Would a Z4 Coupe be a good upgrade for me?
Discussion
Currently driving an FN2 Civic Type-R. Its a great car, but it really needs some money spending to make it handle and brake better. Otherwise though, its got a fantastic engine, and its plenty fast enough for me.
However, as always with a Type-R, it really seems to need to be thrashed to in any way entertaining, so I tend to drive like a hooligan more often than not.
I think I've also been spoiled with driving past cars like a 350Z, MR2 Turbo and a pair of MX5s.
I could spend the money modding the Civic, but I think perhaps I really yearn another rear driver?
So I've been thinking about this for a while. I thought about another Z, but... been there, done that. I thought about Boxster, mid-engine is nice, but for my budget, I'll likely be asking for trouble, the bork factor seems fairly high. I thought about VX220 but too raw, and they've gone up loads in price, Elise also too raw (I've got to do some long journeys for work occasionally). RX8 too thirsty and gutless even though they handle well (also my mate has one).
Eventually I got to the Z4. I've had a couple of beemers and found them very competent but slightly dull... but they were an E36 and E46 328. I would imagine its a different story with a Z4, and I prefer the coupe - no roof to go wrong, slightly more rare and I absolutely love the way they look. I suspect they are a future classic.
Only concerns are some concerns about the hydraulic lifters, but it seems it doesn't really harm the engine, and it may be fixed by a previous owner. Some of them are starship mileages too (WELL north of 100K), are these motors good for it?
There are some alternatives from the BMW stable, such as the 130i, totally different type of car though, and I'm guessing not as special? Doesn't really need to be practical but if it was as good from a drivers point of view then I'd certainly consider it, a few cosmetic mods can have them looking nice.
Finally, I could go for the budget option, a 325ti. I've been told that the E46 325ti is the best E46 drivers car aside from the M3, even eclipsing the 330Ci. Lighter, smaller, and seemingly set up for fun, it even has the induction noise piped to the cabin like the Z4!
I do have a slight worry that the Z4 would feel somewhat like a 3-series to drive, which isn't an insult to the 3-series, but it wouldn't really cut the mustard for a sports car, but that being said, I can't see that being the case? Especially the coupe looks very special to me.
As for the car, I'd want something that wasn't going to cause me many expensive issues, and lifters issue aside, it seems that the n52s are good engines.
I almost feel as though the Z4C is the closest thing to a TVR (though obviously a lot more civilised and reliable) from the Germans and that would appeal to me greatly. Any thoughts?
However, as always with a Type-R, it really seems to need to be thrashed to in any way entertaining, so I tend to drive like a hooligan more often than not.
I think I've also been spoiled with driving past cars like a 350Z, MR2 Turbo and a pair of MX5s.
I could spend the money modding the Civic, but I think perhaps I really yearn another rear driver?
So I've been thinking about this for a while. I thought about another Z, but... been there, done that. I thought about Boxster, mid-engine is nice, but for my budget, I'll likely be asking for trouble, the bork factor seems fairly high. I thought about VX220 but too raw, and they've gone up loads in price, Elise also too raw (I've got to do some long journeys for work occasionally). RX8 too thirsty and gutless even though they handle well (also my mate has one).
Eventually I got to the Z4. I've had a couple of beemers and found them very competent but slightly dull... but they were an E36 and E46 328. I would imagine its a different story with a Z4, and I prefer the coupe - no roof to go wrong, slightly more rare and I absolutely love the way they look. I suspect they are a future classic.
Only concerns are some concerns about the hydraulic lifters, but it seems it doesn't really harm the engine, and it may be fixed by a previous owner. Some of them are starship mileages too (WELL north of 100K), are these motors good for it?
There are some alternatives from the BMW stable, such as the 130i, totally different type of car though, and I'm guessing not as special? Doesn't really need to be practical but if it was as good from a drivers point of view then I'd certainly consider it, a few cosmetic mods can have them looking nice.
