Discussion
Interesting thread, I have been considering a Z4C for a little while but I get put off by people comments about ride, tramlining and steering.
Ride is less of a concern, tramlining I guess can be solved by ditching the RFTs but how is the steering feel compared to other cars? My S2000 is not exactly renowned for its feel, anyone driven both?
Ride is less of a concern, tramlining I guess can be solved by ditching the RFTs but how is the steering feel compared to other cars? My S2000 is not exactly renowned for its feel, anyone driven both?
I have had an 04 and and 05 S2000. I have had a Z4M Roadster and recently 2 E89 Z4 35iS's.
I personally don't see any issues with the steering on the Z4's I have had and tbh the steering on an S2000 is fairly numb.
I found my Z4M R which had 'proper' power steering was far too heavy for my liking so when I moved to an electric steering system I liked it. Both of my new Z4's had lighter steering than I expected but it was/is still good. The 11 plate was heavier than my now LCI 13 plate. When the 35iS is put into sport the steering stiffens up nicely.
Compared to an S2000 I would say any of them are more informative with better feel.
I personally don't see any issues with the steering on the Z4's I have had and tbh the steering on an S2000 is fairly numb.
I found my Z4M R which had 'proper' power steering was far too heavy for my liking so when I moved to an electric steering system I liked it. Both of my new Z4's had lighter steering than I expected but it was/is still good. The 11 plate was heavier than my now LCI 13 plate. When the 35iS is put into sport the steering stiffens up nicely.
Compared to an S2000 I would say any of them are more informative with better feel.
Love my Z4 3.0L
It IS a fantastic handling car, so well balanced and easy to drive fast. Even on the Primewell P1 tyres the last owner decided to fit to mine! (Mucho fun in the wet!:P)
Straight 6 is such a great engine. Bags of torque low and mid range plus silky smooth and free revving all the way to the red line. I do alot of urban driving and still average 26mpg.
Steering: A bit on the light side without 'sport' mode on so thats the first thing i press as soon as the engine is running.
Reliability: Nothing gone wrong on mine in 5 months of ownership. Plus it feels so solid, like i dont have to treat it carefully.
Only criticism... it would be soooo much better with an LSD!
It IS a fantastic handling car, so well balanced and easy to drive fast. Even on the Primewell P1 tyres the last owner decided to fit to mine! (Mucho fun in the wet!:P)
Straight 6 is such a great engine. Bags of torque low and mid range plus silky smooth and free revving all the way to the red line. I do alot of urban driving and still average 26mpg.
Steering: A bit on the light side without 'sport' mode on so thats the first thing i press as soon as the engine is running.
Reliability: Nothing gone wrong on mine in 5 months of ownership. Plus it feels so solid, like i dont have to treat it carefully.
Only criticism... it would be soooo much better with an LSD!
REALIST123 said:
Having just got rid of our Z4 after 6.5 years of excellent service, whilst it is fine, it is no where near as good as a boxster, in all honesty. I also moved on my 911 after 7 years and had quite a bit of time in boxsters during that period. Whilst I preferred the 911 as a drive, the Boxster is so competent and would beat the Z4 on every level; ride, grip, poise, steering. The downsides are the cost and customer service.
We've replaced the Z4 with a 350SLK, after considering the latest Z4, and the SLK is arguably the better all round drive, though in truth they are just different to each other.
All IMO.
The problem with the Boxster (and 350/370Z) is that they cost more to run than the Z4 (e.g. urban MPG in the teens rather than the 20's), Z4M excepted. The 3.0Si seems as close to an ideal compromise as possible...for me at least.We've replaced the Z4 with a 350SLK, after considering the latest Z4, and the SLK is arguably the better all round drive, though in truth they are just different to each other.
All IMO.
Babw said:
As standard my Z4 was fairly light at the front with some understeer.
You need to make sure the electric power steering is functioning properly, then ditching the run flats but sticking to something like 235 40's all around with moving to the Z4M geo settings will completely transform the car.
I find a staggered setup on the Z4 gives that understeer on turn in and 235's at the back are wide enough as the car doesn't have enough power to overcome them.
Like lots of other BMW's, out of the factory they have a certain "numbness" dialled into them for safety I guess. The chassis is more than capable if you're willing to slightly modify/tune the car, I'd say the Z4 is now more exciting, handles better and is more stable on the brakes than my M3.
This is all very interesting. - It does seem that most new-ish BMWs need a little tweaking to "set them free". The 130i & M135i are apparently the same in that regard. Having said that though, whilst come criticise the E85 Z4, some really rate it. I remember the likes of Evo giving the 3.0Si quite a lot of praise.You need to make sure the electric power steering is functioning properly, then ditching the run flats but sticking to something like 235 40's all around with moving to the Z4M geo settings will completely transform the car.
I find a staggered setup on the Z4 gives that understeer on turn in and 235's at the back are wide enough as the car doesn't have enough power to overcome them.
Like lots of other BMW's, out of the factory they have a certain "numbness" dialled into them for safety I guess. The chassis is more than capable if you're willing to slightly modify/tune the car, I'd say the Z4 is now more exciting, handles better and is more stable on the brakes than my M3.
Polariz said:
Around 10 years ago I attended a lecture from a chief engineer of a WRC rally team. He defined (And I'd say I agree with it) is that a "good handling" car is one that encourages, and gives confidence to the driver to use all the available grip. Good cars defined: Original Mini (gives oodles of confidence but obviously runs out of grip pretty easily) and a BMW M5. Bad car: Older 911.
Where the Z4 sits then for me - it's not a "bad" handling car. It communicates enough to inform me what it's going to do when pushed hard, and doesn't suddenly snap or fall off a cliff. Is it fun? Ish - it has too much grip, and that covers up the communication issues a bit, so I can see why you'd say some people think good handling = grip.
Yes; handling is not all about grip, cornering speed etc. and a lot of people forget that. Take the old Audi S3 for example: Grippy: Yes. Good handling? Errr...not exactly.Where the Z4 sits then for me - it's not a "bad" handling car. It communicates enough to inform me what it's going to do when pushed hard, and doesn't suddenly snap or fall off a cliff. Is it fun? Ish - it has too much grip, and that covers up the communication issues a bit, so I can see why you'd say some people think good handling = grip.
I've owned and loved my 3.4 Alpina Z4 Roadster S for 6 years. It used to be my daily commute car and never had any problems apart from getting through 19" tyres quite regular! It's now my second fun car and generally gets used some weekends and taken to car meets. Other Z4's don't float my boat, the alpina is a bit different and being rare I very rarely see another one on the road. Have no intention of parting with it.
I've owned and loved my 3.4 Alpina Z4 Roadster S for 6 years. It used to be my daily commute car and never had any problems apart from getting through 19" tyres quite regular! It's now my second fun car and generally gets used some weekends and taken to car meets. Other Z4's don't float my boat, the alpina is a bit different and being rare I very rarely see another one on the road. Have no intention of parting with it.
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