RE: Driven: BMW Z4 sDrive28i

[kambites]

geoffracing said:

Nor those who find Audis more attractive; they are well-designed, but so very BLAND.

Ahhh, the age-old "bland vs ugly" question.

[Kong]

kambites said:

Ecosseven said:

I hope that BMW introduce the rumoured Z2 with RWD, a fabric roof, 6 speed manual box, 180bhp and a kerb weight of not more than 1150 kg.

That would be lovely if they did, especially if they use their N/A 2.0 rather than the turbocharged 1.6 from the MINI. It doesn't really seem to fit in with their current direction, though.

It's about time the MX5 had some competition again.

I believe they are making that exact car, probably won't be N/A though or run carbs plus it will have power steering and servoed brakes

Just as long as it's RWD (and they definitely do build it) then i'll probably buy one for my next car.

[kambites]

Oh well. Not a car for me then.

[Kong]

kambites said:

Oh well. Not a car for me then.

Sorry to break the bads news. Will probably have big heavy airbags and be offered in at least one shade of grey also.

[kambites]

Kong said:

kambites said:

Oh well. Not a car for me then.

Sorry to break the bads news. Will probably have big heavy airbags and be offered in at least one shade of grey also.

They can offer it in as many shades of grey as they like as long as they also offer it in something else. Bright yellow would be favourite.

[Kong]

kambites said:

Kong said:

kambites said:

Oh well. Not a car for me then.

Sorry to break the bads news. Will probably have big heavy airbags and be offered in at least one shade of grey also.

They can offer it in as many shades of grey as they like as long as they also offer it in something else.

Acrid silver or repugnant white shudders

[kambites]

Kong said:

Acrid silver or repugnant white shudders

Or "shiny grey" and "light grey" as they're otherwise known.

When is it expected to be announced if they do do it? Maybe I could take the turbocharger off.

[Kong]

Anywhere between 2014-2016 depending on which internet rumour you read. The question seems to be which platform they will use but it will definitely be lightweight and driver focused.

[kambites]

Kong said:

Anywhere between 2014-2016 depending on which internet rumour you read. The question seems to be which platform they will use but it will definitely be lightweight and driver focused.

Ah OK. Almost certainly not N/A by then. I'd assume it'll be based on the 1-series platform. What other sensible options do they have?

[Kong]

kambites said:

Kong said:

Anywhere between 2014-2016 depending on which internet rumour you read. The question seems to be which platform they will use but it will definitely be lightweight and driver focused.

Ah OK. Almost certainly not N/A by then. I'd assume it'll be based on the 1-series platform. What other sensible options do they have?

Theres a forthcoming 2 series, but I guess that will be based on the 1 series anyway. Or theres next MINI and yes we all know what that would mean..

[kambites]

Kong said:

Theres a forthcoming 2 series, but I guess that will be based on the 1 series anyway. Or theres next MINI and yes we all know what that would mean..

Is 2-series just a new name for 1-series coupe?

[Serg2K]

Guvernator said:

I have to admit to being a little bit worried about BMW of late as IMO they have made a few suspect choices or decisions.

1. Suspension

I've recently got into a 335i which suffers from the exact same issue as this Z4. Now I am used to stiffly sprung cars but stiff springs and bad damping is a huge mistake, it really is the most atrocious in terms or ride quality I have sampled from a mainstream manufacturer although Audi aren't much better these days to be fair. When will the German manufacturers understand the "sporting" doesn't have to mean that it has to knock your fillings out. I really am suprised more Journo's haven't said anything about this. This really has to stop now!

2. Run Flats
Which tw*t as BMW actually thought these were a good idea? They make an already bad ride worse, they are very expensive to replace and they are sh*t. Whoever greenlighted these across the BMW range should be taken out and shot!. This really has to be stopped now!

If you ever visit Germany you will see and feel immediately why they are like that.
In my case I went to a conference in Dresden, I'm assuming the rest of Germany is the same... As soon as you drive out of the airport the effect is striking. No noise, no vibrations, nothing, just silky smoothness, then you start thinking... surely it will get worse once we get into town... nope still silky smooth. And utterly clean.
Then you realize the bmw/audi suspension is actually perfect, for Germans.

[kambites]

Serg2K said:

Then you realize the bmw/audi suspension is actually perfect, for Germans.

That may excuse the spring rates, but nothing can excuse the under-damping.

Besides, surely they use different suspension for UK spec cars? I think most manufacturers do.

[F1GTRUeno]

Vast swathes of the Autobahn network have terrible road quality though, so surely they must grumble as well.

[British Beef]

"Electronic sound generator" so so wrong!!!!

I would rather drive around old classics with proper engines (and live with the higher running costs) than these things which need aural enhancement from the stereo (near enough).

What I find really sad is that even BMWs M division are using this technology.

[Digger]

Anyone found an article on this Electr . . . ESG (for short!)? Is it switchable?

[James P]

Digger said:

James P said:

Riggers said:

Gizmo! said:

Shame.

Come on BMW, grow a pair and give us a proper Z4M again.

It only took six years of people asking for them to make the 1M...

Don't forget you can still get the six-cylinder in the sDrive35i

and the sDrive35is

I've been looking at them! Cant argue with 340 ponies and a sub 5 sec 0-60. Fantastic looks, shame about the 'floaty' handling. Space Grey or Melbourne Red for me

These always look far far better in the metal, not the best angles in the pics above.

Picked mine up last Friday, ex demo at 4k miles

Not driven it far or hard enough yet to comment on handling, floaty or otherwise. As it is my car for work some give in the suspension is appreciated. I'm liking the steering feel and the interior though.

[soad]

British Beef said:

"Electronic sound generator" so so wrong!!!!

I would rather drive around old classics with proper engines (and live with the higher running costs) than these things which need aural enhancement from the stereo (near enough).

You won't be the only one.

[kambites]

soad said:

British Beef said:

"Electronic sound generator" so so wrong!!!!
I would rather drive around old classics with proper engines (and live with the higher running costs) than these things which need aural enhancement from the stereo (near enough).

You won't be the only one

I don't think I'll ever buy anything newer than my current car for my daily driver. If for some reason I eventually have to sell the Elise, I'll go back to classics.

[xxplod]

I reached the same conclusion on the Z4 back in 2002 and ended up buying an Elise 111S. I now have a Boxster S.