Farewell thoughts on the z4

[steve_naive]

I'm inheriting two dogs from my Mother and shall be returning to 4x4 life. So after 5 happy years, it's time to make like Andrea Bocelli and say goodbye.

Just wanted to say that, despite being someone who likes to chop and change motors, I felt a bit sad waving goodbye to the grey goose.

I found it a pretty easy car to work on. Changed both front lower control arms, upgraded the shocks and springs, fitted the alloy DISA valve etc and none of it was particularly choresome.

It was a nice feeling knowing the engine was pretty much unbustable. No IMS issues like Porsche's of the same era. No constant battle with rust (cough, Mazda). Just a few niggles like squeaky steering (spray grease up the rack gaiter) and wet carpets (scuttle drains blocked).

It boggles the mind seeing the s2000 selling for 3 times the price. Let's not forget that the Stig took the z4 round the track faster! Hardly a pig by comparison...

I also found it surprisingly practical. The boot is cavernous for a soft top! And it had all the creature comforts: folding mirrors, cruise, auto wipers and lights. All I had to do was whack in a Carplay stereo and I was up to date.

35mpg+ on a run! Great tourer.

Anyway, having made my case for the z4 I shall take my leave. Would have one again in a heartbeat and may well do that before prices go up!

Thanks for all the advice over the years. This forum is testament to the car's various charms.

 

[DaveP]

Very much echoes my experience with my Z4.

Which CarPlay stereo did you end up going with, out of interest? I want to fit a double-din eventually, but the fascia adapters all look a bit sad.

 

[buzyg]

Bon Voyage.

 

[steve_naive]

Very much echoes my experience with my Z4.

Which CarPlay stereo did you end up going with, out of interest? I want to fit a double-din eventually, but the fascia adapters all look a bit sad.

Pioneer avhz7200
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pioneer-1025922-AVH-Z7200DAB-Car-Radio/dp/B07PPV37FR/ref=pd_lpo_sccl_1/259-4870608-7568913?pd_rd_w=eEf9L&content-id=amzn1.sym.bb13d3fc-af40-4fff-a822-e0e4c415da96&pf_rd_p=bb13d3fc-af40-4fff-a822-e0e4c415da96&pf_rd_r=JF833GRA9G4F8QHCTN7T&pd_rd_wg=K6oM0&pd_rd_r=231bd928-20ca-4970-84c2-c56417e4934c&pd_rd_i=B07PPV37FR&th=1

Had to buy a connecter and fascia surround - it was a bit of a faff to fit but got there in the end.
Flips out so no butchering of the dash to fit.

 

[STC_Zed]

I’m only a few months into ownership but I’m happy so far; pretty easy to work on with a decent supply of parts that won’t break the bank. They do seem a little under appreciated compared to rivals of the time.

 

[DaveP]

Very much echoes my experience with my Z4.

Which CarPlay stereo did you end up going with, out of interest? I want to fit a double-din eventually, but the fascia adapters all look a bit sad.

Pioneer avhz7200
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pioneer-1025922-AVH-Z7200DAB-Car-Radio/dp/B07PPV37FR/ref=pd_lpo_sccl_1/259-4870608-7568913?pd_rd_w=eEf9L&content-id=amzn1.sym.bb13d3fc-af40-4fff-a822-e0e4c415da96&pf_rd_p=bb13d3fc-af40-4fff-a822-e0e4c415da96&pf_rd_r=JF833GRA9G4F8QHCTN7T&pd_rd_wg=K6oM0&pd_rd_r=231bd928-20ca-4970-84c2-c56417e4934c&pd_rd_i=B07PPV37FR&th=1

Had to buy a connecter and fascia surround - it was a bit of a faff to fit but got there in the end.
Flips out so no butchering of the dash to fit.

A nice option. I might take a look at one of these too, but not sure if I could live with having it out as often as I'd want it out.

 

[Mr Tidy]

It's a shame your Z4 ownership is ending, but they aren't ideal dog transport!

I hope you don't miss it too much.

 

[enuff_zed]

[ref]steve_naive[/ref], given the review you just gave I am hoping this will be less a farewell and more an 'au revoir'.

 

[paddy wright]

Stick around- you know you will be back!

 

[ryushe]

Any chance you have a pic of what the CarPlay headunit looks like flipped out? Does it block the vents?

 

[steve_naive]

Any chance you have a pic of what the CarPlay headunit looks like flipped out? Does it block the vents?

Don't have a pic sorry.. Looks like it blocks the vents but as you're pointing them towards yourself/the passenger it's effectively irrelevant.
I connected a USB socket, drilled a hole so that it sat just above the ashtray. Also has bluetooth. Routed the mic to the top of the steering column.
Supposedly, it shouldn't play nice with the 10 speaker DSP amp setup but I had no probs.

 

[Neil CR]

Any chance you have a pic of what the CarPlay headunit looks like flipped out? Does it block the vents?

I have the very same stereo fitted, it does block the centre vents but with the touch of a button the screen goes in and out out very quickly. I do tend to drive with the screen in rather than out

 

[DaveP]

Any chance you have a pic of what the CarPlay headunit looks like flipped out? Does it block the vents?

I have the very same stereo fitted, it does block the centre vents but with the touch of a button the screen goes in and out out very quickly. I do tend to drive with the screen in rather than out

And this is why I'm a bit cool on it. I want the screen functionality all the time to run Waze plus music/podcasts etc.

 

[ryushe]

I want the screen functionality all the time to run Waze plus music/podcasts etc.

Exactly, same here. I've got a nice near invisible magnetic wireless charging mount in the vent for my phone, but would prefer a more dedicated screen like this in the end.

 

[DaveP]

I want the screen functionality all the time to run Waze plus music/podcasts etc.

Exactly, same here. I've got a nice near invisible magnetic wireless charging mount in the vent for my phone, but would prefer a more dedicated screen like this in the end.

If some clever 3d printing bod could start churning out these sort of things (in a finish that doesn't look cheap and nasty) for £70 a pop, there would be a market for it.


https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/double-din-fascia-for-bmw-z4

 

[ryushe]

If some clever 3d printing bod could start churning out these sort of things (in a finish that doesn't look cheap and nasty) for £70 a pop, there would be a market for it.
....
https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various ... for-bmw-z4

That's actually quite brilliant! Would need the additional thing listed on the page to route the vents correctly behind the double din so there'd still be place for stuff, but still.
Don't have a 3D printer, but these kind of things makes me wish I did.

Oh and @steve_naive, sorry to hijack your thread!