Test Drove a 2007 Z4M Roadster today - disappointed!

[561design]

No, but I'm curious how many of you have actually driven both models on the same course under similar conditions. I bet if you did, you would understand what I'm saying.

No need to defend yourselves with silly pictures just because you paid more for your car.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by 561design

No, but I'm curious how many of you have actually driven both models on the same course under similar conditions. I bet if you did, you would understand what I'm saying.

No need to defend yourselves with silly pictures just because you paid more for your car.

I have, several times.
I think one of the main things you're feeling is the almost 200lb lighter weight of the non-M.
Definitely makes it a little more tossable.

Now..... a 3.0 with M suspension & brakes; THAT would be a fun car on the twisties

[pbdm4k]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

I have, several times.
I think one of the main things you're feeling is the almost 200lb lighter weight of the non-M.
Definitely makes it a little more tossable.

Now..... a 3.0 with M suspension & brakes; THAT would be a fun car on the twisties

Don't forget tires... those RFT's are absolutely horrid.

I got my Nitto Invos finally and hooooly the difference is phenominal. That and I'm getting lots of looks and compliments with the new iForged wheels.

oh, Brambo BBK will outdo the M brakes... I'm installing those next. :P

[tully_mars]

Originally Posted by BZZZE

Tully_mars, what dealership was that car at?

Grady BMW in Mobile, AL

[tully_mars]

Originally Posted by Maroon

So you thought The Z4M had an extra 100hp over your 3.0 below 4500 RPM!? :P

No, but I thought it would still have more low end torque over my motor. It is after all a bigger engine with more intake and not just a higher revving engine.

[rabman5]

Originally Posted by 561design

No, but I'm curious how many of you have actually driven both models on the same course under similar conditions. I bet if you did, you would understand what I'm saying.

No need to defend yourselves with silly pictures just because you paid more for your car.

I owned a 3.0 and drove it 34000 miles. I currently own an ///M and have driven 7800 miles. There is a difference in these cars.

[maxz4]

Originally Posted by rabman5

I owned a 3.0 and drove it 34000 miles. I currently own an ///M and have driven 7800 miles. There is a difference in these cars.

i would hope so, but can only dream about it with my little 2.5

[BZZZE]

Originally Posted by 561design

No need to defend yourselves with silly pictures just because you paid more for your car.

Dude...lighten up! It was a funny pic. I am glad you like your car but I don't share your enthusiasm for it over the M ...and I have driven all three and all the Z3s too!

[GP20]

Originally Posted by rabman5

I owned a 3.0 and drove it 34000 miles. I currently own an ///M and have driven 7800 miles. There is a difference in these cars.

X2!

I owned a 2.5i for 20K miles, an M54 3.0i for 24k miles, and have now driven my Z4M for 8K miles. Huge difference in acceleration between the 3.0i and the M. I really can't understand how someone can test-drive both cars and claim there's barely notice any difference.

Was the sport button on? I was gonna ask if the OP drove the M hard during the test-drive but I guess it's already established that he didn't. The M can "FEEL" slow during regular driving - until you either turn on the sport button or until you really step on the throttle (without the sport button). Test-drive both cars again - only this time don't upshift so quickly and leave the gear in 2nd and punch the throttle at 3K RPM. Test drive them back to back and you should feel the difference.

And forget about the extra horsepower & torque that the M has over the 3.0i. Even if the M had the same HP & torque as the 3.0i, gearings alone (3.62 versus 3.07) should make the M feel a lot quicker than the 3.0i.

[561design]

Originally Posted by BZZZE

Dude...lighten up! It was a funny pic. I am glad you like your car but I don't share your enthusiasm for it over the M ...and I have driven all three and all the Z3s too!

I'm fine. It's just the internet. And I really don't have a huge passion for my car. It's just that I've driven alot of cars lately on closed courses. More often than not some models from the same brand compare pretty close to each other. That's all I was stating. Some members on here think their M is a super world class car that nothing can compare too it. It's just a matter of being realistic with what you have.

While I agree the M is significantly faster. I don't think the handling is that great of a difference as other's make it seem.

[Cmick]

Originally Posted by tully_mars

No, but I thought it would still have more low end torque over my motor. It is after all a bigger engine with more intake and not just a higher revving engine.

I can't argue with that. None of the BMW straight sixes have much low end torque. They are all made for high revs.

Actually the ///M has two torque bands, the first is from about 4500 to +/-5700 RPM, then it flattens out (and you think "Wow, that was fun") but kicks in again around 6200 RPM (and scares the crap out of you the first time you try it!).

If you ever get a chance to drive one again you should try it at high rpm. It's certainly interesting.

I'm sure with the added engine weight and ///M suspension it felt a bit sluggish in the "handling" department, when I first test drove one it did to me. But through twisties and on the track it will surprise you.

To me all Zeds are amazing cars as far as handling (owned a 04 3.0i prior to the ///M) and acceleration. Everyone I've driven (in either car) has been amazed. Nobody seems to think these cars will handle as well as they do.

[BZZZE]

Originally Posted by 561design

I'm fine. It's just the internet. And I really don't have a huge passion for my car. It's just that I've driven alot of cars lately on closed courses. More often than not some models from the same brand compare pretty close to each other. That's all I was stating. Some members on here think their M is a super world class car that nothing can compare too it. It's just a matter of being realistic with what you have.

While I agree the M is significantly faster. I don't think the handling is that great of a difference as other's make it seem.

Yes, the internet leaves out a lot the nuances of conversation and I wasn't taking any offense to anyones remarks. I hoped you weren't. We are entitled to have our own opinions. In general, most people on here are a little better educated and informed than the average person and not just about their cars.

For the record I am not someone who thinks the Z4Ms are THE car of cars. I feel it needs more torque and hp while handling is very acceptable. The other Z stable mates only magnify one or all of the M's "deficiencies". It has nothing to do with how much I paid for it! They are great and fun cars none-the less.

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by Cmick

Nobody seems to think these cars will handle as well as they do.

I can second that, I take corners pushing it a bit and people are just generally amazed.

[valdeztke]

I didn't care for the M either when I drove it. Then again I drive a Supercharged Z06 - two total different animals! I do know the M's are HEAVILY discounted right now