Loosening up

[The Librarian]

Morning all, finally found this place after bouncing round the other forums first.

Anyone else noticed a change in responsiveness as the miles increase? I bought my '03 3.0 with 29000 miles and it was very quick, but it seems significantly more responsive now (38000 miles). Maybe I've just adapted my driving style i.e. drive it like someone else is paying for the tyres.
Anyway, it's the fourth most fun car I've driven, but the best I've owned.

 

[ovrkll]

Welcome to the Forum! The car probably adapted to your driving style, built in "feature" on BMW cars, which may or not be a good thing.

 

[cj10jeeper]

All things else unchanged it will also 'loosen up' and make a considerable difference, feeling sportier

Despite much better machining tolerences it will 'run-in' and improve, changing rapidly from new to 10,000 miles and then peaking at 75,000 to 100,000. Of course this varies massively by individual engine, drive train, driving history, service, etc. Sadly from there on it's downhill in varying degrees over as much as another 200,000, or even more.

Throughout of course the general feel of the car will deteriorate, from more sloppy bushes, worn shocks, drivetrain noises, etc etc.

 

[The Librarian]

Throughout of course the general feel of the car will deteriorate, from more sloppy bushes, worn shocks, drivetrain noises, etc etc.

Not as badly as the driver is deteriorating! I need new bushes in my knees, and my exhaust is getting louder.

On an unrelated note, does anyone know where the automatic headlight sensor is kept? my lights are doing odd things, like coming on in sunshine.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Throughout of course the general feel of the car will deteriorate, from more sloppy bushes, worn shocks, drivetrain noises, etc etc.

Not as badly as the driver is deteriorating! I need new bushes in my knees, and my exhaust is getting louder.

On an unrelated note, does anyone know where the automatic headlight sensor is kept? my lights are doing odd things, like coming on in sunshine.

I echo that sentiment. The only way I get anywhere real quick these days is in the Z4....lol

No idea where the sensor is however I can tell you that it's dealer programmable to change the sensitivity. My guess without looking it up would be up with the rain sensor on the windscreen.

 

[pvr]

The light sensor is the circle in the rain sensor behind the mirror.

 

[templed]

Anyway, it's the fourth most fun car I've driven, but the best I've owned.

So if the Z4 is the fourth most fun car you've driven, what are the first three?

I had Miatas for ten years before I bought my Z4 in '05, and for me it's a close call. The Z4 is more comfortable for me, and the power is no contest. After the mods I've done to mine, I'd say the fun factor is back up to Miata-level, but the Miata was definitely more fun right off the lot.