Z4 - initial thoughts

[steeevvvooo]

So, I picked up my Z4 today! Overall, I'm very happy!!

I've got a few niggles though...

1) the standard seats are pretty uncomfortable on the lower back. I've not managed to find a position that's comortable yet, and feel like the seat is slanted/sloped to the left?!

2) The "parcel shelf" area behind the roll bars looks a little untidy when the roof is up. It almost looks a little exposed when you look behind from the inside of the car (if that makes sense)? It's my 1st convertable, so maybe they're all like that? I'm wondering if there's a cover missing or something?! Might try to get a photo up tomorrow...

3) The steering wheel squeaks like hell at slow speeds!!

4) The 5 spoke wheels are coroded on the inside. Looks like they'll need a re-furb, but will wait until it get's warmer, and I've got used to parking the thing. I'm sure there will be a few scuffs before then!!

I'll get some pics up if the weather is better tomorrow. Also, I've not managed to check the subs / amp to see if I have the carver, but if I don't, it sounds pretty damn good as it is!!

[AB]

steeevvvooo said:

So, I picked up my Z4 today! Overall, I'm very happy!!

I've got a few niggles though...

1) the standard seats are pretty uncomfortable on the lower back. I've not managed to find a position that's comortable yet, and feel like the seat is slanted/sloped to the left?!

2) The "parcel shelf" area behind the roll bars looks a little untidy when the roof is up. It almost looks a little exposed when you look behind from the inside of the car (if that makes sense)? It's my 1st convertable, so maybe they're all like that? I'm wondering if there's a cover missing or something?! Might try to get a photo up tomorrow...

3) The steering wheel squeaks like hell at slow speeds!!

4) The 5 spoke wheels are coroded on the inside. Looks like they'll need a re-furb, but will wait until it get's warmer, and I've got used to parking the thing. I'm sure there will be a few scuffs before then!!

I'll get some pics up if the weather is better tomorrow. Also, I've not managed to check the subs / amp to see if I have the carver, but if I don't, it sounds pretty damn good as it is!!

Congrats on the purchase, what did you go for in the end? Spec/Price etc?

1) I agree, i had back pain when i first got mine, but a month or so in, it stopped. I have since found that a more upright seating position is more comfortable. I did try a car equipped with M sport seats, but they didnt suit me at all. Try the seat back more upright would be my first suggestion.

2) I know what you mean, and I have noticed it when looking closely but day to day you wont notice it... nothing is missing.

3) Its more of a squeal than a squeak, more electrical than mechanical i thought? Something to do with the assistance, whether power steering or this other system the Z4 uses which name escapes me.

4) A known problem and something that was fixed by BMW free of charge in a lot of cases. Why not try a letter to BMW GB? You can only try?

Enjoy the car

[steeevvvooo]

Thanks AB. I'll try the upright seat position. It feels like it's slightly sloping to the left, and also angled slightly left, toward the centre of the bonnet. I just put it down the the sports car nature, as I know some other cars (911 iirc?) also angle off centre. The girlfriend drove for over an hour, and found it really comfortable.

As for the squeak, it's almost sounds like the wheel is rubbing, rather than a mechanical / electical issue. I'll see how it goes, but may get it looked at under warranty if it gets worse. There's no notchyness, grinding, stiffness etc though.

I might try writing to BMW about the wheels. I can only try right?!

For reference, got a 2004 3.0 Auto, with heated elec leather, 18" 5 spokes, premium hi-fi (not sure if that's carver or not), parking sensors. Just had an Insp 1, 12 mth warranty and MOT for 10.5k. Got an ok price on my trade in, so happy overall!

[AB]

Sounds like a good deal mate, you did well to hold out for it. The warranty is peace of mind as well, so if the steering noise does end up being something sinister then you needn't worry. I would write to BMW re wheel corrosion, see how it goes. If not, leave it a few months and complain to whoever supplied your warranty?

The only way I can describe the noise mine makes steering wise is an electrical sort of whirring noise, like its being electrically assisted. Only noticed when turning the wheel quickly at low speeds?

