My Z4MC and R8 V10

M

Muckinonthesofa

Member
Last summer I realised my dream of owning a supercar, well, I class it as a supercar, an R8 V10. I think another Z4M owner on here did the same a few years back.

The R8 is mental, I love it and in every respect another performance level to my Z4MC. It has a Larini valved exhaust which sounds like an F1 car to my ears, I think the 0-100mph is about 7.5 seconds :D , handling and balance spot in, grip is incredible. DCT gearbox is so fast that it doesn't seem to break momentum at all.

But, it's too fast and capable for the road. I've been back in my Z4MC for a few weeks now and it is more suited to road driving, I cannot believe how much I still love driving the Z4MC, what a car! The angry sounding Gruppe M S54, the steering feel (better than the R8), it just feels so nice :wub: . Even after the R8, I'm surprised at how quick it still feels as well, plenty fast enough (I've never understood some internet talk of them feeling slow by today's standards!) and about right for public roads.

Don't get me wrong, I'm keeping the R8 as, at the end of the day, it's a mid-engined V10, but I really do appreciate the Z4MC more now than before!

Not really a useful post, but all you Z4M owners cherish what amazing cars these are, and a dying breed!
 
good post! as much as i would love an R8 V10, the opportunities to deploy the full 500bhp plus would be fleeting at best.

It does seem that the more power a car has, the less you can use it on the road. Even on a track 500bhp would need to be treated with care.

personally, about 300bhp, or to be more precise, about 200bhp/tonne is about the sweet spot for a road car. i've had faster cars (remapped 335i, remapped 300ZX) and both of those the opportunity to deploy the full beans for any length of time are fleeting. I've now settled on about 300bhp and 1500kgs as the perfect combo for your average british b road. :driving:
 
Interesting post :thumbsup:

While having a spare half hour I was looking at next level cars and having a general nosey at stuff on the wish list and possibilities for the future and the R8 was pretty well up there as one of my first choices.

I remembered posts on here and watching some you tube videos etc, and without driving, came to a similar sort of conclusion that it’s maybe too accomplished, too much of a “supercar” for rural Argyll roads, which is where it would spend most of its life. It would be an absolute blast but would it be used to its full potential, absolutely not. The 35iS gets driven spiritedly when it’s out but do I feel there’s the ability to use the difference between it and the R8, again, I think not so would probably be a waste of a great car sitting on my drive.

Excellent that you’re in the fortunate position to experience both :driving:
 
Interesting post Muck.

I have recently added a few more cylinders and a bit more practicality (c63). I moved on from an SI coupe rather than an M but share the same love.

Both Cars are parked outside but I love them equally. I could stare at the Z for days as it's so beautiful but the excitement of 530ish (tune and secondary cats) and the noise of the Merc is a thrill.

I have thought a lot about how much fun the Merc engine would be in the coupe but figure it might just be to much. I think you might be in the sweet spot with the MC in terms of NA power and beauty.

I have had my car for 4 weeks and haven't got to the confidence point of ragging it about yet- I am driving corners well within my means but using it as a right "point straight and squirt" merchant. Maybe this will change when I get some more confidence and summer comes around.

I get what you say about the real world. The Z makes you work with each other as a team to accomplish the journey. The c63 is more like strapping a a saddle on a bull and hanging on for dear life (unless you have everything in comfort). 1st gear in the c63 is a write off unless in the dry and circa 25% pressure and by the time you hit 7k in 3rd you are in you are at just under 100.

The sound of your v10 mate tho- I am sure it will never get old!
 
Thanks for the post: you made me feel like running to the garage where I keep my Z4MC and jump in for a spin... if only were possible! (we're in strict lockdown). What you said makes so much sense: I am in Ireland and the Z4M feels plenty fast when driving on the roads here.

You're very lucky to have those beautiful cars! Enjoy every moment :driving: them!

Thanks again for sharing your experience
Attilio
 
It's a great post. :thumbsup:

I realised, after I'd had my MR for a few years, that I would never need or want a faster road car. It's just about at the limit of what my poor old grey cells can handle. Meaning I can just about drive it like I stole it, on the right day. Any faster and the car would be too much for me. Either it would have to do some of the driving for me, Nissan GTR, Porkers are getting like that now too. Or I would never drive it to it's full potential. That's a big chunk of why it's still in my garage 10 years on. :D :driving: :thumbsup:

wrt How fast it feels. Jumping from a faster NA engine into a Z4M it's going to have the same sort of feel. Just a bit less. Folk are fooled by torque these days. So a 530d feels faster and probably is, when you plant your foot in 6th on the duel carriage way. That's not what fast fun is about to me though, that's just torque. Fast fun is working the engine and using your whole body to control the car. Not simply planting your right foot a letting the car demolish the one next to it. I appreciate that a lot of people enjoy that. Not this hombre though, soon gets boring.