Finally, I could go for the budget option, a 325ti. I've been told that the E46 325ti is the best E46 drivers car aside from the M3, even eclipsing the 330Ci. Lighter, smaller, and seemingly set up for fun, it even has the induction noise piped to the cabin like the Z4!
I do have a slight worry that the Z4 would feel somewhat like a 3-series to drive, which isn't an insult to the 3-series, but it wouldn't really cut the mustard for a sports car, but that being said, I can't see that being the case? Especially the coupe looks very special to me.
As for the car, I'd want something that wasn't going to cause me many expensive issues, and lifters issue aside, it seems that the n52s are good engines.
I almost feel as though the Z4C is the closest thing to a TVR (though obviously a lot more civilised and reliable) from the Germans and that would appeal to me greatly. Any thoughts?
Thanks for all of the replies. I seem to be wanting to go for the Z4C in my heart compared with the cheaper and more practical BMW alternatives. I really like the idea. I do wonder if I'd be missing something by not going for the roadster though, as I've had a few and its nice to have the roof down, but despite that, I've not missed not having a removable roof as much as I thought, and the Coupe model looks the nuts and I'm fairly sure will be a future classic? I wont rule out the 130i or 325ti, but looking at the weight / bhp figures quoted above, I'm thinking I'll be happier with the extra grunt of either of the newer cars.
Definitely leaning towards Z4C at the moment. I'm gonna keep hold of the CTR over the winter, can't see the point in changing now and it means I'll have a bit more money to put towards it. Get one in time for the spring coming; my birthday is in April so might seem a good time to treat myself to a present
(assuming I can wait that long!). I'll definitely resurrect the thread when/if I buy one; I say if, because a few months is a lot of time to change your mind, but at the moment, having thought about it for months already, it seems very likely I'll go for the BMW option.
Definitely leaning towards Z4C at the moment. I'm gonna keep hold of the CTR over the winter, can't see the point in changing now and it means I'll have a bit more money to put towards it. Get one in time for the spring coming; my birthday is in April so might seem a good time to treat myself to a present
(assuming I can wait that long!). I'll definitely resurrect the thread when/if I buy one; I say if, because a few months is a lot of time to change your mind, but at the moment, having thought about it for months already, it seems very likely I'll go for the BMW option.I'd think I'd want the manual really, I always have this fear that any kind of dual clutch or similar box is gonna be trouble down the line...
Incidentally, one of my mates seems to think by the time I buy it's actually going to have risen in value, any truth in this? If that was the case, I see little point in hanging about really, even if I wont be able to enjoy it to its full in the winter...
Incidentally, one of my mates seems to think by the time I buy it's actually going to have risen in value, any truth in this? If that was the case, I see little point in hanging about really, even if I wont be able to enjoy it to its full in the winter...
dmitsi said:
You should definitely go for a Z4C over some of the lesser model BMW's. Not only are they amazing, but the long bonnet makes working on them a piece of piss. No need to remove any filters or crap to access plugs, water pump can be changed without removing any suspension parts. Parts (excluding water pump) are cheap and readily available.
Do it!
That's a definite plus point! Do it!
I think I have already made my mind up, the Z4 it will be, and I definitely think I want the coupe model over the convertible, as much as I like convertibles, they definitely come with their own drawbacks for me (expense of replacing the roof if it goes wrong, leaking, steaming up, lesser rigidity, higher weight etc).
I think I've pretty much dismissed the lower models on the basis that I want a feel good car and I suspect the Z4 will definitely do this so much better than a 130 or 325ti.
The Boxster would have been a strong contender if it wasn't for the potential bork factor (especially when considering age:budget). The steering thing is unlikely to be a massive issue for me in all honesty, it's a nice thing to have great steering, but most of the cars in my past haven't exactly been known for their steering.
I do like convertibles, but ultimately, I can take them or leave them, and I'm a sucker for the looks of the coupe. That said I won't completely rule one out, but I'm heavily leaning towards the Coupe.
