M40i first impressions after 5-days and 500 miles

J400uk

Member
I finally collected my new Z4 M40i last weekend! I'd been hoping to post on here a bit sooner but have been so busy driving it that I haven't had a chance :driving:

I originally ordered it back in October last year almost as soon as the price list went live. I'd been following the G29 with interest for ages and always knew I'd want one. The spec I eventually settled on was as follows:
- Z4 M40i Auto
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Ivory White Leather
- Aluminium Tetragon trim
- Driving Assistance Package
- Enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging
- Service Inclusive

Fast forward to March this year and the car was built and eventually arrived. I think it looks stunning in person, the Black paintwork and Ivory White interior are a beautiful contrast. Wherever I've taken it I've had loads compliments and people asking me about it, don't think I've ever had so much attention from a car before! The general consensus seems to be it looks much better in real life compared to the press photos. The rear and alloys are particularly nice. Quite a few people have suggested it's a bit like a miniature 8-series.

In terms of how it drives, it seems super relaxing and very grand tourer like! I'd previously owned an M135i and more recently I was loaned an M240i Convertible for a couple of weeks. Compared to those cars it feels massively more comfortable and refined. I think the Adaptive suspension really helps and the seats are fantastic. Again the miniature 8-series remark could be applied here, as it feels incredibly grown up for a roadster.

The B58 3.0 engine sounds fantastic and seems particularly vocal in the Z4 compared to some other M40i BMWs. I haven't pushed it hard but it feels very strong and eager in all situations. What has perhaps impressed me most so far is the economy, since collection I've averaged 30mpg in mixed driving and seen well into the mid/ late 30s cruising on the motorway.

Standard kit is generous with the latest 'BMW Live Cockpit and BMW Operating System 7.0' along with lots of little niceties like folding mirrors, ambient lightning, front/ rear PDC, heated seats and HiFi Sound system. I'm pleased I added the Driving Assistance Package as I was keen to have the Adaptive Cruise given I spend a lot of time up and down the motorways. The Enhanced Bluetooth was worthy too as it's handy having the wireless charging pad, and I like being able to pair both my work and personal iPhones at once. You also gain Wifi Hotspot prep with that too but probably not something I'll need to use. Service Inclusive seemed a bit of a no brainer and means no surprises when servicing is due.

My only single regret with this car is not specifying the wind deflector, as it can't be retro-fitted! I was happy to pay the £170 but thought it would be easier to buy as a dealer accessory on delivery. No such luck as it seems the rear hoops are a different design.

Overall I love the Z4 and would highly recommend it. I'd never seen one before ordering but it was definitely the right choice. For me it's 3 cars in one as it's manages to be a Sports car, Roadster and Grand Tourer all in the same package. I had a Mk3 Audi TT before and this feels a massive step up in every way. Great to be back in a BMW :D

Z4%201_zpsb6iio7zs.jpg

Z4%202_zpso08v1sti.jpg

Z4%203_zpszvksv0i6.jpg
 
You sound very happy & in black can look forward to many days giving her a good lathering & fondling.

Looks very nice in black, not too sure about the grey part of the front scoop though do let us all know once you get round to your first Italien tune up
 
Good to hear you are pleased with it, and glad to be back in a BMW!

And I love those wheels. :thumbsup:
 
That’s very nice indeed, I found on my test drive of the M40 that it suffered from a little tramlining on the back roads, now that you’ve lived with it for a while how do you find it?
 
Great review!!! Your sentiments echo mine. I love my G29 and it’s a truly stunning car in every way! Great wheels bra! 6342F541-C9B8-4463-9D7F-2114451FA1FE.jpeg
 
Nice review. Your car looks stunning in black. Unlike some others, I like the cerium grey grill, wheels and front trims as it adds a nice contrast to the black paintwork. Pity about the wind deflector, as I think this is necessary to cut down quite a bit of wind turbulence.
Enjoy your new car and please give us some more feedback, good or bad, as you continue to drive the car.
:thumbsup: :driving:
 
J400uk said:
I finally collected my new Z4 M40i last weekend! I'd been hoping to post on here a bit sooner but have been so busy driving it that I haven't had a chance :driving:

