Poor old e89 (18i) slated again...

Good review.

Its the handling claims that dissapoint me, and not just this model! It appears to be across the e89 range.(...and every review)

It makes me wonder if iv baught the right car :( I hope I have!?

I remember on test drive thinking theres something not quite there with feel and steering, but no, I must be wrong, its an ultimate driving machine !?

Someone please tell me its not the case!
 
Playing devils advocate, they are all Z4s which is why we are here. You can apply the logic/non logic about engine/performance to all BMW series cars. BMW are selling cars to a mixed market. I realise insurance nowadays is probably the biggest problem for younger drivers and IMHO if a Z4 suddenly becomes affordable to someone who wants one (albeit with a detuned engine) its good for all of us, isn't it?
 
Atom1 said:
Good review.

Its the handling claims that dissapoint me, and not just this model! It appears to be across the e89 range.(...and every review)

It makes me wonder if iv baught the right car :( I hope I have!?

I remember on test drive thinking theres something not quite there with feel and steering, but no, I must be wrong, its an ultimate driving machine !?

Someone please tell me its not the case!
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If you wanted the ultimate in ride and grip, the E89 isn't it.
But I'm sure you knew that before you chose it. It's a great looking car, well above the average in head turning, road manners, performance, build, prestige etc etc.
It just wont go round corners like a boxster, but do you really want a boxster sized hole in your bank balance instead ??
 
The only issues I have with its handling are; understeer at low speeds, harsh ride on poor surfaces (it soaks up bounces lovely, but hit a manhole cover and there's an awful bang rather than a thump), and the fact the back end jumps around on road imperfections when pushing it. The roads where I live are poor, so I can't take it all out on the car though, but its notably less enjoyable ride-wise than other sports cars I've owned. Other than that it's fine. I'm hopeful that when the time comes to switch to non run flats (I'm on 19's too which won't help), its jitteryness and poor ride on rough surfaces will be lessened. I do find its one of those cars that unless pushed a bit, doesn't reward. But push it a bit more than you're comfortable with and it lights up with responsiveness. Compared to the Carrera 4S I had for a short while though, the Z isn't great. The C4S was able to stick like glue, be fun to drive, while still being comfy and not harsh on rough surfaces at all. Perhaps that's because it has nice squishy normal tyres as well as being better engineered. Still, the C4S was bank balance crushing, and the e89 as already said by others, is not at all. In fact, when looking around, its not much more than a decent euro-box and I know which one I'd rather have.
 
TitanTim said:
ranski said:
TitanTim said:
E89 was always intended to be Boulevard cruiser and liveable everyday car. :)

Tim.
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Not with a boot the size of a kinder egg once the roof down :o
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Perfect for Cadburys cream eggs though :)

Tim.
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There's nothing to date that I've not been able to carry in the car and I use it every day. Well actually there was once, a 5 burner BBQ but I'd defy anyone with a car smaller than a transit to have carried that around. The boot is larger than the e85 roof up, but is less with roof down mainly due to the loss of the side areas, still, as I say, never had an issue. If you want to talk small boots, go look at a Jag F-Type. 70 grand buys you the ability to store cream eggs there.
 
If I needed a small /economical Z4, I would rather have a Z4 with a decent size Diesel engine and auto box over a what would seem a lack lustre 1.8


At least there would some decent torque along with economy - That would suit the boulevard cruisers and every day users!
 
Thing is, the economy and emissions are identical in the 18i 20i & 28i.

For the price you'd end up paying for the diesel, it would put you into 28i territory.
 
Atom1 said:
Thing is, the economy and emissions are identical in the 18i 20i & 28i.

For the price you'd end up paying for the diesel, it would put you into 28i territory.
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I thought it was the economy everybody was getting concerned about!
So its the purchase price which is the main concern?
 
ronk said:
Atom1 said:
Thing is, the economy and emissions are identical in the 18i 20i & 28i.

For the price you'd end up paying for the diesel, it would put you into 28i territory.
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I thought it was the economy everybody was getting concerned about!
So its the purchase price which is the main concern?
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I'd say purchase price and insurance are the primary reasons for purchasing the 18i. Its the only model that doesn't have climate or leather seats! BMW have stripped it right down.
 
Maniac said:
I'd say purchase price and insurance are the primary reasons for purchasing the 18i. Its the only model that doesn't have climate or leather seats! BMW have stripped it right down.
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So then the dilema would be Z4 small engine with very few toys and a BMW badge, or an MX5 small engine and a load of toys and no badge! :)
 
Tim.[/quote]

There's nothing to date that I've not been able to carry in the car and I use it every day. Well actually there was once, a 5 burner BBQ but I'd defy anyone with a car smaller than a transit to have carried that around. The boot is larger than the e85 roof up, but is less with roof down mainly due to the loss of the side areas, still, as I say, never had an issue. If you want to talk small boots, go look at a Jag F-Type. 70 grand buys you the ability to store cream eggs there.[/quote]

Just had a test of the F type and I must say it's fantastic to drive but as said the boot is a joke :thumbsdown:

As for the Zed, with roof up I can get my golf clubs and electric trolly in no problem, Even with the roof down my bag and clubs still fit with through storage. What more would you need. Even carried a 7 foot bird table in the front with the roof down. Didn't look cool though but the car is versatile.
 
Give me an F type anyday! Boot space, what an excuse, get it baught! I would if I could :)

Granted you wont be able to show all your pall's how well your doing at the club house. But at least you'll have your Jag sat at home ready, so you can take it out on that awesome road trip, which if im not mistaken is what these cars are for. Is it not!!!

Same with economy, its the first thing people ask me. I say, no idea, but its a hell'a fun :))

The Z4 or any other Roadster/Sportscar, whatever, should not be burdened with the task of practicality or economy, it should be fun and sheer driving pleasure, if not there are pleanty of economical practical hatchbacks in the market.

If you get the Jag you may have to consider getting rid of the golf bats and take up boules, you'll fit them in the jag. lol ;)
 
When your friend asks, hows the new car?

'Yes mate, absolutly fantastic, drives a dream, took it out the other day, roof down, music on, sun shining. Pure bliss.'

Or

Yes, 40 to the gallon, can get a 7ft. bird table in that you know!

;) :jokes:
 
ronk said:
Atom1 said:
Thing is, the economy and emissions are identical in the 18i 20i & 28i.

For the price you'd end up paying for the diesel, it would put you into 28i territory.
Click to expand...

I thought it was the economy everybody was getting concerned about!
So its the purchase price which is the main concern?
Click to expand...

Maybe, who knows!?
 
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