As for steering feel, its nice to have, but I can't see anything other than a Boxster being any better, certainly my 350Z was OK but not really any better than many FWD cars I've had (and certainly worse than some others). To this day, only the Mk2 Golf GTI and Toyota MR2 Mk2 Turbo had what I would call great steering feel, with the MX5 Mk1 in third place. Everything else has been much of a muchness. Is it really THAT bad on the Z4?
One thing that really surprises me is the lack of LSD. I'd have gone for an Z4MC instead but the cost of entry is about double, not to mention the running costs which I think would be too much, from what I've read, in most respects basically add about 70 - 80% on top.
As for steering feel, its nice to have, but I can't see anything other than a Boxster being any better, certainly my 350Z was OK but not really any better than many FWD cars I've had (and certainly worse than some others). To this day, only the Mk2 Golf GTI and Toyota MR2 Mk2 Turbo had what I would call great steering feel, with the MX5 Mk1 in third place. Everything else has been much of a muchness. Is it really THAT bad on the Z4?
One thing that really surprises me is the lack of LSD. I'd have gone for an Z4MC instead but the cost of entry is about double, not to mention the running costs which I think would be too much, from what I've read, in most respects basically add about 70 - 80% on top.
The cheapest Z4MR on 'trader is over £12K, ditto the Cayman, and the cheapest Chim over £11K.
I was only really wanting to spend about £8K, or £10K absolute tops. I would love a Cayman (or indeed a Chim) but I have a hard time believing it wouldn't be a significantly more expensive proposition than a Z4C Si. If I get a pay rise / promotion then maybe I would be looking at those cars but that's not happening at least for a while yet!
The reason I came to decide on the Z4C was because I believe values have now bottomed out (am I right?) due to the rarity and looks (which I love). It seems to have a fantastically reliable and surprisingly economical engine, and the running costs are little different to any other non-M straight-6 BMW - which is to say not the cheapest but not that expensive either. The overall character of the car seems to be what I'm looking for, something that is good for the daily grind, yet something that can still entertain on a hoon (which really is probably less than 20% of my driving these days).
If I end up paying more for a car, I stand to lose more money on it, and I will have less money for its upkeep, which, if it is less reliable, then this is going to be a problem. In an ideal world, budget would not be an issue, but if that was the case, I wouldn't be considering the Z4C 3.0, I'd likely be in a 911 or an AM
I was only really wanting to spend about £8K, or £10K absolute tops. I would love a Cayman (or indeed a Chim) but I have a hard time believing it wouldn't be a significantly more expensive proposition than a Z4C Si. If I get a pay rise / promotion then maybe I would be looking at those cars but that's not happening at least for a while yet!
The reason I came to decide on the Z4C was because I believe values have now bottomed out (am I right?) due to the rarity and looks (which I love). It seems to have a fantastically reliable and surprisingly economical engine, and the running costs are little different to any other non-M straight-6 BMW - which is to say not the cheapest but not that expensive either. The overall character of the car seems to be what I'm looking for, something that is good for the daily grind, yet something that can still entertain on a hoon (which really is probably less than 20% of my driving these days).
If I end up paying more for a car, I stand to lose more money on it, and I will have less money for its upkeep, which, if it is less reliable, then this is going to be a problem. In an ideal world, budget would not be an issue, but if that was the case, I wouldn't be considering the Z4C 3.0, I'd likely be in a 911 or an AM
^ Thanks for the reply.
I'm pretty set on the Z4 to be honest. I did think about the M3 but the extra running costs are not worth the extra performance to me. I reckon the 265 bhp it has will be plenty, to be honest my FN2 is plenty fast enough for me (not as slow as some think); the M3 is similar in nature to the Type-R engine and a part of me wants to get away from having to drive like a rally driver to extract any fun out of it!
