Stuff I dislike about the Z4

[enuff_zed]

[ref]Silverstar[/ref], I think Sars summed this up perfectly with an earlier post.

The thing I hate about zeds in the rivalry between the generations, having owned all three I can honestly say that I’ve loved them all

I of course disagree with both you and [ref]tomjonesBT33[/ref], and say I love my G29 the best out of the 3 I’ve had

and that's it Andy, I detest the comments that states one is better than the other, because there's no metric that supports how you feel about the car you drive or have driven, it's a an just an opinion which doesn't make it a fact that you can berate or ridicule another poster. I love my G29 too, do I prefer it to the others, yes in many ways, but not all. I would also seem that the only positive proponents owners of the e85/6 is about their lower mass and size, like these are the beginning and end of everything

Two things in my ownership of the other editions that stand out, I used to get a lot of attention in the PY e85, good and bad, the colour elicited a reaction in many people, it was a fun car but not so comfortable. Two years after it went I purchased the e89 in DSB, I remember going on a meet and mine was the only e89 among 20 or so e85/6's, we were dawdling along in convoy on a private road to park up at some country estate in North Yorkshire and we passed three young lads on bikes and they were watching the cars pass, when mine did, they pointed and said oh wow as if it were some rare Ferrari

In my view, the e85 was more fun, the e89 is more attractive and the g29 is the more pleasurable to drive, is quicker and more comfortable than the other two.

I thought my E89 was by far the best when it was all I'd had.
Then I got into E85s and realised I loved them too, but for a whole raft of different reasons.
I did test drive a G29 M40i, but only for about half an hour. I found it too large and felt it had lost the whole Z4 ethos, but that was based purely on a very short acquaintance. In hindsight it took me weeks to gel with my E89 and with the E85s, so I should reserve judgement on the later model.
In short, they are all very different cars, filling different niches, in different decades. They really should have been the Z4, Z5 and Z6, then this argument would never have arisen. No-one ever tries to compare the Z3 to the Z4, and the only reason for that is a lightly different number on the back.

 

[tomjonesBT33]

[ref]Silverstar[/ref], I think Sars summed this up perfectly with an earlier post.

The thing I hate about zeds in the rivalry between the generations, having owned all three I can honestly say that I’ve loved them all

I of course disagree with both you and [ref]tomjonesBT33[/ref], and say I love my G29 the best out of the 3 I’ve had

and that's it Andy, I detest the comments that states one is better than the other, because there's no metric that supports how you feel about the car you drive or have driven, it's a an just an opinion which doesn't make it a fact that you can berate or ridicule another poster. I love my G29 too, do I prefer it to the others, yes in many ways, but not all. I would also seem that the only positive proponents owners of the e85/6 is about their lower mass and size, like these are the beginning and end of everything

Apologies - wasn’t berating or belittling anyone. Just staying my opinion regarding the looks of the 3 generations. I have no first hand experience with either the e89 or the G29, so cannot comments as to strengths/weaknesses between the generations.

Back to the OP’s point of this post…the one thing that I’m not excited about in my Z4 M is the dated Nav system. One day may convert to a non-Nav dash like in my Z4 2.5i. Or try to rig up one of those Android tablet based screens.

Regards both Z4s…the fact that you cannot open the trunk with a key when the battery has gone dead is problematic. I’ve had to (on more than one occasion) access the trunk by bypassing the rear deck tray behind the seats. It’s a real pain the as*.

 

[sars]

[ref]enuff_zed[/ref], coming from the SL the g29 is a lot shorter than the SL which was shorter than the 4 series. At work I’ve parked next to a colleague’s GT86 and I was surprised that the g29 isn’t actually that much bigger, however it is wider and I think that’s what you probably noticed coming from the e89 that makes it feel big.

 

[enuff_zed]

[ref]enuff_zed[/ref], coming from the SL the g29 is a lot shorter than the SL which was shorter than the 4 series. At work I’ve parked next to a colleague’s GT86 and I was surprised that the g29 isn’t actually that much bigger, however it is wider and I think that’s what you probably noticed coming from the e89 that makes it feel big.

Think you're right. Had no problem knowing where the front and rear were, but on some of Norfolk's narrow roads I was breathing in a bit meeting vans and lorries. Probably something I'd get used to, after all I previously had a 335d touring, but sitting further back in the car changes the perspective.

 

[JoeZed]

My ideal looking z4 would be an e89 front to back with e85 tail lights (LED'd up) and body shape morphed in.

