Preview Evening

[gannet]

I just been down to our preview evening...

The dealer (Vines Redhill) only has one car (an sdrive23i on 17s) which is being kept static until Monday when drives can be arranged so there really isnt any point me going along at the weekend

First impressions: I like the look but NOT the boot space either roof up or down. Roof up just the shape is not as practical as the current (now old ) car. Roof down it is just a joke :thumbsdown: Interior is very nice and feels solidly built ... oddment space seems less and not as easy to access as well

so mixed so far - think Ill be keeping mine for a little while longer then probably look at something like a 1 series coupe or vert...

 

[ksher]

Boot space is not a problem as long as it is big enough for my laptop and small archive box. If I really need boot space, I get a 3/5 Series. I will wait until next winter for cheap second-hand car.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Boot space is not a problem as long as it is big enough for my laptop and small archive box. If I really need boot space, I get a 3/5 Series. I will wait until next winter for cheap second-hand car.

That argument doesn't hold for me. On the existing Zed I can get a decent case in for a weekend away (with the roof up or down). My Mrs can get the weeks groceries, etc. in. If I have to travel a good case can be fitted in, else I'd have to take the family car leaving the family with only a 2 seater, etc.

I'll have to wait until I see it the new one in the flesh but no boot = never buy.

 

[ksher]

Boot space is not a problem as long as it is big enough for my laptop and small archive box. If I really need boot space, I get a 3/5 Series. I will wait until next winter for cheap second-hand car.

That argument doesn't hold for me. On the existing Zed I can get a decent case in for a weekend away (with the roof up or down). My Mrs can get the weeks groceries, etc. in. If I have to travel a good case can be fitted in, else I'd have to take the family car leaving the family with only a 2 seater, etc.

I'll have to wait until I see it the new one in the flesh but no boot = never buy.

I never take my car to supermarkets because there are too many careless drivers and trolleys. It is so easy to get scratches and dents. I am the only driver of my Z4 and drive my car to office only. If I need to do business trip, I get a hire car delivered to my house.

 

[gannet]

Boot space is not a problem as long as it is big enough for my laptop and small archive box. If I really need boot space, I get a 3/5 Series. I will wait until next winter for cheap second-hand car.

That argument doesn't hold for me. On the existing Zed I can get a decent case in for a weekend away (with the roof up or down). My Mrs can get the weeks groceries, etc. in. If I have to travel a good case can be fitted in, else I'd have to take the family car leaving the family with only a 2 seater, etc.

I'll have to wait until I see it the new one in the flesh but no boot = never buy.

Doesn't hold for me either - We went on a two week holiday to the lakes and Scotland last year in the zed - one large suitcase and a weekend case, plus walking boots and a number of other bags. Given the shape of the new boot I just doubt very much I'd get the same amount in

 

[Wondermike]

You'd get it all in, just be very restricted as to when you could put the roof down. When I go to Scotland I fill the boot, can only put the roof down once I'm there and have moved all my bags into the accommodation. So it's more restrictive but not a deal-breaker for me.

 

[srhutch]

Mazda managed to engineer the hardtop on the MX5 to take up no more boot space than the softop, just lost the cubby holes behind the seats and a slightly higher boot line behind the seats, shame BMW didnt try harder, or stick to softtop.

Bottom line is you cant use the boot with the roof down which means I'm OUT :thumbsdown:

 

[gannet]

having seen it Im not convinced the suitcases Ive got would - Id certainly want a long test drive where I could test pack first :?

 

[gannet]

Mazda managed to engineer the hardtop on the MX5 to take up no more boot space than the softop, just lost the cubby holes behind the seats and a slightly higher boot line behind the seats, shame BMW didnt try harder, or stick to softtop.

Bottom line is you cant use the boot with the roof down which means I'm OUT :thumbsdown:

salesman said they questioned people and said they took the decision to go hard top given the number of sales lost to the SLK...

 

[Wondermike]

Yep sounds about right to me. There is a couple who live around the corner from me, had an 05 SLK200 and swapped it for an older 53 plate SL350 (presumably plus cash). I believe these people are a large part of the target market, SLK a bit small, larger engined SL a bit too pricey.

