Z4: real world feedback

[Garvin]

Hold on, do we get the actively self-adjusting adaptive suspension? . . . . . .

Sure do. From the 'horse's mouth' . . . . or his web site at least:

During the journey, sensors continuously measure data and control the shock absorber valves in the Adaptive M suspension according to the driving situation and road profile. This takes place for each wheel individually so that optimum road holding is guaranteed at all times."

I just went over the 2014 US brocfhure. It only mentions manual adjustment and 4mm lower. Compared to which other suspension, or do they mean in sport mode? I don't think BMW's adaptive suspension changes height.

The Adaptive M suspension does not alter the nominal ride height no matter whether comfort, sport or sport+ is selected, although the ride height is set 10mm lower than the conventional suspension.

In summary there are three suspension set ups available in the UK:-

- Standard conventional.
- M Sport conventional (stiffer than 'standard').
- M Sport Adaptive (also 10mm lower than 'standard').

I do not know what set ups are available on your side of the pond!

 

[Squiddie]

I like it a lot. The trunk is reasonable for a roadster (fits a Les Paul) and the shelf up front is usable. The cabin and seating position is very good.

Can't get my Fender Strat in, not in it's hard case anyway. It has to travel on the passenger seat.

Maybe I should swap her out for the shorter length scale Les Paul?

In related news, I need a headless bass.

The seating position is even better than I thought at first. The e89 allows you to adjust the steering wheel by pulling it out toward you a lot further than the 46. For long-legged people that can enable a much more "correct" position according to the poor soul who taught me autocross.

 

[Squiddie]

I just went over the 2014 US brocfhure. It only mentions manual adjustment and 4mm lower. Compared to which other suspension, or do they mean in sport mode? I don't think BMW's adaptive suspension changes height.

The Adaptive M suspension does not alter the nominal ride height no matter whether comfort, sport or sport+ is selected, although the ride height is set 10mm lower than the conventional suspension.

In summary there are three suspension set ups available in the UK:-

- Standard conventional.
- M Sport conventional (stiffer than 'standard').
- M Sport Adaptive (also 10mm lower than 'standard').

I do not know what set ups are available on your side of the pond!

Yeah, I'm just not convinced that the adaptive is the one that automatically changes mode like in the f10. I think we get what the f30s get which is adjusting only with the luser-facing switch.

 

[Amg01]

Thanks for all the feedback I am looking at a used example, can't stretch to a new one unfortunately, looking at spending about £18k which should get me a 2010/2011 example. Apart from the usual things when buying used is there anything in particular I should be looking for?

 

[jmb]

Thanks for all the feedback I am looking at a used example, can't stretch to a new one unfortunately, looking at spending about £18k which should get me a 2010/2011 example. Apart from the usual things when buying used is there anything in particular I should be looking for?

I got a '10 23i from BMW for <16k so you should be good there. People seem to mention water in the light clusters a lot so look out for that. Check the roof works. I didn't, it was raining, but buying from BMW you get a reasonable warranty at least. I used it on the 1 series I had before, corrosion around the rear wiper. They took it away for 3 days, leaving me with a nice new 528i without any fuss.

 

[Squiddie]

Thanks for all the feedback I am looking at a used example, can't stretch to a new one unfortunately, looking at spending about £18k which should get me a 2010/2011 example. Apart from the usual things when buying used is there anything in particular I should be looking for?

Here in the US the Z4 sometimes show up with insane lease deals. Have you looked into that? Any residual value 65% or bigger in combination with an old body that might get money off the top is going to rival new-ish used car cost.

 

[Tyler Durden]

Im in the same boat, test drove one today, I WANT!

 

[Amg01]

Im in the same boat, test drove one today, I WANT!

I haven't managed to do so yet, probably looking at late spring to start the buying process, let me know how you get on and of course pics if you buy!

 

[djstan]

Bit late to the party on this one, but I thought I'd weigh in anyway

Having owned a couple of Honda S2000s and driven Civic Type-Rs and NSXs, I find the Z4 a much nicer place to be. Obviously it's down to personal preference but somehow it just feels more 'special'.

