BMW Z4 Roadster
Discussion
Looking at prices of Z4s, they're becoming quite affordable. Not quite the snarling back-roads tool the heart says but looking at what you get 3.0l I6, rapid acceleration and good MPG they're hard to ignore.
Or are they absolutely a 100% hairdresser special and any *ahem* self-respecting chap *ahem* shouldn't be seen dead in one?
And yes, I know a Boxster has a reputation for being the better car but they hurt my back and legs when I drive them.
Or are they absolutely a 100% hairdresser special and any *ahem* self-respecting chap *ahem* shouldn't be seen dead in one?
And yes, I know a Boxster has a reputation for being the better car but they hurt my back and legs when I drive them.
Merp said:
and what man uses an umbrella these days?
Unless its a golf variety of course...whilst your playing golf.
A gentleman might. Unless its a golf variety of course...whilst your playing golf.
Useful for pointing
Back on topic. Z4 M's are well below 20k - which makes it a very interesting proposition. If I looked to trade down a bit (as well as giving me some open top antics) then the Z4 would be top of the list. Read that the suspension is a bit edgy for GB roads, but always wondered how they compared to the what I would imagine would be the equivalent Boxster S?
B.J.W said:
A gentleman might.
Useful for pointing
Back on topic. Z4 M's are well below 20k - which makes it a very interesting proposition. If I looked to trade down a bit (as well as giving me some open top antics) then the Z4 would be top of the list. Read that the suspension is a bit edgy for GB roads, but always wondered how they compared to the what I would imagine would be the equivalent Boxster S?
From my perspective, whilst the Z4M is a tempting prospect, it's not hugely faster (on paper) than a boggo 3.0i and probably has filling-rattling suspension too all for quite alot more initial outlay.Useful for pointing
Back on topic. Z4 M's are well below 20k - which makes it a very interesting proposition. If I looked to trade down a bit (as well as giving me some open top antics) then the Z4 would be top of the list. Read that the suspension is a bit edgy for GB roads, but always wondered how they compared to the what I would imagine would be the equivalent Boxster S?
Seeker UK said:
From my perspective, whilst the Z4M is a tempting prospect, it's not hugely faster (on paper) than a boggo 3.0i and probably has filling-rattling suspension too all for quite alot more initial outlay.
I'd say it's significantly quicker and probably rides with the same amount of comfort, but will cost a bit more to run, insure and tax so that's just as important a factor.Had a 3.0i (black with boudoir red leather). Had it just over 6 months - didnt really 'get it'. Hated feeling like a **** with the roof down and it never 'felt' that quick (although they are actually quite nippy). Quality car though with nice handling and they are very cheap now...are you prepared for topless motoring?!
paulcockermouth said:
Had a 3.0i (black with boudoir red leather). Had it just over 6 months - didnt really 'get it'. Hated feeling like a **** with the roof down and it never 'felt' that quick (although they are actually quite nippy). Quality car though with nice handling and they are very cheap now...are you prepared for topless motoring?!
Before I had my mx5 and mgtf last summer I had second thoughts about top down motoring. Then I got the 5 n loved it, stopped wondering wether others thought I looked a t
t and even got the odd thumps up from other drivers. I really really miss having a convertible.Seeker UK said:
Or are they absolutely a 100% hairdresser special and any *ahem* self-respecting chap *ahem* shouldn't be seen dead in one?
Yes you will be called gay, people will throw things at you and spit on you. Also you will regularly get beaten up by gangs of skinheads everytime you park up with the roof down.
I think the 3.0 Z4 is an awesome awesome car, I am planning at getting one in April myself.
I don't know how you could call it a hairdressers car, it is a very manly looking car imo it has lots of sharp lines and angles none of this curvy bubbly st you find on a TT or an mx5.
With the top down it still looks fantastic aswell.
Few things for you to note if your looking at pre-facelift (facelift was 06-)
- Rear suspension springs WILL snap every 20k miles or so, a very common problem and BMW never resolved it, when they go just replace them with Eibachs or something and they'll be fine. This isn't really an expensive problem, few hundred quid to resolve.
- The Motor housing for the roof motor if you don't keep the drains unblocked can flood and then the motor will fail, if you take this to BMW they'll say you need a new roof costing your £1100, you can get a motor and fit it yourself if your competent enough for around £300. Facelift models had the motor sealed so this was no longer a problem.
- The standard run flats will constantly try and throw you into a ditch tramlining all over the place, ditch them for some falken's or vredesteins at the earliest opportunity.
Apart from that, there isn't any common problems on the Z4 really, good luck with them.
