My new Z4 - pics and initial verdict

[Bing]

Hello again...
Thanks for the quick response.

No, it was'nt an M sport. I believe it was an Si, same year as yours with 46,000 on the clock. Again, like yours, it's in fantastic condition but I have to say the overall feeling with the (albeit brief drive) was disappointing. I have driven one before, only a few weeks ago so it's still fresh in my mind but I don't recall it 'wandering' as much as this one. It could be something simple, even tyre pressures or a mix of makes. The vehicle had only just come in to the dealer so had'nt really been checked over. I will see if the dealer can get one of their techs to drive it for a second opinion. It will come with a good warranty (if there is such a thing!) but at the end of the day it's got to feel right... watch this space.

Welcome Minky

The Si has M Sport 'bits' on it that the SE (that James has) does not - it includes sports seats, sport steering wheel, I *think* it has a staggered wheel set up (wider rears) that the SE does not, and sport springs... Which are 15mm lower than the SE and give a much harder ride. It is jittery on sport springs on uneven surfaces, and as James says the OEM springs are prone to snapping, but the run flat tyres are the main offender when it comes to strange handling and tramlining. I have Eibach springs and non run flat tyres on mine - very little tramlining, if any, and the ride is more composed on normal road surfaces as the springs are progressive unlike the OEM ones. As James says though, on really bad roads you feel ever bump with Eibachs.

One other thing that helps is a four wheel alignment - it's pretty likely that any car you drive or buy (unless owned by an enthusiast) will never have had this done. Years of pot holes, kerbing, bad roads and so on all conspire to knock out the geometry of the suspension - one symptom of this is the car pulling in one direction and the steering wheel not being straight when driving in a straight line. You should probably get this done on any Z you buy as the suspension geometry is 'unique' (there are people more expert on here than me who can explain better if you're interested) - you should definitely get it done after fitting Eibachs if you go that way. Oh, and Eibachs will drop your car by 15-20mm.

Hope that essay helps

 

[Minky]

Ten out of 10 for your essay Bing , thank you - the info is a great help and explains a lot (including the chunky M steering wheel which I did'nt dislike).
I managed to get the VIN from the dealer so at least was able to check what should be on board. I did'nt realise there was such a difference handling/comfort wise between the Si and SE but I do want to go back for a longer drive this time because everything else about the car was 100%