When I had my 350Z I loved its torquey nature and a brilliant soundtrack at any revs (even starting it was a pleasure), hoping the Z4 Coupe can deliver a similar experience. My old Z was approx 290 bhp but was a Roadster with huge heavy wheels on, so probably ~ 1700 kg, where as the Coupe is about 1400 kg and only slightly down on power, it should be slightly quicker if anything. It will be more than enough for me as the Z was not a particularly slow car!
I have thought about another Z too as the prices are also bottomed out, but lower than the BMW. However, as I've already had one I'd prefer to try something new, and on the face of it, the BMW would appear to be a better all round car, albeit I'm guessing a bit more refined / less brash, and the Z was a thirsty wee beast, averaging around 20 MPG.
I'm pretty set on the Z4 to be honest. I did think about the M3 but the extra running costs are not worth the extra performance to me. I reckon the 265 bhp it has will be plenty, to be honest my FN2 is plenty fast enough for me (not as slow as some think); the M3 is similar in nature to the Type-R engine and a part of me wants to get away from having to drive like a rally driver to extract any fun out of it!
When I had my 350Z I loved its torquey nature and a brilliant soundtrack at any revs (even starting it was a pleasure), hoping the Z4 Coupe can deliver a similar experience. My old Z was approx 290 bhp but was a Roadster with huge heavy wheels on, so probably ~ 1700 kg, where as the Coupe is about 1400 kg and only slightly down on power, it should be slightly quicker if anything. It will be more than enough for me as the Z was not a particularly slow car!
I have thought about another Z too as the prices are also bottomed out, but lower than the BMW. However, as I've already had one I'd prefer to try something new, and on the face of it, the BMW would appear to be a better all round car, albeit I'm guessing a bit more refined / less brash, and the Z was a thirsty wee beast, averaging around 20 MPG.
Cheers mate, thats part of the appeal to me, sensible running costs. It seems to be among the cheapest to run cars in its class, yet is consistently well reviewed, bar a few things that you mentioned before, which seem to be fairly easy to rectify.
I don't actually expect that it will cost any more than my FN2 is to run. I only average about 25 MPG at best in the Civic, and the best MPG I managed was 37 (sat @ indicated 75). I'd be surprised if the Z4 wasn't slightly better here. Parts, servicing, insurance and VED appear to be similar. Tyres probably cost slightly more. Not much difference really. Potentially depreciation proof now too.
I don't actually expect that it will cost any more than my FN2 is to run. I only average about 25 MPG at best in the Civic, and the best MPG I managed was 37 (sat @ indicated 75). I'd be surprised if the Z4 wasn't slightly better here. Parts, servicing, insurance and VED appear to be similar. Tyres probably cost slightly more. Not much difference really. Potentially depreciation proof now too.
otolith said:
My wife has recently changed a 276bhp 350Z for a Z4M. I never really took to the Nissan dynamically, it felt big and heavy and unwieldy. The BMW feels a lot lighter on its feet.
The two engines both make about the same peak torque at about the same revs, but obviously the BMW revs higher and makes a lot more power. So it's not really the case that relatively speaking you have to rev it out, you just can if you want to. The Nissan always felt strained at the top end. I would imagine that the 3.0 BMW engine is also a free revving engine, but has less torque than the Nissan.
The 350Z does feel quite heavy I will admit, good to hear that the Z4 feels lighter and more nimble... mind I never felt the 350Z felt strained at the top of the rev range. Mine actually seemed to accelerate harder after 5,000, almost like a VTEC, it did have an injen induction kit and cobra exhaust, and the dealer claimed it had a remap too - I wasn't sure about this because I'd heard the remap raised the rev limit to 7K but mine topped out at 6,500 like I would expect as standard.The two engines both make about the same peak torque at about the same revs, but obviously the BMW revs higher and makes a lot more power. So it's not really the case that relatively speaking you have to rev it out, you just can if you want to. The Nissan always felt strained at the top end. I would imagine that the 3.0 BMW engine is also a free revving engine, but has less torque than the Nissan.
