Small rear wheel drive car

Jimminy

Member
Ive been thinking about a practical small rear wheel drive car for some time, ive come to the conclusion that a z4 3.0is counts but the one series is on the list as well namely the 125i coupe and 130i hatchback.

I drove a lovely 125i today, great car but I didn't find it exciting, I found the ride to be comfotable enough even with rft's but it felt like it needed more power and It didn't like to rev.

I also drove a z4 coupe 3.0si automatic yesterday, it was to quiet but that seems to be an easy fix, I only drove that on dual carriage-way so it is hard to judge and I didn't like the auto box, also it pulled to the right so that's not a fair test, but what a beutiful looking car. I didn't find it uncomfatable in m-sport spec.

Should the 3 litre straight 6 like to rev? Is it enjoyable taking it to the red line or is it best to change up at 5000rpm? I really need to try a manual z4 now but I'm begining to wonder if these cars are too sophisticated for me.

My biggest problem is that ive started to fall for the z4 but I can't buy a car that I don't love to drive even if I drool over them when they drive past. Ive owned very few cars as I keep them a long time so Im looking for advice from more expeirianced drivers, cheers
 
I honestly think you need to find a manual Z4 to test if that's really what your after. Auto boxes are alright but for a car like the E85 a manual would be the better choice, especially for drives out in the countryside etc.

As for the E82 125i coupe, you do realise that it's only 18mm shorter than the E46 3 series so two generations ago which may change your opinion on how 'small' a car it actually is. It's more practical than the E85 however with 4 seats, although not much room in the rear and the seats can be folded down incase you need to transport a slightly large item.

If you weren't that impressed with the 125i, I'm sure you would be with a manual E85. Can I ask what do you currently drive? I'm just trying to understand if you've got something more powerful currently or think it should be more powerful than it actually is?
 
mmm-five said:
Isn't the Renault Twingo RWD :P
Nearly, it's a clio 172 cup, ive put 130,000 miles on it and it's currently on 148k and it's incredibly reliable to my astonishment. When I first drove one I thought it was an animal and it's still a great car but the claimed performance of the 125i is very similar, it just didn't feel it.
 
I was in exactly the same position as you. Looking at 125i Coupé and 130i Hatch models as well as pondering the Z4 Coupé market.

After a test drive in all three I came to the conclusion that the 1's were a little boring, both in drive and in style (not exactly uncommon).

I ended up with my Z4 Coupé 3.0si and haven't regretted it since!
I went for the Auto having only owned manuals before. Took a little while to get used to but I really enjoy it now!
Just leave it in drive and potter around when I'm being lazy, and use the Paddles to shift when I'm after a more exhilarating drive!

I'd say find and road test a few more before making any decisions!
 
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