I have just test driven a M40i Auto with a possible view of purchasing one before they stop producing them this year. It was all very nice but I was distinctly underwhelmed. The feel of the car was not unlike my M240i which I suppose is not surprising since they have the same power train. The handling and ride was a little more composed though. I even managed to find the anti-bong button so I was free from nanny state interaction. What got me though unfortunately was the quality of the car. It was far too plasticky. Compared to my E89/E86 and F22 it was simply not as good. Where there is leather or padded vinyl on mine it’s just a hard plastic moulding - centre console, A pillars, etc. the under bonnet was also just not quality. It had the feeling of a cheap Hong Kong toy (of yesteryear) rather than a premium German manufacturer. At least that has saved me a few quid. Naturally though it does go better than my E89 and handles better too (so I don’t get G29 owners pelting me with rotten eggs) but as an event I think it’s less good. The E89 is more special; the G29 could be any 2021-24 era BMW.
G29 versus the world
- Thread starter CliveN
- Start date
I had a 2018 F22 LCI M240i and loved it....when the G20 M340i LCI Xdrive came out I bit the bullet and went for one, the M340i is a nice car does everything you ask of it just really bland to drive.
July last year I wanted my driving fun back that I had with the F22 so I looked at the G42 M240i its the same floorplan as the 340i and the same drive train too. January this year after a test drive I ordered the Z4 M40i and I`m back in my happy place. the Z4 has as good a build quality as my M240i if not better, yes the centre console isn`t as padded but you do sit lower in the Z4 than the M240i.
Just after delivery the Z4 was booked in for a Dashcam fitting and i was loaned a new 520i now that was a heavy gutless barge compared to the Z4
Your comparing a 4 seater coupe to a 2 seater roadster apple and pears come mind.
July last year I wanted my driving fun back that I had with the F22 so I looked at the G42 M240i its the same floorplan as the 340i and the same drive train too. January this year after a test drive I ordered the Z4 M40i and I`m back in my happy place. the Z4 has as good a build quality as my M240i if not better, yes the centre console isn`t as padded but you do sit lower in the Z4 than the M240i.
Just after delivery the Z4 was booked in for a Dashcam fitting and i was loaned a new 520i now that was a heavy gutless barge compared to the Z4
Your comparing a 4 seater coupe to a 2 seater roadster apple and pears come mind.
Caerdydd
Scottish Borders
Interesting view ..always a bit difficult making even minor negative comments on Zeds…you can get burnt at the stake..strangely I had exactly the same opinions when I had a M40i for a weekend in 2019 ish..I think ..
The embarrassing thing was i sat in a 240i convertible in the show room and though I was sitting in the G29.
The interior seems to a a parts bin copy of other current BMWs..the E85 and E89 pulled off the design that made it feel and look like a unique product..IMHO.
The exterior shares many parts of other current BMWs..but the E89 did copy the then current MSport front end..the rest was unique.
As stated stock E89 vs stock G29 no contest in terms of handling/ performance..
But if you want a new PCP 2 seater roadster then G29 or what ?
Each to their own.
With hindsight I could have bought a M40i and saved all my heart aches or a nice F Type…the only thing that put me off the F Type was the user groups are as far as I could see non existent / focused on making more noise / no interest in meets / touring..
The embarrassing thing was i sat in a 240i convertible in the show room and though I was sitting in the G29.
The interior seems to a a parts bin copy of other current BMWs..the E85 and E89 pulled off the design that made it feel and look like a unique product..IMHO.
The exterior shares many parts of other current BMWs..but the E89 did copy the then current MSport front end..the rest was unique.
As stated stock E89 vs stock G29 no contest in terms of handling/ performance..
But if you want a new PCP 2 seater roadster then G29 or what ?
Each to their own.
With hindsight I could have bought a M40i and saved all my heart aches or a nice F Type…the only thing that put me off the F Type was the user groups are as far as I could see non existent / focused on making more noise / no interest in meets / touring..
