a higher final gear ratio ... hmm ... Tamiya had some speed in mind.

SUSPENSION AND STEERING. What's the use of being able to go faster if all hell breaks loose when you get to a corner? With this suspension-independent A-arms all around-cornering isn't a problem. Keeping those suspension arms in line are four friction shocks; up front, a softer pair of springs do their best to help the front wheels carve sharp corners; fixed upper links round out what is essentially a narrowed TLO1 suspension.

The direct-link servo-saver is from the TLO1 Compared with the drag-link bellcrank systems found on other Tamiya vehicles, the system is virtually slop-free and provides precise steering control. Hallelujah!

BODY, WHEELS AND TIRES. The BMW Z3 body has to be Tamiya's best effort to date. If it had an interior, it would be impossible to tell it from a real M roadster in photos.

My only gripe is that Tamiya didn't do wide, deep-dish, wheels for the rear. The front wheels are beautiful renditions of the real car's fronts, though. As for tires, you'll find standard radials in the front and Super Grip radials in the rear (for a more neutral cornering attitude).

PERFORMANCE

From the first pull of the throttle to the last turn of its wheels, this car will keep a smile on your face. The included 540 motor makes for spirited acceleration without overtaxing the supple suspension. Throw the car hard into a corner with reckless abandon, and the result is mild understeer. Of course, you can nail the gas midcorner and get a nice antisocial power slide for your efforts.

The rough pavement in front of my house has adversely affected the Derformance (not to mention the undersides) of lust about every car I've played with-uh, tested-over the years. To my surprise, the M-04 chassis' ample ground clearance and soft springs just soaked up every imperfection.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The suspension is far from race worthy, and the tires are designed to limit grip more than provide it, but let's keep Tamiya's purpose in mind: fun is the operative word, and that is what Tamiya has delivered in a very small package-by the truckload.

As always, there are no disappointments with Tamiya's quality, and the chassis comes wrapped in an equally impressive, beautiful, sports-car package that adds to the "gotta have it" factor.

Assembling the suspension arms gets me every time. A nub on each half indicates in which direction the arms should be assem bled. Pay close attention to the illustrations.

YOU'LL NEED

RS-540 Sport tuned motorpart no. 53068.

M03 ball-bearing set-53348

On-road tuned-spring set53163.

TA03 ball diff-53267.

TA03 low-friction dmper set 53280

TL01 stainless steel suspen sion shafts-53301

FACTORY OPTIONS

2-channel radio dystem with receiver and two servos (or servo and ESC).

6 cell battery pack.

Battery charger.

Paint for the Lexan body.

CA glue for the tires.

Copyright Air Age Publishing Feb 2000
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