Z4 as DD

Thanks for the reply. That doesnt seem too bad. And im actually pretty set on a 3.0 if i do get one. I dont know what comes standard on what trim levels though, so im not sure about headlights. Id like a manual roof but i dont think they come with them but im not sure. The auto soft top doesnt seem to bad though as long as you maintain it. I garage my car though so the rain shouldnt be too big of an issue. Hm. hopefully in 6-12 months the 2006 models will be cheaper. Think its okay to go with earlier years even though theyre more prone to trouble, if its lower miles vs a 2006? (i heard 2006 is the year where a lot of bugs were fixed?)

My big question though is why these cars arent more popular... really. Am i missing something lol
 
I love my Z4. The only necessary mod that I've done is swapped out the antenna for a stubby. I find the cockpit comfortable. I love the acceleration when I need it (passing on the interstate). I test drove a Z before trying others (Miata, Audi, etc.) and found them all lacking.
 
Well lets see. The coupes seem to be 18-25k. That seems a little much because cant you get 370z's for that price? Havent driven a roadster yet, i might like the top down better.
 
I drive my 3.0i daily, everywhere. If it's above 40F and below 110F and not raining the top is down. I live in the Mojave Desert so rain is rarely a problem.
 
Hi Lucid,

As far as I know the Z4 roadsters have a power roof, don't believe there is a manual option.

In terms of pre or post 2006 - buy on condition and maintenance. A pampered and well maintained pre 2006 model maybe better than a not so loved post facelift model at the same money.

Standard equipment - not sure about US models! It's likely most will be well specced with extras. Judge each car on its own merit - mine doesn't have cruise but it has Bluetooth and higher spec audio. Xenons are great but are costly to put right.

As for popularity - it could be the ride quality. It's a hard ride compared to a Merc or Infiniti so it could well be a deciding factor?

I chose a coupe over the 350Z which is highly rated over here. I prefer the coupe style to the Nissan plus the running costs in terms of fuel are less. Not to mention that the BMW interior feels more classy.

Hope it helps a little!
 
lucid, go for a 3.0 manual transmission, an auto was my first choice but after driving a manual its far more the drivers car, love listening to the straight six as i stir it up though the cogs gorgeous, Im using mine as a DD but be aware with runflats "which i have" it does tramline now and then and by no means is it a smooth ride lol, but its a car that gets under my skin, and not many cars do that for me.

Good luck
 
gordongecko500 said:
Hi Lucid,

As far as I know the Z4 roadsters have a power roof, don't believe there is a manual option...
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I believe manual roof was an option, but in the US market. Of course, the automatic roof can be used manually if the motor does fail :)
 
lucid said:
My big question though is why these cars aren't more popular... really. Am i missing something lol
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I think its because of the pressure of the domestic market over in the US. Additionally, BMW are seen as an import (even though the E85 was built in the US), parts are expensive, and it is a premium brand.

Over here, they can be overlooked for cheaper alternatives (S2000, MR2) which deliver much of the benefit of open top motoring but for a fraction of the cost. And of course, the misguided perception that convertibles are "for girls" and not a "proper man's car" :roll:

I drove a number of alternatives when choosing mine, and eventually settled on an E85 before choosing between the models. The only way of choosing was to drive them, and see what fitted best!
 
Mangozac said:
johnnymarrsbarres said:
SMGs are, on the whole, very reliable. Theres a lot of them on 100k+ with no issues.
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My mistake. I just had the impression that they weren't that great - perhaps because they can be a pain when it comes to low speed manoeuvring?
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If you leave it in 'auto' mode then yes they're hideously slow, jerky and stupid. But then just get an auto.

I leave mine in manual 100% of the time and it's fine in slow traffic. They're not as finessed as modern dual clutch systems but personally I like the angry 'punched in the back of the head' gear changes when you shift at the red line. It's raw and wicked fun.
 
coaldust said:
lucid, go for a 3.0 manual transmission, an auto was my first choice but after driving a manual its far more the drivers car, love listening to the straight six as i stir it up though the cogs gorgeous, Im using mine as a DD but be aware with runflats "which i have" it does tramline now and then and by no means is it a smooth ride lol, but its a car that gets under my skin, and not many cars do that for me.