 

[Argyll Andy]

Apologies - wasn’t berating or belittling anyone

Tom, absolutely no need for an apology, just our humour and lighthearted approach to the discussion that will never have an agreeable outcome

 

[Argyll Andy]

Until you try a coupe and realise how much you have been missing

Aye what you miss in a coupe is the fresh air and a view of the stars while enjoying that wonderful roof down experience

 

[Argyll Andy]

[ref]enuff_zed[/ref], coming from the SL the g29 is a lot shorter than the SL which was shorter than the 4 series. At work I’ve parked next to a colleague’s GT86 and I was surprised that the g29 isn’t actually that much bigger, however it is wider and I think that’s what you probably noticed coming from the e89 that makes it feel big.

[ref]sars[/ref], I think this again sums the G29 up, it’s very wide and low with quite an aggressive stance, it’s not much bigger at all overall.

On a completely personal note, as I’ve said I love mine and haven’t at any point so far geeky it’s too big or wide while out on forum runs. Out of the box it’s a much better handling var than the E89. It’s also bloody quick so as an all round package suits me perfectly.

If I was to go for another Z4 it would probably be an E86 as a daily alongside the G29. Wouldn’t lose the roof down option if I could only have one.

 

[Flyingfifer]

Aye what you miss in a coupe is the fresh air and a view of the stars while enjoying that wonderful roof down experience

I knew those bloated G29s are full of things to replace the driver but I didnt realise it just drives itself while the bit of meat behind the wheel watches the stars
Not for me, I prefer to watch the road as I drive my car

If I was to go for another Z4 it would probably be an E86 as a daily alongside the G29. Wouldn’t lose the roof down option if I could only have one.

Wise man

 

[B21]

[ref]enuff_zed[/ref], coming from the SL the g29 is a lot shorter than the SL which was shorter than the 4 series. At work I’ve parked next to a colleague’s GT86 and I was surprised that the g29 isn’t actually that much bigger, however it is wider and I think that’s what you probably noticed coming from the e89 that makes it feel big.

[ref]sars[/ref], I think this again sums the G29 up, it’s very wide and low with quite an aggressive stance, it’s not much bigger at all overall.

On a completely personal note, as I’ve said I love mine and haven’t at any point so far geeky it’s too big or wide while out on forum runs. Out of the box it’s a much better handling var than the E89. It’s also bloody quick so as an all round package suits me perfectly.

If I was to go for another Z4 it would probably be an E86 as a daily alongside the G29. Wouldn’t lose the roof down option if I could only have one.

Here’s the E89 / G29 comparisons FWIW

3” wider and 2” bigger in most other dimensions save wheelbase

 

[Argyll Andy]

[ref]enuff_zed[/ref], coming from the SL the g29 is a lot shorter than the SL which was shorter than the 4 series. At work I’ve parked next to a colleague’s GT86 and I was surprised that the g29 isn’t actually that much bigger, however it is wider and I think that’s what you probably noticed coming from the e89 that makes it feel big.

[ref]sars[/ref], I think this again sums the G29 up, it’s very wide and low with quite an aggressive stance, it’s not much bigger at all overall.

On a completely personal note, as I’ve said I love mine and haven’t at any point so far geeky it’s too big or wide while out on forum runs. Out of the box it’s a much better handling var than the E89. It’s also bloody quick so as an all round package suits me perfectly.

If I was to go for another Z4 it would probably be an E86 as a daily alongside the G29. Wouldn’t lose the roof down option if I could only have one.

Here’s the E89 / G29 comparisons FWIW

3” wider and 2” bigger in most other dimensions save wheelbase

That’s closer than I though Peter, I genuinely thought the E89 was much lower. Maybe the rake of the windscreen and side windows positions give that impression

 

[rdm05z4]

As with anything's in life we all have different opinions. Currently I have a 05 z4 and look forward to the day I can move up in the zed family. But loving my ride so far. Each version of the Zed family has its own unique items. I am just humble and grateful for being part of the experience. Putting all opinions from each of us aside. I think we all should take a moment to reflect on its past. For without the Z3 we would not have the great cars of today. Thank you Z3 for paving the way for all of us.

 

[Argyll Andy]

[ref]enuff_zed[/ref], coming from the SL the g29 is a lot shorter than the SL which was shorter than the 4 series. At work I’ve parked next to a colleague’s GT86 and I was surprised that the g29 isn’t actually that much bigger, however it is wider and I think that’s what you probably noticed coming from the e89 that makes it feel big.

[ref]sars[/ref], I think this again sums the G29 up, it’s very wide and low with quite an aggressive stance, it’s not much bigger at all overall.

On a completely personal note, as I’ve said I love mine and haven’t at any point so far geeky it’s too big or wide while out on forum runs. Out of the box it’s a much better handling var than the E89. It’s also bloody quick so as an all round package suits me perfectly.

If I was to go for another Z4 it would probably be an E86 as a daily alongside the G29. Wouldn’t lose the roof down option if I could only have one.

