Would a Z4 Coupe be a good upgrade for me?
Discussion
TameRacingDriver said:
OK, very un-PH I know, but I've really started to wonder whether I wouldn't mind an Auto one of these 
The purist in me says "TRD get a bloody grip man!!"
However, I have read that the auto is a very good gearbox, and I do spend a lot of time driving in urban environments, and although I do like to hoon, this probably only happens some of the time (like 20% or less).
Apparently in the auto you can stick it in some kind of "manual/sport" mode, and change gear yourself with the stick or paddles and it won't change gear itself unless you are nearing the red-line.
I know it does go against the whole sports car ethos, but given that the Z4 isn't really a raw sports car, more of a GT, I think it could work! What do you guys think? I'd like a test drive really, but its hard enough finding ANY Z4C anywhere near me, let alone a manual and auto to try.
A vote for auto from me, best of all worlds, and sounds suitable for your use. In Drive mode is as easy as it gets in town and D Sport is a more responsive auto function and the steptronic change is great for a hoon, and is easily intuitive in use. Yes, if you wanted to you could manually select 1st, and just keep your foot hard down and it'll change up each time it reaches the red line.The purist in me says "TRD get a bloody grip man!!"
However, I have read that the auto is a very good gearbox, and I do spend a lot of time driving in urban environments, and although I do like to hoon, this probably only happens some of the time (like 20% or less).
Apparently in the auto you can stick it in some kind of "manual/sport" mode, and change gear yourself with the stick or paddles and it won't change gear itself unless you are nearing the red-line.
I know it does go against the whole sports car ethos, but given that the Z4 isn't really a raw sports car, more of a GT, I think it could work! What do you guys think? I'd like a test drive really, but its hard enough finding ANY Z4C anywhere near me, let alone a manual and auto to try.
I had the same set up in a E46 330i and didn't like it so much. I suspect the lesser weight of the Z4 makes it work better. Overall I prefer it to the DSG too.
Still, the only way to find out is to try one. Make sure you're shown how to use it to the full though, that's the key imho.
Weren't there notchy manual change and CDV issues on the manual, or were they sorted by the time of the coupe?
Gruber said:
I think there's a risk of disappointment if you view the Z4C as a GT - it's not refined enough or comfortable enough for the moniker. They're much better viewed as a sports car.
Manual all the way.
Would have to agree with this - a Z4C is not a GT. I have done 200+ mile motorway trips and it copes fine but it is at its best on quiet A or B roads with some bends and no cameras! Manual all the way.
And preferably a decent road surface!Someone has referred to a notchy gearchange but mine is fine - very precise and much better than the "baggy" feeling change in my 325ti.
Sorry if I have mentioned it before but I would avoid the SE models unless they have the sport seats (they came as standard on Sport models) - the standard SE ones have no place in a car like this IMHO.
Auto may be OK but not for me on a car like this, and there aren't too many around.
Mr Tidy said:
OP, you asked for photos so here are a few:-
Was trying to pick up the colour in the last one, but photo doesn't do it justice!
Mine is Ruby Black Individual so in sunlight from some angles it looks more purple than black - I really like that it's a bit different, although this time of year it usually just looks black!
It has the 135M wheels - I really didn't want the 108M split-rims that many have as at this age they all seem to be suffering from some bubbling of the lacquer around the bolts.
My work situation is looking a bit iffy just now - depending how that pans out I may have to consider selling mine (
) so it might be worth sending me a PM when you are ready to buy, or if you want to know a bit more about it.
This is ruby black popping in the sun:Was trying to pick up the colour in the last one, but photo doesn't do it justice!
Mine is Ruby Black Individual so in sunlight from some angles it looks more purple than black - I really like that it's a bit different, although this time of year it usually just looks black!
It has the 135M wheels - I really didn't want the 108M split-rims that many have as at this age they all seem to be suffering from some bubbling of the lacquer around the bolts.
My work situation is looking a bit iffy just now - depending how that pans out I may have to consider selling mine (
) so it might be worth sending me a PM when you are ready to buy, or if you want to know a bit more about it.
Nice ∆∆∆
It's looking like a two horse race at the moment between this and another 350Z, the latter has entered the fray due to the cost of entry being significantly lower and the reliability of the Datsun is second to none really... Though I appreciate the z4 is reliable too, but I've read of a few people who have had typical BMW niggles.
I dunno perhaps the z4 is indeed a better car but I can get a reasonable Datsun for under £6k, so it has to be worth consideration right?
It's looking like a two horse race at the moment between this and another 350Z, the latter has entered the fray due to the cost of entry being significantly lower and the reliability of the Datsun is second to none really... Though I appreciate the z4 is reliable too, but I've read of a few people who have had typical BMW niggles.
I dunno perhaps the z4 is indeed a better car but I can get a reasonable Datsun for under £6k, so it has to be worth consideration right?