Good luck
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Lol, thanks for the suggestion but i cant just ignore my disability like i stated in the first post and get a manual anyway.
And as long as the SMG's are as reliable as a normal auto, I wouldnt mind having one at all. The closer to the manual experience the better. I just cant work a clutch.

Its really this versus a g35/350z, but the Z4 just comes off as way more unique and special, and then the added bonus of me already being a BMW lover makes it a no brainer. I cant wait for this snow to pass so i can test drive one or two. Its gonna be under 35 for the next week and snowing off and on.. not ideal for test driving a rwd roadster, lmao but eventually it will get better. I will probably be buying one at 60-80k miles, so hopefully it will last at least until 150k with some maintenance, but not something like replacing the tranny or engine. If i like it enough, i might even try to keep it longer.
 
wiseguy said:
S2000:
standard only, not autos
useless tiny trunk
ricey exhaust note
manual roof (I wanted an auto, but I know you don't)
weak acceleration
dated styling
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Weak acceleration....perhaps the wrong gear sir? Nothing like weak, not torquey so the box needs to be worked. 'Easier' to drive the Z fast whilst being lazy though!

On topic, I'm just returned to a Z4C after a year with a company car. Loved it last time as a DD & will love it again this time....once I've toughened up and stopped being used to wallowing about in an F10...great car, any speed, any condition but so removed from driving - it has made me soft!

Can't wait to get the feeling if total connection back again.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
lucid said:
Its really this versus a g35/350z, but the Z4 just comes off as way more unique and special, and then the added bonus of me already being a BMW lover makes it a no brainer.
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350Zs have not aged well IMO. They might have plenty of power but compared to modern cars look really dated. Sure, the E85 is getting long in the tooth, but I think it's ageing gracefully.

I couldn't get past the hideous door handles on the Nissan Zeds! Can't believe someone thought they were a good design decision!

The Japanese make good cars (I drove Hondas and Toyotas early on), but once you go European there's no going back ;)
 
I dont think they look too bad. Id more likely go for the G35 if i dont get a z4 anyway, which i do think look great.
 
lucid said:
coaldust said:
lucid, go for a 3.0 manual transmission, an auto was my first choice but after driving a manual its far more the drivers car, love listening to the straight six as i stir it up though the cogs gorgeous, Im using mine as a DD but be aware with runflats "which i have" it does tramline now and then and by no means is it a smooth ride lol, but its a car that gets under my skin, and not many cars do that for me.

Good luck
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Lol, thanks for the suggestion but i cant just ignore my disability like i stated in the first post and get a manual anyway.
And as long as the SMG's are as reliable as a normal auto, I wouldnt mind having one at all. The closer to the manual experience the better. I just cant work a clutch.

Its really this versus a g35/350z, but the Z4 just comes off as way more unique and special, and then the added bonus of me already being a BMW lover makes it a no brainer. I cant wait for this snow to pass so i can test drive one or two. Its gonna be under 35 for the next week and snowing off and on.. not ideal for test driving a rwd roadster, lmao but eventually it will get better. I will probably be buying one at 60-80k miles, so hopefully it will last at least until 150k with some maintenance, but not something like replacing the tranny or engine. If i like it enough, i might even try to keep it longer.
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sorry did notice you had a disability, I nearly purchased a 350z but the back of them put me off :), had the roof down last night in 5.0c temp for 2 hours, was lovely.
 
I'm on my second Z first one I had for about 3 years and this on for 3 and 1/2 years both reliable so far and average 30mpg
 
mason storm said:
I'm on my second Z first one I had for about 3 years and this on for 3 and 1/2 years both reliable so far and average 30mpg
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What would you say bothers you most on the daily?

For example, on my integra the driver seat creaks when i move around in it and just general in driving. The passenger seatbelt when plugged in has a high pitched squeak... i usually tell my passengers not to plug it in. The transmission is jerky as hell... and obv super underpowered. High 16s i imagine in the qtr mile.
 
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