Z4 or 125i Coupe?
Discussion
I've recently narrowed down my new car to either a Z4 3.0i, preferably a coupe, or a 125i M-Sport Coupe. I still need to test drive them both to see which excites me the most that way (although considering I'm stepping up from a Fiesta I think both will manage it quite easily). My budget will be around £13,000 and I will be funding it through finance as I prefer to have my cash free at the moment.
Are there any things I need to look out for in particular on either car, and any options that are a 'must-have'. I will be buying for driving pleasure as much as anything and so it doesn't need to be specced up to the eyes. I think I'm slightly tending towards the Z4 at the moment as it looks fantastic, can imagine it's great fun to drive, and I've got a feeling it will hold its value slightly better over the next 3 years.
Any thoughts and opinions?
Are there any things I need to look out for in particular on either car, and any options that are a 'must-have'. I will be buying for driving pleasure as much as anything and so it doesn't need to be specced up to the eyes. I think I'm slightly tending towards the Z4 at the moment as it looks fantastic, can imagine it's great fun to drive, and I've got a feeling it will hold its value slightly better over the next 3 years.
Any thoughts and opinions?
Obviously 1 series is just being replaced with new model. If I was buying a new coupe it is the last of the old model line so in three years won't be very desirable (compared to the first of the new model) so I would haggle very hard.
Other than that I haven't owned either model so can't really comment - I'm sure a good search on Z4's will throw up plenty of info on spec, what to look for, known faults etc. Try bmwland forum as well.
Other than that I haven't owned either model so can't really comment - I'm sure a good search on Z4's will throw up plenty of info on spec, what to look for, known faults etc. Try bmwland forum as well.
Vroomer said:
The Z4 Coupe is an amazing bargain at this price and the scarcity factor means there is future potential classic status.
They are great to drive and even fairly practical with the hatchback.
That's what I can't help but think and they beat the 1 series in looks (in my opinion and only just)! I need to find one to test drive but being 21, will dealers let me test them or will they merely think I'm trying it on? It's worth a try this weekend I suppose!They are great to drive and even fairly practical with the hatchback.
Would have to be the Z4 for me if you don't need 4 seats...
Fantastic piece of design IMHO, and a fair chunk lighter than the 1er.
Efficient as well - my old Z4 3.0i used to average mid 30's to the gallon easily.
Might be worth trying both SE/Sport models - ride quality was not one of the plus points on my SE.
Fantastic piece of design IMHO, and a fair chunk lighter than the 1er.
Efficient as well - my old Z4 3.0i used to average mid 30's to the gallon easily.
Might be worth trying both SE/Sport models - ride quality was not one of the plus points on my SE.
danp said:
Would have to be the Z4 for me if you don't need 4 seats...
Fantastic piece of design IMHO, and a fair chunk lighter than the 1er.
Efficient as well - my old Z4 3.0i used to average mid 30's to the gallon easily.
Might be worth trying both SE/Sport models - ride quality was not one of the plus points on my SE.
+1 Fantastic piece of design IMHO, and a fair chunk lighter than the 1er.
Efficient as well - my old Z4 3.0i used to average mid 30's to the gallon easily.
Might be worth trying both SE/Sport models - ride quality was not one of the plus points on my SE.
The 1 series looks awkward. The Z4 looks great in comparison. The run flats do take a bit of getting used too I'll accept.
Having had a Z4 2.5 Si and 2.5 Msport and currently in a 125i Coupe Msport I may be able to offer advice.
The Z4 felt quicker more of the time and more fun to drive. I like the 125i but it's not as much fun in all honesty. Far more practical but not as much fun.
The 125i just doesn't have the same punch in gear, although isnt much different in terms of power. I think maybe the weight blunts performance slightly or perhaps the gearing.
Both very capable cars and great in their own but the Z4 edges it for me.
Oh and ditch the runflats and get some proper tyres on a Z4. The 125 is bearable(just) but the Z4 was dreadful on runflats.
The Z4 felt quicker more of the time and more fun to drive. I like the 125i but it's not as much fun in all honesty. Far more practical but not as much fun.
The 125i just doesn't have the same punch in gear, although isnt much different in terms of power. I think maybe the weight blunts performance slightly or perhaps the gearing.
Both very capable cars and great in their own but the Z4 edges it for me.
Oh and ditch the runflats and get some proper tyres on a Z4. The 125 is bearable(just) but the Z4 was dreadful on runflats.
Edited by Z4monster on Thursday 27th October 21:41
My Z4 had 18" and RFT, I went to 17" and normal tyres but unfortunatley I didn't feel it made a lot of difference.
Maybe the suspension was re-tuned on the later N52 engined roadsters, or for the coupé? Having said that I can't recall the reviews of the time mentioning that they had got any better in this regard.
The ride and the weird (electric) steering feel were my biggest bugbears, else I reckon the N52 3.0i models are great all rounders. SE spec with sports seats and no nav for me! (and definitely not the wooden dash)
Maybe the suspension was re-tuned on the later N52 engined roadsters, or for the coupé? Having said that I can't recall the reviews of the time mentioning that they had got any better in this regard.
The ride and the weird (electric) steering feel were my biggest bugbears, else I reckon the N52 3.0i models are great all rounders. SE spec with sports seats and no nav for me! (and definitely not the wooden dash)
For me the 120d felt downright dangerous, loss of grip, esp over small bumps and in the wet.
For the Z4 the benefit was similar over small bumps, felt more planted, and a slightly smoother ride, but the best bit was losing the tramlining. Mine is an 04 conv, which now feels like it ought to imo, but later cars/tyres or Coupe may differ.
For the Z4 the benefit was similar over small bumps, felt more planted, and a slightly smoother ride, but the best bit was losing the tramlining. Mine is an 04 conv, which now feels like it ought to imo, but later cars/tyres or Coupe may differ.
The Run Shats are quite simply...b
ks. ive spent the past 2 years around various BMW's and the Potenzas are horrid. The fatter ones on the new models, notably the SE spec are a little better.
I remember driving a 335 coupe in the wet, I went round a corner, I was taking it easy, anyway the car kicked out with no effort, i went to correct it and then the stupid esp kicked in....shat myself. They are hard, ruin the ride quality and provide not a lot of grip in the wet.
ks. ive spent the past 2 years around various BMW's and the Potenzas are horrid. The fatter ones on the new models, notably the SE spec are a little better. I remember driving a 335 coupe in the wet, I went round a corner, I was taking it easy, anyway the car kicked out with no effort, i went to correct it and then the stupid esp kicked in....shat myself. They are hard, ruin the ride quality and provide not a lot of grip in the wet.
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