Discussion
I have one as a daily drive, the only fault it has it a tendancy to kangaroo in the lower gears. Wring it's neck it's fine. Be gentle and it can be a pain in the arse.
A re-map might sort it, but it only does this very infrequently, so i'll probably not bother. I'd make sure you get SAT NAV for re-sale, then upgrade to a new disk with cameras etc from this guy: gilluley@hotmail.com
I'd steer clear of the black interior, a champagne or lighter colour brightens the interior.
Alround a top car, I don't regret my purchase one bit. A lot of car for the money.
A re-map might sort it, but it only does this very infrequently, so i'll probably not bother. I'd make sure you get SAT NAV for re-sale, then upgrade to a new disk with cameras etc from this guy: gilluley@hotmail.com
I'd steer clear of the black interior, a champagne or lighter colour brightens the interior.
Alround a top car, I don't regret my purchase one bit. A lot of car for the money.
shunt said:
I have one as a daily drive, the only fault it has it a tendancy to kangaroo in the lower gears. Wring it's neck it's fine. Be gentle and it can be a pain in the arse.
A re-map might sort it, but it only does this very infrequently, so i'll probably not bother. I'd make sure you get SAT NAV for re-sale, then upgrade to a new disk with cameras etc from this guy: gilluley@hotmail.com
I'd steer clear of the black interior, a champagne or lighter colour brightens the interior.
Alround a top car, I don't regret my purchase one bit. A lot of car for the money.
Thanks,going to test drive one, will set off in 2nd!A re-map might sort it, but it only does this very infrequently, so i'll probably not bother. I'd make sure you get SAT NAV for re-sale, then upgrade to a new disk with cameras etc from this guy: gilluley@hotmail.com
I'd steer clear of the black interior, a champagne or lighter colour brightens the interior.
Alround a top car, I don't regret my purchase one bit. A lot of car for the money.
Nothing in particular to look out for, it has the S54 3.2 straight-six engine from the E46 M3. So the all important 1200 mile running-in service must be completed <1800 miles. Please don't quote me though, if it's over 1600 miles call BMW customer services to confirm.
Interior and exterior colors are all down to personal preference. As for kangarooing, it's a widely documented issue. The whole car drives like a bit of a dog when it's cold, but as soon as it's warmed up it's fine! I wouldn't recommend starting in 2nd when it's cold either, worth noting the gear change seems to be much smoother above 4,000 rpm.
Absolutely love mine
Interior and exterior colors are all down to personal preference. As for kangarooing, it's a widely documented issue. The whole car drives like a bit of a dog when it's cold, but as soon as it's warmed up it's fine! I wouldn't recommend starting in 2nd when it's cold either, worth noting the gear change seems to be much smoother above 4,000 rpm.
Absolutely love mine
Edited by markda on Friday 23 November 15:31
Love mine too, kangarooing is a feature of these cars, same as on the M3 as it's the same electronic throttle, just needs resetting every now and then. The build quality I think is below par and the ride is overtly firm but by god does it handle and it brings a smile to my face and that alone is worth it for me
It is far too easy to pull away jerkily which is worse with the Sport button pressed but I am not sure a throttle re-set will help. Mine has done it from new but familiarity helps and the false CDV I was planning to fit is not worth the hassle.
Great cars but be prepared for very large tyre/petrol/brake bills if you drive with any enthusiasm.
Great cars but be prepared for very large tyre/petrol/brake bills if you drive with any enthusiasm.
Edited by R1_NUR on Friday 23 November 22:19
Contrary to posts above, I found the CDV *does* remove the jerky throttle/clutch engagement. I was always kangaroo'ing 1st gear take-off, and 1st/2nd gear changes, and from the moment the CDV was replaced, it instantly stopped.
Fantastic cars. Having driven a CSL, I honestly believe there is very little to seperate the two, and with a few mods, the Z4MC is the better car.
Fantastic cars. Having driven a CSL, I honestly believe there is very little to seperate the two, and with a few mods, the Z4MC is the better car.
it's supposed to help, i am about to fit one so will let you know, I also find resetting the throttle has helped but i think the main reason for this is the mapping, this car could do with a remap just to sort that out alone, in sport mode it is truly awful especially around a track, virtually impossible to keep a gentle balanced throttle mid corner
Edited by taffyracer on Sunday 25th November 18:34
I've had my Z4MC since April. Done 15000 mls since and am still thrilled on every drive.
I chose the Z4MC because I wanted an 'old skool' sports car which I can use on every occasion and in every type of weather and to every destination. I was tempted by a Porsche 964 RS, but I thought it lacked a lot of the practical capabilities and was afraid I would not be able to use it as much as I would like (I admit it's something different altogether, but it's also a very special car). A 997S I have looked at, but frankly I see them too much and although they're great, I thought the Z4MC was a little more special.
I mainly use my car on longer trips. The engine really is at it's best when really warmed up and runs a little rough, rich and nervous when cold. Kangarooing happens, but mostly after a very fast highway run at the first traffic light. But hey, this car has over 100bhp per litre has throttle bodies, so you shouldn't complain: it's almost a racing engine, save for the heavy flywheel.