That car is well over 8 years old the issues over that period have been :
Broken spring (one)
Slight oil weep from gearbox (ZF6 suto)
Alarm having a few moments
All pretty normal but other than that just servicing costs, yes the 350z is cheaper but I think the Z4C has bottomed out and I can't see them losing much money, but perhaps the same can be said of the 350z
Broken spring (one)
Slight oil weep from gearbox (ZF6 suto)
Alarm having a few moments
All pretty normal but other than that just servicing costs, yes the 350z is cheaper but I think the Z4C has bottomed out and I can't see them losing much money, but perhaps the same can be said of the 350z
Wills2 said:
That car is well over 8 years old the issues over that period have been :
Broken spring (one)
Slight oil weep from gearbox (ZF6 suto)
Alarm having a few moments
All pretty normal but other than that just servicing costs, yes the 350z is cheaper but I think the Z4C has bottomed out and I can't see them losing much money, but perhaps the same can be said of the 350z
I think both cars have pretty much bottomed out these days... the Z's don't seem to be any cheaper than they were about 3 years ago when I had one... well obviously the later ones are as they still had some depreciating to do. Even so an immaculate HR 350Z can be had for £10K now (309 bhp and 7,500 rpm red line).Broken spring (one)
Slight oil weep from gearbox (ZF6 suto)
Alarm having a few moments
All pretty normal but other than that just servicing costs, yes the 350z is cheaper but I think the Z4C has bottomed out and I can't see them losing much money, but perhaps the same can be said of the 350z
TameRacingDriver said:
I think both cars have pretty much bottomed out these days... the Z's don't seem to be any cheaper than they were about 3 years ago when I had one... well obviously the later ones are as they still had some depreciating to do. Even so an immaculate HR 350Z can be had for £10K now (309 bhp and 7,500 rpm red line).
Yes, but the Nissans are a fair bit lardier (must have eaten all the pies) so power to weight is more 3.0Si than M!At the end of the day you just need to buy what you want - try to test drive all of the options in a short time-frame then decide.
I'm very familiar with both cars, as my wife owns an FN2 CTR and I used to own a Z4 Coupé.
Some thoughts:
Both have glorious normally aspirated engines, the Z4C having that creamy straight six sound (and sounding better than in anything bar on M3 imho), and the Civic having that raspy VTEC sound.
Both have very firm ride, although the BMW tends to jiggle more, whereas the CTR just hits the bumps hard and bounces a lot (primary and secondary ride). The CTR smooths out at speed, whereas the Z4C remains jiggly (mine ran on 19s).
The CTR's big Achilles heel in my opinion is its over sensitive controls at the start of their travel - this applies to steering, throttle and brake. The Z4C is much more linear (like a proper sports car). Both have a similar electronic throttle lag and both annoy in that respect.
I can't really compare mpg, as my wife drives very differently to me, but I get the feeling that both are roughly the same.
In terms of handling, the Z4C is very neutral in the wet, almost a little too nervous, and in the dry it's beautifully balanced until you really start pushing on, in which case it understeers quite a bit (more than a 3 series curiously). The CTR is your typical hot hatch - very stiff rear end, quite pointy, but ultimately FWD. My preference will always be for RWD, but it's a personal thing.
The Z4C is surprisingly practical in terms of boot space, but the CTR obviously has more room. The Z4C doesn't have much room for taller drivers - I'm 5'10" with long legs and the driver's seat was almost as far back as it would go. Perfect for me (nothing wasted), but my taller friends struggled in the passenger seat on longer journeys.
Personally I think the Z4C is a big upgrade, yes, on the basis of the extra performance, 6 cylinder refinement and sound and the rear drive handling.
HTH
Some thoughts:
Both have glorious normally aspirated engines, the Z4C having that creamy straight six sound (and sounding better than in anything bar on M3 imho), and the Civic having that raspy VTEC sound.
Both have very firm ride, although the BMW tends to jiggle more, whereas the CTR just hits the bumps hard and bounces a lot (primary and secondary ride). The CTR smooths out at speed, whereas the Z4C remains jiggly (mine ran on 19s).
The CTR's big Achilles heel in my opinion is its over sensitive controls at the start of their travel - this applies to steering, throttle and brake. The Z4C is much more linear (like a proper sports car). Both have a similar electronic throttle lag and both annoy in that respect.
I can't really compare mpg, as my wife drives very differently to me, but I get the feeling that both are roughly the same.
In terms of handling, the Z4C is very neutral in the wet, almost a little too nervous, and in the dry it's beautifully balanced until you really start pushing on, in which case it understeers quite a bit (more than a 3 series curiously). The CTR is your typical hot hatch - very stiff rear end, quite pointy, but ultimately FWD. My preference will always be for RWD, but it's a personal thing.
The Z4C is surprisingly practical in terms of boot space, but the CTR obviously has more room. The Z4C doesn't have much room for taller drivers - I'm 5'10" with long legs and the driver's seat was almost as far back as it would go. Perfect for me (nothing wasted), but my taller friends struggled in the passenger seat on longer journeys.
Personally I think the Z4C is a big upgrade, yes, on the basis of the extra performance, 6 cylinder refinement and sound and the rear drive handling.
HTH
TameRacingDriver said:
Thanks Rob for your thoughts, interesting. 
No worries. If you have any other questions, just ask.Oh, driving position: I found the Z4C more comfortable as it's less 'sit up and beg', although the Civic isn't too bag in that respect compared to a lot of hatches.
So having thought about this for a while I've decided that spending 10k on a 10 year old car is not for me, so I've been looking at the older models, looks like you can get a nice early 3.0 for under 5k which I think is as much as I'm willing to spend on something of that sort of age. I know the m54 isn't as good as the n52 but I'm willing to put up with that. Compared to other cars of their type these seem a bit of a bargain. Safe enough buy?
Mr Tidy said:
Right, nice on a good day - if we ever get one!!
That is why I bought a Z4C - it has a roof (and climate)!
The leaks and draughts which made convertibles such a compromise, and only pleasant drive on nice days, are a thing of the past. And on a warm evening in the countryside, you can't beat it imo.That is why I bought a Z4C - it has a roof (and climate)!
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