From S2 Elise to Z4?
Discussion
Not me (sadly) but my dad fulfilled a life long dream of owning a Lotus Elise last year. A nice S2 111S (160 K-series) with hard top too. He even had the obligatory hgf just a few weeks into ownership!
I think the reality is that the novelty has worn off. Dad only has access to one other car; a Peugeot Partner converted for wheelchair access at the rear (for my mum). During really poor weather, he's used this on the short commute. However, he's ended up using it more than intended, because the Lotus is so bloody awkward to use. Fair play, he commuted in it for about a month straight during summer, mind.
The other intention was to drive it out to motorsports events we attend during the year... But each time we've done this we've ended up in my car instead! Air con and other creature comforts are much needed after picking up a Silverstone sun tan...
So the search for something practical begins. Something almost as exciting as the Elise - but more usable and comfortable.
Enter the Z4. I'll admit, I know very little about these things, so wonder if there's a good buyers guide anywhere? (I'll Google it later of course....)
Has anyone else on PH made a similar transition?
Is there an alternative everyday car around the £16k mark which should also be considered? I suggested the older Jaguar XK, but he's convinced it has an old man image unless you get an R, which are out of budget!
Thanks in advance for any advice
I think the reality is that the novelty has worn off. Dad only has access to one other car; a Peugeot Partner converted for wheelchair access at the rear (for my mum). During really poor weather, he's used this on the short commute. However, he's ended up using it more than intended, because the Lotus is so bloody awkward to use. Fair play, he commuted in it for about a month straight during summer, mind.
The other intention was to drive it out to motorsports events we attend during the year... But each time we've done this we've ended up in my car instead! Air con and other creature comforts are much needed after picking up a Silverstone sun tan...
So the search for something practical begins. Something almost as exciting as the Elise - but more usable and comfortable.
Enter the Z4. I'll admit, I know very little about these things, so wonder if there's a good buyers guide anywhere? (I'll Google it later of course....)
Has anyone else on PH made a similar transition?
Is there an alternative everyday car around the £16k mark which should also be considered? I suggested the older Jaguar XK, but he's convinced it has an old man image unless you get an R, which are out of budget!
Thanks in advance for any advice
Fair play to your dad OP. 
A Z4 will never be an Elise competitor though!
But I'm completely biased as I have a Z4, which would only be around half of the budget you mention:-
But for your budget you could get a good Z4M Roadster, or with a slight budget stretch a Z4M Coupe (M models have the same S54 engine as the E46 M3).
There is loads more info. on Z4forum - and the E85/86 models are much more sport orientated than the later E89!
Hope you find something suitable.
A Z4 will never be an Elise competitor though!
But I'm completely biased as I have a Z4, which would only be around half of the budget you mention:-
But for your budget you could get a good Z4M Roadster, or with a slight budget stretch a Z4M Coupe (M models have the same S54 engine as the E46 M3).
There is loads more info. on Z4forum - and the E85/86 models are much more sport orientated than the later E89!
Hope you find something suitable.
Edited by Mr Tidy on Thursday 21st September 01:18
Thanks for the responses so far.
I think he has his heart set on the folding metal roof- the e89 looks pretty good roof up or down whilst also having a greater sense of security too. I couldn't think of many other cars with similar folding metal roofs at a sub-20k budget and no more than 10 years old.
I tried to convince him an M model of slightly older vintage will depreciate much less, but I'm not sure it worked! The only thing he's concerned about is that; being his first BMW, it must have 6 cylinders.
Is the 3.0 worth seeking out over the 2.5? And the Highline spec of the model he is going to have a look at, is this the spec level to go for?
Struggling to find much on the e89 model, all the buying guides seem to be about the older Z4s.
I think he has his heart set on the folding metal roof- the e89 looks pretty good roof up or down whilst also having a greater sense of security too. I couldn't think of many other cars with similar folding metal roofs at a sub-20k budget and no more than 10 years old.