I agree B21 if it was a new PCP purchase it would be definitely be a new 6 speed Z4 but it isn’t so I am not tempted. However I know of one individual who is going to buy one and keep it knowing it’s the last of the kind for a two seat roadster with a ICE and manual box. So if you are one off ones getting one good for you it’s a great car. I just felt that it felt no different to my 240. Okay it was cool and threatening rain so the hood stayed up. I am lucky that I have a nice E89 and as others have said the interior is bespoke. It makes all the difference. I was frankly baffled by the tech in the G29. Yes yes I need to read up but some of those things that I assumed would be carried over weren’t. Eg prodding the button on the end of the indicator stalk - which to me scrolls through stuff on the dash. No more - it gave a “no compute” thing. And I couldn’t switch the car off. Again for my other modernish BMWs - it’s press the stop/start once more with no foot on the brake. Not so. I had to walk away before it decided to shut down by itself. None of this would be critical if I wanted the car enough. I just thought it wasn’t worth the effort. Especially given the price difference between the old car and the new - yes I know it’s 14 years old……. And I will soon have to fork out for a new roof etc etc!
Hi Ori. Absolutely, it looks great. I am just saying it wasn’t sufficiently different to my 240 to buy one or sufficiently better looking than my E89. Which to my eyes at least is a much more coherent design in M Sport guise. So it wasn’t for me. But I can see why people buy them. Fill your boots. You have two months to buy new.
Exactly this. I haven't owned one but I was disappointed when I test drove one at launch for the same reasons in this thread.
I generally comment the same thing but people keep telling me the G29 is a modern Z4M. I couldn't disagree more. If you want a brand new car with a warranty then maybe, also in this modern car world its pretty good as everything is sterile unless you have 100+k to spend.
I had a similar feeling when the E89 launched, just too compromised to be worth buying over a 3 series to me they felt almost the same to drive. With 3 less seats and a compromised boot when the roof is down to be a GT. It makes a 2 seat sports car completely pointless to me apart from the perceived looks. The roof down experience is ultimately better.
Unfortunately, scorned by the Box/Cay, but again I wouldn't want to spend 80+K on one of those either.
The Z4MR is a different animal altogether. At 10-15k complete bargain too no idea why they aren't more popular. Whats the cost of a manual G29 now? £70k £1k per month 5k down on a PCP. You could buy 2 Z4Ms with the cost of the depreciation in 3 years. I understand its also niche and costs a lot to look after and they need money spending but ultimately if you can bit the bullet you get a lot of good things for much less than burning money with PCPs.
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I think it’s horses for courses. As a modern roadster (that isn’t a Boxster) the M40i is a very nice place to be in and I could easily see myself going to Spain in one. Everything in it and very easy to live with and pilot. But I have a E89 3.0. It looks lovely and it has less tech but is much better for it frankly. It goes well enough when stirred but it’s crashy and it’s neither a sports car nor a GT. it gets both wrong. But I still love driving it. I am lucky to have a ZMC too. As Tom says the MC/MR is completely different to a E89 or a G29. It’s an animal and ever so slightly scary. It makes it an event. Even sitting down and firing the engine is an event. And the perceived quality is great probably because the leather is better and it’s solid and it’s simple with hardly any tech. But who needs more really than two analogue dials? I love the difference between them. The F22 is similar to the G29 but it’s better because the tech is at a high point (black screen but showing proper dials, CarPlay etc but nothing nannying. The G29 dash was far too busy. And it’s got four seats and a huge boot. And because it’s a boxy two door nobody gives it a second glance until it flashes past. It’s exceedingly rapid. Like a G29 admittedly. There are all great and I am lucky to have them. Unless I have to (illness, lack of cash, car condition) I intend to take them to the grave with me. I have worked out they should last (just)….
Pushing the button on the indicator stalk on my M40i toggles between various settings. Perhaps it depends on the vehicle spec?
If the vehicle is in park (AT) and the stop button is pushed, the engine shuts down. If you mean the electronics don't shut down, that is quite common on modern vehicles. If you want the electronics to shut down immediately lock the vehicle. Or wait a while.
