Newbie With a Major Problem

R

renorippa

Member
Hi everyone, we have just bought a 54 Z4, less than 2 weeks ago. It's in really nice condition and I love it. Its our only car and my wife and I share the car.
She doesn't like it because the bonnet is too long and hates driving it, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

BTW chopping the bonnet down is not an option :D

Don't really want to have to sell after less than 2 weeks!

Regards
 
It all depends on her reasoning, if she likes the car and her only concern is the length of the bonnet because she can't see when maneuvering then give it time and she'll get used to it (having the seat higher may help), but if it's a case of she really doesn't like the car and just hates driving it, in which case the length of the bonnet is likely an excuse, then there's not a lot you can do and she'll keep complaining until you change cars
 
Raise the seat and give it time . . . .get the roof down as often as possible. . . .you never know she might grow to love it.

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
My wife was frightened by ours when we purchased it. She'd been used to powerful hot hatches and big cars such as an X5, but the low down seating, coupled with bonnet was a concern. Once reassured it didn't matter if she touched a kerb (which it did, but I lied) and we took it on the road together and did some learner style manoeuvers, then she fell in love with it.

Now she drives it and our even more powerful, bigger and vulnerable Jag with great ease and comfort. In fact dare I say it with panache....


Understand if the the issue parking it, or driving on the road?
Parking in reverse is one easy option for the former and spend time on the road with her driving is another.

If as PerryGunn says it's 'the car', then the bonnet is just an issue that will need careful work to resolve.
 
Hi and welcome, if it is the ride stiffness, then non run flats make a big difference. The seat belt position is very high so buying a cheap seat belt retainer would sort this. Take a few rides with the roof down, this may tip the balance, failing all else a ladies bike with a pannier :D
 
Thanks for all the positive comments. I'll try and convince her and see what happens. Failing that I'll just have to take a bit of a hit on the price we paid and buy a fiesta :(
 
I'm sure that your wife should get used to it with familiarity and I think the front sensors idea is a good one, I must admit I occasionally have a look and find I'm alarmingly close!

TBH my wife has only driven my Z4 once and refused after that even though she drove our Landcruiser and other big cars, so out of respect for her feelings and safety I never pushed the issue again :D
 
Some masking tape and a bamboo cane or something similar, taped to the front plate. Practice low speed parking manoeuvres with it on so she gets the idea of where the front end stops.

Failing that show her where the reverse gear is :P Much easier reversing in with these, only trouble is if you get two people carriers/vans etc either side of the parking space, you have to have a third eye to get out...... :thumbsdown:
 
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