Got to test-drive a stock Z4M

[GP20]

First of all, those of you who are looking to buy new Z4M roadsters, Bellevue BMW has 2 black sapphires left. Seemed to be fully loaded except the extended leather package.

I got to test-drive one of them. I have no clue how you people drive it with the CDV in place. How do you rev-match down-shift smoothly? I tried it a few times in the stock M and it was nearly impossible. I was having enough trouble with timing the upshifting as it was. Although I'm sure you can get used to the timing after a while. But seriously those of you who still have the CDV have no clue how smoothly (especially rev-matching) the Z4/Z4M is capable of being driven.

And I got to confirm that my TCK coilovers with 235/35/19 & 265/30/19 ride smoother and more comfy than stock. I was surprised how shaky and bumpy the stock suspensions felt even with the much thicker sidewalls of the 18" tires - most likely due to poorly valved stock dampers.

On the other hand, I also confirmed that I could (somewhat) live with the stock exhausts. The main reason I went to test-drive the Z4m in the first place. I'm taking off my Eisenmann Sport and putting the stock exhausts back on my Z4M in about 1 hour. Sad day for my M. I asbolutely love the Eisenmann's sound and I already miss it. Oh well, sacrifices one needs to make in life I guess. Stock M actually sounds pretty good - just quieter. Rev-matching won't be as fun though.

 

[GP20]

Stock mufflers are back on the car now. Had it done at Cantrell again and the whole job took 25 minutes with 2 people. I'll really have to get used to how quiet the M is. Right now it just feels like my M's lost that menace that complemented the styling; lost a little guts. To add insult to the injury, the first red light coming out of the shop, an E46 330Ci with aftermarket exhaust rev'd at me (and seriously WTF, the first BMW that rev'd at me in 2 years), and seconds later a 997 Turbo innocently zoomed by in front of me while I was still waiting at the light. Way to make my M feel wimpy.

Anyhow. There's not much weight difference between stock & Eisenmann. Stock muffler weighs 9.7kg each side. Eisenmann Sport weighs 9.65kg each side.

For those who are local, for sh!t & giggles I stopped by Strictly BMW (a local reputable BMW indy shop sitting right next to Microsoft and also ironically known for ripping people off) and asked them how much it'd cost to swap the mufflers. $300. And they said it with a straight face.

 

[pmeloche]

I have no problems with the CDV. I'm sure it's smoother without it but I don't feel the need for removing it. It does occasionnally downshift with difficulty from third to second but I don't care. I don't feel insulted when I get passed by a 911 Turbo I feel envious. :wink:

 

[GP20]

I have no problems with the CDV. I'm sure it's smoother without it but I don't feel the need for removing it. It does occasionnally downshift with difficulty from third to second but I don't care.

Like I said, you have no idea what you're missing out on. :wink:

I don't feel insulted when I get passed by a 911 Turbo I feel envious. :wink:

I meant the 997 Turbo sounded so nice that made me wish I still had the Eisenmann Sport on my M.

 

[Jas667]

Was the 997 on a standard exhaust? I think they sound pretty poor on standard exhaust, the M is much nicer
What is this CDV thing? I have heard it mentioned a few times now and am not really sure what it is? I haven't had problems rev-maching etc but was just wondering...