I originally ordered it back in October last year almost as soon as the price list went live. I'd been following the G29 with interest for ages and always knew I'd want one. The spec I eventually settled on was as follows:
- Z4 M40i Auto
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- Ivory White Leather
- Aluminium Tetragon trim
- Driving Assistance Package
- Enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging
- Service Inclusive

Fast forward to March this year and the car was built and eventually arrived. I think it looks stunning in person, the Black paintwork and Ivory White interior are a beautiful contrast. Wherever I've taken it I've had loads compliments and people asking me about it, don't think I've ever had so much attention from a car before! The general consensus seems to be it looks much better in real life compared to the press photos. The rear and alloys are particularly nice. Quite a few people have suggested it's a bit like a miniature 8-series.

In terms of how it drives, it seems super relaxing and very grand tourer like! I'd previously owned an M135i and more recently I was loaned an M240i Convertible for a couple of weeks. Compared to those cars it feels massively more comfortable and refined. I think the Adaptive suspension really helps and the seats are fantastic. Again the miniature 8-series remark could be applied here, as it feels incredibly grown up for a roadster.

The B58 3.0 engine sounds fantastic and seems particularly vocal in the Z4 compared to some other M40i BMWs. I haven't pushed it hard but it feels very strong and eager in all situations. What has perhaps impressed me most so far is the economy, since collection I've averaged 30mpg in mixed driving and seen well into the mid/ late 30s cruising on the motorway.

Standard kit is generous with the latest 'BMW Live Cockpit and BMW Operating System 7.0' along with lots of little niceties like folding mirrors, ambient lightning, front/ rear PDC, heated seats and HiFi Sound system. I'm pleased I added the Driving Assistance Package as I was keen to have the Adaptive Cruise given I spend a lot of time up and down the motorways. The Enhanced Bluetooth was worthy too as it's handy having the wireless charging pad, and I like being able to pair both my work and personal iPhones at once. You also gain Wifi Hotspot prep with that too but probably not something I'll need to use. Service Inclusive seemed a bit of a no brainer and means no surprises when servicing is due.

My only single regret with this car is not specifying the wind deflector, as it can't be retro-fitted! I was happy to pay the £170 but thought it would be easier to buy as a dealer accessory on delivery. No such luck as it seems the rear hoops are a different design.

Overall I love the Z4 and would highly recommend it. I'd never seen one before ordering but it was definitely the right choice. For me it's 3 cars in one as it's manages to be a Sports car, Roadster and Grand Tourer all in the same package. I had a Mk3 Audi TT before and this feels a massive step up in every way. Great to be back in a BMW :D

Z4%201_zpsb6iio7zs.jpg

Z4%202_zpso08v1sti.jpg

Z4%203_zpszvksv0i6.jpg
looks really good.
love the wheels.
the only thing i probably would have done besides wind deflector is gone for the black pack.
 
All we need now is Joel to take it for a YouTube spin
 
Nice cars , great review !!! When i bought mine back in november , the seller told me about the wind deflector .
Must add (world is little as i have a m240 ix cabrio , and a M140ix aswel :rofl: ) on the 2 cabrio the wind deflector work 10 time better than this on the Z4
 
Maniac said:
It looks so much like an S2000 in black...

Funny I thought the same thing. I think the back and the stance of the vehicle looks like an S2000 and the front looks like a Mercedes SLK.
 
Really does, doesn't it? I think it's the "raked bar of soap" profile. And I mean that in the nicest possible way, of course. :D

Still not for me but I wouldn't be surprised if it starts clawing back sales from Porsche. Again, such a shame the 718 has that 4 cyl. Maybe they should go hybridised V4 (a la 918) for the next Cayman/Boxster?
 
sars said:
That’s very nice indeed, I found on my test drive of the M40 that it suffered from a little tramlining on the back roads, now that you’ve lived with it for a while how do you find it?

No can’t say I’ve noticed any tramlining! Seems quite relaxed and composed in all situations

MrPT said:
Looks good. How many miles more before you can really open the taps?

1200 miles, counting it down!
 
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