Mr Tidy said:
OP, shame you are so far away - would have been happy for you to have tried my Coupe, but if a trader near you has one why not have a test drive?!
Yes, I may have to do this, although I might wait until next year because if I drive one I'll probably want to buy it straight away 
otolith said:
Is yours a newer model with more power? Ours just didn't feel enthusiastic about being pushed to the red line, with the torque falling off and the sound getting a bit rougher. Not the sort of engine where you hit the limiter by accident.
So.... my insurance is due, and while I was at it, I thought I'd get a quote for a Z4 Coupe 3.0. This came out at £290 which is barely more than I'm paying for the CTR. However, out of interest (because they've always been utterly silly to insure in the past) I tried a quote on an E46 M3, and it was only £298!!
Now I'm a bit torn, but I'm sure the Z4 is still going to be the more "sensible" buy? After all, it's going to cost about double to run in pretty much every other respect, is it not? There are lots of decent M3s around for £8k....
Now I'm a bit torn, but I'm sure the Z4 is still going to be the more "sensible" buy? After all, it's going to cost about double to run in pretty much every other respect, is it not? There are lots of decent M3s around for £8k....
Well after doing a bit of reading about running an M3, not to mention a few threads where the Z4 3.0 Coupe is compared with the E46 M3, I'm still pretty much settled on the Z4C.
Although insurance and VED won't be much difference, it would appear that the Z4 can manage 50% better MPG for starters. More MPG = more hoonage. The servicing costs on the M3 are a tad unsettling to say the least for someone trying to run a car on a semi-sensible budget. And some have even said they prefer the Z4C regardless of its relative lack of performance as a car that feels more special more of the time, with some folks saying that when you're not on it, the M3 does just feel like it could be a more run of the mill model.
So, Z4C it still is for me....
Although insurance and VED won't be much difference, it would appear that the Z4 can manage 50% better MPG for starters. More MPG = more hoonage. The servicing costs on the M3 are a tad unsettling to say the least for someone trying to run a car on a semi-sensible budget. And some have even said they prefer the Z4C regardless of its relative lack of performance as a car that feels more special more of the time, with some folks saying that when you're not on it, the M3 does just feel like it could be a more run of the mill model.
So, Z4C it still is for me....
otolith said:
The basic Z4 vs 3-series comparison is a no-brainer. It's a bit harder once you add the M vs non-M aspect, but I think personally I would always find a sports car more special than a saloon.
I saw a few comments on here from people who thought the Z was special all of the time, even if it was slower, than the M which probably feels much like any other 6-pot 3-series until you wind it up some. My mate thinks I should get the M3 but he would say that, he's on £100K a year and I'm only on a quarter of that Also TBH I don't really want another car that has to be driven like a hooligan to feel special; my CTR and ITR both felt like that, whereas my old 350Z always felt good all of the time, which is what I imagine the Z4 will be like.
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Monday 12th October 15:51
AquaMatt said:
3 months ago I went from an FN2 to an E86 and I have loved every minute of it. The steering is marginally better but the feel of the whole car is so much more special. The economy is almost identical (just sub 30ish) as is the insurance but it feels so much faster in every day driving due to the extra torque. Also sounds glorious and really climbs up past x leptons when going flooring it in a way the Type R never did, you have been warned 
I would say get yourself in one and have a drive, keep in mind that they are very sensitive to tyres, pressure and geo so initially my Z4C did not feel as planted as the Civic.
Good luck searching and keep us updated!
Hi mate, thanks for the insight, your comments make me think that I will be happy with the change.I would say get yourself in one and have a drive, keep in mind that they are very sensitive to tyres, pressure and geo so initially my Z4C did not feel as planted as the Civic.
Good luck searching and keep us updated!
Mr Tidy said:
Actually I think that sums it up quite well - to me the Z4C feels special every time I drive it. Yes, it is even more special when I chase the red-line, but I don't feel the need to always do that!