[steeevvvooo]

AB said:

The only way I can describe the noise mine makes steering wise is an electrical sort of whirring noise, like its being electrically assisted. Only noticed when turning the wheel quickly at low speeds?

Mine is definitely a squeak. Sounds like it needs some WD40, but am not sure that would help!!

[AB]

What car did you have before? What do you think of the road noise/rattles etc?

I drive a few different cars and the Z4 is definitely the most rattley with the most road noise.

[Sticks2]

Glad to hear you're pleased wit your Z4, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do mine.

I presume you've got the seat memory fuction. You can memorise 3 settings on this. I have a bad back and I've got 3 settings which are all about right. Some days one is uncomfortable so I use another. You can also 'fidget' by making tiny adjustments to suit without losing the set up.

One other thing I did which helped was to have cruise contro fitted. On longer trips I can put it on and by moving my feet, move my lower back too.

I hope this is helpful

[dan101smith]

Interesting... can I ask how much it cost to get cruise control retrofitted?

[StuB]

Congrats and welcome to the world of Zedding.

Try removing the binacle around the wheel and checking for anything that might have been fouling.

The guys on www.zed-cars.eu might be able to help you with the retro fit on cruise and you could also try zroadster.net

[Mattt]

Cruise retrofit is about £80 IIRC.

[tomTVR]

Had mine just over a week now so thought i'd add my comments.

Not found any problems with rattles or squeeks whatsoever, then again coming from a TVR i probably wouldnt notice. The standard seats have suited me just fine, infact other that forward/backwards i havent even needed to adjust them. As a slim-lad i thought i might rattle around without lateral support but have had no such problems.

Mine is a 3.0i manual and have found the performance very good, especially when you take it right up to the redline however if you go steady the MPG is excellent. The manual gearbox is so crisp and precise with a short throw, easily the best gearbox of any car ive owned.

The 225 front 255 rear section tyres provide so much grip that despite the horrible weather i rarely get the traction control coming on. Not had chance to pull any serious sideways G's yet but i reckon it will be very good.

Love the sound of the engine, the BMW straight six is one of my favourite engines. At full chat its

Heater works well also so i can drive around with the roof down and it still keeps me warm.

Negative points:

My biggest gripe is the ride and handling. With 18" wheels with runflats and sports suspension it crashes about like no car i have ever been in, in a convoy the other day, my mate in his Elise was taking speed bumps at 3 times the speed i could! When pushing on over anything but smooth tarmac the car is all over the place pitching from side to side over ruts in the road and tramlining everywhere.

Not keen on the electric power steering, its not so much the remote feel but the fact i swear it takes longer for the wheels to react to inputs than normal steering. The result is sometimes appling more lock than needed when changing direction quickly and nearly ending up in the hedge. This is something i am getting used to though so not a major problem.

On balance though i love it

[a11y_m]

Meh, I may as well add my thoughts to this, just in case it interests anyone . I've had my 2004/54 3.0 manual for not quite 4 weeks now and finally had a chance to drive on some proper roads today...

1. I find the standard seats incredibly comfortable - maybe it's just me. Driving position is absolutely spot on, I played around with the different positions a bit before I was satisfied though. Bonus having the steering adjust for reach as well as rake (i've got long legs and usually end up compromised).

2. Can't say I've noticed the parcel shelf bit!

3. Nope, my steering wheel is silent - sounds like a bit of trim is rubbing on yours? My wiper mechanism has a squeak though.

4. Yup, all of the 108 style alloys (the 5-spoke split rim ones) corrode. If it's outside of warranty forget it - just get them refurbed. Mine are the same and I'm getting them tidied up and powdercoated very soon. Still the best looking wheel design for the Z4 IMO!


The ride: I think the ride quality is fantastic, but I've come from driving an Ibiza Cupra TDI for 18 months: that was a back breaker LOL. It does follow cambers on the road, but apparently that's down to the runflat tyres which I'm replacing soon (with non runflats - will sort that out).

I went for a run in it today and loved it. Weather was sh*te (see the pics which should appear soon HERE) but when I did get a chance to carry a bit of speed it was great.

