I fancy a change . . .

L

liffy99

Member
Now retired, fancy a blast in something fun. Love the looks of the Z4 but unsure of the practicality, best model to go for etc. Sure, I need to get to a dealer just to see if I fit first (6’3” but long legged) although I would buy used.
I have had a couple of Beemers (530i Sport E39 and 130i Sport) but currently have a fettled B8 Audi S4 (high spec saloon with 489bhp). Also loved my old Mk1 Audi TT coupe.
I did try the older version of the Z4 (2007) and, whilst I fitted into the roadster OK, the coupe was too cramped - rear bulkhead behind seat just pushed me too close to the dash and far too upright.
So, several questions ;

If I do the Tesco run with the wife, how much shopping can I get into a Z4 ?
I assume I cannot fit a towbar for a small, open top trailer.
I very rarely use the performance of my S4, so although my heart says 35is do I really need it now ?
Is there a point in the 28 when the two base models can be mapped for the same power - does the 28 have anything else to make it a serious contender ?

If I fit, probably looking at a 2011 onwards car - do they have USB, ability to play music from an Android phone.
Also love the Stronic box on my wife’s Audi S3 so would lean t the DCT (only available on the 35?) or maybe the auto if it is easily overridden manually (i hate the mix of auto boxes and slow corners / roundabouts).

Sorry for all the questions. If there is anyone near Glastonbury that wouldn’t mind showing me their pride and joy that would be brilliant.

Thanks
 
The e89 has loads of room. I am also 6'3 and I fit comfortably. Never had any issues on long road trips etc.

I use mine all year round and find it very practical - Can get a weekly shopping in the boot, hardtop keeps it cozy during winter. I don't see why you could not fit a detachable tow bar, a quick google search indicates it has been done. I think some on here have towbar based bike racks for their e89's.

I have a remaped sdrive 20i manual - It is enough, however I hanker for the effortless acceleration and sound of the 6 cylinder. So if you can get one you should go for it and fully enjoy your retirement!
 
Plenty of room for a tall guy I am 6ft 4 takes a while to get the seat position correct but I haven’t had any problems on a long run.

I have an android phone and Bluetooth music to the car.

Mine is a 2011 3 litre. Plenty on tap as far as I am concerned.

Don’t have any issues with the auto box on mine.

Go for it great looking cars!
 
Welcome to the forum. :) Recommend you check out out the top down boot space, on the E89. Though with the top up there is plenty, enough for a weekly shop.
 
I live in Clevedon if you want to try it for size , Im 6 ft 4" but got a long body with short legs so cant comment of comfort, best thing is to seat in one
 
Also 6 ft 4 (loads of us eh?) E89 is a perfect fit. Biggest thing for me is I can easily get my knees under the wheel without whacking them with my hands at every roundabout.
 
6'7" and fit. It's cosy but comfortable. Had a long run from walsall to Hull with no problems..... planning on an Alps trip next year.
 
Wow - popped along to the Haynes brekky this morning. Never realised just how popular this is with just about every performance car I could ever dream of in attendance. But managed to track down a few members from this forum to ask a few questions and take a close look at some Z4s (thanks Smartbear for being so helpful :thumbsup: ).

Anyway, my mind not made up one way or another yet, basically down to interior space and driving position. Sure, I could get in OK but, with the seat right back and steering wheel pushed away and up, I still felt quite ‘upright’ . Although the whole thing felt quite snug, and I am sure it would be perfectly driveable, there certainly was ‘t room to fidget about ! So, a question for you tall guys out there - what sort of seat adjustments do you find work ? I came away afterwards musing whether, if I had moved the seat forward an inch, and raked the back more, and tilted the seat a little, it may be better. Bottom line though is that I will need to go and drive one to really be sure.

So, whilst in the area, I whizzed along to Westerly BMW in Yeovil to see what they might have. Sadly they were closed - ho hum.

Never really understood why manufacturers cannot build these cars just an inch or two longer - after all there are plenty of people over 6’ around. Seems it has always been the same and I have failed to get any joy with S2000, E85 Coupe, Porsche Boxster, MX5 and more. Only one I ever found that provided decent space is the Audi TT (coupe also a lot more practical).

All said though, the cars looked stunning and, if I can fit, I suppose I will then face the wrenching question of mapped 4 pot or an inline 6.