I tried to convince him an M model of slightly older vintage will depreciate much less, but I'm not sure it worked! The only thing he's concerned about is that; being his first BMW, it must have 6 cylinders.
Is the 3.0 worth seeking out over the 2.5? And the Highline spec of the model he is going to have a look at, is this the spec level to go for?
Struggling to find much on the e89 model, all the buying guides seem to be about the older Z4s.
C.A.R. said:
Thanks for the responses so far.
I think he has his heart set on the folding metal roof- the e89 looks pretty good roof up or down whilst also having a greater sense of security too. I couldn't think of many other cars with similar folding metal roofs at a sub-20k budget and no more than 10 years old.
I tried to convince him an M model of slightly older vintage will depreciate much less, but I'm not sure it worked! The only thing he's concerned about is that; being his first BMW, it must have 6 cylinders.
Is the 3.0 worth seeking out over the 2.5? And the Highline spec of the model he is going to have a look at, is this the spec level to go for?
Struggling to find much on the e89 model, all the buying guides seem to be about the older Z4s.
Definitely worth seeking out a 3 litre - same running costs as a 2.5 but more fun.I think he has his heart set on the folding metal roof- the e89 looks pretty good roof up or down whilst also having a greater sense of security too. I couldn't think of many other cars with similar folding metal roofs at a sub-20k budget and no more than 10 years old.
I tried to convince him an M model of slightly older vintage will depreciate much less, but I'm not sure it worked! The only thing he's concerned about is that; being his first BMW, it must have 6 cylinders.
Is the 3.0 worth seeking out over the 2.5? And the Highline spec of the model he is going to have a look at, is this the spec level to go for?
Struggling to find much on the e89 model, all the buying guides seem to be about the older Z4s.
I can't help with info on the E89 - never had one and don't ever want one!
dabigginger said:
How about a GT86 or BRZ?
I did also discuss these with him, but I think the main problem is the roof won't retract for that odd day we get warm weather...He's become used to the Elise removable top!Which obviously beckons the most common response, why not an MX5...I just don't think he could see himself in one, the Z4 has a much more masculine appearance and offers more punch in 2.5/3.0 form.
Mr Tidy said:
A Z4 will never be an Elise competitor though!
In all fairness, i don't think that's what he's looking for or expecting from it. Just something with somewhat of a similar recipe, while being a bit more practical and civilised. I'd say the Z4 fits the bill in that regard.Edited by Mr Tidy on Thursday 21st September 01:18
culpz said:
Mr Tidy said:
A Z4 will never be an Elise competitor though!
In all fairness, i don't think that's what he's looking for or expecting from it. Just something with somewhat of a similar recipe, while being a bit more practical and civilised. I'd say the Z4 fits the bill in that regard.Edited by Mr Tidy on Thursday 21st September 01:18
I have an AW11 MR2, which is probably "a similar recipe" to an elise. My wife has a Z4 and the two are nothing - nothing - like each other to drive. The Z4 is a totally anaesthetised driving experience (combined with worse visibility and a significantly harder ride.) Less communicative and engaging than a MK2/3 Mondeo, if that gives you any frame of reference.
An MR2 might actually work for you. MK2 maybe. The suspension is good and there's a useable boot.
I swapped my Cayman for a Z4 35is about 2 years ago now.
Wasn't initially sold on a convertible until I test drove one on a changeable Aberdeen day - the roof goes up and down so easily and when it's up you have a proper car is something I haven't yet got bored of - I had it down this morning and the temp gauge was showing 6 degrees - great fun.
I drove a manual (I think a 28i) and an auto (they only do the 35is in auto) and the manual didn't feel great, it also didn’t suit the car as well as the auto. It is a GT car suited to cruising, but is more than capable of demonstrating your helmsmanship when asked to. 90% of the time I waft about in Auto, but sticking it in sport mode and playing with the paddles is great fun.