I don't know how you could call it a hairdressers car, it is a very manly looking car imo it has lots of sharp lines and angles none of this curvy bubbly s
t you find on a TT or an mx5.With the top down it still looks fantastic aswell.
Few things for you to note if your looking at pre-facelift (facelift was 06-)
- Rear suspension springs WILL snap every 20k miles or so, a very common problem and BMW never resolved it, when they go just replace them with Eibachs or something and they'll be fine. This isn't really an expensive problem, few hundred quid to resolve.
- The Motor housing for the roof motor if you don't keep the drains unblocked can flood and then the motor will fail, if you take this to BMW they'll say you need a new roof costing your £1100, you can get a motor and fit it yourself if your competent enough for around £300. Facelift models had the motor sealed so this was no longer a problem.
- The standard run flats will constantly try and throw you into a ditch tramlining all over the place, ditch them for some falken's or vredesteins at the earliest opportunity.
Apart from that, there isn't any common problems on the Z4 really, good luck with them.
O/T, But I was a little reserved about topless motoring when I first bought the Boxster. I'd never owned a soft-top before, so initially it did feel a little strange.
Nothing a good blast from the Midlands to Penzance on a blazing hot day last Summer didn't sort out though!
Epic stuff!
Nothing a good blast from the Midlands to Penzance on a blazing hot day last Summer didn't sort out though!
Epic stuff!
Seeker UK said:
And yes, I know a Boxster has a reputation for being the better car but they hurt my back and legs when I drive them.
So you've driven a Z4? If not, I think you should and then you'll realise how much more comfortable the Boxster is.When have you ever looked at a guy in a Z4 and didn't doubt he was gay? But stuff like that just doesn't even matter when you're enjoying yourself with the roof down. Personally I would buy one in red with M-sport styling. None of this grey/black crap.
Edited by volvoforlife on Saturday 26th February 10:47
Are we defining comfort as in the seats and ergonmics are comfortable or the ride quality.
I've done long distances in europe in my 2003, 3.0 roadster. No physical comfort issues for me but the ride quality is very firm and jiggly on run flats with the M sport suspension (of which the 3.0's had before they made it standard on the later Si spec) - tramlining is the worst aspect on the 18" wheels however the optional BMW strut brace seems to have changed its behaviour somewhat for the better. The Z4M I drove a few weeks back felt a more complaint ride as it does not have run flats and the tyres are slightly higher profile.
I'm looking to upgrade my 3.0 to a Z4M as soon as I can find the right colour with all the bells and whistles
I've done long distances in europe in my 2003, 3.0 roadster. No physical comfort issues for me but the ride quality is very firm and jiggly on run flats with the M sport suspension (of which the 3.0's had before they made it standard on the later Si spec) - tramlining is the worst aspect on the 18" wheels however the optional BMW strut brace seems to have changed its behaviour somewhat for the better. The Z4M I drove a few weeks back felt a more complaint ride as it does not have run flats and the tyres are slightly higher profile.
I'm looking to upgrade my 3.0 to a Z4M as soon as I can find the right colour with all the bells and whistles
The larger engined Z4s are quite hairy chested - in a classic Austin Healey or TR6 kind of way. In fact I'd say they are today's version of those cars (I've had all 3 so I know!).
A mate of mine picked up an 03 plate with 100k for £6K and it is fantastic. I've had a 3.0 and now hav an M. The suspension is not as civilised as a Boxster - not by a long way (had one of those too) but far more rewarding to drive when you want fun and compliant enough for when you just want to run down to the shops.
The Coupe is a genuine modern classic and is getting to the point where prices will be turning around soon as there is nothing like it now or planned for the future.
Another thing - don't believe the hype about Ms being expensive to run. Dealer services can be a little eye watering but the expensive services only come around about once every 25K so not a deal breaker. You'd struggle to get less than high 20s on a run. In fact in modern traffic you are looking more like low 30s.
If you can live with the firm ride and USA build quality the older Z4s are fantastic value.
A mate of mine picked up an 03 plate with 100k for £6K and it is fantastic. I've had a 3.0 and now hav an M. The suspension is not as civilised as a Boxster - not by a long way (had one of those too) but far more rewarding to drive when you want fun and compliant enough for when you just want to run down to the shops.
The Coupe is a genuine modern classic and is getting to the point where prices will be turning around soon as there is nothing like it now or planned for the future.
Another thing - don't believe the hype about Ms being expensive to run. Dealer services can be a little eye watering but the expensive services only come around about once every 25K so not a deal breaker. You'd struggle to get less than high 20s on a run. In fact in modern traffic you are looking more like low 30s.
If you can live with the firm ride and USA build quality the older Z4s are fantastic value.
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