1 weeks of ownership - observations and questions

[Zookoo25]

So, I've now had dear ZooKoo for 1 week, and am enjoying literally every second of ownership. Some minor hairy moments (worst being adown ramp on a multi story that was so steep I scraped the underside of my front bumper :headbang and some awesome moments (quiet B roads rule).

A couple of questions for you experts...

The main thing that I want to try and figure out a solution for is the handling. On smooth roads she is fine, but on any road that is less than perfect the steering is best described as "twitchy" and likes to follow any imperfections on the road and the ride is tooth looseningly firm. From reading many posts on these topics I guess the answer lies in new tires (I have the BMW runflats) and/or an alignment (I don't believe the car has had one in many years). Any thoughts other than this?

The other, relatively minor thing that I have noticed and am seeking a mod/fix for is that the range for my keyfob is tiny. I literally have to be standing 1 foot away from the car to unlock. I wouldn't mind except I use the keyfob to bring the roof down on unlock and it would be good to do it from my front door, lazy bugger that I am. Any thoughts here?

Overall, zero regrets

R

 

[Montjeu]

Welcome to the forum Zookoo25

As you mention, ditch the run flats. I waited until mine needed replacing, but wish I hadn't. If funds allow, fit lowering springs (I have Eibachs), new rubber and get Hunter aligned after the tyres have scrubbed in and springs have settled. If yours is a roadster make sure the drains are clear. Is the key problem with both keys if you have them?

 

[Montjeu]

Also, I've not done it myself, but many members have changed to poly bushes. My ride is still firm, but not uncomfortable, I do tip toe over road humps and avoid potholes wherever possible.

 

[Ryan999]

iV had mine a week now also and have the same problems

The runflats give a harsh ride i dont mind this at all so will stick to them till they need changing

my key fob works about 2 or 3 meters away not far at all compared to some cars iv had

And the cupholders are a waste of plastic lol
if thats all we can find tho happy days :driving:

 

[Montjeu]

You aware the cupholders are adjustable Ryan ?

 

[paulgs1000]

Hi Koozoo,

Glad you're enjoying the Zed. When I first got my Zed I found the steering and ride just as you describe and it was a bit of a shock. I replaced the tyres with non runflats and the ride improved as did the steering. My Zed still needs a firm hand on the steering on un-level ground particularly and when there are tyre grooves in the road or where the road is uneven - that tendency is still there but much improved and you do get used to this 'feedback' - it becomes part of the character of the car. I have owned the Sport version of both my Zeds and whilst I think the ride is hard my wife thinks it's ok and part of the 'sportscar' experience (but then I am a lucky husband!)

The keys get charged up by being in the ignition (I think) so it may be that your range will improve as you use it more and more? Don't forget to use your spare key from time to time to keep it topped up. There are lots of knowledgeable owners on the forum who may know more.

Let us know how you get on.

:driving:

 

[Montjeu]

If you put the key next to your head, it improves the range. Seriously! I only do that indoors

 

[Ryan999]

You aware the cupholders are adjustable Ryan ?

Please tell me more please i did look at them but they so big it not great for anything as it is ?

 

[Montjeu]

The outer bits are like pincers, you have to squeeze them in to grip the cup

 

[ben g]

I was disappointed with how mine handled, so i've had the following done:

- Eibach lowering springs
- Superpro polybushes (wishbones and rear trailing arms)
- Hunter wheel alignment
- decent non runflat rubber (goodyear eagle f1's)

The difference is night and day compared to standard. It holds the road so well now and happily cruises along without being twitchy.

 

[Ryan999]

The outer bits are like pincers, you have to squeeze them in to grip the cup

Thanks will check that out only thing fits in there now is a super size burger king drink lol

 

[Zookoo25]

Thanks all!

Re - holding the keyfob against your head... I read that too! Well, saw it on top gear. I think Clarkson did it. In anycase, I reckon the charge has something to do with it as after covering c500 miles this week I tried it from a good 4 metres away and it worked well...

Thanks for tips on alignment and types. I never thought about replacing springs, although further lowering is asking for trouble with the speedbumps around here.

1 last thing which I forgot to mention - twice this week on a cold start there was a faint whiff of petrol in the car. I don't know if I am being paranoid, but it's not consistent and so I am loathe to take it back to the dealer just yet...

Time to take it for another drive

 

[danmiddle2]

My advice FWIW is to replace the run flats first. That was enough of an improvement for me. No lowering / bushes etc... just the stock suspension and proper tyres.

 

[Montjeu]

Totally agree, the run flats are the biggest contributor to the poor ride. However, if I had my time again I would have followed my suggested sequence. If they are OEM springs, the rear(s) will snap, a hazard and MOT failure in waiting. So good aftermarket springs are safer, improve the ride, and it make sense to fit them before a Hunter. The only immeasurable variable for me is the polybushes but I'm happy with the ride now, it is only jarring on the worst surfaces and feels planted on the road.

 

[Ryan999]

The outer bits are like pincers, you have to squeeze them in to grip the cup

Thanks will check that out only thing fits in there now is a super size burger king drink lol

I seen how the grab the cups today very nice

 

[domsz4]

ditch the runflats and get an alignment done. i had new tires and an alignment done and although i wasn't changing from runflats i found it was much better.

personally i wouldn't bother with poly bushes as I've heard too many people in various cars say they have made the ride much harsher from a decent set of oem bushes but its your choice.

my fob works from a decent distance but i find using it to drop the roof is a bit hit and miss. it seems like you only have to break wind and the connection is lost. a better solution to that would be to get a gaptec thingy

http://www.gap-tech.co.uk/rchp.html

 

[bdcarlton]

When I bought my car about 8 months ago, it had Bridgestone Protenza (not run flats) tires on it. Occasionally it would tramline from time to time. I noticed the right rear was bald with no tread left. This was in the center of the tire, with tread showing near the edges. I bought a set of Falken Ziex ZE329 tires and noticed quite an improvement. No tramlining at all, and the ride seems smoother. Bumps are better.

I also read on a previous forum that if you touch the key to your neck just under your chin, it increases your range. it seems to work for me.