Finally seen one in person in the UK!!
- Thread starter J400uk
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I think it’s going to be a very very good car, perhaps not quite as sharp as the obvious, but is that really a problem? Unless you really REALLY want a pure sports car this sounds like it’s 95% of what people will want from a car of this type. Plenty of torque, a successfully adjustable chassis, lots of toys, quiet or not depending on one’s mood, and last but not least, 20K cheaper than a similar specced Boxy or F type, that’s 20K, a lot of money in anyone’s book. Totally agree the F type slaughters it in the looks department, but is it really so bad you’d order a car for another 20k just on looks alone? The new Zed really does sound like it’s a match for anything in this class and price, apart from the last few ounces of driving dynamics that Stuttgart is holding onto, but imho that’s a territory that’s not very often explored unless on track, or you’re content to easily lose your licence or teeth in a hedge. I’ve been speccing all 3 cars and apart from seat ventilation in the Jag and Porker, plus a 3k Burmester stereo or Meridian surround in the Jag, the BM has all the kit of the others.
I reckon once folk drive one they’ll change their tune a bit, we shall see.
I reckon once folk drive one they’ll change their tune a bit, we shall see.
john-e89 said:I think it’s going to be a very very good car, perhaps not quite as sharp as the obvious, but is that really a problem? Unless you really REALLY want a pure sports car this sounds like it’s 95% of what people will want from a car of this type. Plenty of torque, a successfully adjustable chassis, lots of toys, quiet or not depending on one’s mood, and last but not least, 20K cheaper than a similar specced Boxy or F type, that’s 20K, a lot of money in anyone’s book. Totally agree the F type slaughters it in the looks department, but is it really so bad you’d order a car for another 20k just on looks alone? The new Zed really does sound like it’s a match for anything in this class and price, apart from the last few ounces of driving dynamics that Stuttgart is holding onto, but imho that’s a territory that’s not very often explored unless on track, or you’re content to easily lose your licence or teeth in a hedge. I’ve been speccing all 3 cars and apart from seat ventilation in the Jag and Porker, plus a 3k Burmester stereo or Meridian surround in the Jag, the BM has all the kit of the others.
I reckon once folk drive one they’ll change their tune a bit, we shall see.
I suspect you’re right, but it’s really annoying reading the early 3 series reviews and hearing the same establishment talk more favourably about the handling of a 320d than the Z4 M40i.
I’m sure like you are that it’s gong to be a very good car, but it doesn’t look good enough for a sports car, and let’s face it, that’s what sells sorts cars. Not every one is going to want 340bho and an LSD, thmeya just want a good looking sports car to cruise around in.john-e89 said:I think it’s going to be a very very good car, perhaps not quite as sharp as the obvious, but is that really a problem? Unless you really REALLY want a pure sports car this sounds like it’s 95% of what people will want from a car of this type. Plenty of torque, a successfully adjustable chassis, lots of toys, quiet or not depending on one’s mood, and last but not least, 20K cheaper than a similar specced Boxy or F type, that’s 20K, a lot of money in anyone’s book. Totally agree the F type slaughters it in the looks department, but is it really so bad you’d order a car for another 20k just on looks alone? The new Zed really does sound like it’s a match for anything in this class and price, apart from the last few ounces of driving dynamics that Stuttgart is holding onto, but imho that’s a territory that’s not very often explored unless on track, or you’re content to easily lose your licence or teeth in a hedge. I’ve been speccing all 3 cars and apart from seat ventilation in the Jag and Porker, plus a 3k Burmester stereo or Meridian surround in the Jag, the BM has all the kit of the others.
I reckon once folk drive one they’ll change their tune a bit, we shall see.
Yes it undercuts the rivals on new price, but what would you rather have, a six month old F-type 380 dynamic with a few thousand miles, or a brand new ZM40i? A bit of a hypothetical question I know, but if I had 50k spare for a second car to enjoy, it would be an easy choice. Or suppose I wanted a manual gear box, not an unreasonable want for a sports car, what am I going to do then? Er, not buy a Z4. Or a sporting coupe? Er, not buy a Z4.
And why can’t BMW make 2 litre engine with more that 250 horsepower? Even Hyundia make a 2 titre with 271 bhp these days. Sorry that was a bit off topic but it gets on my tits
Fair points above. I guess some folk want a brand new car not 2nd hand, plus you have to take pot luck with spec 2nd hand, and as far as the Jag goes the boot is woeful and the tech is pretty dated which does matter these days, look how many folk either rip out the sat nav in E85’s or use a phone etc instead.
MX5.....bit small, probably not enough of a long distance car with a small engine but both good points. Personally I don’t dislike the new Zed, the front is a mess and it lacks rear haunches over the wheels but it’s ok, if it drives as well as I think it will that’d be enough for me but I take the point I’m in a pretty big minority.... :lol:
MX5.....bit small, probably not enough of a long distance car with a small engine but both good points. Personally I don’t dislike the new Zed, the front is a mess and it lacks rear haunches over the wheels but it’s ok, if it drives as well as I think it will that’d be enough for me but I take the point I’m in a pretty big minority.... :lol:
People buy sports cars for many reasons. The reason the e89 appealed was that I could use it on local decent driving roads but it would also be a long distance GT Type car for our 800 mile journey to our summer home in France. I’m sure I could do it in an MX5 but I don’t think I would enjoy it nearly as much.
