Spending a day with a Z4 demonstrator
Discussion
I've got the pleasure of spending a day with a Z4 demonstrator tomorrow, and if all goes well could well place an order before the weekend is out. Whilst I'll have plenty of time tomorrow to form an opinion of the car, I'd appreciate some feedback from current owners.
I've settled on a Z4 as a bit of a compromise. The background is I've just sold an E92 M3 and was originally intending to look for an S3 Elise as a weekend toy. However, that would mean getting the Elise as a 4th car and, in practice, it would sit in the garage gathering dust most of the time. Hence, after considering a few options (including driving a tin top MX-5), I'm looking at a Z4 to take the role of my daily driver (replacing a Mini Cooper S) but also having to fulfil the role of my 'fun' car (other cars being an X5 40d family/dog bus, and my wife's X1 daily driver).
So, to current model Z4 owners:
Does it make a suitable daily driver?
Is it focussed enough to be fun when you're in the mood (impression from sitting in one is it's quite big and seems 'soft')?
Do you get any squeeks / rattles from the roof when up (this would annoy me if used daily)?
Any other issues I need to be aware of?
Before people suggest I look at Boxsters, I'd prefer to avoid soft tops given daily use.
Thanks
I've settled on a Z4 as a bit of a compromise. The background is I've just sold an E92 M3 and was originally intending to look for an S3 Elise as a weekend toy. However, that would mean getting the Elise as a 4th car and, in practice, it would sit in the garage gathering dust most of the time. Hence, after considering a few options (including driving a tin top MX-5), I'm looking at a Z4 to take the role of my daily driver (replacing a Mini Cooper S) but also having to fulfil the role of my 'fun' car (other cars being an X5 40d family/dog bus, and my wife's X1 daily driver).
So, to current model Z4 owners:
Does it make a suitable daily driver?
Is it focussed enough to be fun when you're in the mood (impression from sitting in one is it's quite big and seems 'soft')?
Do you get any squeeks / rattles from the roof when up (this would annoy me if used daily)?
Any other issues I need to be aware of?
Before people suggest I look at Boxsters, I'd prefer to avoid soft tops given daily use.
Thanks
Which model are you looking at, what are you borrowing? I've just ordered a 35i M Sport today, I think it's a cracking car. Easily usable everyday, I've deleted the M Spert suspension though as the standard is nice and firm but not too uncomfy. And as you said in the other threadnsome greatbdeals to be had 
djtex said:
I would have liked this 35is but ihatednthe DCT gearbox, just felt like a computer game to me. So 35i Manualnfor me, feels so much moremsporting to me. Shame as a Manual with the is engine would have been nice.
I was never a fan of the automatic but I've been converted by this car. The DCT is amazing. Flawless for performance driving.
If you want to control it yourself then use the paddles or shift the stick left and then use it like a manual.
If you want the car to be fun you will need the sport seats and the adaptive suspension. The sports seats are very good but the standard items, although comfy give no lateral support at all.
The car understeers a lot, however a press of the Sport+ with adaptive suspension makes a heck of a difference.
The 23i and 30i IL6 engines are about to be replace with 4 pot turbos. So I really don't know about residuals here.
If your going for a 35i or 35iS the 35i is to get the N55 engine soon (twin scroll) but the 35iS is the same as the upcoming 1M but an older 35i can currently be mapped to around 380 BHP.
The 35iS has a far superior steering set up. It is very light in normal mode and firms up excellently, again with the sport settings. The 35iS exhaust is a cracking item to. It sounds great.
35i has been having problems with HP fuel pumps though the iS seems ok for now (must have latest parts). Water in the rear headlights is another issue and overall build quality over fiddly bits of the car is a bit iffy in places but my dealer sorted most of these issues on both my E89s.
The roof units are spot on and made in the same place as the 3 series vert units(reason why they moved production back to Germany apparently). It won't fold at slow speed whilst moving unlike some cars but there is an aftermarket mod that works well apparently.
The roof won't close with remote unless you have comfort access though apparently a mod is available for this to. Daft! you can open it with the key fob but not close it unless you pay for it.
That's about it. Ohh and the 3 liter twin turbo is an absolute beast in this car. 500nm of torque in the iS from 1500rpm just seems endless but yes it's no screamer but totally accessible power. Overtaking is a breeze.
Good luck on a purchase. They are fantastic cars.
ETA The standard sound system is very poor. If audio is high on your list then the standard item won't cut it. There isn't even tweeters in the doors just empty spaces but it really shows itself up when the roof goes down losing all bass.
HTH.
The car understeers a lot, however a press of the Sport+ with adaptive suspension makes a heck of a difference.
The 23i and 30i IL6 engines are about to be replace with 4 pot turbos. So I really don't know about residuals here.
If your going for a 35i or 35iS the 35i is to get the N55 engine soon (twin scroll) but the 35iS is the same as the upcoming 1M but an older 35i can currently be mapped to around 380 BHP.
The 35iS has a far superior steering set up. It is very light in normal mode and firms up excellently, again with the sport settings. The 35iS exhaust is a cracking item to. It sounds great.
35i has been having problems with HP fuel pumps though the iS seems ok for now (must have latest parts). Water in the rear headlights is another issue and overall build quality over fiddly bits of the car is a bit iffy in places but my dealer sorted most of these issues on both my E89s.
The roof units are spot on and made in the same place as the 3 series vert units(reason why they moved production back to Germany apparently). It won't fold at slow speed whilst moving unlike some cars but there is an aftermarket mod that works well apparently.