At the end of the day they are all Zeds and we should look to the common items not the differences as a community…when I’m out on a run with my fellow Zedders I never think about the differences more about our common interests..in 9 years and by now well over a 100 car trips with fellow zedders I accept that each person has their own reasons for their purchases..
The thing about tech is it can be added and removed on the older cars too.
You can retrofit carplay to the original screen on the e85/6 and is an interesting mix of old-school screen tech and modern functionality.
Absolutely on everyone has their reasons for buying. I think the thing for me is its a question of why not have more for the same money in one of BMWs other models with a bigger boot and more seats if the feel and numbers have little impact. Maybe because ive got kids and dogs I think differently now.
Its also aimed more at BMW in a world where everything is an SUV, and it becomes a catch-all there is room for experience. The problem with having like 50 models in your range is that corners are cut to deliver and unfortunately, a lot of the cars feel and drive the same. So what is it that makes you buy one? Looks and perception of brand?
Ive always been a fan of BMW. In the generation I grew up in, BMW was like the Ford of the 80s/90s nipping at the heels of Porsche at 50% the price but bringing your family with you. For the weekend, they made really dialled-in special cars that people loved. You could say they still do on paper, but in the seat, there isnt much to differentiate which is annoying for the "ultimate driving machine"
Its not just BMW, the industry just seems on such a weird path.
TBF fair play to BMW for still making a car that isnt selling and then adding a manual gearbox. Just wish they had made it a bit more focused to begin with. Maybe making a niche car properly niche is the right direction like Porsche do with the Cay/Box. BMW could totaly make something that goes toe to toe with those they just choose not to.
An E89 with the S65... I love the look of the E89 and couldn't wait for BMW to launch an M version and it never happened. That fabulous engine ended up in one car which is a real shame.
You can retrofit carplay to the original screen on the e85/6 and is an interesting mix of old-school screen tech and modern functionality.
Absolutely on everyone has their reasons for buying. I think the thing for me is its a question of why not have more for the same money in one of BMWs other models with a bigger boot and more seats if the feel and numbers have little impact. Maybe because ive got kids and dogs I think differently now.
Its also aimed more at BMW in a world where everything is an SUV, and it becomes a catch-all there is room for experience. The problem with having like 50 models in your range is that corners are cut to deliver and unfortunately, a lot of the cars feel and drive the same. So what is it that makes you buy one? Looks and perception of brand?
Ive always been a fan of BMW. In the generation I grew up in, BMW was like the Ford of the 80s/90s nipping at the heels of Porsche at 50% the price but bringing your family with you. For the weekend, they made really dialled-in special cars that people loved. You could say they still do on paper, but in the seat, there isnt much to differentiate which is annoying for the "ultimate driving machine"
Its not just BMW, the industry just seems on such a weird path.
TBF fair play to BMW for still making a car that isnt selling and then adding a manual gearbox. Just wish they had made it a bit more focused to begin with. Maybe making a niche car properly niche is the right direction like Porsche do with the Cay/Box. BMW could totaly make something that goes toe to toe with those they just choose not to.
An E89 with the S65... I love the look of the E89 and couldn't wait for BMW to launch an M version and it never happened. That fabulous engine ended up in one car which is a real shame.
Had my M40i for several months now and just the other day and for the first time, I found myself on a country road without my darling wife in the passenger seat, sun shining and top down. Slipped the girl into sport plus, using the paddle shift had a wild few miles of sheer pleasure. Have driven many BMWs and other marques including Ferraris and Maseratis but nothing put a smile on my face like this G29. 
You're all wrong, my Yeti is a much better car than any Z4.
Jokes aside (was I joking?) we all have different preferences/requirements so we're all going to prefer different cars.
The E89 has by far the most "special" interior of the 3 in my opinion, being much more unique. The E85 interior is sort of fine, but boring, and the G29 as has been said could be a 3 series. Or a 1 series. Or a 7 series.
But then the E89 is the worst handling of the 3, especially if you have the SE suspension in which case you'd find narrow boats that are more nimble. But that's fine if you just want to cruise around in a gentle manner. If all you want to do is go for B-road blasts on a Sunday morning with the wind in your hair (if you still have any), then surely it's the MR for you. Or a motorbike with no helmet.