Me, I love my SLK so the thought of a BMW SLK just sounds so awesome

 

[2 Zero]

Mazda managed to engineer the hardtop on the MX5 to take up no more boot space than the softop, just lost the cubby holes behind the seats and a slightly higher boot line behind the seats, shame BMW didnt try harder, or stick to softtop.

Bottom line is you cant use the boot with the roof down which means I'm OUT :thumbsdown:

salesman said they questioned people and said they took the decision to go hard top given the number of sales lost to the SLK...

That seems to be the whole point. Going after the SLK instead of going after the Boxter!!

BMW didn't think this one out at all!!

 

[Wondermike]

More sales by going that way though.

The Boxster S rival (the Z4M) completely bombed in terms of new sales (here anyway) so they'll be hoping for more luck going the other way and appealing to those who'd rather have a tin roof and an effortless turbo motor over a soft-top beast. I think people who want a Boxster-type car just buy a Boxster.

 

[Smokin]

Mazda managed to engineer the hardtop on the MX5 to take up no more boot space than the softop, just lost the cubby holes behind the seats and a slightly higher boot line behind the seats, shame BMW didnt try harder, or stick to softtop.

Bottom line is you cant use the boot with the roof down which means I'm OUT :thumbsdown:

Not to mention they let you choose metal or rag top!

 

[rabman5]

Boot space is not a problem as long as it is big enough for my laptop and small archive box. If I really need boot space, I get a 3/5 Series. I will wait until next winter for cheap second-hand car.

That argument doesn't hold for me. On the existing Zed I can get a decent case in for a weekend away (with the roof up or down). My Mrs can get the weeks groceries, etc. in. If I have to travel a good case can be fitted in, else I'd have to take the family car leaving the family with only a 2 seater, etc.

I'll have to wait until I see it the new one in the flesh but no boot = never buy.

I agree with you CJ. You can have bot. No need to do without.

 

[Breaker]

Isn't the new Z4's boot/trunk space bigger than the M roadsters though? It may even be bigger than the M Coupes!
One of the reasons the M was no good for me, the boot space. The new one looks no better compared to my Coupe!

 

[gannet]

it maybe be better capacity wise but the shape of it is so different to ours hard to explain :?

 

[RichardG]

Boot space is not a problem as long as it is big enough for my laptop and small archive box. If I really need boot space, I get a 3/5 Series. I will wait until next winter for cheap second-hand car.

That argument doesn't hold for me. On the existing Zed I can get a decent case in for a weekend away (with the roof up or down). My Mrs can get the weeks groceries, etc. in. If I have to travel a good case can be fitted in, else I'd have to take the family car leaving the family with only a 2 seater, etc.

I'll have to wait until I see it the new one in the flesh but no boot = never buy.

Doesn't hold for me either - We went on a two week holiday to the lakes and Scotland last year in the zed - one large suitcase and a weekend case, plus walking boots and a number of other bags. Given the shape of the new boot I just doubt very much I'd get the same amount in

Same for me I work away from home and fill the boot everytime I go away and can still put the roof down when I want, IMO it's the same problem with the new 3 series vert, those that say well just use the back seats to me are missing the point, why should I have to use the back seats because the basic design of the car is wrong, plus stuff on the back seats is one of my pet hates, that said I have just been offered a test drive in the Zed over the weekend, might just have to go and have a look.

 

[ksher]

New Z4 with roof down only has 180 litres compared to 240 litres in current Z4 roadster, with roof up, increases to 300 litres compared to current 260 litres. So you can still put more in the boot with roof up. I really like the RHT, it does not need fabric roof cleaner and conditioner for instance. It is much easier to look after.

 

[srhutch]

We need pictures with the roof down, but if it's like the 3 which I assume it is, it maybe 180 litres but 170 of those wont be useable.

 

[gannet]

In the current zed roof up (or down) the boot is a nice square shape which my large suitcase fits in long ways across the car with space either side. the new shape would struggle to fit the same suitcase length ways in line with the car - if that aint too confusing :? and definately would NOT fit it across the car as currently due to the roof divider - even when roof up

Was being watched closely by the salesman so had no chance for any photos to help

If I go to test drive I may take my cases along....