And the noise, oh yes

[Mattt]

tomTVR said:

The 225 front 255 rear section tyres provide so much grip that despite the horrible weather i rarely get the traction control coming on. Not had chance to pull any serious sideways G's yet but i reckon it will be very good.

IME, for the size of the tyres - the grip is poor - at least on OEM RFT rubber.

If you potter about in it, then it's fine, but anything approaching damp and I have traction lit up like a Xmas tree when pushing on. Mildly damp last night, 10 degrees - and traction light on at 40mph.

[steeevvvooo]

AB said:

What car did you have before? What do you think of the road noise/rattles etc?

I drive a few different cars and the Z4 is definitely the most rattley with the most road noise.

I came from a Peugeot 206 1.4 !! But had a 406 3.0 V6 coupe before that. The 206 made me realise how much I missed a bigger lump, hence the Z4!

Road noise is not too bad at all I find. I was expecting much more noise, but the roof seems solid, and a good fit. By no means s-class quiet at speed, but better than expected for me at least!

[steeevvvooo]

A11y, what are you looking at for the refurb? I had some 15inch wheels refurbed about 8 years ago, and they cost me £50 per wheel, so what am I looking at for 18inch now?

1) I've got a long journey this weekend (200+ miles), so will try and find a comfy position

2) The "parcel shelf" problem was just because the expandable section of the boot was down. It looks a little "unfinished" when it's down, but I suppose that's just the space for the roof to fold down into

3) The steering wheel still squeeks a bit, but I've just turned the stereo up to hide it

On the point of the stereo, how do I get access to the subs behind the seats? Do the grills just pop out, or do I need to access them from the back? I'm trying to get to the magnets, to check the ohms for the subs...

[Sticks2]

dan101smith said:

Interesting... can I ask how much it cost to get cruise control retrofitted?

Iirc, the parts cost about £180, plus about £70 for fitting etc.

Apparently, the wiring is in place on cars up to Oct 04 build, so it's a case of removing the lower cowling, plug in the control, connect multiplug, replace new cowling. The stealer may say it needs programming in but apparently not.

[a11y_m]

steeevvvooo said:

A11y, what are you looking at for the refurb? I had some 15inch wheels refurbed about 8 years ago, and they cost me £50 per wheel, so what am I looking at for 18inch now?

I've yet to get a quote from the guy, but he did my full set of 17" alloys from my previous car in August last year for £150 + VAT. That was to remove tyres, sand blast them, smooth out deep gouges, prep them, powedercoat them silver, refit tyres, and balance them.

I've been down to see him about my Z4 wheels but he won't touch split rims – too much hassle – unless I split them myself. So, I've bought the tools to remove the bolts and will get both bits of each wheel refurbed and powdercoated. There’s a guide to it on www.z4-forum.com that I’m following.

[steeevvvooo]

a11y_m said:

I've been down to see him about my Z4 wheels but he won't touch split rims –

Hmm, got a feeling it won’t be cheap then. I forgot they were split rims!

[Zeek]

steeevvvooo said:

2) The "parcel shelf" problem was just because the expandable section of the boot was down. It looks a little "unfinished" when it's down, but I suppose that's just the space for the roof to fold down into

Can you post a pic? You shouldn't be able to tell from the parcel shelf which position the boot space thing is in - or at least I can't on mine.

Oh, and if you like the noise now, get rid of the foam pieces in the sound generator pipe. The best 30 second mod you'll ever make

[steeevvvooo]

Zeek said:

steeevvvooo said:

2) The "parcel shelf" problem was just because the expandable section of the boot was down. It looks a little "unfinished" when it's down, but I suppose that's just the space for the roof to fold down into

Can you post a pic? You shouldn't be able to tell from the parcel shelf which position the boot space thing is in - or at least I can't on mine.

Oh, and if you like the noise now, get rid of the foam pieces in the sound generator pipe. The best 30 second mod you'll ever make

Is there a parcel shelf then, or is it just a cover / blank of some sort? Seems like mine doesn’t have one? When I move the expandable boot section, I can see the lid moving up and down?!

Also, what's this sound generator pipe... sounds interesting...