Why no replacement for the Z4MC
Why no replacement for the Z4MC
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Discussion

Pistom

Original Poster:

6,302 posts

185 months

Sunday 25th November 2012
quotequote all
A change in work circumstances has meant an unexpected increase in my car allowance which could bring forward my car change from next year. I've been out in a 1M and a Z4 today, both have left me unimpressed and my MC was very nice to get back into.

I don't have to change, the MC now but the current BMW range has left me uninspired. I really don't fancy an M3 so it is either a case of sticking with the MC or looking elsewhere than BMW.

Why have they not got a reasonable replacement for this car.


ady702

376 posts

173 months

Sunday 25th November 2012
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http://www.bmwcoop.com/2012/08/24/e89-bmw-z4-m-per...

Edited by ady702 on Sunday 25th November 19:21

KENZ

1,229 posts

219 months

Sunday 25th November 2012
quotequote all
I can't see it happening. You can spend easy 40k on a 35i. M in today's money would be around 55-60k. I just don't see a demand for it.

Pistom

Original Poster:

6,302 posts

185 months

Sunday 25th November 2012
quotequote all
The Z4 MC didn't sell in large numbers, nor has the 1M. BMW don't fight shy of low volume range toppers so it just might but it doesn't help now.

Not sure where Iwill go now.

playalistic

2,270 posts

190 months

Tuesday 27th November 2012
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M135i? They're getting rave reviews.

Pistom

Original Poster:

6,302 posts

185 months

Tuesday 27th November 2012
quotequote all
playalistic said:
M135i? They're getting rave reviews.
Yes, I've read them myself but the reality falls short of the raves. I challenge anyone to get straight out of a M135i and get into a Z4MC and not be more impressed.

Maybe it's just that I'm so familiar with the MC but to me it's more predictable, better balanced and overall levels of grip are greater.


sixspeed

2,062 posts

298 months

Monday 3rd December 2012
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If they do make an E89 M, it needs to have the E90/92/93 V8 in it rather than any more of this turbo-blowing nonsense to even get my interest...

KENZ

1,229 posts

219 months

Monday 3rd December 2012
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Agree. A turbo charged engine has no place in an M. It doesn't matter how good it is. To me it would still feel artificial.

original guvnor

128 posts

175 months

Tuesday 4th December 2012
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KENZ said:
Agree. A turbo charged engine has no place in an M. It doesn't matter how good it is. To me it would still feel artificial.
I agree with this. AMG seem to be able to produce cleaner, more efficient NA engines (SLK AMG for example) and Porsche seem to have no problem (new Boxster & Cayman, 991 Carrera, 991 GT3 I assume), Audi with the RS4, RS5, R8.

M Division has lost its way. When it's Roadster has no M-power model and its SUV does then you know it's in trouble.

MitchT

17,094 posts

235 months

Tuesday 4th December 2012
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Some bright spark at BMW decided that 'M' enthusiasts would rather have an X5 and an X6 than a Z4. Go figure!

ChrisBuer

628 posts

251 months

Tuesday 4th December 2012
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original guvnor said:
I agree with this. AMG seem to be able to produce cleaner, more efficient NA engines (SLK AMG for example) and Porsche seem to have no problem (new Boxster & Cayman, 991 Carrera, 991 GT3 I assume), Audi with the RS4, RS5, R8.

M Division has lost its way. When it's Roadster has no M-power model and its SUV does then you know it's in trouble.
If it doesn't have to be a BMW, then I'd look at AMG or Porsche.

With BMW going down the forced induction route (like it or not), any new Z4MC replacement will probably follow the same path.

What's your budget? How about a nice 991?

Edited by ChrisBuer on Tuesday 4th December 16:36

Cheburator mk2

3,197 posts

225 months

Tuesday 4th December 2012
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ChrisBuer said:
If it doesn't have to be a BMW, then I'd look at AMG or Porsche.

With BMW going down the forced induction route (like it or not), any new Z4MC replacement will probably follow the same path.

What's your budget? How about a nice 991?

Edited by ChrisBuer on Tuesday 4th December 16:36
Chris, a 991 and a Z4MC in one and the same sentence? Surely, we are all die-hard fans here, but the 991 is miles ahead - quality, price, cachet etc?

jakesmith

9,496 posts

197 months

Tuesday 4th December 2012
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I drove the new slk 55 and did not find it to be a drivers car. Have never driven a BMW but the old z4 has a reputation for being fun to drive. How about a nice nearly new 987? £30k will get u a a peach. If u can wait another 12-18 months for a 981 boxster that wd be a nice motor. Or have u tried the e92 m3?

GroundEffect

13,864 posts

182 months

Tuesday 4th December 2012
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KENZ said:
Agree. A turbo charged engine has no place in an M. It doesn't matter how good it is. To me it would still feel artificial.
Lol.

They're better ...so that makes them artificial?

original guvnor

128 posts

175 months

Tuesday 4th December 2012
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Cheburator mk2 said:
Chris, a 991 and a Z4MC in one and the same sentence? Surely, we are all die-hard fans here, but the 991 is miles ahead - quality, price, cachet etc?
Chris my Z4MC is a keeper until I have enough Samolians saved up for a 997 GT3. Recognise a theme here? - 2-seater coupe, manual box, no fancy electronic frippery (M buttons et al), high revving NA engine, slightly hardcore, gorgeous looks.

Pistom

Original Poster:

6,302 posts

185 months

Wednesday 5th December 2012
quotequote all
Many thanks for the suggestions but after weeks of looking, test driving and adding more and more to the budget, I've shelved the idea of changing.

The car remains cheap to run and rewarding to drive. Car design and angineering have moved backwards since the MC was launched, being dictated by marketing teams and accountants. Actually, that latter point has been the case since about 1969 but somehow the MC slipped through and I have to accept there will be no replacement or peer.

I will drive it until it begins getting uneconomical and swap for a dull replacement. Every now and again an exceptional car appears and in the late naughtiest, that was the Z4M C. I was lucky enough to get behind the wheel of a 365 GTB 4 many years ago and the Z4M is the nearest I've come to that experience.

The Z4MC is not without it's flaws but it makes every journey worth the petrol money and more.

Before Christmas, I've got to go to North Wales, Scotland and the South East. Over Christmas to Cornwall. I'm really looking forward to every mile.