Test Drove an M4: Thoughts and Comparison to Z4!

[sbottum622]

I was at the dealership today, getting my regular car wash, when I saw a few M4s that caught my eye. They were all sitting there, glistening in the sun, built to perfection. As I start looking for a new car, I figured, why not test one out. So here it is: My M4 test drive experience, with comparisons to the Z4.

As a precursor: My Z4 is a 2006 3.0i Roadster. It has roughly 76k miles on it. It has a gap tech RCH, matte black grills, matte wheels, and an eisenmann quad race exhaust (will make a thread if people are interested)

The M4 I drove:
- Finished in a gorgeous sapphire black color
- Gloss black wheels, with the fantastic looking Navy caliper covers, with M logos (standard brakes)
- Black nappa leather interior
- Carbon interior trim
- Sat/Nav
- HUD
- 7 Speed Dual Clutch, with paddles of course


The experience: The first thing I noticed getting into the car was the cockpit experience. The seats are absolutely amazing. The bolsters squeeze the lower back the perfect spot, but are cushy enough so as to remain comfortable. Aside from that, the blacked out giant M logo on the seats are somehow subtle, but look amazing. Secondly, the steering wheel was amazing. Coming from the thin Z4 steering wheel, the M wheel with premium leather, M accented stitching, and perfectly formed bolstering, the steering wheel really contributes to the overall experience. The HUD seemed really invaluable while driving. Providing speed, and the local speed limit, it seemed to be a pretty nifty and albeit useful addition. Turning on the car definitely gives some chills. It sounds downright amazing. One thing I could definitely tell when revving to redline was that the sound definitely comes through the stereo. I feel as though if I hadn't known this prior to driving it, I would have never noticed it. Either way, the sound definitely deserves to be amplified, and the cabin would otherwise be very quiet with the windows up.The next thing I noticed was the brakes. Hats off to the M division because those things are pretty damn awesome. I thought the Z brakes were good, but I feel like the M4 brakes could save me from an accident. The one thing I didn't like was that there wasn't really any room for intermediate pressure. When pushing slightly, the brakes would bring the car to a slow stop, and with the brakes almost fully engaged, it would bring it to a screeching halt, and I couldn't quite figure out a spot in between the two. Either way, they are definitely beastly brakes. Next up, the engine. I was definitely hesitant at first for the forced induction. However, the boost is subtle enough, that it is very sweet. Doing a 2nd gear roll on, as the boost builds at around 3.5 to 4k RPM, the turbo sings, although quiet enough so as to not interrupt the sound of the Inline-6. Another thing that really added to this experience was the paddle shifters. Coming from the plastic push-pull shifters on the Z, the aluminum pull-pull shifters on the M4 were second to none. The overall driving experience just felt a lot tighter than the Z. The suspension was stiff but not overly touchy. The Z feels like its gonna fall apart if you go through too big of a pothole. However, on the M4, it felt much more rigid. You could still feel the subtle bumps and dips of the road, but it certainly felt more comfortable. The steering was definitely a lot tighter. I am not sure how the power steering differs from the Z to the M4, but it was certainly a far more enjoyable experience. I am not sure how the ride height differs, but the M4 definitely felt a lot higher, even though Im sure the difference is not that great. The nose still hung out the front the same way on the Z, and with the great steering it was incredibly easy to place the car. Overall, the M4 was an amazing experience. There are many additions and differences that I would like to implement on my Z. This prompts me to ask you guys for some help:

- Steering wheel: can I swap out the Z4 wheel with an E92 M3 wheel, with new style paddles?
- Seats: If I could find M4 seats, can I just throw them in the Z?

I hope you guys enjoyed my write up! Please let me know if you like it, as I will be test driving many more cars in the coming months, so I will keep it up if you like it! Also, let me know if you would like a build thread of the Z4!

Thanks!

[Nate4641]

Have you looked into the Z4M wheel for your car? It's nice a thick and feels great to hold, not sure about paddles with it though.

[krusty]

Yes - I'd try the Z4M steering wheel: it is wonderful - chunky thick and small diameter. I really like it. It is an option for the standard Z4s.

The other comment about your Z4 feeling like it was falling apart over a pothole: that may also be a reflection of comparing a roadster to a coupe (assume your M4 was a coupe, and not a convertible?). The Z4 coupe will have much more rigidity than the roadster version (though I'd still try to avoid themmmm potholes ! )

[sbottum622]

I could grab the Z4M wheel for 575, but with no paddles, any ideas there? Can they be retrofitted or something?

[dubsesd]

here you go

http://www.mrpaddleshift.com/statements/Z4M_SSG.htm

[jeebus87]

Originally Posted by sbottum622

I could grab the Z4M wheel for 575, but with no paddles, any ideas there? Can they be retrofitted or something?

I'll be doing this soon. The paddles can be retrofitted and has been done before. You have to drill a couple holes: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=676770

If the link doesn't show up, just google z4m steering wheel paddle and you'll find the bimmerfest forum link.

[sbottum622]

Those are SSG style, not the new ones. Thanks though!

[RADRACR]

OP, not to be the "///M" guy but have you driven a Z4 M Coupe? I'd be curious if it's closer to the M4. But I'm sure the M4 is without a doubt a more pleasant experience. I can relate to the pothole/falling apart thing. It does kinda feel like you're driving around in a tin can.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by jeebus87

I'll be doing this soon. The paddles can be retrofitted and has been done before. You have to drill a couple holes: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=676770

If the link doesn't show up, just google z4m steering wheel paddle and you'll find the bimmerfest forum link.

My 3.0 SI is an automatic with paddle shifters and I had an M steering wheel installed two years ago. The paddles are attached exactly as you say. The wheel is a great improvement and the paddles look and operate just fine.

[jeebus87]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

My 3.0 SI is an automatic with paddle shifters and I had an M steering wheel installed two years ago. The paddles are attached exactly as you say. The wheel is a great improvement and the paddles look and operate just fine.

Music to my ears! Did you DIY? Any tips or advice before I embark on this project?

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by jeebus87

Music to my ears! Did you DIY? Any tips or advice before I embark on this project?

Hey Jeebus87!

I had this done at the local dealer. The only advice I can offer on the actual work is to make sure that when the new wheel is installed, it is lined up with the proper spline mark on the column. when I got my car back, the steering wheel was one spline off, so it was slightly to the left when the car was going straight down the road. Amazing how annoying that is! I had to get the dealer to redo it, although they were reluctant. They changed their tune when they took things apart and realized that I was right (got some good guidance from folks here).

Good luck - you'll love the new wheel!

[Huz-Z]

Some info here:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthre...hlight=M+wheel

[jeebus87]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

Some info here:
http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthre...hlight=M+wheel

Awesome. Somehow I missed that thread, but it looks to be a great help (along with the links to excellent installation pics). Well done Huz! Hope to get this done on the weekend.