4 Questions - Why'd they do this??

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AggieDave

Member
Hello Z4 fanatics,
I bought my first Z4 this year... a 2024 M40i. In fact, my first BMW. What a fun ride! Wanted to pose a few questions to the forum to perhaps gain some perspective on BMW engineering and product marketing. My apologies if these have been discussed, but I missed it.

1) Why did they "change" the shifter. It feels so unnatural to me; I have really struggled to get used to the pattern and button for park... KISS seems to apply; I just have not yet recognized the benefit to the driver. Is it a BMW "cool" thing, or has anyone recognized a practical reason? I realize this is somewhat subjective... just curious though.
2) Why did they not make the seat able to fold forward for behind-the-seat access? Having to run the seat up with the button takes 20-30 seconds and seems to provide no value; candidly I think it's a PITA. Perhaps is related to structural inegrity of the seat??
3) Why did they not include the dip-stick from the B58 engine? Again, KISS seems to apply. Now, we have to rely 100% on the computer. I love to tinker and fix stuff... I miss the stick. Maybe I missed something else - hoping somone can shed some light.
4) Basic maintenance is essentially left out of the manual. If you can afford one of these, maybe they think you wouldn't want to work on it... shudder. Resetting the oil change/maintenance service should not be this hard; and shouldn't be "impossible" until the computer says it's possible. Why would they make this so elusive; not include this in the manual?

Any feedback (especially engineering or technical marketing) would be appreciated.

Thanks,

David
 
A very odd first post for someone to make. How about a few pictures of your Z4 and get to know us a bit before we complete your marketing survey. :wink:
 
I would suggest you level your gripes at your BMW dealer. They won't know the answers either. :D

Your engine IS a B58 BTW. They have never had a dipstick for the oil. In fact I don't know of a BMW engine that has had a dipstick for many years.
 
Rest assured any changes that BMW make are to save money. They are not for the benefit of the owner. I have just sold a six month old JCW Countryman because of the ‘improvements’ BMW have made to the previous generation mini. It was, without doubt the most irritating car I have ever owned. :headbang:
 
I think those are questions for the BMW engineers / designers / accountants. All we can do is speculate.
 
Pondrew said:
I would suggest you level your gripes at your BMW dealer. They won't know the answers either. :D

Your engine IS a B58 BTW. They have never had a dipstick for the oil. In fact I don't know of a BMW engine that has had a dipstick for many years.
Click to expand...
Mine does, old but good, just like me :rofl: :thumbsup:
 
Well welcome aboard. :thumbsup:

My 2006 E86 Z4s didn't have foldable seats either - it's probably cheaper to make them fixed.

My 3.0Sis didn't have a physical dipstick either. My M dies, but that's an older generation engine. I think the handbook suggests its so you can check oil level without getting your hands dirty!

They haven't included instructions on how to to fix things for years - they just want you to go to a dealer.

Anyway at least it sounds like you're enjoying yours.
 
Good input. Thanks! I think you’re prob right on. I was hoping there would be some cool technical reasons, but it seems bean-counters and marketing run most car companies now…
 
Good input. Thanks! I think you’re prob right on. I was hoping there would be some cool technical reasons, but it seems bean-counters and marketing run most car companies now…
 
I agree with 1 and 2. I have grown used to 1, but 2 still bothers me.
3 & 4, I haven't had a car in 10+ years with a dipstick or which is designed for user maintenance. Hell the last 2 sports cars required dismantling the rear to get to the engine!
Why? 1 to be different, 2 dunno (pretty sure the 4 seater, 2 door coupes have suitable seats), 3 & 4 is pretty standard in this type of car.
 
Why did the chicken cross the road?

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

What finished first, the end of the universe or Pondy's Z3 project?
 
Scubaregs said:
Why did the chicken cross the road?

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

What finished first, the end of the universe or Pondy's Z3 project?
Click to expand...
At least we know the answer to one of those questions :rofl:
 
Nanu said:
Scubaregs said:
Why did the chicken cross the road?

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

What finished first, the end of the universe or Pondy's Z3 project?
Click to expand...
At least we know the answer to one of those questions :rofl:
Click to expand...
Yes, the egg came first, as reptiles were laying them long before they evolved into birds. :wink:
 
Thanks, Todd. That's good input. You must have had a Boxter or similar. For service, it was definitely designed with the dealer in mind. At the end of the day, I think the comment above implies that everything they do is to cut cost is true, or to enrich the dealer or whoever is doing the service. The gear shifter must have been to be "different." It's hard to see how that saved any money, but it probably won praise from marketing.
In any event, it's a really fun car to drive! Thanks, everyone!
 
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