I have never driven an M3, but can't help thinking any E46 Coupe would feel much the same until you find an empty road with no cameras - and then a Z4MC would surely be better still!
But my aim was to have something a bit different with great performance, while avoiding the M-tax.....
I have never driven an M3, but can't help thinking any E46 Coupe would feel much the same until you find an empty road with no cameras - and then a Z4MC would surely be better still!
But my aim was to have something a bit different with great performance, while avoiding the M-tax.....
Billy_Whizzzz said:
If you've never driven an M3, how could you speculate what it would be like? A BMW is defined by it's engine primarily, and chassis next. The M3 has one of the greatest engines ever made that is ever present, even at low speeds. It utterly defines the car. A 330i is nothing like an M3, and feels nothing like it. A Z4 is nothing like a Z4M and feels nothing like it. A Z4MC is pretty, but pretty characterless to drive. Great if you want one, just don't kid yourself it's anything like a Z4M or an M3 to drive, even at low speeds.
These two quotes here however do make me wonder. It seems very few people can agree on which is the more special feeling of the cars. We have a 3-series, often derided as "boring" but with an absolute beast of an engine under the bonnet, an LSD etc. I have to admit though I do have the thought that it may feel "normal 3-series" until you press on a bit, as I can't imagine the full benefit of this set up is felt until you're in attack mode, and that it might feel a little unsatisfying day to day especially with the potential running costs...
On the other hand, we have the Z4C, which is a proper sports car. OK no LSD and the engine is not as potent, but is still regarded as an absolute diamond of an engine. Although there are some doubts about handling and steering and some claim it feels anodyne, but why is this considering it has all the right ingredients?
I have to say also that the 350Z remains an outside contender for me, even though I've had one; mine was the Roadster but I'd want a coupe this time, and an early coupe isn't enormously heavier than the Z (correction: apparently it's 1,525 kg so it is quite porky after all) and it definitely didn't lack character either. Fuel economy was not great, but then Gruber's post below suggests I might not see the figures I'm expecting out of the Z4C anyway... and the Civic only gets 25 MPG round the doors on SUL anyway so it's not much of a concern.
Gruber said:
Having owned a couple of e46 M3s, a Z4C and a Z4MC, I think I'd say:
1. The M engine is an absolute peach. The 3.0Si is revvy and torquey and very, very good. But that S54 engine is just something else. And 340-odd BHP is materially more than 260-odd, and it shows.
2. The build quality and materials of the e46 were generally better. And the seats were more comfortable. The Z felt a little more modern and the e46 a bit more dated, but in terms of comfort, rattles, tactile materials etc, I found I preferred the e46.
3. The difference in mpg was nowhere near as stark as you suggest. Maybe 20% better in 3.0Si. On a motorway run the M3 would be doing high-20s while the 3.0Si would be doing low-to-mid-30s.
4. Touch wood I never got any big bills, and the Z4C and MC were being run under warranty anyway. But I'd imagine that finding a good specialist will help neutralise some of the dealer fixed price cost differentials. But without doubt you'd still be paying a bit more for parts.
5. Ride and handling were better in the e46. Certainly handling towards the limit was more predictable in the M3. For me, as a ham-fisted amateur, the Z felt a little more fidgety and snappy. And of course the e46 has a big boot and back seats.
6. The Z was, undoubtedly, the more "special" feeling car. Sitting just ahead of the rear wheels, with that long bonnet strectching ahead, with what remains perhaps one of the best looking back ends on any car made in the last 20 years, just feels a lot more of an event that the more ubiquitous e46.
On balance, if I were to own one of these cars again, I'd choose the e46 M3. It never felt "run of the mill", the extra oomph and better road manners were well worth the extra running costs (IMHO), and the S54 engine is one of the most glorious donkeys ever to have found a home in a mass produced automobile.