Anyway at the end of the day what members of a forum think, many who are joined at the hip to their e85/e89s, will matter little to BMW. The only thing that wii count will be how many they sell. And only time will tell!
Anyway at the end of the day what members of a forum think, many who are joined at the hip to their e85/e89s, will matter little to BMW. The only thing that wii count will be how many they sell. And only time will tell!
Hopefully it'll be like the Z4M. Simply replace wheels, tyres, suspension, top mounts, brakes, battery, bushes, roof, gear knob, engine intake, engine mounts, exhaust, seats, and strip out most of the interior, and you'll have a superb sports car.
Television
Member
Hi everyone! I too was thinking of buying the new Z4.When I first saw pics.I thought what a fantastic looker.I have owned the last 3 Z4's and was really considering buying the new version next year.However I have heard they are only making it with a soft top.So unless they decide to build a 'tin top' model I won't be purchasing.Why! Because many years back,in my youth,I bought a second hand Triumph Vitesse (please don't ask me my age) which needed a new cover fitting. This was done.However whilst the car was parked up someone stuck a knive in it's roof.So ever since I have kept away from soft tops.I am quite happy with my present Z4 and will probably keep it a bit longer (it's only done 6000 miles from new) Hopefully BMW may decide in the near future to make a tin top version as there is nothing better than open top driving when weather permits.PS. At the moment sat in the house,it's raining outside with a forecast for snow,but who cares. Z4 nice and dry in the garage. Roll on the summer. Martin.
Saw it at BMW HQ back in September. Really liked the interior but can't come to terms with the exterior styling.
Television said:
There won’t be a Zed tin top Martin, BMW have shared R&D costs with Toyota with the Zed being a soft top only, and the new Supra being the tin top effectively. As the Zed has been designed as a rag top that’s how it’ll stay. At least you’ll save some dollar not buying one..... :lol: :wink:
john-e89 said:
I think Martin was very unfortunate with his Triumph. I owned Morgans for going on 20 years and had no vandalism in all that time.
Yes the Supra will be the only one with a tin top. The photo below is the only one showing the car without all the heavy camouflage. It’s very difficult to get any idea how it will really look.
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The Supra image of the front makes a lot more sense of the overall shared design which I now realise is quite recognisably 'Japanese', not a bad thing just not working for me as European / BMW styling platform. Something similar happened with the MX5 / Fiat Spider where the stale European bastardisation doesn't quite work and the fresh Jap' cousin looks good. I'm sure some of our auto-styling pro's can explain the styling cues and proportions at play but I've got a feeling that the Supra will carry it off better.
They should have put a line through it long ago & started from scratch , i'm struggling to find one angle it looks ok from other than from behind the wheel 
Truly awful styling & badging it "M40i" is another thing that really grates on me , why not M30i or M20i for the other models ? Its the same with the "M140i" & the "M240i" do buyers really believe they own a ///M division car ? No so why call it one
Truly awful styling & badging it "M40i" is another thing that really grates on me , why not M30i or M20i for the other models ? Its the same with the "M140i" & the "M240i" do buyers really believe they own a ///M division car ? No so why call it one
Zed Baron said:
The E89 at least looked well from the front & rear , the bulk of the criticisms were for the bulbous rear wings which had to be so deep for the hard roof to disappear .
I cant see the new Z shifting any significant numbers unless some crazy lease deals are rolled out
I think you'll be spot on Mr Wilks with both posts above. I really don't see the public going for this one IMO....if you're keen then I'd hold off ordering, as by September there will no doubt be upwards of £6k manufacturer support and 0% on these. Today it sits in a segment that is shrinking massively and in my view it's sat in no man's land....not a Boxster, not a MX5. I think it'll be a flop.
Video from the same event here:
[youtube]lxV4vb1pd58[/youtube]
Will definitely not be buying it in that colour... so the only other options are red, white or black for 2.0i M Sport models. :x
I'm starting to think BMW are expecting really low sales of this car, and so far there don't seem to be (m)any online brokers offering discounts... it's not on carwow website yet.
Happy to sit it out and see how many £k's discount will be possible after it launches next year, or whether they rejig the configurator to offer 19" wheels without all the black bits and bobs (like the spec in the video).
[youtube]lxV4vb1pd58[/youtube]
Will definitely not be buying it in that colour... so the only other options are red, white or black for 2.0i M Sport models. :x
I'm starting to think BMW are expecting really low sales of this car, and so far there don't seem to be (m)any online brokers offering discounts... it's not on carwow website yet.
Happy to sit it out and see how many £k's discount will be possible after it launches next year, or whether they rejig the configurator to offer 19" wheels without all the black bits and bobs (like the spec in the video).
Z4 Beemer said:
Agreed! I wasn't a massive fan of the colour, only saving grace is they're not charging for metallic paint. I'm hoping my choice of Black was the right decision
Z4 Beemer said:
Seems to be a UK specific thing as for about 80% of options you're forced to choose a pack instead. I would've quite liked the Harman Kardon Audio upgrade, but it's only available as part of the £2k Tech pack
I've gone for Driving Assistant Pack which seemed good value at £900 for Adaptive Cruise, Active Lane Keeping and a couple of other bits. Also added EBT for the Wireless Charging (bit of a rip off at £350) and the obligatory service pack.
Might also want a spare wheel and wind deflector, but figured they're easy enough to pick up later on rather than been necessary from the factory.
i doubt 20s would look out of place on this car 
£900 for adaptive cruise and lane keeping.....maybe on a 5 series, but on a sports car....how often will you really use them?