The roof won't close with remote unless you have comfort access though apparently a mod is available for this to. Daft! you can open it with the key fob but not close it unless you pay for it.
That's about it. Ohh and the 3 liter twin turbo is an absolute beast in this car. 500nm of torque in the iS from 1500rpm just seems endless but yes it's no screamer but totally accessible power. Overtaking is a breeze.
Good luck on a purchase. They are fantastic cars.
ETA The standard sound system is very poor. If audio is high on your list then the standard item won't cut it. There isn't even tweeters in the doors just empty spaces but it really shows itself up when the roof goes down losing all bass.
HTH.
Edited by V8A*ndy on Saturday 5th March 01:42
Thanks for everyone's input. My decision was between a 30i and 35i. The demonstrator was a 23i M Sport and reminded me just how sweet the BMW I6 engines are. Revved freely, fantastic noise, and felt pretty quick. Had a blast, especially before it started raining. The overriding feeling after spending the day with the car was that it felt MUCH more expensive than it costs. Almost decided that a 23i would suffice, but ended up placing an order for the following:
SDrive30i M Sport
Space Grey
Coral Red Kansas leather
Pro Nav
Connectivity package (bluetooth, USB, phone USB audio)
Comfort Package (wind deflector, cruise, extended storage, extended lighting, PDC front and rear, auto dimming folding mirrors)
Seat Heating
Loudspeaker system - BMW Professional
Sports seats, aluminium trim, etc are standard on the M Sport, although I have deleted the M Sport suspension. Almost ticked the heated steering wheel option but thought it was probably OTT. Can still add this on Monday - has anyone else got this and, if so, is it an good?
It'll be a long two and a half months waiting now.
SDrive30i M Sport
Space Grey
Coral Red Kansas leather
Pro Nav
Connectivity package (bluetooth, USB, phone USB audio)
Comfort Package (wind deflector, cruise, extended storage, extended lighting, PDC front and rear, auto dimming folding mirrors)
Seat Heating
Loudspeaker system - BMW Professional
Sports seats, aluminium trim, etc are standard on the M Sport, although I have deleted the M Sport suspension. Almost ticked the heated steering wheel option but thought it was probably OTT. Can still add this on Monday - has anyone else got this and, if so, is it an good?
It'll be a long two and a half months waiting now.
dick_dastardly71 said:
Almost ticked the heated steering wheel option but thought it was probably OTT. Can still add this on Monday - has anyone else got this and, if so, is it an good?
The vents in the center dash and on the right of the dash are at hand level and close to your hands. So if you can wait until the car heats up they warm your hands nicely when directing the airflow in the steering wheel direction.Infact with the wind deflector in place the cabin is very toastie.
Would still opt for adaptive suspension. I had a 23i without and now a 35iS with. Night and day handling at the push of a button.
V8A*ndy said:
The vents in the center dash and on the right of the dash are at hand level and close to your hands. So if you can wait until the car heats up they warm your hands nicely when directing the airflow in the steering wheel direction.
Infact with the wind deflector in place the cabin is very toastie.
Would still opt for adaptive suspension. I had a 23i without and now a 35iS with. Night and day handling at the push of a button.
+1Infact with the wind deflector in place the cabin is very toastie.
Would still opt for adaptive suspension. I had a 23i without and now a 35iS with. Night and day handling at the push of a button.
I'd do without the Nav and add the adaptive suspension.
Heated wheel is not necessary. Roof down in January was more than comfortable!
Enjoy it! Post some pics on delivery.
Test drove a 35is DCT at high Wycombe Sytner yesterday. Space Grey is lovely but the Melbourne Red is equally as stunning. Only two colors to choose from imo. Unfortunately the roof had a problem and couldn't be fully raised- luckily it didn't rain and with heating and seats full on it was warm enough. Gearbox was great as was the above mentioned exhaust especially the downshift farts! Drove a 30 a few days before and just as nice. I'd be happy with either but a 1-2 year old 35is may well be on the cards for Summer!
One of the rare tintops that look better with the roof up.
One of the rare tintops that look better with the roof up.
Edited by Digger on Sunday 6th March 11:27
christer said:
If I were you I would consider getting rid of the X1 and getting yourself something a little more "special" maybe a GTR if you are ok with running costs or maybe a 911 Turbo? Seems a waste to have an X5 standing around just for children-carrying duty!
Imho, dyor.
Had a couple of E92 M3s recently, and before that a 997 C2S. Got a little disillusioned with having something so quick you couldn't exploit fully on the public roads. Going back to a 2 seater convertible as something that can be bloody good fun top down at sub license losing speeds. maybe a GTR if you are ok with running costs or maybe a 911 Turbo? Seems a waste to have an X5 standing around just for children-carrying duty!Imho, dyor.
Digger said:
But not until you've had a good old nosey at a Melbourne Red too - beautiful!
The demonstrator I had was Melbourne red, and I've had an M3 in that colour. Looks great in bright sunlight and looked particularly good on the Z4. I was 50:50 between this and space grey, so Mrs DD had the casting vote.If you are going for space grey then definitely the walnut leather is the better colour combo. Very classy in my opinion.
I'm not a fan of the red personally.
Have a look at these pics. It might sway your decision ...
http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40951...
I'm not a fan of the red personally.
Have a look at these pics. It might sway your decision ...
http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40951...
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