Think I should have test driven one

Beedub · Post by **Beedub** » Tue Jul 10, 2018 10:29 pm

TBH the fact your not feeling this car right away imo prob means it not for you.... This thing is awesome, its raw, its got that classic brutish feeling thats just so rare now days unless your spending big money, big motor, small relatively light , manual, amazing seating position, fantastic steering, i adore mine. You shouldn't have to grow to like a car like this, it either works for you or it doesnt.....

Simon 3.2M · Post by **Simon 3.2M** » Tue Jul 10, 2018 10:57 pm

I've had mine 2 weeks and I've come from a very sorted 3.0si. The worst thing you can do is compare the two - they are not the same in any way!!
The M is far less refined and somewhat more "agricultural", the engine is tappety but if you read up on it then most are. There are even cases of some becoming more so after having the valve clearances done

To be honest I thought mine had either worn belts and pulleys or a cracked manifold. I've changed the belts and pulleys and checked the manifold, guess what, it's no different. The tappety noise is amplified when in country lanes etc as the sound bounces back more. As for the gear change, the CDV will be coming off very soon!! In 1st it does sound rough I'd agree but punch through to 2nd and floor it and the fun begins, especially with the sport button on

Mine wheel spins even with the traction control on, even more so with it off! Around town I'm rarely out of 4th, these cars don't appreciate being driven like a pussy, they really are designed to be ridden like a whore - hard and fast. Trying to drive them like a normal car around town is pointless and very frustrating as they don't respond and act like a sulking teenager.
My only advice is to drive it, push it up the rev range and stop worrying about how it sounds, if it's going to blow up, if it's sorted etc etc. If I compare it to some of the cars I've had it's probably the worst sounding and worry enducing car I've had.
To me it is a lot faster than the si and nowhere near as smooth or refined (feels like it's becoming a classic) and is just more dated - that is the appeal of the car for me. It does feel like something a little bit special. I knew within the first 100yds of the test drive that I'd buy it. It's just not like a normal Z! I know when I get in it I'm going to smile and I know my right foot will no doubt become very heavy very quickly. This car comes alive above 5000rpm where as the si is running out of torque. In this rev range the car becomes a f***in hooigan and its war cry as it barrels head first into war is addictive!
Stick with it mate, the smiles will come mate trust me.

paulgs1000 · Post by **paulgs1000** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 12:15 am

Hi Bodyboarder, very interesting reading your post - brought about a lot of deja vu!

You could do a search and read the pages of posts outlining the concerns I had - the same as you - regarding my M and in particular it's engine character. I had a 2 litre and then a 3.0si. Both were beautifully smooth and the engine in the M was a shock at first. I have some favourite roads that I couldn't enjoy in it as I was reluctant to push the engine and use the top rev range - it felt like I was mechanically abusing the engine! I was not happy and kept my 3.0si for 6 months before deciding which Zed to keep.

I would urge you to stick with it for some time and to take heed of what other M owners tell you - namely that they are all like that! Once you start to relax concerning the tappety noise and the harsh metallic howl as the revs rise, you will begin to enjoy the cars capabilities more and more. (Though you'll still find the engine intrusive at times, you'll grow to love that howl when you're 'using' it).

I bought my M because of it's looks but also because I was driving with some talented and capable drivers and I felt that the 3.0si had limits which my wife and I had met when out driving with them. We needed something with a little more capability. Now I feel that I am only using part of the M's capability rather than all of it and I'm more than certain that this has kept us safer and in at least a couple of instances has contributed in us not getting into difficulties (it is a much more effective overtaking tool, has only suffered from brake fade once (whereas the 3.0si used to suffer this quite often) and the suspension rides better and corners with far more control despite a certain amount of body movement (under acceleration and heavy braking as well). Suffice to say, my wife (who is my barometer of how safe we are on the road and has travelled thousands of miles as pillion on our previous motorbikes) states that she feels more secure in the M because of it's greater abilities (She enjoys spirited driving and has a full bike licence too!) We're talking safe but enjoyable spirited road driving here not track use.

