Hi all,
So I went ahead and purchased my very first Z4. I've had a great time with it over my first month so thought i would share some thoughts with you all.
Some background first, I have been driving a fair number of miles over the last few years and have had the pleasure of cruising around in a nice 09 plate 7 series (F01). The large luxurious leather seats that support you as you waft to work effortlessly, the button to press for the pipe and slippers to come out to complete the experience make it an effortless way to drive.
Now fancying a change I sold the 7 series and started my search for my Z4. One of my neighbours kindly let me drive his 2.0 07 plate, which was nice but I felt I needed a bit more oomph, so narrowed my search to a 2.5 or 3.0. With a sub £6K budget I was looking at a 03 or 04 plate realistically with a few mod cons like heated seats and a decent audio setup. I initially wanted an auto box having spent the last 5 off years with auto diesels I had become somewhat lazy in the driving stakes. After a few weeks of searching and reading through the forum pages (which are an excellent source of info by the way) I finally found it. Its a lovely 04 plate Sterling Grey 3.0 manual with 60k miles on the clock and full service history and all correct paperwork etc.
There are obviously a few issues with the paintwork here and there, but overall it appears to be a great standard example
So whats it like to drive, well its a million miles away from the 7 series as you would expect! I think I have rediscovered the joy of driving again. The manual was absolutely the correct choice for me as it makes the experience "whole" if that makes sense. A good way of explaining the difference is, with the 7 series you drove to work occasionally noticing that you had reached a certain landmark or point in your journey. Then suddenly you realised you were there and your journey was over. With the Z4, you live the journey, you are fundamental to the cars operation, you become part of the car. With the 7 series, regardless if you are the driver, you are a passenger.
The car is superb and I constantly drive with a smile on my face now
. When you push it, the noise is unbelievable. Its like the god of thunder is shouting from the engine at the other drivers! :evil: The acceleration is perfect and I'm pleased with the choice of engine 
Anyway, enough of the waffle, a few things I have noticed....
The headlights are awful, its like having a torch with the batteries running flat taped to each wing. I have read through the forum and have now ordered the new Philips bulbs (due to arrive this weekend). I have also ordered LED side lights as the current ones are frankly embarrassing. I am planning an angel eyes upgrade, but did make the mistake of mentioning the price to the board of financial control. She immediately gave me one of those "what about the food for the kids" stares and so that is somewhat postponed for the moment. So the bulbs are a stop gap until my negotiation skills improve.
I also need to sort out a bluetooth jobbie as I do take a fair number of calls whilst driving. I also want to have the capability to stream music via bluetooth, so I shall be investigating the Parrot line up to find the most appropriate.
I have ordered a new map DVD as its amusing, but not very helpful, to see yourself apparently driving through fields whilst, in reality, you are launching yourself down a new shiny dual carriageway.
Apologies for the long post, I'll let you know how the upgrades go and post more pics.
cheers!
So I went ahead and purchased my very first Z4. I've had a great time with it over my first month so thought i would share some thoughts with you all.
Some background first, I have been driving a fair number of miles over the last few years and have had the pleasure of cruising around in a nice 09 plate 7 series (F01). The large luxurious leather seats that support you as you waft to work effortlessly, the button to press for the pipe and slippers to come out to complete the experience make it an effortless way to drive.
Now fancying a change I sold the 7 series and started my search for my Z4. One of my neighbours kindly let me drive his 2.0 07 plate, which was nice but I felt I needed a bit more oomph, so narrowed my search to a 2.5 or 3.0. With a sub £6K budget I was looking at a 03 or 04 plate realistically with a few mod cons like heated seats and a decent audio setup. I initially wanted an auto box having spent the last 5 off years with auto diesels I had become somewhat lazy in the driving stakes. After a few weeks of searching and reading through the forum pages (which are an excellent source of info by the way) I finally found it. Its a lovely 04 plate Sterling Grey 3.0 manual with 60k miles on the clock and full service history and all correct paperwork etc.
There are obviously a few issues with the paintwork here and there, but overall it appears to be a great standard example
So whats it like to drive, well its a million miles away from the 7 series as you would expect! I think I have rediscovered the joy of driving again. The manual was absolutely the correct choice for me as it makes the experience "whole" if that makes sense. A good way of explaining the difference is, with the 7 series you drove to work occasionally noticing that you had reached a certain landmark or point in your journey. Then suddenly you realised you were there and your journey was over. With the Z4, you live the journey, you are fundamental to the cars operation, you become part of the car. With the 7 series, regardless if you are the driver, you are a passenger.
The car is superb and I constantly drive with a smile on my face now
. When you push it, the noise is unbelievable. Its like the god of thunder is shouting from the engine at the other drivers! :evil: The acceleration is perfect and I'm pleased with the choice of engine Anyway, enough of the waffle, a few things I have noticed....
The headlights are awful, its like having a torch with the batteries running flat taped to each wing. I have read through the forum and have now ordered the new Philips bulbs (due to arrive this weekend). I have also ordered LED side lights as the current ones are frankly embarrassing. I am planning an angel eyes upgrade, but did make the mistake of mentioning the price to the board of financial control. She immediately gave me one of those "what about the food for the kids" stares and so that is somewhat postponed for the moment. So the bulbs are a stop gap until my negotiation skills improve.
I also need to sort out a bluetooth jobbie as I do take a fair number of calls whilst driving. I also want to have the capability to stream music via bluetooth, so I shall be investigating the Parrot line up to find the most appropriate.
I have ordered a new map DVD as its amusing, but not very helpful, to see yourself apparently driving through fields whilst, in reality, you are launching yourself down a new shiny dual carriageway.
Apologies for the long post, I'll let you know how the upgrades go and post more pics.
cheers!
