Under normal or straight line driving, the two extraction pumps feed the oil flowing back from the cylinder heads and the crankshaft bearings into the oil sump at the front of the engine. However, when the DSC lateral acceleration sensor detects high cornering forces it activates the appropriate switch valve to extract oil from the sump and the cylinder head on the outside of the bend. The DSC sensor works regardless of whether the driver has the stability control system switched on or off. The engine compartment itself is finished in the same high-gloss paintwork as the roadster's exterior. A Getrag six-speed manual transmission and specially reinforced clutch, also from the M5, is mated to the Z8's engine.
Sixth gear is overdrive.
To enhance that symphony, engineers deliberately matched the exhaust note to engine load. While cruising, it is a deep rumble. The original 507's body was aluminum. Continuing that tradition, all the Z8's body panels, with the exception of its bumpers and door hinges, are aluminum. However, BMW took the use of this lightweight alloy one step further and designed the new sports car's spaceframe in aluminum - an industry first.