PS:- The few run ins I have had with V8 R8's over the years. The MR can handle them, only a fraction slower. I met a V10 R8 only once. My poor MR didn't see which way it went. Almost like a different car in terms of grunt and oh the noise. 8) :thumbsup:
 
Thanks for the replies, I agree with you all! 200bhp/tonne is about the all you need in road car, problem is, sense goes out the window when it comes to me and cars. :D

When the Z4MC goes I'll be very sad, with only the V10 to console me :rofl:
 
I have been looking at what car I would get that's within 5bhp of 200bhp per ton.

https://www.autosnout.com/Cars-Bhp-Per-Ton-List.php

Probably has to be a Maserati Quattroporte the car for every occasion.
 
That's an interesting comparison OP, not least because the guy I bought my MC from had an Audi R8 in his garage!

I've only had my MC just over a year and given how that year turend out haven't used it as much as I intended, so I still haven't got used to the performance - I certainly don't feel the need for any more (yet)!
 
mgrlane said:
I have been looking at what car I would get that's within 5bhp of 200bhp per ton.

https://www.autosnout.com/Cars-Bhp-Per-Ton-List.php

Probably has to be a Maserati Quattroporte the car for every occasion.
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Useful website :thumbsup:

Yep, Quattroporte is a great all rounder, if I had only one car it would be up there!

BTW, C63 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :driving:
 
Thanks for the post. We have had similar journeys! I also went from a Z4M(R) to an R8 V10 (Spyder). Similarly, I still love the Z4MR and still have it. In fact, I tried a V8 R8 and left not convinced it was a big enough step from the M. Ultimately, both are amazing experiences and I wouldn't want to lose either. If I could keep only one, and money wasn't an issue, it would have to be the R8 because of the engine and noise. But, if I had to lose the R8 and keep the M, I would still be very happy :driving:

If you are interested, the links to my posts about trying a V8 and then my V10 purchase are:

Here (V8 trial): https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=110105&p=1594109#p1594109

And here (V10 purchase): https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=115254
 
JT_0306 said:
Thanks for the post. We have had similar journeys! I also went from a Z4M(R) to an R8 V10 (Spyder). Similarly, I still love the Z4MR and still have it. In fact, I tried a V8 R8 and left not convinced it was a big enough step from the M. Ultimately, both are amazing experiences and I wouldn't want to lose either. If I could keep only one, and money wasn't an issue, it would have to be the R8 because of the engine and noise. But, if I had to lose the R8 and keep the M, I would still be very happy :driving:

If you are interested, the links to my posts about trying a V8 and then my V10 purchase are:

Here (V8 trial): https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=110105&p=1594109#p1594109

And here (V10 purchase): https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=115254
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Thanks mate, I followed your posts originally as I've always dreamed of working my way to a "supercar", and your journey was one I was hoping to emulate, although it's coupes for me as I'm not a convertible person.

I loved the spec of your R8 (convertible notwithstanding :D ) and also wanted a manual but then a facelift s-tronic came up in budget and after test driving it I was hooked, the instant changes, autoblip and Larini exhaust was so seductive. Another factor was that I understand the facelifts have a lot if the issues that effect the originals sorted.

I agree with you that if the R8 had to go I'd be more than happy keeping the Z4MC, as I said, it's a more usuable road car, the R8 feels insanely fast to me, and I definitely prefer the steering in the Z4MC. But I'll have to sell the Z4MC soon and when it goes I'll miss it hugely!

:thumbsup:
 
This is a really interesting subject, just how fast is ‘fast enough’.... in the real world.

When I was 17 I owned a fiesta 1300 Supersport, and I loved it. I then moved on to a Strada Abarth 130TC, with twin 45’s high lift cams etc, and I loved that even more - it was a beast at the time. Followed by an X19 with a 2ltr twin cam engine transplant, and a widebody conversion, the boot wasn’t very useable as it was modified so the carbs would fit :evil:

By today’s standards none of these would be considered fast, but they were all amazing fun.... how I wish I’d moth-balled the Strada, I’d love to take that out today.

In this period, my dream car was the Lamborghini Countach... a lot of us on this forum now drive ‘everyday’ cars that could get us across country in more safety, with more speed and with greater comfort and economy than a Countach could.

My E89 has a conservative map (previous owners choice) that takes power up to 28i levels, and I’ve been thinking about taking it for a live rolling-road remap to liberate an extra 30bhp and some more torque... I don’t really know why though, because it’s already 5.something 0-60, and 0-100 isn’t shabby either! Something is telling me ‘I want more’ but I really don’t need more :rofl:

I’ve not driven a Tesla, but I can only imagine ‘ludicrous mode’ is fun the first few times, but then what?... I bet it’s completely soulless experience, a bit like my daily driver Prius (not comparing the two here!). In terms of ‘fit for purpose’ the Prius is amazing, but it has no soul at all... Zero, it’s like a washing machine... it does the job, but zero excitement :cry:
 
True-Blue said:
This is a really interesting subject, just how fast is ‘fast enough’.... in the real world.