Thanks for your post, interesting to read... but I have to say I still worry about the potential wallet raping an M3 could deliver, and I'm just not sure it's a car to be run on a tight budget if I'm being honest, whereas I think I can manage the running costs of the Z4.1. The M engine is an absolute peach. The 3.0Si is revvy and torquey and very, very good. But that S54 engine is just something else. And 340-odd BHP is materially more than 260-odd, and it shows.
2. The build quality and materials of the e46 were generally better. And the seats were more comfortable. The Z felt a little more modern and the e46 a bit more dated, but in terms of comfort, rattles, tactile materials etc, I found I preferred the e46.
3. The difference in mpg was nowhere near as stark as you suggest. Maybe 20% better in 3.0Si. On a motorway run the M3 would be doing high-20s while the 3.0Si would be doing low-to-mid-30s.
4. Touch wood I never got any big bills, and the Z4C and MC were being run under warranty anyway. But I'd imagine that finding a good specialist will help neutralise some of the dealer fixed price cost differentials. But without doubt you'd still be paying a bit more for parts.
5. Ride and handling were better in the e46. Certainly handling towards the limit was more predictable in the M3. For me, as a ham-fisted amateur, the Z felt a little more fidgety and snappy. And of course the e46 has a big boot and back seats.
6. The Z was, undoubtedly, the more "special" feeling car. Sitting just ahead of the rear wheels, with that long bonnet strectching ahead, with what remains perhaps one of the best looking back ends on any car made in the last 20 years, just feels a lot more of an event that the more ubiquitous e46.
On balance, if I were to own one of these cars again, I'd choose the e46 M3. It never felt "run of the mill", the extra oomph and better road manners were well worth the extra running costs (IMHO), and the S54 engine is one of the most glorious donkeys ever to have found a home in a mass produced automobile.
Edited by Gruber on Wednesday 14th October 08:08
Don't get me wrong, I really would like an M3 (or a Z4MC even) but I think it's more car than I can reasonably justify or afford, and if I could afford to run one of those, I'm sure there'd be a few other contenders.
Edited by TameRacingDriver on Thursday 15th October 11:57
BevR said:
What an engine note though, I had heard it said that the engine dominated the experience but i was not expecting it to be that intrusive (it the best possible sense).
That is exactly what I wanted to hear actually. I had a feeling that like other BMWs I've had, the engine would sound gorgeous but rather muted, but it seems this isn't the case based on what you're saying. The engine is probably the thing that draws me to it the most.Must admit though I'm only really looking to pay around £8K-£10K for one.
I had a talk with some petrolheads mates the other day over a few beers, because like I always do, I sort of started to think about other cars, but I'm definitely thinking back to the Z again...
Some of my musings:-
350Z - been there (although not with the coupe), and although I like it and it has a lot of character, it is thirsty and it is a heavy beast of a car, though it does handle well. I suspect it would have been a much stronger candidate had I not owned one before. Certainly one of the late 313 bhp models which revs to 7,500 rpm is going to be very fast and a lot of fun. I won't totally rule it out but it's definitely still in second place.
Elise / VX220 - I do like the idea of these cars, but I suspect it'll be the practicalities that kill these cars off for me, despite having always wanted to own one, I have to think of things like my other half not being able to get in or out of it (she has bad arthritis in the knees), and also I'm not sure I'd particularly enjoy winters with these cars, or when I have to do the occasional 150 mile return journey to work in another office.
MR2 Mk3 - A much cheaper option, and more practical and usable than the Elise, it would save me a few quid in running costs. However, as standard, they are too slow. I mean, that wouldn't be a problem if we had no traffic on the road at all, but having a car with over 200 bhp makes overtaking a lot easier than having 130 bhp! So then I was thinking of the 2ZZ conversion, however, this is looking like an extra £4K and is a risky endeavour (will the conversion be done properly, and you don't neccesarily know the history of the engine you're putting in it). I'm also not sold on the looks. It could end up being almost Lotus Elise money to make it how I want it, with none of the re-sale value, so that option is ruled out.
