To Z4 or not to Z4...

[Marvtec]

That is the question. Have been considering various hot hatches for a while now, megane 250, golf gti/scirocco tsi/r, Focus ST etc.

However I dont really need a practical car in as much as I rarely carry many passengers or stuff in general. Whilst browsing AT for the millionth time I looked at some Z4's and the pics of the coupe suggests it has a reasonable sized hatch boot. This is important as I have a dog and I'm not keen on her going on seats.

Is a Z4 coupe ok as a daily, all round, commuting dog carrier? Budget approx 12k though thats flexible.

Anything I should look out for? The 3.0si manual coupe is my preference on paper.

[NordicCrankShaft]

Isn't the boot on a Z4 sealed shut?

Not ideal for a dog.

Edit: Just read coupe

Edited by NordicCrankShaft on Tuesday 10th May 19:15

[Vitorio]

Should fit a small-ish dog no trouble

[daemon]

Marvtec said:

That is the question. Have been considering various hot hatches for a while now, megane 250, golf gti/scirocco tsi/r, Focus ST etc.

However I dont really need a practical car in as much as I rarely carry many passengers or stuff in general. Whilst browsing AT for the millionth time I looked at some Z4's and the pics of the coupe suggests it has a reasonable sized hatch boot. This is important as I have a dog and I'm not keen on her going on seats.

Is a Z4 coupe ok as a daily, all round, commuting dog carrier? Budget approx 12k though thats flexible.

Anything I should look out for? The 3.0si manual coupe is my preference on paper.

The 3.0Si is a great car as a daily. In fact its your only engine choice IIRC unless you go for the M car.

Boot would be fine for a small dog.

[daemon]

Vitorio said:

Should fit a small-ish dog no trouble

No idea where you got that pic, but thats not the shape of the boot.

Heres the correct boot space.

[Marvtec]

I believe the incorrect pic is of the Z4M, I think the battery is in the boot in that hump on the right.

Hasnt realised that the other engines ie 2.5i/3.0i werent available on the coupe so that simplifies it thanks.

[PHmember]

Not sure I'd want to leave a dog under that glass 'roof' in the summer. Bit different in a normal hatchback, but I reckon the Z4c boot will be boiling for a dog on a hot day. Not much airflow into the boot to cool it down either.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Marvtec said:

I believe the incorrect pic is of the Z4M, I think the battery is in the boot in that hump on the right.

Presumably located for "ideal" weight distribution - but on the basis that in most of the world the driver sits on the left hand side....

[daemon]

Marvtec said:

I believe the incorrect pic is of the Z4M, I think the battery is in the boot in that hump on the right.

Hasnt realised that the other engines ie 2.5i/3.0i werent available on the coupe so that simplifies it thanks.

I think the 3.0Si superceded the 3.0i variant in the regular convertible Z4. I dont think it made it into the Coupe.

Great car btw - we loved ours. Ran it for 3 years from new.

Averaged almost totally consistently 27.4mpg.

[talksthetorque]

Ozzie Osmond said:

Presumably located for "ideal" weight distribution - but on the basis that in most of the world the driver sits on the left hand side....

That and accomodating the larger airbox for the M.

If your dog doesn't mind lying down and going to sleep, then there's some space.
If they like to see where they're going then not ideal as the gap between the top of the bulkhead and the roof/hatch is not so big when closed.
Also as pointed out the mutt will have a glass ceiling.
How big are the dogs?
Finally, you do realise that's a crumple zone don't you.
PS 2 engine flavours in the coupe - 3.0si 265bhp, 3.2 M 343bhp

Edited by talksthetorque on Tuesday 10th May 21:08

[court]

I wish I could turn my 330i touring auto into a Z4 3.0si manual coupe around 50% of the time when driving. What a cracking car.

[Marvtec]

talksthetorque said:

Ozzie Osmond said:

Presumably located for "ideal" weight distribution - but on the basis that in most of the world the driver sits on the left hand side....

That and accomodating the larger airbox for the M.

If your dog doesn't mind lying down and going to sleep, then there's some space.
If they like to see where they're going then not ideal as the gap between the top of the bulkhead and the roof/hatch is not so big when closed.
Also as pointed out the mutt will have a glass ceiling.
How big are the dogs?
Finally, you do realise that's a crumple zone don't you.
PS 2 engine flavours in the coupe - 3.0si 265bhp, 3.2 M 343bhp

Edited by talksthetorque on Tuesday 10th May 21:08

Just 1 dog, she lies down in the boot and has largely glass above her atm in current car so I have tinted 'solarplexius' panels across all rear glass.

However, your mention of it being a crumple zone could rule this out altogether is it a lot more flimsy than a civics boot then for example?

[unsprung]

The first-generation coupe is simply gorgeous. It honours the past without being blatently retro.

[Mr Tidy]

3.0 Si Sport Z4C is a fantastic car!

I sold mine on 2 May, realised what I had done and put a deposit on another on 5 May which I collected last night!

Gratuitous photos of original and replacement:-





But to be honest I wouldn't think they would be ideal for a dog - the boot is a good size but pretty detached from the cabin!

[Speed1283]

I wouldn't personally ever put a dog in my z4 coupe, it's just not ideal, the height is pretty limited due to the sloping glass. I guess something small like a jack russel would be OK.

[talksthetorque]

Marvtec said:

Just 1 dog, she lies down in the boot and has largely glass above her atm in current car so I have tinted 'solarplexius' panels across all rear glass.

However, your mention of it being a crumple zone could rule this out altogether is it a lot more flimsy than a civics boot then for example?

All boots are crumple zones. Designed to deform on heavy impact to protect seated passengers.
ETA: except landys

[TR4man]

Really depends on the size of the dog - whilst our Labrador will fit in the boot of my Coupe it is rather cramped and only suitable for transporting him for very short journeys. The other consideration is that the large glass area has the same effect as a greenhouse.

[300bhp/ton]

Marvtec said:

That is the question. Have been considering various hot hatches for a while now, megane 250, golf gti/scirocco tsi/r, Focus ST etc.

However I dont really need a practical car in as much as I rarely carry many passengers or stuff in general. Whilst browsing AT for the millionth time I looked at some Z4's and the pics of the coupe suggests it has a reasonable sized hatch boot. This is important as I have a dog and I'm not keen on her going on seats.

Is a Z4 coupe ok as a daily, all round, commuting dog carrier? Budget approx 12k though thats flexible.

Anything I should look out for? The 3.0si manual coupe is my preference on paper.

I say go for it. Not only are they one of the best looking BMW's of recent times, they are genuinely fantastic looking cars.

The coupes I think will also become very sought after. As they are rare and weren't built for many years.

3.0 litre engine is the one I'd go for. I highly doubt you'd loose money on these. Just look at the crazy prices of the Z3 based M Coupe. I know the Z4MC will be more the equal, but I suspect any Z4C will be a wanted item in time to come.

[cerb4.5lee]

Mr Tidy said:

3.0 Si Sport Z4C is a fantastic car!

I sold mine on 2 May, realised what I had done and put a deposit on another on 5 May which I collected last night!

Gratuitous photos of original and replacement:-





But to be honest I wouldn't think they would be ideal for a dog - the boot is a good size but pretty detached from the cabin!

I'd read that you got rid of it and I was a little surprised but I know the recent expenditure on it put you off it a little, love the fact you've gone for another, enjoy it.

[Illforever]

Mr Tidy said:

But to be honest I wouldn't think they would be ideal for a dog - the boot is a good size but pretty detached from the cabin!

Put the cat in it then.