Test Driving Z4 Coupe

[bluestreak56]

So this weekend I decided to go and test drive a coupe Sport (manual) to see what the ride was like and to make a decision as to whether or not to replace both my BMW (1988 635Csi) and my Scirocco (1992 16v GT2).

I went to see 2 cars in West London: a private owner in Kensington and a trade owner in Streatham.

However when I got to both, I couldnt drive either!!

I really need to drive one to find out whether or not its worth my while selling the others or whether I should be testing an SE or an auto!

Any advice? Shall I just keep trying? There seems to be a mass number of auto's in the London area but very few manuals.

PS it has to be a coup.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Wondermike]

Nothing wrong with the auto, especially where you are. And the SE is really rare, you'll almost certainly end up with a Sport.

O/T but I had an '88 Scirocco Scala in white, loved that car :sweetheart: Were all the factory 16v 'roccos left hand drive?

 

[Taz]

why could you not drive them?

 

[srhutch]

Your mixning your specs up, it's SE or Sport with Auto available with either.

As wondermike says most are sports and IMO the most desirable version.

 

[RobertRO]

I owned a 1986 E28 535i for about 10 years. Mechanically, it's the same car as the E24 635CSi, but the later is more desirable, as (probably) one of the most beautiful BMW designs ever.
Almost 1 year ago I sold my E28 535i and purchased an E86 Z4 M Coupe.

I suppose that probably my expectations related to the E86 were too high, therefore now I have mixed feelings about it.
Indeed, there are many reasons to like the Z4 Coupe. It's faster, quieter, more modern, sexier, steers better, has better fuel economy, has good value preserving potential for the future (but so does the 635CSi!), and so on.
However, there are quite a few of issues that I consider at least unpleasant (or even unacceptable) for a premium car built in 2006.
I liked better how the E28/E24 Getrag 260/6 gearbox shifted, compared to the ZF gearbox on the Z4M - not good for a 20+ years newer design. Then, there's quite a bit of "clunk" noise in the driveline on the 50.000+ Km Z4M, more than I had on the 200.000+ Km E28. The differential whines a bit when coasting from around 120 km/h down to 100 Km/h. I had to replace the front wheel bearings at only 50.000 Km. I also have a bit of steering wheel "wobble" around 120 to 150 Km/h whose cause I have yet to discover. You can also read a lot in this message board about failing rear springs (not happened to me, yet) and about electric assisted steering problems (only applicable to Z4 Coupe with the N52 engine).

Overall, I like my Z4M and I intend to keep it for long term. However, I want to point out that I miss my E28 535i - something that I wouldn't have believed it would happen, when I sold the E28 for buying the E86.
The M30 engine is extremely reliable. A reliability that you will not have with the N52 engine, so from this point of view you should better look for a Z4 M Coupe (S54 engine). Although not at all on par with the M30, I consider that the S54 engine is better in terms on reliability and servicability than the all-Al/Mg N52.
There was way more space in the E28, and the driving position was more comfortable than in the Z4, something that I miss during the long trips.
Servicing an E24/E28 is a dream, compared to E86. First, you can do yourself most of the work, without needing BMW special tools. Second, it is a lot cheaper.

If I were you, I would consider buying an E86, but I would not sell the E24 635CSi - unless it had a severe accident or it's badly rusted.

 

[bluestreak56]

Thanks for all your replies!

Wondermike - Im only worried about the difference in suspension between SE and Sport other than that I definitely want a sport. Auto or Manual I need to drive both for a bit to decide. Great to hear about your rocco, yes all factory built 16v's were LHD, mine was converted from a mk2 golf.

Taz - I couldnt drive them because the private seller wasnt sure about insurance cover and I dont blame him to be fair I have 2 classic policies for my cars so I'm not covered to drive others. The trade seller didnt have the keys to the lock up where the car was as it was at one of his other showrooms run by "a friend" and didnt want to let me drive it unless I was "really interested" to which I retorted how can I be interested if I cant drive the car!

srhutch - Sorry my post wasnt clear but I know you can get both sport and SE's with either gearbox. As I said Im only worried about the ride comfort.

RobertRO - Thanks for your large contribution, I understand your points, you clearly loved your E28. I know they are virtually the same car.. My E24 does have rust issues and I dont drive it enough which is why I have to consolidate down to one car and I feel the E86 is a good mix of E24/Scirocco.

I definitely will take on board what you are saying about the issues especially with the N52 engine, I think all UK based cars are N52s?

I would look at the S54 but the problem is costs. I do less than 5000 miles a year and my car will sit on the drive, I walk to work and generally do short journeys. I dont think I could warrant the insurance, tax, fuel, service and initial expense overheads of an M even though they will likely retain their value better..

 

[the gill]

Test drives are what BMW dealers are for. I tried a manual and then an auto and went for the auto coupe Sport. I don't find the Sport too stiff to be honest (I was thinking about the SE as well) - only point to note is the slightly twitchy ride on the runflats (which will be ditched when they wear out).
Cheers