2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe: A Review

OPTIMO · 11-08-2007, 10:09 AM

http://moleskine.ubertechnik.com/article/3...-coupe-a-review

Basics:
Black Sapphire Metallic / Black

Equipped:
6 Speed Manual.
Premium Package.
Heated seats.

In the hunt for my 30th birthday present, I’ve decided to start narrowing the field. Currently on the potential car list are:

Porsche Cayman S.
Lotus Elise.
BMW Z4 M Coupe.

Granted, these are all very different cars but I’ve decided not to limit myself.

Initial Thoughts:

The car is beautiful, although I don’t think a dark color (e.g. black) show the lines of the car very well. Perhaps it’s because this particular example was covered in pollen. Regardless, the car looks mean with its long bonnet and aggressive rear arches.

Upon plunking myself down into the seat I felt low, about as low as I did in the Cayman or maybe a touch lower. The seats grip very nicely but there isn’t a lot of legroom for taller blokes. I’m 5’11” and if I was 6’3” I’m not sure I would have felt comfortable. Regardless, for someone of my stature the cockpit was cozy and to business.

The cluster was well positioned but the always illuminated orange/red lines was a bit annoying (perhaps the car wasn’t fully warmed?).

The stereo is an improvement over what I had in my 2000 323ci cabrio (ripped it out my first month of ownership to replace with something acceptable) and a huge improvement over what I had in my 1988 E30 M3 (none).

There wasn’t an overload of dials or gauges and the navigation screen seemed well positioned.

Behind the wheel the car was everything I hoped the Cayman S would be, aggressive dare I say a bit rude, explosive with a well rationed steering rack. The Cayman S felt a bit less reluctant to change direction (could just be magazine poison seeping into my brain) but the Z4 M Coupe was wonderful on suburban backroads.

Quote:

aggressive dare I say a bit rude

The hatch space was a little disappointing. The last car for me to test drive, the Lotus Elise, has enough space for a duffel bag or two. There’s not a whole lot more room in the Z4 M Coupe. Not large enough for a golf bag with clubs, but large enough to take a normal trip to the local grocer or to fill up with bags for a weekend getaway.

As an additional note, I attempted to schedule a test drive at BMW of Arlington, the dealer that serviced my E46 convertible, but I was essentially brushed aside by a terrible salesman. I then took it upon myself to setup a test drive at BMW of Fairfax, what a difference. I received prompt attention and excellent service.

When I got out of the Cayman S there was a respect and admiration for a well engineered car.

When I got out of the BMW Z4 M Coupe there was lust and desire.

The Elise is going to have to put on one hell of a show to trump the BMW Z4 M Coupe at this point. I’m already dreaming of a space gray metallic M Coupe parked in my driveway.

Rating:
5.0/5.0

peakpro · 11-08-2007, 10:19 AM

thanks for the reviews...

i drove a z4 3.o for 3 years...i recently sold it and picked up a used boxster as a stop gap well I look for my next car...

both, the Z4M and the cayman are on my list...i have them pretty even but i find the cayman more polished .....if porsche was offering 12-14K off a cayman S I think my choice would be made up very quickly...

but both excellent cars

OPTIMO · 11-08-2007, 10:32 AM

Both are definitely very nice cars. Hard to justify the delta in price, in my opinion. The Cayman S had a nicer interior, but the Z4MC was a lot more entertaining behind the wheel, in my opinion.

Dammmittt · 11-08-2007, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPTIMO

The cluster was well positioned but the always illuminated orange/red lines was a bit annoying (perhaps the car wasn’t fully warmed?).

Yes...the orange bars go away as the oil temperature goes up to normal operating temps...glad you liked it, not sure why you think a golf bag and set of clubs wouldn't fit...I've seen pictures of it...

Rick Hunter · 11-08-2007, 11:40 AM

You could not have said it any better, OPTIMO.

We await your final decision.

inTgr8r · 11-08-2007, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dammmittt

Yes...the orange bars go away as the oil temperature goes up to normal operating temps...glad you liked it, not sure why you think a golf bag and set of clubs wouldn't fit...I've seen pictures of it...

Yup...
If they fit my roady, they fit the coupe.
Just have to pull the long sticks...

OPTIMO · 11-08-2007, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

Yup...
If they fit my roady, they fit the coupe.
Just have to pull the long sticks...

Well that's good news about the clubs! I'm having a hell of a time getting an Elise test drive scheduled. I'm shooting for a week from this Saturday.