There's a brilliant engine to be found in all 3, if you pick the right one. Or maybe don't, if you don't care about how many cylinders you have.
I managed a 2 week road trip to Italy and back in an E89. No issues with too little luggage space for me and my partner, but others would find it impossible. Conversely, I think I'd find 2 weeks in a E85 rather uncomfortable, whereas others would love it. Maybe the G29 is the sweet spot for those grand tourers out there?
The point is, it's all just personal preferences and different uses, isn't it? The whole idea, in most cases, of a car being "objectively" better is purely subjective... Anyway, go get a Yeti, they're just better.
Jokes aside (was I joking?) we all have different preferences/requirements so we're all going to prefer different cars.
The E89 has by far the most "special" interior of the 3 in my opinion, being much more unique. The E85 interior is sort of fine, but boring, and the G29 as has been said could be a 3 series. Or a 1 series. Or a 7 series.
But then the E89 is the worst handling of the 3, especially if you have the SE suspension in which case you'd find narrow boats that are more nimble. But that's fine if you just want to cruise around in a gentle manner. If all you want to do is go for B-road blasts on a Sunday morning with the wind in your hair (if you still have any), then surely it's the MR for you. Or a motorbike with no helmet.
There's a brilliant engine to be found in all 3, if you pick the right one. Or maybe don't, if you don't care about how many cylinders you have.
I managed a 2 week road trip to Italy and back in an E89. No issues with too little luggage space for me and my partner, but others would find it impossible. Conversely, I think I'd find 2 weeks in a E85 rather uncomfortable, whereas others would love it. Maybe the G29 is the sweet spot for those grand tourers out there?
The point is, it's all just personal preferences and different uses, isn't it? The whole idea, in most cases, of a car being "objectively" better is purely subjective... Anyway, go get a Yeti, they're just better.
Yes they are all good. And we are all zedders…. The thread was merely an observation really that they are all different and that they would continue to change if BMW decided to build another z4. Which they won’t which is a shame. And down the line when my flock has died of old age I might rue the moment I said in 2025 “ nah I don’t want a new zed” as by then we will think it amazing! As there won’t be anything like it!
At the summit of the picturesque fens
Because they are not a bargain. If you think £15k for a 20 year old BMW (they ain't classics they are just old) with 80k ish miles that costs a fortune for parts and running costs is a bargain, then you are even more deluded than I thought.
I have no idea why they aren't £3k to be honest.
North West Surrey
Because they are not a bargain. If you think £15k for a 20 year old BMW (they ain't classics they are just old) with 80k ish miles that costs a fortune for parts and running costs is a bargain, then you are even more deluded than I thought.
I have no idea why they aren't £3k to be honest.
They aren't for everyone, but if you don't find an S54 engine chasing the red line a bit special you have no petrolhead soul!
They are a bargain, after all people still pay more for older E46 M3s and multiple times as much for M3 CSLs that share most of their running gear with Z4Ms.
£3K doesn't even get you a decent Z3 as a donor car for a Fauxrrari!
We had a really good E85 it was a great fun car it’s only drawback was with 2 up and touring luggage it was over max weight, I didn’t like the steel roof of the E89 or reduced luggage space so it had to be G29 M40. We didn’t want a Porsche or an Aston, so the only other choice was an FType and I did try a couple, the cockpit had less space, interior nice enough but boot small, the M40 is more comfortable with a large boot for a picnic or luggage. It’s tame enough in comfort setting, handling is firm but compliant, in sport plus it’s pretty bonkers all round. I dont like the dial set up far too much information crammed in but HUD makes up for that, not too much else to criticize.
We’re very unlikely to get any more ICE roadsters so need to look after the ones we have got
We’re very unlikely to get any more ICE roadsters so need to look after the ones we have got
Funny you should say that as the Z3s are more expensive than an equivalent E85 and they are older.....and rustier. And leakier. And uglier.
There is no logic to the 'old' car market that I can see.