Z4 update news

[Z4monster]

Stand by for exciting news, for some BMW are to add a manual gearbox to the Z4. Now don't get too excited, it's only for the base 20i at the moment.
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-germancars/bmw-m550i-gets-530hp-840i-gets-340hp-and-rwd/40218

Personally not bothered about a manual 'box as all my E89 Z4's have been auto and I think the ZF 'box is fantastic.

 

[buzyg]

Fingers crossed.

 

[NewZdriver]

Yup, there’d have been a time when I’d have been interested but the ZF auto box is a real gem!! Sticking with auto!!

 

[dr_john]

Auto all the way for me, I discovered the joys of BMW auto several cars ago and wouldn't go back to manual for anything.

Currently waiting for my new G29 Sport, today is supposed to be the handover day but apparently the car is at the entry port awaiting customs, the dealer thinks I should get it by the end of the week.

 

[9designs]

Any news or hope for an M version ? ... seems there is room for one if it wants to compete with a top spec Boxster.

 

[srhutch]

Any news or hope for an M version ? ... seems there is room for one if it wants to compete with a top spec Boxster.

The manual was always in the pipeline, don’t think an ///M is though.

 

[buzyg]

Any news or hope for an M version ? ... seems there is room for one if it wants to compete with a top spec Boxster.

The manual was always in the pipeline, don’t think an ///M is though.

Hope your wrong.

 

[Quadracer]

Why would anyone want a manual? I can understand years ago when manuals were faster but these days why would you?

 

[mr wilks]

Why would anyone want a manual? I can understand years ago when manuals were faster but these days why would you?

Personal preference perhaps :?
I had a mapped 35i manual (loved it) & now have a mapped 35is with DCT
Early days after just 2 months but from my perspective it isn't all that impressive I'm doing my best to like it but in all honesty 1st choice would be manual.
However in the Si E86s I've owned then I'd take the auto everytime , it just works so well in that car

 

[Quadracer]

I always drive using the paddles, i wouldn't give them up for a manual, not quick enough. I know a manual stops quicker, but up shifting in a manual whilst cornering encourages oversteer. Have you had any issues with the traction control when remapping your 35is?

 

[mr wilks]

I always drive using the paddles, i wouldn't give them up for a manual, not quick enough. I know a manual stops quicker, but up shifting in a manual whilst cornering encourages oversteer. Have you had any issues with the traction control when remapping your 35is?

Do you live in the wilds of Scotland or Brands Hatch :? upshifting whilst cornering giving oversteer on uk roads you must be at warp speed in a 340bhp car
Just to be clear i wasn't saying i preferred the manual because it was faster , i find the E89 needs all the help it can get with regard involving the driver & my enjoyment behind the wheel was increased with the clutch / manual box in the 35i , it helped create some sense of sports car feel that this DCT has totally removed , it works ok , i'm not denying that
Jmo of course & also worth noting i only drive the car very occasionally for pleasure , zero commuting where i would imagine a auto or DCT would prove itself to be the wiser choice .
Re the TC after remapping , no not had any issues , it works as before , i never switch it off , never felt the need to go beyond sport setting & didn't with the manual 35i either :? & that was pushed quite extensively on a European trip with other Zs

 

[Quadracer]

When I had mine mapped it couldn't put the power down. The traction lights just flickered, even in the dry. I had to change the rear diff to a Quaife to solve the problem. 0-60 time was then 4.16 and quarter mile in 12.71 which is pretty respectable for a road going car on road tyres.
I think I remember your name Mr Wilks from when I visited this site years ago.
I would think you have seen many owners come and go.

 

[mr wilks]

The twin turbo 89s do move at great pace. , very swft machines but handling will always be their weak point.
Fantastic cruisers & still look great.
I would imagine fitting a LSD is actually a better mod than upping the power as reality of that is yes there is more torque but no chance of exploiting that in real world driving.
Look forward to your thoughts once you have some 40i miles covered

 

[john-e89]

I always drive using the paddles, i wouldn't give them up for a manual, not quick enough. I know a manual stops quicker, but up shifting in a manual whilst cornering encourages oversteer. Have you had any issues with the traction control when remapping your 35is?

How does a manual stop quicker..? :?

If you’re upshifting mid corner you’ve gone in in the wrong gear. The 35is is totally the wrong car to be using for very spirited pure driving involvement runs imho, if that’s your only car then cool but it’s too flabby with a jelly chassis to be taken seriously.

 

[Quadracer]

Manuals stop quicker because of engine braking. That's why brake pads don't last as long with a DCT.
You're upshifting just on the exit of corners as you accelerate, if you are dipping the clutch the nose dips momentarily unstabling the rear. With a DCT you don't get this.
I never experience the Jelly chassis, roof up or down, you may need your alignment altering. They arrive from BMW set up for safe long motorway drives.

 

[john-e89]

:?

I use the engine to brake all the time, just flick the paddles to downshift, no different to a manual.

You’ve no need to change up mid or exiting a corner if you’re in the right gear on entry and use the rev range unless it’s a very long sweeping corner in which case it won’t be tight enough to unsettle the car, imho anyway.

Regarding how BMW built the car is exactly my point, it’s not the right car for driver involvement, it’s a cruiser as you say with a chassis that gives understeer on entry then switches to oversteer mid corner from weight transfer, very unnerving, it’s been the exactly the same with all 3 of my 35is’s, and one of those was brand new out of the box. Great daily car and for long trips but for a run out in twisties it’s hopeless, again imo.

 

[MACK]

I dont think anyone can argue manuals are more involving to drive. If that's your bag there's only really one choice.
Couple that to the fact that autos/twin clutch are horrifically expensive to sort when they go wrong and they tend to go wrong more than manuals for some manuals will remain the only choice.