At this point, it's a matter of waiting until after Christmas as I have family coming down for Thanksgiving, going to Mexico for vacation, going to Rhode Island for Christmas and I'm the best man at a wedding on New Year's Eve.

Once January gets here, the purchase (or lease) will be made. Also looking at my options for writing off part of a lease with my LLC. We'll see.

Then it's down to finding the right car in a color I like! Having seen a golf bag in the boot of a roadster may have just sealed the deal.

inTgr8r · 11-08-2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPTIMO

Well that's good news about the clubs! ......
Having seen a golf bag in the boot of a roadster may have just sealed the deal.

It was high on my list as well....
I took my sticks to the showroom

The pic is of a full size cart bag.
You can also fit two smaller carry bags.

Hawkeye · 11-08-2007, 02:36 PM

You'll have to do another write up after test driving the Elise as well

OPTIMO · 11-08-2007, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

It was high on my list as well....
I took my sticks to the showroom

The pic is of a full size cart bag.
You can also fit two smaller carry bags.

I took my helmet to the showroom. Plenty of clearance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

You'll have to do another write up after test driving the Elise as well

Will do.

wrh3 · 11-11-2007, 07:53 AM

I just went from an Elise to an M Coupe. The Elise is raw with little creature comfort but that's why I loved it and will have another

If you have ever driven a go-kart, this is the Elise with more power and street legal. The Lotus really spoils just about every other car for you if you enjoy the driving experience with a lot of feedback. After driving the Elise, other cars that felt solid prior felt like Cadillacs.

The M provides more amenities and comfort and is still a lot of fun to drive. Not as raw as the Elise but a compromise for some of the longer mountain drives we go on.

I have not driven a Cayman, was enroute when I went to the Lotus dealer last year on the way and ended up with my Elise. The only downside to the Lotus is the expensive fiberglass repairs and limited visibility to SUV drivers

If you are looking at the Elise, a good forum is www.elisetalk.com .

pbdm4k · 11-12-2007, 05:24 PM

I think the trunk is GREAT in the Z4.
I'll confirm (altough there is a picture), that there is no trouble fitting golf clubs in the back.
I've also managed to fit two computers in the trunk with a few groceries in there as well.
Oh, and helmet on with the roof up is definately not a problem. Pleanty of space to maneouver your head around.

Love my roady!

unionjack · 11-14-2007, 12:24 AM

OPTIMOsley

shiyan · 11-14-2007, 02:53 AM

oooooooooooooo unionjack is here too?

:wave:

hayyyyyy it's almost a mini ubertechnic gathering lol

hey OPTIMO, funny 3 of us end up here

valdeztke · 11-14-2007, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrh3

I just went from an Elise to an M Coupe. The Elise is raw with little creature comfort but that's why I loved it and will have another

If you have ever driven a go-kart, this is the Elise with more power and street legal. The Lotus really spoils just about every other car for you if you enjoy the driving experience with a lot of feedback. After driving the Elise, other cars that felt solid prior felt like Cadillacs.

The M provides more amenities and comfort and is still a lot of fun to drive. Not as raw as the Elise but a compromise for some of the longer mountain drives we go on.

I have not driven a Cayman, was enroute when I went to the Lotus dealer last year on the way and ended up with my Elise. The only downside to the Lotus is the expensive fiberglass repairs and limited visibility to SUV drivers

If you are looking at the Elise, a good forum is www.elisetalk.com .

Nice job on your webspace Bill

Hawkeye · 11-14-2007, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valdeztke

Nice job on your webspace bill

I second that. I am going to have to do that awesome Homelink install you have on there!

unionjack · 11-15-2007, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiyan

oooooooooooooo unionjack is here too?

:wave:

hayyyyyy it's almost a mini ubertechnic gathering lol

hey OPTIMO, funny 3 of us end up here

Holy crap. You're here?

shiyan · 11-15-2007, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unionjack

Holy crap. You're here?

yeah

can't believe we didn't bump into each other earlier

funny how we have similar tastes in cars too eh?

did you see my thread here?

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94050

OPTIMO · 11-21-2007, 10:30 AM

We should start the league back up in all our spare time.

ianbiz · 11-24-2007, 06:01 PM

Nice review. You can fit golf clubs in the trunks (you just need to be smart about, my dad does it all the time). I am dieing to drive an Elise, so i am waiting for a more unbiased review compared to the magazines.

pal · 11-26-2007, 08:51 PM

You cannot go wrong with either of the three cars and here is my quick take-

Cayman S- Great track car and precision machine feel
Lotus- Awesome track car, but may be a tough sell as a daily driver
M Coupe- Good track car, good daily driver, sweet motor and the car has a lot of spirit.