After 6 months and lots of private messages of reassurance from other M owners and like yourself, having the M checked out by various trusted specialist mechanics, I took the plunge, kept the M and sold my 3.0si. I loved that Zed and have many happy memories of thousands of brilliant miles with it and I still miss it. It's a different kind of drive to the M but I'd still be content to own one today - fabulous car.
But I feel I own a characterful sports car now, a specialist sports car. There is some satisfaction in owning such a car (and in my case I feel very lucky to have this opportunity). It's also, for the driving I do, more capable in all areas and therefore safer on the road. I do however use it less often as, unlike the 3.0si I don't 'nip to the shops' or 'round to my mates' in it. It takes time to warm up and isn't as relaxing to drive in that role - it tends to come out only when it's worth getting it out on the road - that is - when it's going to be 'used'. It feels special owning and driving an M, it really does - well for me anyway!

There's also a certain amount of financial consideration in my choice. The M holds onto its value more than any other Zed variant (though higher servicing costs apply) and there's nothing comparable at this price point that offers the performance and value of the Z4MR (coupes £1000s more, 911/Boxsters even dearer).

There will come a time when my driving needs will change (and it's not getting any easier to enjoy your motoring) then I'll be happy to burble about in an MX5 enjoying the scenery and landscape rather than just concentrating on the road . . . .
one day.

Vanne · Post by **Vanne** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 5:34 am

Come on mate, 100 miles? just go drive the bloody thing a bit before chucking it on the resale heap.

InterlagosZ4MR · Post by **InterlagosZ4MR** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 6:20 am

It’s a deeply flawed drivers car. I’ve had one for more than 4 years and have had loads of other BMWs inc M3s and also 911s etc. All of those have been a much better all round drivers package including my daily driver - an M140i (manual) which is so much easier and safer to drive fast, and feels so much more fluid. The 140 has adaptive suspension, but still, the Z4M is let down badly by its suspension. I’ve played around with other set ups and found the B12 too hard and too crashy to improve it as a drivers car but the best mod I’ve found is to have a good geo set up to improve turn in. I only drive mine with the roof down and then I forgive it some of its defects, but it certainly isn’t a drivers car. Sure, it has a fantastic engine, and sure, its savage in 2nd and 3rd when flooring it, but that doesn’t make it a good drivers car. The steering is poor (not the communication, but the confidence and micro adjustability) and the harshness of the suspension shocking. A Boxster isn’t as ‘interesting’ from an engine perspective but I’ve toyed many times with swapping mine for a Boxster. I’m afraid I don’t see the point of an MC as a cayman is better in every way. I hate driving mine with the roof up, but as a summer roadster for a few thousand miles a year it has a place in my garage as there’s not much to touch it in that price range. I’ve ordered an M2 Comp and suspect that will herald the death of my Z4MR, even tho I can’t take the top off.

Status · Post by **Status** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 7:49 am

Got my M two weeks ago coming from a very nice Phoenix yellow si,I found mine more comfortable than the si steering ok it’s had new rear springs I was expecting a harsh ride but then I’ve just got back from Le Mans Classic where I done about 1000 miles in my Datsun 260 Z now that’s a harsh ride when you hit a pot hole but both rides are similar,the Z4 be it an M or si has a proper sports car feel,I went out in mine last night managed to fit a bass cab and Guitar in boot for a studio session ,loved it

Simon 3.2M · Post by **Simon 3.2M** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 8:19 am

InterlagosZ4MR wrote: ↑Wed Jul 11, 2018 6:20 am It’s a deeply flawed drivers car. I’ve had one for more than 4 years and have had loads of other BMWs inc M3s and also 911s etc. All of those have been a much better all round drivers package including my daily driver - an M140i (manual) which is so much easier and safer to drive fast, and feels so much more fluid. Theatre has adaptive suspension, but still, the Z4M is let down badly by its suspension. I’ve played around with other set ups and found the B12 too hard and too crashy to improve it as a drivers car but the best mod I’ve found is to have a good geo set up to improve turn in. I only drive mine with the roof down and then I forgive it some of its defects, but it certainly isn’t a drivers car. Sure, it has a fantastic engine, and sure, its savage in 2nd and 3rd when flooring it, but that doesn’t make it a good drivers car. The steering is poor (not the communication, but the confidence and micro adjustability) and the harshness of the suspension shocking. A Boxster isn’t as ‘interesting’ from an engine perspective but I’ve toyed many times with swapping mine for a Boxster. I’m afraid I don’t see the point of an MC as a cayman is better in every way. I hate driving mine with the roof up, but as a summer roaster for a few thousand miles a year it has a place in my garage as there’s not much to touch it in that price range. I’ve ordered an M2 Comp and suspect that will herald the death of my Z4MR, even tho I can’t take the top off.