Yes it's more of a GT than a 'sports car', but I'd suggest taking one for a spin - you won't be disappointed

 

[Squiddie]

I have found two WTF items.

1) the A pillar (aka side windshield frame) is gloss black, but it is a gloss black plastic thing. It looks like hell even after 1 week. If I had known about this earlier I would have put protective layers on it but now it's swirl removal time first. Swirl removal from plastic is "interesting work". Alternatively, depending on how difficult it is to replace I could paint two of those things in body color myself.

2) in the door sides, the pockets on the bottom fold out.

If you close the door with the pocket folded out and then put on your seatbelt afterwards the belt will sit on the the pocket edge. It isn't noticeable in how it sits on your hip. However, it introduces massive amounts of slack that will be used up in the event of a crash. And this is a convertible, as everybody knows here messing around with the seatbelts is not recommended.


However, that's about it after a couple of weeks. Not bad considering what other people think about their car

 

[flybobbie]

I find in order to see the instruments, especially the turn indications, the steering wheel is too high.
Would have been nice if the instrument cluster was attached to the steering column to maintain the view through the steering wheel.

 

[Mobeer]

I've had a 2009 sdrive23i for 2.5 years.

Pluses:
+ it goes very nicely, very smooth
+ lots of nice comments from random strangers (makes my head feel bigger)
+ comfortable seats

Negatives
- ride is much too hard on 17" runflats and won't settle
- so-so reliability with some big bills
- missing a much longer 7th gear for long distance cruising
- in car electronics are poor in comparison to newer models (especially dated iDrive)
- quite a common car compared to rivals like the Boxster


In terms of options:
* wind deflector is a must
* heated seats if you like roof down at colder times of year
* sat nav is nice but soo expensive that it's hard to recommend
* PDC is very useful given limited visibility
* alarm is a sensible choice (or now fitted as standard?)
* big wheels might be a good thing to avoid

 

[Amg01]

Thoughts I should update this, firstly thanks for all the feedback, very much appreciated. Have been looking at Z4s for at least 6 months now and checking autotrader and BMW approved used pretty much every day (hour!) and seen a car but it wasn't local. So thought best to get a test drive of a Z4 to check I like it, so test drove a Z4 on Saturday and despite not getting the roof down (I live in Glasgow, surprisingly it was raining) I really liked it, so arranged on Monday to purchase a 2012 Z4 sDrive 20i MSport Roadster in Glacier Silver with Coral Red Interior. It has the 19inch 326 M alloys, cruise control, folding mirrors, Front and rear PDC, service package, heated seats, wind deflector, bluetooth. Considering the options etc seemed like the car together and having spoken to the dealer I test drove the car with, he said the chances of the combination of exterior/interior colours becoming available were minimal, so thought best to pounce. Car is in Belfast so left a deposit and assuming its ok, dealers sent me a detailed video of it and it looks spotless, I will buy it. Just arranging to get across and view it, due to Easter weekend prices for flights, are ridiculous, think all our Celtic cousins are heading home for the weekend so looking like hopefully the 8th April. Assuming its all ok, will get pictures up.

 

[john-e89]

Hi Amgo1, Glacier silver and red leather looks great, saw one in a dealers, very smart, great spec you're going for too, hope it turns out to be the right 1 for you.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

[Tricky Dicky]