11-08-2007, 10:19 AM	#2
peakpro Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 290 Posts Drives: ex-Z4; now looking Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	thanks for the reviews... i drove a z4 3.o for 3 years...i recently sold it and picked up a used boxster as a stop gap well I look for my next car... both, the Z4M and the cayman are on my list...i have them pretty even but i find the cayman more polished .....if porsche was offering 12-14K off a cayman S I think my choice would be made up very quickly... but both excellent cars
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2007, 10:32 AM	#3
OPTIMO Enlisted Member 1 Rep 31 Posts Drives: Sold: E30 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	Both are definitely very nice cars. Hard to justify the delta in price, in my opinion. The Cayman S had a nicer interior, but the Z4MC was a lot more entertaining behind the wheel, in my opinion.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-08-2007, 11:40 AM	#5
Rick Hunter Skull Squadron Leader 307 Rep 2,031 Posts Drives: '07 M Coupé & '16 435xi GCoupé Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Emerald City iTrader: (20)	You could not have said it any better, OPTIMO. We await your final decision. __________________
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11-08-2007, 02:36 PM	#9
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2070 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	You'll have to do another write up after test driving the Elise as well __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
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11-11-2007, 07:53 AM	#11
wrh3 Car Guy 31 Rep 796 Posts Drives: 2005 MCS, 2013 Corvette 427 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ATL, GA iTrader: (10)	I just went from an Elise to an M Coupe. The Elise is raw with little creature comfort but that's why I loved it and will have another If you have ever driven a go-kart, this is the Elise with more power and street legal. The Lotus really spoils just about every other car for you if you enjoy the driving experience with a lot of feedback. After driving the Elise, other cars that felt solid prior felt like Cadillacs. The M provides more amenities and comfort and is still a lot of fun to drive. Not as raw as the Elise but a compromise for some of the longer mountain drives we go on. I have not driven a Cayman, was enroute when I went to the Lotus dealer last year on the way and ended up with my Elise. The only downside to the Lotus is the expensive fiberglass repairs and limited visibility to SUV drivers If you are looking at the Elise, a good forum is www.elisetalk.com . __________________ Bill- 2005 Mini Cooper S, 2013 Corvette 427 www.billswebspace.com/bmwindex BMW CCA Member # 389948
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11-12-2007, 05:24 PM	#12
pbdm4k Lieutenant Colonel 75 Rep 1,689 Posts Drives: 2010 335d Join Date: May 2007 Location: North of the Border iTrader: (3)	I think the trunk is GREAT in the Z4. I'll confirm (altough there is a picture), that there is no trouble fitting golf clubs in the back. I've also managed to fit two computers in the trunk with a few groceries in there as well. Oh, and helmet on with the roof up is definately not a problem. Pleanty of space to maneouver your head around. Love my roady!
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11-14-2007, 12:24 AM	#13
unionjack Conceited Prick 14 Rep 105 Posts Drives: Z4 M Coupe previously Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (2) Garage List 2007 Z4 M Coupe [0.00]	OPTIMOsley __________________ previously AW/IR \| Premium Package \| Heated Seats \| Navigation \| Valentine One \| Shorty Antenna \| Black Kidney Surrounds
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11-14-2007, 02:53 AM	#14
shiyan has no social skills 18 Rep 157 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0 Roadster Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Antwerp, Belgium iTrader: (0)	oooooooooooooo unionjack is here too? :wave: hayyyyyy it's almost a mini ubertechnic gathering lol hey OPTIMO, funny 3 of us end up here
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11-21-2007, 10:30 AM	#19
OPTIMO Enlisted Member 1 Rep 31 Posts Drives: Sold: E30 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	We should start the league back up in all our spare time.
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11-24-2007, 06:01 PM	#20
ianbiz Back in a BMW 205 Rep 5,208 Posts Drives: 2015 335i Msport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (8)	Nice review. You can fit golf clubs in the trunks (you just need to be smart about, my dad does it all the time). I am dieing to drive an Elise, so i am waiting for a more unbiased review compared to the magazines. __________________ Ian
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11-26-2007, 08:51 PM	#21
pal Captain 433 Rep 753 Posts Drives: Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (2)	You cannot go wrong with either of the three cars and here is my quick take- Cayman S- Great track car and precision machine feel Lotus- Awesome track car, but may be a tough sell as a daily driver M Coupe- Good track car, good daily driver, sweet motor and the car has a lot of spirit.
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