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Z4Andy3.0i

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Hi all, just bought a 2003 Z4, 3.0 auto with lots of options. (Had to search for ages to get the rare red leather & grey interior - so much lighter and more airy than the black - I really love it - I used to have an Audi with black interior - really depressing, it was like driving a coal scuttle.)
Cruising A roads is wonderful, the stereo is superb, and the whole experience is very enjoyable.
Certainly, my previous cars were usually rally specials, typically Impreza's, fast, but maybe lacking in style.
However, stylish as the Z4 is, the suspension is way too hard for normal driving, there is no suppleness or life in it. The car grounds easily, even at medium fast speeds, and is really hard work to push up a typical back road, twisting and groaning as you go.
I am finding it difficult finding real data to mod the Z4. I don't want lower, stiffer suspension - I want longer travel, more supple springs. I probably want stiffer anti-roll bars. I want less bump steer. I sure want better tyres.
I don't want a hot hatch, I want a mature, comfortable, long distance mile eater.
But I get concerned when my wife's new Fiesta Zetec betters my BMW Z4 for dynamics. Hands down.
I intend to start with the tyres, a set of F1s on their way. How about bump steer? Longer springs? Camber? Tracking? Any advice? (For fast road work - not track.)
Andy
 
Welcome to the Forum. The style of car you have chosen will not give you the supple ride of a saloon - no sports chassis will. Tyres will make a significant difference in terms of ride and handling. A quick search of the Forum in relation to you other issues will reveal a wealth of information - cost then is the limiter on what you then do. Enjoy the Forum and the ride... :thumbsup:
 
Z4Andy3.0i said:
Hi all, just bought a 2003 Z4, 3.0 auto with lots of options. (Had to search for ages to get the rare red leather & grey interior - so much lighter and more airy than the black - I really love it - I used to have an Audi with black interior - really depressing, it was like driving a coal scuttle.)
Cruising A roads is wonderful, the stereo is superb, and the whole experience is very enjoyable.
Certainly, my previous cars were usually rally specials, typically Impreza's, fast, but maybe lacking in style.
However, stylish as the Z4 is, the suspension is way too hard for normal driving, there is no suppleness or life in it. The car grounds easily, even at medium fast speeds, and is really hard work to push up a typical back road, twisting and groaning as you go.
I am finding it difficult finding real data to mod the Z4. I don't want lower, stiffer suspension - I want longer travel, more supple springs. I probably want stiffer anti-roll bars. I want less bump steer. I sure want better tyres.
I don't want a hot hatch, I want a mature, comfortable, long distance mile eater.
But I get concerned when my wife's new Fiesta Zetec betters my BMW Z4 for dynamics. Hands down.
I intend to start with the tyres, a set of F1s on their way. How about bump steer? Longer springs? Camber? Tracking? Any advice? (For fast road work - not track.)
Andy
Click to expand...

Well - sounds like you want a GT, not a roadster - you may have bought the wrong car! The Z4 and most BMWs are not really known for a cosseting ride - although maybe a 6 series may give you what you're after. If you start fitting longer springs the like, you will end spending a lot of money and a lot of time trying to achieve something the car was never designed for in the first place.

Does a Fiesta have better dynamics? Well, they are known for being very good handling cars. I've driven some of the new ones, they're okay, but I found them very nervous, not very stable.

When you say twisting and groaning though - that doesn't sound right... hope you haven't got a cut and shut on your hands.
 
Hi... doesn't sound like a great start! If it's true about the Fiesta rather than exaggeration to make a point you may have problems! Constant groaning... that really doesn't sound right, I'd get the car checked out.

You will notice a big difference when you switch to regular tyres - I have F1s and they're great! I would personally hold off until you've run these for a few hundred miles before ordering anything else... I noticed more grip and less action from the DSC light. It did make turn-in feel softer through, so anti-roll bars may be a good shout...
http://www.bmtown.com/Z4.htm - H&R Anti-Roll Bar Kit at a good price (looking around and some charge £100+ more).
Or OEM strut brace?

Don't forget to tell your insurance company about the tyres (they shouldn't charge, but need to be informed as it is considered a downgrade - I tell mine about anything).

If you look through the forum there has been lots of discussion about ride and handling options.
 
Hi Guys, thanks for the response - I suppose some of my comments were a bit tongue in cheek.
Anyway, I'll take your advice about not changing anything else until I see what the car's like with some new tyres on.

As for a cut and shut, lets hope not.

The car is low miles with a full main dealer (sytner) history and a nice short list of professional owners.
In addition the car was MOTed by another BMW main dealer only last week, and with the exception of having to change broken rear springs, the car was given a clean bill of health.
HPI shows car is clean with no recorded issues, and the car itself is in excellent overall condition.

Although the Z4 shell is stiffish for a roadster, it's torsional rigidity is only about half that of the coupe.
It will undoubtedly twist during spirited driving, it's just that it's twisting a little too much for my liking.
(This probably isn't helped by the condition of the back roads / lanes that a lot of my driving is on)
Hopefully the tyre change will help sort it, if not, I'll change to the longer standard height Z4 springs and then re-evaluate.

As for general dynamics, any idea where I can get the standard toe and camber settings, and has anyone tried different ones?

It seems that I have to wait till mid Feb for my F1s to arrive, but the tyre dealer has suggested a set of Michelin PS3s instead (£650 fitted, balanced etc) - just new out and available now. Any views?
 
Trade it in for a Coupe and accept that whatever tyres or suspension mods you make, it's always going to be an "involving" rather than "laid back" driving experience.. . . . . . . . my former "love", a TT 225 Quattro was Gran Tourismo "laid back", my new "love . . .a totally involving adrenalin rush......marvellous!

Delboy :)
 
Broken rear springs will have made the car jumpy and not feel so grounded - you should certainly notice the difference! It is a well known fault with the car - mine have been changed. Obviously check the tracking and balancing. I had all these problems to start with and was really disappointed when the old 1 series felt more planted. Once all this was fixed I didn't look back!
 
I agree with Pawnsacrifice, hang on till the F1s come, they will make a big difference. I felt they made the car feel much more planted, and they smooth out the ride too. Give them a few hundred miles too.
 
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