We have a 2.0 l m spec ,this engine means cheaper road fund license more economical and more than adequate poke the 326 wheels imo are superb lookers so deep like looking down inside of a tunnel ,the run flats I don't have a problem with ,it means I won't get a phone call off the wife moaning she is stuck on the hard shoulder of the motorway in the rain asking me to come and change the wheel , also if BMW have spent millions developing this system then it works for me ,
The minimum extras you need are the comfort pack ,heated seats are a must when roof down in middle of sunny freezing winter day also means we can fold mirrors back and garage the car every night ,love the extended lighting looks brill also the auto wipers ,I wish we had the media/nav package and comfort access
I would definitely have another ,only problem we've had is the barely noticeable bearing noise behind drivers seat ,I know it's the fuel pump , but it' not made any more noises in many months so Im ok,with it ,the car has truly stunning looks for the money ,not many around ,as I have said here before imo they the best looking car in there class .ie SLK,Boxter etc I'd love the 35is seems to be the flavour of the month like to think I'll have one one day ,though the 2.0l still ticks all the boxes ,blacks and blues show swirls and marks in paint , get the best warranty you can, crucial !! ,and keep it going , some items on these cars can be a pocket emptying experience for the unwary ,high cost of tyres means I have a relaxed right foot ,they are not cheap if you like wheel spinning . Overall matey I love this car ,you will not be disappointed ,our local dealer Ryebrook Warwick who look after our zed v v good service , all the advice you need concerning the E89 can be found here , enjoy,

 

[Amg01]

Yesterday was my pick up day so flew over to Belfast to view the car. Was picked up by a taxi organised by Bavarian BMW to take me to the dealer and the dealership was very smart. Met the salesman who took me over to the waiting car, I have attached some photos, taken with iPhone but not the greatest.

However its fair to say the pictures don't do it justice, car is was immaculate. Full service completed, two near rear tyres, they had even painted the drum silevr and the caliper black, looks very smart. Overall delighted, went for a test drive and I new it was the car for me. Thankfully the weather in Belfast yesterday was cracking so roof down all day. Once the formalities were complete, down to the Port and back to Scotland. Once arrived, again weather was cracking, roof down motoring along the A77 and then M77 back to Glasgow. Absolutely loving it so far and cant wait for the rest of the summer, roof down all day. Some more photos when home.

Now want to give it a proper clean, like having a clean car. There was some condensation in the front lights this morning, dealer has said this, 'I’ve spoken with our service department regarding your query about the condensation on the inside of your headlights. This is perfectly normal for a xenon headlight – A xenon headlight is fitted with vents running along the bottom of the headlight, this is designed to cool the headlight as they get very hot during use. Due to the vents along the bottom of the headlight the headlight will commonly have a strip of condensation appearing along the bottom (as per your photos). This strip of condensation will ‘burn away’ when the headlight is in use.' Is this correct, still under warranty so can get it checked out if needed? What leather cleaner should I be using and looking to get a DA what do people recommend for polish and pads to use?

 

[Jasey]

Hopefully this work

 

[Maniac]

That looks lovely. Almost a satin effect in some photos. Just keep an eye on the condensation, as long as it doesn't accumulate you should be fine. Lovely car. Enjoy.

 

[Visionist]

Around 3 and a half weeks since I picked up my car. Had around 32000 miles on the clock. The 450 mile drive home was a great way to get to know its ins & outs.

The car is extremely docile at low speeds, a pussycat in heavy traffic. The engine and exhaust sound great; very "technical". You have the satisfying growl on startup which quickly (too quickly!) abates as the valves close. Nice burble when cruising slowly in higher gears, again could be a bit louder for my taste, but ready to scream when you put your foot down, especially with the gearbox in S mode. A distant wail from the turbines heard every now and again. Come-off at speed and you hear the wastegates whistle and hiss, and give it a cheeky rev in park (when you arrive and your oil's warm) and it roars and pops and crackles something fierce. Fantastic and utterly moreish.

 

[Barley]

I have been a 35is (63 reg 10,000 miles) owner for 3 weeks now, havnt really pushed the car in cornering yet but it being a massive uplift in terms of performance than my previous car im building up gradually

In a straight line Ig goes like stink, massive powerful acceleration, ear to ear smile and laugh out loud pleasure, dare I say its obscene there is power through the whole range and overtaking anything, including a line of cars is a doddle. Blink and before you know it youre doing a ton. Really need to rein it in and be careful with all that power.

As per comment above the exhaust note is stupendous. Ive hardly used the stereo.