MX5 Turbo / Supercharged - This is another option that kind of appealed. I have actually had 2 MX5s though and this puts me off for many of the same reasons as the 350Z, and my first was supercharged for a while. However, once again I'd be looking at a lot of money for a very old and potentially high maintenance cars. IMO when they're standard they're fairly proof but in my personal experience the supercharged one was a lot higher maintenance. A potentially never ending series of maintenance and on-going modifications, and frankly, I can't be arsed with it.
S2000 - This was the first car I thought of when I ruled out the 2ZZ MR2. OK its front engined unlike the MR2, but the basic premise would seem to be fairly similar; relatively light weight and a powerful and high revving engine. The engines in these Honda's are fantastic, but I'm trying to get away from the style of engine anyway - they only sound good when they're being pushed hard, and pushing even a Civic Type-R hard to enjoy the engine properly gets you into ban territory very easily. So again, I think it probably isn't for me.
And so that leads me back on to the Z4. It would seem that the engine can be enjoyed under all circumstances. It can be lazy when you want it to be but also quite revvy when you want to get on it. They look nice to my eyes. They wont rape you with running costs, and it would seem the drive is a step above the more mundane 1 and 3-series (the 130i was also a contender, but I have a feeling it just won't look or feel special enough to justify changing). I'm after a car that has a real feel good factor to it and I can see the Z4 delivering this in spades.
Incidentally I took the Civic out for a hoon yesterday. It was amazing fun, and I almost thought there and then do I really want to get rid, but then I again noticed the speed was rather high, shall we say, and that the reason I want to change is due to how ordinary it feels at low speeds. It could be any relatively unrefined 4-pot petrol using it day to day, whereas everything about the Z4 would be enjoyable, from just getting into it, starting it up, the driving position, the engine noise, it would seem to be a fantastic all-round package.
So... being the person I am, I have changed my mind lots of times, considering at times Elise, MR2 Mk3 (2ZZ), MX5 SC, S2000, 350Z, but I think I'm set on the Z4. I know they have their critics, but for the things that matter to me, they are as good as it gets I should think. I'm after a more laid back but still fun and sonorous car without ridiculous running costs. I like the look of the Z4C and it will suit me down to the ground. Looks like I can get a really minty one in the £8K-£10K range, so I am well and truly sold. Roll on next year.
Mr Tidy said:
OP, just a shame you are over 200 miles away from me! I would have been happy to let you have a good look around my Z4C.
Not sure if it is allowed, but I would recommend joining the Z4forum - very helpful and informative, and they have a few members up your way who may be able to assist.
Took mine for a run today and I was grinning from ear to ear once more - just such a great car, and that N52 engine is such a great sound-track!
Hope you find one you like.
Hi mate I'll check that forum out, also feel free to send me any decent pics of yours!Not sure if it is allowed, but I would recommend joining the Z4forum - very helpful and informative, and they have a few members up your way who may be able to assist.
Took mine for a run today and I was grinning from ear to ear once more - just such a great car, and that N52 engine is such a great sound-track!
Hope you find one you like.
I think I'm after a black one with the multi-spoke alloys, manual box.
This one here in terms of looks at least would be PERFECT for me I think, but unfortunately I am not in a position to buy really at the moment until the back end of the winter, but I have to say if this was local to me I'd be VERY tempted to check it out anyway!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-07-BMW-Z4-3-0si-Spo...
Nice! I do prefer that style of alloy to the five-spoke (which I preferred originally but have changed my mind especially with the dark colours).
Sorry to hear about the job situation, I've been there myself, not nice (and was almost certainly why I ended up selling my 350Z), so hope it works out for you... I shall keep it in mind though.
Sorry to hear about the job situation, I've been there myself, not nice (and was almost certainly why I ended up selling my 350Z), so hope it works out for you... I shall keep it in mind though.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff