RE: A week with a BMW Z8
Discussion
Here is my Z8. The problem with the cars when they were launched was that they were fitted with 1st generation run flats. These were truly horrible...journalists didnt even realise they were fitted.
I fitted the Alpina 20s to mine and these have improved ride handling and steering feel. The steering is still a bit heavy and I wish I could find a way of boosting power steering levels by about 15pc.
The cars are beautifully made and feel bullet proof with no scuttle shake at all. I am forntunate to also own a 61 E Type converitble and they have a very similar feel with you sat above rear axle and a big bonnet ahead.
The Z8 engine however is an old school feeling V8 with a lovely about of torque that allows instant power in every gear.
Is it as good as a 360 Modena to drive..not at all..but it has a lovely old school muscle car feel
PHMatt said:
George111 said:
PHMatt said:
I think it's one of the best looking BMW's, if not cars, ever built.
Best looking cars ? Are you ill ? 
Have you never seen a Miura or an Iso Griffo ? How can you possibly prefer this monstrosity over those ?
George111 said:
PHMatt said:
I think it's one of the best looking BMW's, if not cars, ever built.
Best looking cars ? Are you ill ? Have you never seen a Miura or an Iso Griffo ? How can you possibly prefer this monstrosity over those ?
I reckon the Z8 has masses of road presence; I was out for a hoon years ago north of Otley in Yorks and saw one go the other way in a flash. I went "Ohhhh!" It looked just great, giving it beans on a spring evening.
That all said, part of me does think it looks like an iteration of the Z3 soft-tops and in an alternative world would be worth £10-15k even with that engine.
Yes, I'd also have an Alfa 8C Competizione.
That all said, part of me does think it looks like an iteration of the Z3 soft-tops and in an alternative world would be worth £10-15k even with that engine.
Yes, I'd also have an Alfa 8C Competizione.
RichB said:
ndeed, the BMW 507 of which this is a derivative is infinitely better looking, and an original design.
As said, leave the past in the past, do some design cues but leave it at that. The Z8 looks like a good looking girl trying to dress up like Marilyn Monroe and not really succeeding.
Plenty of modern designs look classic enough without trying to hard. Aston Martins, F-type, Masser Grandturismo, Alfa 8C. All can be had for the money of this dynamically challenged BMW. The price is really a bit
, but good on the owners of course.A few months ago Andrew English from the Daily Telegraph had a couple of days with what I imagine is the same BMW heritage fleet car in this article. He similarly remembered not being taken with it when the car was new (too soft, too retro etc.), however, he completely changed his mind driving it again today.
He realised that he had previously been trying to drive it as an out and out sports car rather than a fast GT, and after backing off a bit and enjoying the engine and the noise and the appreciation of those around him he really fell for it. The looks of it had really grown on him as well over the years.
Here's a Monaco registered car I snapped at the Le Mans Classic this year.
He realised that he had previously been trying to drive it as an out and out sports car rather than a fast GT, and after backing off a bit and enjoying the engine and the noise and the appreciation of those around him he really fell for it. The looks of it had really grown on him as well over the years.
Here's a Monaco registered car I snapped at the Le Mans Classic this year.
An exercise in styling over substance or NOT the Ultimate Driving Machine. Z3M for weirdness and I know the Alpina version isn't much more fun to drive. Why these have climbed in value is beyond me but what people will pay for cars is amazing and how they wish to avoid CGT is equally bizarre.
CRA1G said:
Just found another photo,the interior is certainly retro/quirky it's just a shame they didn't do a RHD as my wife wouldn't drive it at all.. but they have certainly jumped up in value big style as have the ZM Coupe which I have kept..
Oh no, tell me that isn't body paint coloured bits in the interior? I've always found that incredibly naff no matter what car it's on, it just makes me think of some Max Power lad who's tarted up his Saxo 
scherzkeks said:
Agreed, one of the ugliest BMWs ever produced, and that is saying something.
From someone that owned a Buick Regal and a Ford Probe 
Only joking, everyones tastes are different - i think the Z8 is a fantastic bit of design that in another 10 years or so will be better thought of. A bit like the Z4!
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