BMW Z4 test drives... some thoughts and questions
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![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}
All the engines are pointless except the 3 litre.
The 2.0 is a 4 pot and 4 pots don't belong in BMW roadsters.
The 2.2 and 2.5's are great engines but as with all BMW Sixes it's the cylinder configuration that dictates fuel economy and running costs not the engine size so there is absolutely no reason to chose one over the 3 litre.
So get the 3 litre. It's also properly fast, no matter what others might say - both the 3.0 (2003-2006) and the 3.0 Si (2006-2008) will do 0-60 in the 5's and are limited to 155mph.
Is the Z4 M really worth considering as a daily driver?
I would consider one in terms of cost, but I'd like to be able to travel a couple of 100 miles in it without feeling like i've been in a minor earthquake for a few hours.
I would consider one in terms of cost, but I'd like to be able to travel a couple of 100 miles in it without feeling like i've been in a minor earthquake for a few hours.
Thanks for that. Looking at the figures the 3l is 0.8mpg worse than the 2.5l and 50bhp better off; so confirms what you have said.[TW]Fox;13267414 said:
With that in mind (considering I'd be going from a Focus 1.6 to either of those), would it matter if I went for a 2.5l or 3l? Either will be very fast. The only reason I ask is I would want the range available to me to bit as big as possible (meaning more possible bargins) - so if there are two engines I can pick from, the market is twice as big as just one engine (if that makes sense).
Cheers.
I just dont understand why you'd want the 2.5 - if you get one you'll always wish you had a 3.0 instead. Ok, sure, the 2.5 is quick - I doubt its much slower than my 530 infact - but the 3.0 is even quicker and comes at no real financial penalty so why not?
I don't particularly think the Z4 M is worthwhile as a daily driver over the 3.0si unless your a total petrol head or will be getting your kicks on the track. The running costs are a lot more and unless your going to get your moneys worth out of the performance or youv'e got the money to burn then I wouldn't go for the M.
Really can't see the appeal of the coupe to be honest, I'd choose a convertible over a coupe everyday of the week. Nothing compares to those days when the sun is shining and your driving around with the roof down. I'd go as far to say that I'd have a 2.2i Roadster over a 3.0 coupe for the same price.
I went for the 3.0i in the end and everyone that I've taken out have been shocked at just how quick it was. My cousin has a 325ci and couldn't believe the difference.
Don't forget to try out the 'famous' sound generator when you get one. A bit tiresome on a long run but great fun when you want a bit of fun through some tunnels, plus it's literally a 30 second job
With regards to MPG - Since Ive had it Ive averaged 25.5 MPG. Thats over 2000 miles too. The car see's a dual carriageway/motorway maybe once or twice every couple of weeks (100 mile round trips to manchester). The rest is ALL town driving.
I averaged 39.something on a round trip to manchester (taking it really easy for max MPG just as a test).
Then with cruise *possibly* set to 80-90 all the way, not taking it easy at all, I managed 32 mpg.
Oh and Im 21 so hardly drive around like a grandad.
Really can't see the appeal of the coupe to be honest, I'd choose a convertible over a coupe everyday of the week. Nothing compares to those days when the sun is shining and your driving around with the roof down. I'd go as far to say that I'd have a 2.2i Roadster over a 3.0 coupe for the same price.
I went for the 3.0i in the end and everyone that I've taken out have been shocked at just how quick it was. My cousin has a 325ci and couldn't believe the difference.
Don't forget to try out the 'famous' sound generator when you get one. A bit tiresome on a long run but great fun when you want a bit of fun through some tunnels, plus it's literally a 30 second job
With regards to MPG - Since Ive had it Ive averaged 25.5 MPG. Thats over 2000 miles too. The car see's a dual carriageway/motorway maybe once or twice every couple of weeks (100 mile round trips to manchester). The rest is ALL town driving.
I averaged 39.something on a round trip to manchester (taking it really easy for max MPG just as a test).
Then with cruise *possibly* set to 80-90 all the way, not taking it easy at all, I managed 32 mpg.
Oh and Im 21 so hardly drive around like a grandad.
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I know Fox is anti anything other than the 3.0 but I have a 2.2 and like Fox rightly states you can get the 3.0 for the same money so I do see his point.
However I find the 2.2 has plenty of power and sounds great like all the straight 6s. You also benefit from cheaper insurance, road tax etc. Theres plenty of power for overtaking and as I do city driving the extra grunt would be wasted.
I took the Z to a track day and it impressed! I was quicker than the new Focus ST and a 325 amoung a few things. My driving was pretty poor so I was really impressed!
I found the Z really expensive on insurance so worth checking that out before you buy too as that may sway what engine you choose.
However I find the 2.2 has plenty of power and sounds great like all the straight 6s. You also benefit from cheaper insurance, road tax etc. Theres plenty of power for overtaking and as I do city driving the extra grunt would be wasted.
I took the Z to a track day and it impressed! I was quicker than the new Focus ST and a 325 amoung a few things. My driving was pretty poor so I was really impressed!