Here’s the E89 / G29 comparisons FWIW

3” wider and 2” bigger in most other dimensions save wheelbase

That’s closer than I though Peter, I genuinely thought the E89 was much lower. Maybe the rake of the windscreen and side windows positions give that impression

Aye what you miss in a coupe is the fresh air and a view of the stars while enjoying that wonderful roof down experience

I knew those bloated G29s are full of things to replace the driver but I didnt realise it just drives itself while the bit of meat behind the wheel watches the stars
Not for me, I prefer to watch the road as I drive my car

If I was to go for another Z4 it would probably be an E86 as a daily alongside the G29. Wouldn’t lose the roof down option if I could only have one.

Wise man

You watch the road as the G29 in front of you pulls away from you

I’m glad you agree on my coupe choice that it’d be 2nd best to my G29 softtop

 

[Flyingfifer]

You watch the road as the G29 in front of you pulls away from you

I’m glad you agree on my coupe choice that it’d be 2nd best to my G29 softtop

Yet to see that :wink:

E86 was first, primary car, G29 was the secondary.. as it should be

 

[B21]

[ref]sars[/ref], I think this again sums the G29 up, it’s very wide and low with quite an aggressive stance, it’s not much bigger at all overall.

On a completely personal note, as I’ve said I love mine and haven’t at any point so far geeky it’s too big or wide while out on forum runs. Out of the box it’s a much better handling var than the E89. It’s also bloody quick so as an all round package suits me perfectly.

If I was to go for another Z4 it would probably be an E86 as a daily alongside the G29. Wouldn’t lose the roof down option if I could only have one.

Here’s the E89 / G29 comparisons FWIW

3” wider and 2” bigger in most other dimensions save wheelbase

That’s closer than I though Peter, I genuinely thought the E89 was much lower. Maybe the rake of the windscreen and side windows positions give that impression

Well Andy two inches can be quite a lot in certain conditions

Interesting if you also contrast the E85/E89 changes.

The numbers tell quite a lot..

The sheer volume increase of the G29 is quite substantial, which is why it does look bigger than the E89.

In contrast the E89 that was also described as fat and bloated hardly changed in volume compared to the E85.

Interesting to see that the side 3/4 view on the E89 is markedly better top up compared to both G29 and E89.

The much much wider track of the G29 bodes well for its handling credentials..inch shorter wheelbase and nearly 4 inch wider front track should translate into better cornering capability allied to much wider tyres.

 

[john-e89]

All that extra weight though :thumbsdown:

Absolutely....time you got rid of it before you have a heart attack yer fat chuff...... :evil:

 

[sars]

[ref]B21[/ref], the increase in volumes for the e89 over e85 is 4% and the g29 over the e89 is 9% substantial it is not

Your other point is that the silhouette of the e89 is better, whist better is your subjective opinion the g29 fabric flows into the boot line and is not a design compromise which the e89 is because it has to fit into the boot. All the dimensional increases bar one improve the car, front and rear track gains aid stability whilst improving cornering and make a roomier cabin, the boot is more generous allowing for a large suitcase plus two smaller carry ons and which isn’t compromised when the roof is down.

 

[ronk]

I do like the G29 and its advantages.
For the life of me I cannot understand how the armchair experts can criticise the progress of its design - ok its got a bit fatter but then most of us have! - The car has been engineered and designed by some very capable people, probably experts in their own field.

If I could have been 100% certain of a build slot, I would be expecting a delivery in March.

 

[B21]

[ref]B21[/ref], the increase in volumes for the e89 over e85 is 4% and the g29 over the e89 is 9% substantial it is not

Your other point is that the silhouette of the e89 is better, whist better is your subjective opinion the g29 fabric flows into the boot line and is not a design compromise which the e89 is because it has to fit into the boot. All the dimensional increases bar one improve the car, front and rear track gains aid stability whilst improving cornering and make a roomier cabin, the boot is more generous allowing for a large suitcase plus two smaller carry ons and which isn’t compromised when the roof is down.

Dear tetchy,

You misunderstood my ‘it’s better three quarter view’….

I was referring to the fact that if you have to look past your shoulder when seated both the E85 and G29 with only a single window panel and then the cloth hood are more restrictive then the E89 with two glass panels per side.

When I took the G29s for test drives I noticed that filtering into traffic that 3/4 rear view was quite impaired

I did say that the wider track should assist stability..

I did not personally in this post make a subjective assessment of which is ‘better’

Whether 9% is marginal, significant, or irrelevant depends on various circumstances.

Of course a bigger boot and a soft top gives more luggage capability, of course my Volvo XC70 has a bit more space

For the record I’m sure having driven all the versions and looking at the technical components that it is a better handling, more comfortable, more spacious, more technically advanced car than the stock E89 which had a similar improvement over the E85.

So chill SARS

 

[ronk]

The 3/4 rear view is bad but marginally better on the E89