When I was 17 I owned a fiesta 1300 Supersport, and I loved it. I then moved on to a Strada Abarth 130TC, with twin 45’s high lift cams etc, and I loved that even more - it was a beast at the time. Followed by an X19 with a 2ltr twin cam engine transplant, and a widebody conversion, the boot wasn’t very useable as it was modified so the carbs would fit :evil:

By today’s standards none of these would be considered fast, but they were all amazing fun.... how I wish I’d moth-balled the Strada, I’d love to take that out today.

In this period, my dream car was the Lamborghini Countach... a lot of us on this forum now drive ‘everyday’ cars that could get us across country in more safety, with more speed and with greater comfort and economy than a Countach could.

My E89 has a conservative map (previous owners choice) that takes power up to 28i levels, and I’ve been thinking about taking it for a live rolling-road remap to liberate an extra 30bhp and some more torque... I don’t really know why though, because it’s already 5.something 0-60, and 0-100 isn’t shabby either! Something is telling me ‘I want more’ but I really don’t need more :rofl:

I’ve not driven a Tesla, but I can only imagine ‘ludicrous mode’ is fun the first few times, but then what?... I bet it’s completely soulless experience, a bit like my daily driver Prius (not comparing the two here!). In terms of ‘fit for purpose’ the Prius is amazing, but it has no soul at all... Zero, it’s like a washing machine... it does the job, but zero excitement :cry:
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I am addicted to speed, I've always wanted more but to answer your question, in reality I now realise that something like the Z4M is enough for the road.

This may sound like I don't like the r8 but I love it, it is my dream car. It does make me wonder about these 800bhp+ GTRs, 1000bhp+ R8 turbo etc and how anyone could get close to using them on the road!?

I know what you mean about what was fast years ago, when I was a teenager 150bhp was dreamland! :rofl: My AX GT, Clio Williams, Corrado Vr6, Rx7, E39 M5 all fast to me in their day. Most tepid hatches are quicker than even the M5 nowadays :o
 
True-Blue said:
This is a really interesting subject, just how fast is ‘fast enough’.... in the real world.
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I think it depends a lot on the road and where you live. I know lots of roads where taking the corners closer to the limits of the vehicle I'm in would be really irresponsible because the visibility isn't there. If something unexpected were around the next bend (stopped car, horse, cyclist etc.) then there would be issues.

I recently took my M135i and my MX-5 down the same twisty back round within days of each other and realised that the BMW is, in my opinion, too quick for that road. For me to enjoy the BMW I would gather too much speed to safely tackle the bends whereas with the MX-5 being slower and providing a more connected experience I could drive it relatively harder, more smoothly, and likely more safely whilst having at least as much fun.

I envy those of you living in more remote places with the elevations that give you a view of several bends ahead. Roll on end of lockdown... :driving:
 
Muckinonthesofa said:
It does make me wonder about these 800bhp+ GTRs, 1000bhp+ R8 turbo etc and how anyone could get close to using them on the road!?
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Congratulations on the dream garage, by the way.

I think the massive horsepower boosting of the cars you mention as well as some of the RS Audis is "look at the size of my knob" in petrolhead. Not always, but there's got to be quite a lot of "mine's bigger than yours" going on there. Just look at the "highest horsepower <whatever> in the UK" YouTube videos that pop up.
 
M1k3yC said:
True-Blue said:
This is a really interesting subject, just how fast is ‘fast enough’.... in the real world.
Click to expand...

I think it depends a lot on the road and where you live. I know lots of roads where taking the corners closer to the limits of the vehicle I'm in would be really irresponsible because the visibility isn't there. If something unexpected were around the next bend (stopped car, horse, cyclist etc.) then there would be issues.

I recently took my M135i and my MX-5 down the same twisty back round within days of each other and realised that the BMW is, in my opinion, too quick for that road. For me to enjoy the BMW I would gather too much speed to safely tackle the bends whereas with the MX-5 being slower and providing a more connected experience I could drive it relatively harder, more smoothly, and likely more safely whilst having at least as much fun.

I envy those of you living in more remote places with the elevations that give you a view of several bends ahead. Roll on end of lockdown... :driving:
Click to expand...

M135i's are real weapons, good cars  . Good point on the Mx5, definitely a modern car that falls into the real world sweet spot for a road car.
 
True-Blue said:
My E89 has a conservative map (previous owners choice) that takes power up to 28i levels, and I’ve been thinking about taking it for a live rolling-road remap to liberate an extra 30bhp and some more torque... I don’t really know why though, because it’s already 5.something 0-60, and 0-100 isn’t shabby either! Something is telling me ‘I want more’ but I really don’t need more
Click to expand...

Get the rolling road done and get extra Bhp and torque, I was running 28i but the rolling road and tune now for 282bhp and 453nm is superb 👍
 
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