Z4M - one week in

[alexman]

I bought my Z4M to replace an MX5 (which was a different stable but good fun with a throaty sounding stainless steel exhaust). My impressions so far:

1) Superb acceleration, but engine the sound of the perhaps doesn't have the emotion of a V6 or V8 alternative (think TVR Tuscan).. when going really fast it sounds like a jet engine though which is very cool. In this respect I just think it misses a cool entrance sound of something else, but I guess mufflers might help here.
2) Even though its fast, the comfort masks some of this out (I'm guessing a Lotus Elise "feels" just as fast as there is more noise and less between driver and road and its all about perception after all)
3) Comfy - better don't mind crashy ride - this is what sports cars are about!
4) I worry about it getting scratched more than the MX5, hence more inclined to try and be inconspicuous and keep top up when I can for fear of "who do he think he is" jealous types wanting to key it when parked in a public place (or I could just be being paranoid!)
5) The only problem with the greater speed is that the higher performance is unobtainable on UK roads without risking losing your license..
6) It's certainly more cool and more substantial than an MX5 but not as many times more fun as the difference in cost (though this is to be expected)..

I love it but must admit I miss the sound of something like a TVR that you hear a mile off and makes your heart skip a beat.. for £20k though I can't think of anything more reliable with a 1 year warranty that would offer the same performance!

 

[daz05]

A V6 is a compromise engine, Straight 6 is

V8 I won't argue with.

 

[fridaypassion]

Good write up. I'm about 6/7 weeks in and have similar observations. The relative lack of torque and linear delivery mask your speeds. I regularly look down and am shocked at the speeds the car is doing. As you say it's more than enough power for the road.

As for not having the roof down no way! Rules are sun out=roof down.

As for the noise I think you are insulated from a lot of it in the drivers seat. My neighbour informed me the other day that he could hear ours for quite a long time after we set off! I love the raspiness of the exhaust note as well which is much more preferable to me than a big grumbly sound like a tvr. Should also be less hassle when it comes to trackdays.

 

[duckson]

Picked up my Z4MR on Sunday and i think it sounds amazing. :evil:
Drove a couple of 189bhp VVTi Elises and for the same price as the Z4 there is no comparison, sound rubbish in comparison, dont go that well and even though they are very light off cam they are still sluggish. Bonus is they are cheaper to run but thats were it ends for me.

 

[Aliv6]

A V6 is a compromise engine, Straight 6 is

V8 I won't argue with.

you take that bak! My V6 sounds stunning!!!

And your clean car makes mine look pants in the carpark!!

 

[a11y]

I'll give you that: the french V6 does sound better than your Z4MC

 

[sammyz]

Get a sports exhaust system if you want it louder. My neighbour reckoned he could hear me turning into our estate (about half a mile away) long before I rumbled onto he driveway. Glad you're lovin the speed.

 

[daz05]

Sorry Ali I just can't!! The S54 was created by God himself. The V6 may sound good but thats where it ends for me. Take us for a spin I may change my tune.

Really?? I haven't washed it in a week, and unlike yours its never been detailed either.

Your car continues to confuse me, one day its black, next day its dark blue. Cool colour.

Did you get issues from last week fixed yet, what mileage is it on?