I've not been fortunate enough to own a 911, Boxster or any other performance car for that matter other than my Audi RS2 (no drivers car either!) so I can't compare.
Essentially all of the above is the attraction of the car for me but I appreciate it is horses for courses. I personally don't find the suspension too harsh, the steering is good enough and the savage performance of 2nd and 3rd is great fun and has as been said on numerous occasions, for the money......
For the above reasons, mine will be staying OEM, no suspension, no induction, big wheels etc - I'll just drive it accordingly. At the end of the day it's quick enough to get you an instant ban and if you are pushing it so hard as to need upgrades and handling improvements then you are on the wrong side of the safety curve and should be on the track.
My advice is to drive it more before making a decision, dump all the "it isn't this and it should be this and it's not as good as" and accept the car for what it is and just learn about it's characteristics and drive it....a lot!

Bodyboarder · Post by **Bodyboarder** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 10:06 am

All good points

I’m not just going jump ship straight away , as I really need to get to know the car and this thread has put my mind at rest with regards the engine note , so thank you

If I think back to when I got my S2k I remember feeling very similar.... I guess you have an expectation of what something should be like . With a couple of choice mods it was transformed though .

Once I get it back from the service and all being checked over I’ll go out for a few days and really get a better feel for it I suspect ... and knowing me start to enjoy it

RedUn · Post by **RedUn** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:14 am

Bodyboarder wrote: ↑Wed Jul 11, 2018 10:06 am All good points

I’m not just going jump ship straight away , as I really need to get to know the car and this thread has put my mind at rest with regards the engine note , so thank you

If I think back to when I got my S2k I remember feeling very similar.... I guess you have an expectation of what something should be like . With a couple of choice mods it was transformed though .

Once I get it back from the service and all being checked over I’ll go out for a few days and really get a better feel for it I suspect ... and knowing me start to enjoy it

Previous S2k owner too, I had the same feeling for a long time as the S2k, once setup properly, is verging on lotus territory - not many people understand the development that went into the S2k it was quite astonishing.

In any case once you sort the zed out it is like a big S2k really, it's just a bit more all over, more power, more grip, more noise, more weight etc.

Where are you based? I'm sure a few people would be willing to take you for a quick blast in a tweaked zed

RedUn · Post by **RedUn** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:23 am

InterlagosZ4MR wrote: ↑Wed Jul 11, 2018 6:20 am It’s a deeply flawed drivers car. I’ve had one for more than 4 years and have had loads of other BMWs inc M3s and also 911s etc. All of those have been a much better all round drivers package including my daily driver - an M140i (manual) which is so much easier and safer to drive fast, and feels so much more fluid. Theatre has adaptive suspension, but still, the Z4M is let down badly by its suspension. I’ve played around with other set ups and found the B12 too hard and too crashy to improve it as a drivers car but the best mod I’ve found is to have a good geo set up to improve turn in. I only drive mine with the roof down and then I forgive it some of its defects, but it certainly isn’t a drivers car. Sure, it has a fantastic engine, and sure, its savage in 2nd and 3rd when flooring it, but that doesn’t make it a good drivers car. The steering is poor (not the communication, but the confidence and micro adjustability) and the harshness of the suspension shocking. A Boxster isn’t as ‘interesting’ from an engine perspective but I’ve toyed many times with swapping mine for a Boxster. I’m afraid I don’t see the point of an MC as a cayman is better in every way. I hate driving mine with the roof up, but as a summer roaster for a few thousand miles a year it has a place in my garage as there’s not much to touch it in that price range. I’ve ordered an M2 Comp and suspect that will herald the death of my Z4MR, even tho I can’t take the top off.

Interesting points there, sounds like you had some bad luck getting the suspension sorted out though

I run a daily m240i and it's no where near my zed in turns of pace, confidence or grip but then it's standard and the zed is tweaked (infact the 240 is actually quite lairy and seriously needs some proper suspension!) Also looking at the M2 comp, you'll have to post your findings once it arrives

Jembo · Post by **Jembo** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:25 am

May be worth revisiting why you bought it in the first place.

Like you, I love the shape as I once had a vert & recently bought the Coupe.

Mine certainly isn’t tappy at low revs but reminds me of the M134D Gatling gun when I start to get her to sing.

