Hi all, another newbie here

[Paul_S]

Well, sort of newbie, been a member for a few months but my first post.

Not a Z4 owner yet but do own a 1 series and have been driving 2 seater convertibles (MGF/MGTFs) for the past 10 years or so.

Saw the latest Z4 at BMW dealership when picking up the 1 series and although I still like my current MGTF am now tempted by a Z4 instead.

Budget won't stretch to the latest model but thinking about an earlish E89, mainly due to the roof and this, coupled with heated seats, should make it more of a year round car.

Anyone else made the switch from an MG or even MX5 for that matter?

Not driven a Z4 yet but assume comparing it to the others I've mentioned is a bit like chalk and cheese?

Thanks

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum Paul.

Though I know very little about the E89, I do know the Mx5 and E85 well. On a decent B road with the roof down the mk2 Mx5 and E85 are not so different. The Z4 follows the ruts and cambers more due to the wider tyres. The Mx5 leans a bit more in the corners at more manageable speeds and tells you exactly how much grip there is at the rear at every corner. (the mk3 doesn't do that so well) . Both are plenty quick enough to enjoy making progress in. The one thing I personally don't like about the Zed compared to the Mx5, is it's a complicated car in comparison. :wink:

Enjoy the hunt.

 

[firebobby]

Welcome to the forum, coming from an MG, don't discount the MK1 Z4 which is the E85, power roofs, heated seats, sexy looks and very affordable

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome aboard.

I also know very little about the E89 models, but what I've read on here suggests they are more of a GT whereas the earlier E85/86 models are more of a sports car so it may depend a bit on what you are looking for.

At the end of the day the best solution is probably to try one!

 

[Haggisman]

Raced an MGF for a few years and a few guy’s I know have MGF - TF’s - 160’s and they are under rated IMHO. However, even the early E85 , especially the 3.0 is a big step up in comfort, convenience and power without the inherent issues that the MGF- TF had.
It does have a couple things to look out for such as the roof motor, lots of info on the forum here.
If you want the N52 engine then you are talking about the facelift E85’s or the E86 (coupe) from about 2006. If you want a convertible then nothing wrong with the earlier model and M54 engine, pretty bulletproof.
Drive a few and enjoy the search.

 

[Paul_S]

Thanks for the replies.

The thing is I do prefer the look of the E89 especially the folding hard top so I think I'll focus my search for one of these.

With regards to exact model I know a lot of people prefer the 6 pot engines but I'm not particularly worried about the sound and quite fancy a 28i which I believe is pretty quick (but harder to find).

Will have to actually get out and start looking/driving a few!