I've been to Italy on holiday in it, I use it on business trips if I have nice long drive, on weekends and I use it when I go abroad for racing or fun. I think it's a fantastic car.
Positives: Engine response, sound, torque and power are unique for this money. Handling, damping and the LSD make it a fantastic drivers car, and I can live with the limitations in comfort. At 1,85m I have a perfect driving position. Some say the interior is dark and cramped, I think it gives a feeling of intimacy and involvement. The car is practical and took luggage for two for an 18 holiday, with no more than a little planning (no more than 8 pairs of shoes for the girl). Sound quality from the Pro sound system with DSP is fantastic.
Negatives: Trim quality is not on Porsche or even BMW 5-series level, but neither is the price. Boot is a little fragmented because of the battery in the boot. But since this is done for weight distribution, I can live with it. Overall space is more than sufficient 99% of times. Nav screen is a little out of date, but how spoiled can we get. It's very strange that the car has no PDC on the front, because that's hard to see in narrow car parks etc..., but this is a SPORTS car, no shopping trolley. My only complaint are the brakes, which are ok for road use, but give away quickly on track in standard setup.
On track it's extremely capable, and mine is bog standard. I only changed the tyres to Michelin Pilot Sport, which are a huge improvement over the Conti's (which are a little too old skool). It inspires confidence, has fantastic engine response, great balance, damping and turn in. I regularly scare Porsches (or better Porsche drivers) on track in a car which is at least 40% cheaper and 100% rarer. In fact this is the only road car I've owned I actually like on a race track.
What to look out for? Buy a fully specced car, with low mileage. Some people don't know how to warm up a car properly (which only takes a couple of miles according to the oil temp), and the engine is sensitive to this.
If you are really into driving, want a special car, with one of the best engines ever made, buy it. And drive it every time you can. The biggest disadvantage is that it lures you into driving like a lunatic every time out there.
I chose the Z4MC because I wanted an 'old skool' sports car which I can use on every occasion and in every type of weather and to every destination. I was tempted by a Porsche 964 RS, but I thought it lacked a lot of the practical capabilities and was afraid I would not be able to use it as much as I would like (I admit it's something different altogether, but it's also a very special car). A 997S I have looked at, but frankly I see them too much and although they're great, I thought the Z4MC was a little more special.
I mainly use my car on longer trips. The engine really is at it's best when really warmed up and runs a little rough, rich and nervous when cold. Kangarooing happens, but mostly after a very fast highway run at the first traffic light. But hey, this car has over 100bhp per litre has throttle bodies, so you shouldn't complain: it's almost a racing engine, save for the heavy flywheel.
I've been to Italy on holiday in it, I use it on business trips if I have nice long drive, on weekends and I use it when I go abroad for racing or fun. I think it's a fantastic car.
Positives: Engine response, sound, torque and power are unique for this money. Handling, damping and the LSD make it a fantastic drivers car, and I can live with the limitations in comfort. At 1,85m I have a perfect driving position. Some say the interior is dark and cramped, I think it gives a feeling of intimacy and involvement. The car is practical and took luggage for two for an 18 holiday, with no more than a little planning (no more than 8 pairs of shoes for the girl). Sound quality from the Pro sound system with DSP is fantastic.
Negatives: Trim quality is not on Porsche or even BMW 5-series level, but neither is the price. Boot is a little fragmented because of the battery in the boot. But since this is done for weight distribution, I can live with it. Overall space is more than sufficient 99% of times. Nav screen is a little out of date, but how spoiled can we get. It's very strange that the car has no PDC on the front, because that's hard to see in narrow car parks etc..., but this is a SPORTS car, no shopping trolley. My only complaint are the brakes, which are ok for road use, but give away quickly on track in standard setup.
On track it's extremely capable, and mine is bog standard. I only changed the tyres to Michelin Pilot Sport, which are a huge improvement over the Conti's (which are a little too old skool). It inspires confidence, has fantastic engine response, great balance, damping and turn in. I regularly scare Porsches (or better Porsche drivers) on track in a car which is at least 40% cheaper and 100% rarer. In fact this is the only road car I've owned I actually like on a race track.
What to look out for? Buy a fully specced car, with low mileage. Some people don't know how to warm up a car properly (which only takes a couple of miles according to the oil temp), and the engine is sensitive to this.
If you are really into driving, want a special car, with one of the best engines ever made, buy it. And drive it every time you can. The biggest disadvantage is that it lures you into driving like a lunatic every time out there.
i would agree with all of the above, i use mine everyday will be doing 20k a year (depreciation will suck 
) and really enjoying it!
i'm gettingabotu 24MPG average which isn't too bad, i was hoping for slightly better on my 35 mile m'way commute, i think its so bad in traffic it just kills the average.. still not bad for a 340bhp car though
) and really enjoying it!i'm gettingabotu 24MPG average which isn't too bad, i was hoping for slightly better on my 35 mile m'way commute, i think its so bad in traffic it just kills the average.. still not bad for a 340bhp car though
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