Handling needs a little work though is booked in for some Bilsteins when I get back in September, otherwise I’d invite you for one of the Kent breakfast meets - I have a Dragon Lady pass for Goodwood FOS, going for Sunday as well would just be suicide

Bodyboarder · Post by **Bodyboarder** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:43 am

RedUn wrote: ↑Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:14 am
Bodyboarder wrote: ↑Wed Jul 11, 2018 10:06 am All good points

I’m not just going jump ship straight away , as I really need to get to know the car and this thread has put my mind at rest with regards the engine note , so thank you

If I think back to when I got my S2k I remember feeling very similar.... I guess you have an expectation of what something should be like . With a couple of choice mods it was transformed though .

Once I get it back from the service and all being checked over I’ll go out for a few days and really get a better feel for it I suspect ... and knowing me start to enjoy it
Previous S2k owner too, I had the same feeling for a long time as the S2k, once setup properly, is verging on lotus territory - not many people understand the development that went into the S2k it was quite astonishing.

In any case once you sort the zed out it is like a big S2k really, it's just a bit more all over, more power, more grip, more noise, more weight etc.

Where are you based? I'm sure a few people would be willing to take you for a quick blast in a tweaked zed

I’m in Southampton.... and yes the S2k is a very special little car once set properly. All I have done is a set of ohlins , AP brakes and some sticky Tyres .

Simon 3.2M · Post by **Simon 3.2M** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 12:03 pm

Jembo wrote: ↑Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:25 am May be worth revisiting why you bought it in the first place.

Like you, I love the shape as I once had a vert & recently bought the Coupe.

Mine certainly isn’t tappy at low revs but reminds me of the M134D Gatling gun when I start to get her to sing.

Handling needs a little work though is booked in for some Bilsteins when I get back in September, otherwise I’d invite you for one of the Kent breakfast meets - I have a Dragon Lady pass for Goodwood FOS, going for Sunday as well would just be suicide

Goodwood FOS

well jealous!!

BMWZ4MC · Post by **BMWZ4MC** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 1:37 pm

RedUn wrote: ↑Wed Jul 11, 2018 11:14 am
Bodyboarder wrote: ↑Wed Jul 11, 2018 10:06 am All good points

I’m not just going jump ship straight away , as I really need to get to know the car and this thread has put my mind at rest with regards the engine note , so thank you

If I think back to when I got my S2k I remember feeling very similar.... I guess you have an expectation of what something should be like . With a couple of choice mods it was transformed though .

Once I get it back from the service and all being checked over I’ll go out for a few days and really get a better feel for it I suspect ... and knowing me start to enjoy it
Previous S2k owner too, I had the same feeling for a long time as the S2k, once setup properly, is verging on lotus territory - not many people understand the development that went into the S2k it was quite astonishing.

In any case once you sort the zed out it is like a big S2k really, it's just a bit more all over, more power, more grip, more noise, more weight etc.

Where are you based? I'm sure a few people would be willing to take you for a quick blast in a tweaked zed

I ran an S2000 as a daily driver side by side with my Z4M coupe and my Westfield a few years ago. The Westfield is 600kg with me in it and my Zed is extensively modified for track use, so next to those the S2000 was a fantastic road car but had a lot to live up to on the handling front.
I don’t think the Zed gearbox will ever come close to that in the S2000, even after removing the CDV and fitting a weighted shift knob. In contrast, the lack of steering feedback in the S2000 let the whole car down, whilst the ///M is extremely commmnicative and really allows precise placement of the car. The engines in both love to rev and are more rewarding as you go up the rev range.
Grab the ///M by the scruff of the neck and give it a good thrashing and it will come alive (or punt you through a hedge)

Top pup · Post by **Top pup** » Wed Jul 11, 2018 8:25 pm

Beedub wrote: ↑Tue Jul 10, 2018 10:29 pm TBH the fact your not feeling this car right away imo prob means it not for you.... This thing is awesome, its raw, its got that classic brutish feeling thats just so rare now days unless your spending big money, big motor, small relatively light , manual, amazing seating position, fantastic steering, i adore mine. You shouldn't have to grow to like a car like this, it either works for you or it doesnt.....

Beedub sums it up with this post, it's probably just not the car for you, different strokes for different folks.
As a comparison I think my Z4MC is fantastic and have no intention of ever selling it, however the M2 I got last year I'm massively disappointed in, haven't boned with in the slightest, and plan to get rid of very soon. TBH I thought of getting rid of it after a few weeks and looking back should of done. Doesn't mean the M2 is a bad car but it's certainly not the car for me.

Give the Z4M a few weeks and if you don't gel with it change it for something else.

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