BMW Z4 30i M Sport 2020
BMW Z4 30i M Sport 2020
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Discussion

Yatesy350i

Original Poster:

1,031 posts

161 months

Yesterday (17:10)
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Afternoon all.

I'm usually lurking over on the TVR pages. But I'm considering a 2020 Z4 30i M Sport with 40k miles. We have just sold the Wife's ND MX5 today. A Z4 would seem to offer a load more boot space and considerable performance increase over the little 1.5L MX5.

Are these generally considered a good car, anything I should know about or should I run away screaming and get something else.

I've had 3 work BM's over 12 years and covered around 400k miles across the 3. Never had a moments trouble all great cars. But I've never had one over 4 years old.

Your thoughts and advice would be appreciated.

Cheers Karl.

AB

20,013 posts

220 months

Yesterday (18:01)
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Pretty decent cars, underrated IMO.

Much more comfortable than previous models, drives more like a 3 series coupe from what I remember.

Mr Tidy

30,095 posts

152 months

Yesterday (19:58)
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Most owners seem pleased with them, although I'd be tempted to go for a 40i to get a 6 cylinder engine!

By all accounts the B58 engine is highly regarded.

Sofa

628 posts

117 months

Yesterday (22:02)
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Admittedly I've never driven an ND MX-5 (or any MX-5 for that matter!) but I have done a few hundred miles in a 2020 Z4 20i.

It'll definitely feel a lot more grown up than the MX-5, for better and for worse. Most of the switchgear inside is lifted straight from the G20 3 Series so it's a nice place to be, I'm 6'4" and long in the body and I was always very comfortable driving it. The 20i and 30i have the 2.0 B48, it's got a strong reputation for reliability as far as I'm aware and honestly I quite liked how it sounded in the Z4- it always felt quicker to me than it was on paper too, although the low driving position and having the roof down probably helped. The ZF8 transmission is basically bulletproof and I've yet to drive a better torque convertor automatic (BMWs have the best implementation of the ZF8 too in my experience).

I would say if you're after something that feels like a proper sports car it'll probably be a bit disappointing- I always thought of it as a sort of junior grand tourer and at that it was fantastic- a 7/10ths car if you will. I'd probably echo Mr Tidy's thoughts and say if you can justify the extra costs of the M40i to go for that, because I imagine that would be an incredible package (I have driven the 3.0 B58 and it's fantastic). But I wouldn't say you're missing out if you did decide to be relatively sensible and get the 30i.

Edited by Sofa on Wednesday 20th May 22:04

Yatesy350i

Original Poster:

1,031 posts

161 months

Yesterday (22:59)
quotequote all
Great replies all thanks.

I’m not too worried about having a raw sports car experience (2 TVRs are enough). Just looking for a civilised soft top with a bit more legroom and luggage space.

It will also be the Wife’s daily so hence happy with to 2.0l based 30i over the M40i. I suspect the increased performance of the M40i would have me questioning my TVR ownership and that won’t do.

Cheers All. I’ve placed a deposit on the Z. Collecting next Wednesday.

AB

20,013 posts

220 months

Yesterday (23:35)
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Congrats, you'll enjoy it.

Sofa

628 posts

117 months

Yatesy350i said:
Great replies all thanks.

I m not too worried about having a raw sports car experience (2 TVRs are enough). Just looking for a civilised soft top with a bit more legroom and luggage space.

It will also be the Wife s daily so hence happy with to 2.0l based 30i over the M40i. I suspect the increased performance of the M40i would have me questioning my TVR ownership and that won t do.

Cheers All. I ve placed a deposit on the Z. Collecting next Wednesday.
Sounds like it's the perfect fit for you both then!

Hope you enjoy it, and make sure to post some pictures of it. smile