Lotus owner considering defection

A

Al Mac

Member
Hi all,
I'm new here and considering getting a Z4, so just starting to gather some info.

Is there a model history online anywhere? I know what engines were introduced when, but presumably there have been other changes year on year? Any particularly important changes?

Anyone in or near Bristol want to show off their Z4 in exchange for a ride in an Exige?

Cheers,
Al
 
hello and welcome,

main change was the facelift in 2006 - clear indicator, difference front and rear bumpers, different rear light clusters. Interior touches - black vents and stereo faceplate and some added chrome bits and bobs.

Clear indicators in the headlights came in for a very short time in 2005 just before the facelift and are therefore quite rare.

I would glady give you a ride etc, but I fear I am too far away :(
 
The Exige is fabulous and a lot of fun (and much better built that my previous S1 Elises), but obviously not great for longer trips. Maybe I'm getting old, but I feel like something a little bit more space and comfort. The Exige makes you feel like you should be going flat out all the time. One of each would be ideal!
 
gannet said:
hello and welcome,

main change was the facelift in 2006 - clear indicator, difference front and rear bumpers, different rear light clusters. Interior touches - black vents and stereo faceplate and some added chrome bits and bobs.

Clear indicators in the headlights came in for a very short time in 2005 just before the facelift and are therefore quite rare.

I would glady give you a ride etc, but I fear I am too far away :(
Click to expand...

And all new engines :wink: (except maybe the 2.0i)
 
welcome- try here
http://www.bmwz4roadster.net/
great site for hitory etc
also loo at andys frequently ased quetions thread.
 
paddy wright said:
welcome- try here
http://www.bmwz4roadster.net/
great site for hitory etc
also loo at andys frequently ased quetions thread.
Click to expand...

Here's the link - Z4 Forum Official FAQ

I'll let you know next time I'm in Bristol... although I suspect you'll be looking for something newer / quicker if you're coming from an Exige... if I were you I'd just get down to a dealer and try an M :evil:
 
Coming from an Exige, are you looking at a 3.0i or an M? Anything less would be a painful step down, I think!
 
Thanks, I hadn't spotted the FAQs. Very useful.

I drove a 3.0 Coupe a few years back and loved it, so I am after a 3.0, M or Alpina, although I'd be interested in how the more powerful 2.5 feels too. I am a bit put off the running costs of the M, although I won't be doing high mileage.
 
Welcome.

I once looked at getting an exige (after i had my 190 celica which had the non SC version of the same engine) but was put off my the horror stories of reliability/ running costs.

imo if you are going for a test drive in a 2.5 the facelift had two variants... a 2.5i and an 2.5is... the "is" feels noticeabilty faster.
 
Al Mac said:
I am a bit put off the running costs of the M, although I won't be doing high mileage.
Click to expand...

They aren't that bad :) From an Exige I think an M would be the one to aim for. SO much car for the money these days
 
Not heard many horror stories on the 'yota, other than buzzing (i.e. user error!) or oil starvation in hard track work (fixed by sump change). Insurance isn't cheap, but 25-30mpg.

2.5si is 218bhp yes?
Much difference between the 2.5 and 3.0 in terms of servicing and real world mpg?

The Alpina appeals except I'm not keen on the 19" wheels.

aquazi said:
Welcome.

I once looked at getting an exige (after i had my 190 celica which had the non SC version of the same engine) but was put off my the horror stories of reliability/ running costs.

imo if you are going for a test drive in a 2.5 the facelift had two variants... a 2.5i and an 2.5is... the "is" feels noticeabilty faster.
Click to expand...
 
The M54 engines cost the same MPG and Servicing wise people have found (some even find the 3.0i having higher MPG due to the 6th cog). 3.0i is just a stroked 2.5i so same oil capacity etc.

The N52 is probably the same case, although they have a slightly different bore.

Im sure someone would buy the Alpina wheels off you (like me) ;)
 
The facelift N52's 2.5i, 2.5si and 3.0si use a different engine altogether with a ali/Mag block.

N52 engines as below.

2.5i is 177bhp
2.5si is 218bhp
3.0si is 258bhp
 
Had my first drive of a roadster yesterday - an '06 3.0 Sport at Sytner in Newport.
To be honest, I didn't have really high expectations because I'd just been reading the old Evo COTY write up, and the Exige was great on the way to the dealers.

I was very pleasantly surprised though. Not as planted, but probably more 'chuckable' than the Exige. Although the steering felt light, I didn't think that detracted from the experience. Good straight line speed, but difficult to compare because the Exige just sounds a lot more angry and loud so tends to feel quick because of all the drama. Love the sports seats (especially the range of adjustment) and the bit of extra space in the interior.

Also, I have to say that the salesman was probably the best I've ever dealt with. Endlessly helpful and chatty but never pushy.

The Exige is on Pistonheads now so will see if it generates much interest.
 
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