Annoyingly, and probably sensing it may soon be moved on, the early morning drive in my S4 was great. I think I would miss its sheer grunt (489PS, 606NM) , even though I rarely get the chance to use anywhere near its full potential.
 
Some tall chaps on this forum... I am 6'3" too...
I must say though, I do tend to struggle a bit when doing bigger distances in the E89. My right leg near the hip is where I start to get uncomfortable after an hour or so and I need frequent breaks. I don't have this issue in my 535.
We are all different.
 
How do yo have your seat set ?
Is it all the way back, tilted, raised or lowered etc.
But as you say, we are all different. My inside leg is 34” - don’t know how that compares.

Are any of the seat options (if there are any) different ? For instance are ‘sports seats’ of different dimensions ?

I could do with losing a few kg too - maybe that would help :D
 
Hi, I too am 6’3” and as Smartbear mentioned have tiny tiny feet 😉 also could do with losing a few pounds.

Best seat position is forward a bit and recline the back, drop the rear of the seat and lift the front , leave the under knee thing closed.

Hope this helps and good luck in your search.

Stuart
 
There's more tall people than I realised here :o

I'm 6'3 too and find the Z4 a perfect fit with the roof up. With the roof down I feel like my head is in the airstream that comes over the windscreen which makes any roof down driving over 40mph uncomfortable. If I slouch in the seat a little then it's perfect, I just end up with a bad back.

Footwell room is an issue though, I have size 13 feet and if I'm wearing shoes or boots then it's hard work. Trainers are fine though.

If you enjoy the performance of a tuned S4 and intend to modify the Z4 then the 35i or 35is are a perfect starting point. The BMW and VW engines are very similar in their potential, the BMW straight six also sounds much better than the VW V6.
 
liffy99 said:
If I do the Tesco run with the wife, how much shopping can I get into a Z4 ?
Click to expand...
Why not shop at Waitrose or Marks and Spencer Food Hall, then you won't buy so much for the same spend and it will fit easily?
 
Thanks for the comments. I guess I will know more once I’ve found a test drive but it seems that compromises do need to be made by taller drivers (esp wth airflow over the windscreen perhaps).
As for the footwell, I would go for the 8 spd auto in the 2.0 or DCT in a 35iS. Maybe the 6 spd auto in the 35 is a little ‘old hat’ now.
That might give a little more space with my, only, size 11s.
 
liffy99 said:
Thanks for the comments. I guess I will know more once I’ve found a test drive but it seems that compromises do need to be made by taller drivers (esp wth airflow over the windscreen perhaps).
As for the footwell, I would go for the 8 spd auto in the 2.0 or DCT in a 35iS. Maybe the 6 spd auto in the 35 is a little ‘old hat’ now.
That might give a little more space with my, only, size 11s.
Click to expand...

35i comes with the same DCT as the 35is. If you're into tuning the 35i is better value since it has exactly the same hardware as the 35is with the only difference being the ECU tune.
 
liffy99 said:
Now retired, fancy a blast in something fun. Love the looks of the Z4 but unsure of the practicality, best model to go for etc. Sure, I need to get to a dealer just to see if I fit first (6’3” but long legged) although I would buy used.
I have had a couple of Beemers (530i Sport E39 and 130i Sport) but currently have a fettled B8 Audi S4 (high spec saloon with 489bhp). Also loved my old Mk1 Audi TT coupe.
I did try the older version of the Z4 (2007) and, whilst I fitted into the roadster OK, the coupe was too cramped - rear bulkhead behind seat just pushed me too close to the dash and far too upright.
So, several questions ;

If I do the Tesco run with the wife, how much shopping can I get into a Z4 ?
I assume I cannot fit a towbar for a small, open top trailer.
I very rarely use the performance of my S4, so although my heart says 35is do I really need it now ?
Is there a point in the 28 when the two base models can be mapped for the same power - does the 28 have anything else to make it a serious contender ?

If I fit, probably looking at a 2011 onwards car - do they have USB, ability to play music from an Android phone.
Also love the Stronic box on my wife’s Audi S3 so would lean t the DCT (only available on the 35?) or maybe the auto if it is easily overridden manually (i hate the mix of auto boxes and slow corners / roundabouts).

Sorry for all the questions. If there is anyone near Glastonbury that wouldn’t mind showing me their pride and joy that would be brilliant.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Hi, A car for tall drivers with plenty of boot space, acceleration, character and a sound track to make you smile = TVR Chimaera 4.0, 4.5, 5.0
 
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