I found the Z really expensive on insurance so worth checking that out before you buy too as that may sway what engine you choose.
I've found this one:
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/car_details/0,,1260_159980112__,00.html?currentCh=WBABU520X0LL90687
Price seems excellent considering it's an 08 plate with so few miles. And I know I could get more of that price. I'm guessing it was a demo car? Right colour, right interior. Only thing missing is the upgraded hifi. But quite frankly, I think i'm just going to have to upgrade the audio myself.
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/auc/car_details/0,,1260_159980112__,00.html?currentCh=WBABU520X0LL90687
Price seems excellent considering it's an 08 plate with so few miles. And I know I could get more of that price. I'm guessing it was a demo car? Right colour, right interior. Only thing missing is the upgraded hifi. But quite frankly, I think i'm just going to have to upgrade the audio myself.
Hold out for one with the 'carver' hifi professional DSP, heated seats, xenon lights and professional nav. These options are those which I really wouldnt want to be without now I have had them.
That said I've got the lot minus the TV tuner and bluetooth making it an enjoyable place to be
The cruise control proved very relaxing on a 200 mile round trip of the m25 and m3 on saturday, unlike my last car (s14a 200sx) I can get out feeling relaxed and not knackered from over concentrating on how it next wants to kill me
That said I've got the lot minus the TV tuner and bluetooth making it an enjoyable place to be
The cruise control proved very relaxing on a 200 mile round trip of the m25 and m3 on saturday, unlike my last car (s14a 200sx) I can get out feeling relaxed and not knackered from over concentrating on how it next wants to kill me
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Whats the reason for not going for a £10k fully specced 3.0i?
Not just because thats what I did, but I can't really get my head around buying just a newer version for a lot more money, when ultimately the cars not changed much. Fair enough the front lights look ten times better, and you get the 3.0si, but is that worth paying an extra £8k. Not knocking it at all I'd just like to know why? I didn't have £18,000 to spend but I can't help thinking I'd be annoyed knowing some other Z4's on the road possibly paid half as much as I had.
Not just because thats what I did, but I can't really get my head around buying just a newer version for a lot more money, when ultimately the cars not changed much. Fair enough the front lights look ten times better, and you get the 3.0si, but is that worth paying an extra £8k. Not knocking it at all I'd just like to know why? I didn't have £18,000 to spend but I can't help thinking I'd be annoyed knowing some other Z4's on the road possibly paid half as much as I had.
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I disagree with some of the spec recommendations. You don't really need the navigation system and Xenons are easy to retrofit as they have Projector lights.
It's not a long distance mile muncher, it's a fun roof down roadster. It doesn't need fully integrated navigation or a television.
It's not a long distance mile muncher, it's a fun roof down roadster. It doesn't need fully integrated navigation or a television.
How much are the Xenons to retrofit though?
I know cruise control is a very easy retrofit on the Z4.
I personally think that heated seats are one of the biggest requirements on a Z4, especially for someone who likes having the roof down a lot. I wouldn't have bought mine if it didn't have heated seats.
The only reason I had the Satnav was because I like how the Intravee Ipod interface works on the screen.
The Carver upgraded audio was a must for me too, but I like my music a lot.
I know cruise control is a very easy retrofit on the Z4.
I personally think that heated seats are one of the biggest requirements on a Z4, especially for someone who likes having the roof down a lot. I wouldn't have bought mine if it didn't have heated seats.
The only reason I had the Satnav was because I like how the Intravee Ipod interface works on the screen.
The Carver upgraded audio was a must for me too, but I like my music a lot.
[TW]Fox;13275766 said:
Heated seats are non negotiable, it extends the usability of the open top in temperatures down to 5C.
Xenons... the standard halogen lights are crap as reported by non xenon equiped owners - would be costly to retrofit.
Prof Nav system makes the dash nice to look at and is very useful - TMC can alert you of incidents and plot a suitable diversion. Provides display for graphic equaliser and on board computer functions.
Carver Hifi - depends if you like music. I do
The original poster should also try a drive in a 987 boxster S 3.2 - these are within budget and provide a different driving experience.
Spec matters when it comes to sell the car on... seen the abundance of poverty spec Z4M's on BMW AUC listings? The good ones (high spec) command a premium and get snapped up quickly.
Personal preference I guess. Can't say I've ever missed heated seats since I got ridof the Mondeo.
No, it costs about 100 quid to retrofit with aftermarket which are as good as the OEM ones.
It doesn't make the dash nice to look at all, it's a flipup screen thats a complete afterthough. Were it properly integrated I'd agree but as it isn't, I don't.
Carver Hifi - depends if you like music. I do
I'll give you that, but there is always the aftermarket.
Yea but after what, a few minutes on the leather your arse has heated the seats up anyway? I mean I've never had a problem at all? I've driven BMW's with the heated seats - for some bizarre reason most of the dealers courtesy cars have them - and they don't really add anything for me. Personal preference I guess.
Heater does a great job when its really cold anyway.
Heater does a great job when its really cold anyway.