Mine is certainly not lacking in power - it is a lovely boosty engine and makes a lovely, lovely noise. Getting up the rev range can get you to silly speeds very quickly. The artillery barrage the exhaust does on downshifts should be wearing, but it really doesn't get old for me at least. The handling isn't super sharp, but it is very predictable - whereas the Cayman would grip for days and then suddenly snap, the Z4 lets go much earlier, but very predictably. Long distance cruising is something it excels at - economical it is not, but a 3L twin turbo petrol is never going to be frugal...
I am not sure the budget will quite stretch to a decent 35is, but I couldn't comment on the other models and how they stack up.
Extras wise, iDrive IMO is a must - the nav etc. is never going to be the best, but the car isn't right without it and stuff like Bluetooth is needed IMO. Heated seats as well are good if you want winter roof down stuff. Make sure you read what is and isn't included - I was nearly caught out by one without cruise - don't assume that anything is standard.
Wasn't initially sold on a convertible until I test drove one on a changeable Aberdeen day - the roof goes up and down so easily and when it's up you have a proper car is something I haven't yet got bored of - I had it down this morning and the temp gauge was showing 6 degrees - great fun.
I drove a manual (I think a 28i) and an auto (they only do the 35is in auto) and the manual didn't feel great, it also didn’t suit the car as well as the auto. It is a GT car suited to cruising, but is more than capable of demonstrating your helmsmanship when asked to. 90% of the time I waft about in Auto, but sticking it in sport mode and playing with the paddles is great fun.
Mine is certainly not lacking in power - it is a lovely boosty engine and makes a lovely, lovely noise. Getting up the rev range can get you to silly speeds very quickly. The artillery barrage the exhaust does on downshifts should be wearing, but it really doesn't get old for me at least. The handling isn't super sharp, but it is very predictable - whereas the Cayman would grip for days and then suddenly snap, the Z4 lets go much earlier, but very predictably. Long distance cruising is something it excels at - economical it is not, but a 3L twin turbo petrol is never going to be frugal...
I am not sure the budget will quite stretch to a decent 35is, but I couldn't comment on the other models and how they stack up.
Extras wise, iDrive IMO is a must - the nav etc. is never going to be the best, but the car isn't right without it and stuff like Bluetooth is needed IMO. Heated seats as well are good if you want winter roof down stuff. Make sure you read what is and isn't included - I was nearly caught out by one without cruise - don't assume that anything is standard.
Bennet said:
If by "a similar recipe", you just mean it has two seats and looks sporty, maybe it's the right car.
I have an AW11 MR2, which is probably "a similar recipe" to an elise. My wife has a Z4 and the two are nothing - nothing - like each other to drive. The Z4 is a totally anaesthetised driving experience (combined with worse visibility and a significantly harder ride.) Less communicative and engaging than a MK2/3 Mondeo, if that gives you any frame of reference.
An MR2 might actually work for you. The suspension is good and there's a useable boot. It's a bit noisy on the motorway.
Compact, low-seated, RWD, manual, n/a engine to add a few more to the list. I understand that the Z4 is typically BMW in many ways, so can detract from the actual driving experience but also bear in mind that the OP's father wants something a bit more civilised, which is where the Beemer could become more favorable here.I have an AW11 MR2, which is probably "a similar recipe" to an elise. My wife has a Z4 and the two are nothing - nothing - like each other to drive. The Z4 is a totally anaesthetised driving experience (combined with worse visibility and a significantly harder ride.) Less communicative and engaging than a MK2/3 Mondeo, if that gives you any frame of reference.
An MR2 might actually work for you. The suspension is good and there's a useable boot. It's a bit noisy on the motorway.
The MR2 does sound like a good choice. However, i get the feeling that something a bit different is potentially on the cards here. I know the MR2 is not as hardcore as the Elise but it might be a little too similar in ways? I suppose the OP's dad can only make that decision himself by giving both a test and see which he prefers.
J8 SVG said:
Was going to say the same, but SLK55 https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff