What's It Like to Drive a Z4M?

TopDown · 12-28-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveappen

Nice feedback guys. For those that have wives or SO's, how do they feel about the ride quality on road trips? Ultimately, that's what I'm worried about...

Wife and I took the Z4MR on a 380 mile road trip from SoCal to NoCal (and then 380 mile return trip). Wife commented that the ride was more livable than my previous Z3 doing the same round-tripper. Said she would do it again.

TopDown · 12-28-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveappen

How about just general reliability up to this point for your cars? How often have you had maintenance/service done on the car and what were the issues?

Bring car in to dealer whenever service indicator says to. In addition to oil changes, dealer has replaced brake fluid and valve cover gaskets (no charge).
Other issues over nearly 3 years (26k miles):

Dealer replaced one Xenon HID (no charge)
Dealer replaced one turn signal lamp (no charge)
I replaced one turn signal lamp (bought the part and DIY)
Dealer replaced battery (no charge)
Dealer inspected battery and recharged it, but did not replace it (no charge)

TopDown · 12-28-2009, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NFexec

Put another way, what do you love and what do you not like about the drive, the handling, and so on? Is it much harder & stiffer than say the 3.0si? Is it a car that may not be so good as a DD in a city with typical "city streets" and their usual bumps and jolts?

As a sort of frame of reference, I currently drive a 2007 335i (E93)

What I love - there is no other car I've driven that feels as right as this car does in 3rd gear. I can keep it in 3rd from 2K rpm up through 6K rpm (and beyond). Once you get past 5.5K rpm in 3rd, the feel and the sound and the response cannot be captured in words. If you're driving up an 8% grade, you can keep it on 4th and howl past traffic. This car likes to be driven at high revs.

What I do not like - haven't found it yet.

princefemi · 12-28-2009, 11:19 PM

I test drove one today and all I can say is it felt like sex on wheels!

The salesman is an enthusiast and took me on one of the best test drives ever. I drive an E90 335i my car feels like a boat when compared to the Z. The difference in driving dynamics was apparent at the first turn of the steering wheel, and the first stab at the throttle. The steering was direct, laser sharp, and the car felt very nimble. You can drive the Z4M around town in a very civil manner but when you hit the "sport" button and put your foot in it, the car transforms into a beast. I have the N54 engine in my E90 and this is the engine in the latest generation Z car. The engine is very powerful and power delivery is smooth (almost too smooth). The S54 engine in the Z4 M to me is truly a gem. It is spectacular! I love the way it sounds and it just seems to be a perfect fit for the Z4M. I do not have the words to describe how much I like this engine. Pop the hood and you will even find the engine to be beautiful to look at. Based on the direction BMW and other car companies seem to be heading, the Z4M will be one the last few raw sports cars available. I really think the Z4M has a chance at becoming a collectors item. The styling is awesome too. The new Z car is a looker (almost too pretty), but the Z4M to me looks more business-like and athletic. Maybe because it is smaller, I can't put my finger on it.

I found the ride to me somewhat stiff but compliant. The ride was by no means too stiff for use as a DD.

I can ramble on about how much I love the car. The best advice I can give is for you to locate one and take a drive. It will put a smile on your face. I left the dealership today wondering why BMW didn't sell way more of these cars than they actually did.

I am going to buy one of these next year. I am to search hard and will get me an '07 or '08 Interlagos Blue roadster from some old retired guy in FL that just couldn't handle the rawness of this vehicle, and just wants to get rid of it. Hopefully the prices will drop further so that I can pick one up for around 25K. I will use it as my weekend/track car, while I use my E90 as my DD.

GothM · 12-29-2009, 07:05 PM

It's like a cross between your 335i and Miata but with more character than either, 9/10 Ferrari Daytona proportions and a dash of muscle car.

Or like this:

NFexec · 12-29-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GothM

It's like a cross between your 335i and Miata but with more character than either, 9/10 Ferrari Daytona proportions and a dash of muscle car.

Or like this:

I liked that - but more engine sound would have been nice.

Doug

GothM · 12-29-2009, 08:33 PM

Turn up your speakers

ausherpharmd · 12-29-2009, 09:14 PM

I recently took an 800 mile roundtrip to Atlanta and it was great as the driver. If you don't like to ride though, and hope to just pass out and sleep through the entire journey, this isn't the car. While it's fine sitting up, it is not comfy for a sleeping passenger.

bosstones · 01-01-2010, 11:07 AM

What's it like? Great fun. Looks small on the outside, but roomy yet cozy in the cabin. Sweet spot in starts around 4.5k RPM. Ride quality is harsher than the ZHP I came from. Been in a 335 a long time ago so I can't really compare. I DD the M spring through late fall and don't mind the ride a bit (on Chicago and surrounding suburban roads).

I call "Sport" mode "Clutch Smoke" mode.

I think it was already mentioned that most of us are still within warranty but if you want to get at least a little bit of an idea, maybe check out what some of the early Z4 owners might be seeing as well as what E46 M3 owners go through with engine related maintenance.

BMW Maniac · 01-01-2010, 11:20 AM

Took mine on a 900 mile road trip last week and I will have to repeat it here in 10 days....while the car itself is a BLAST to drive, the long trip was not very comfortable. I don't find the seat supportive because of a lack of lumbar support. Also, the seats themselves seem to lack cushioning.

I recently drove my E36 M3 w/ GC coilovers track/street kit with the vader seats and I was shocked when I realized it was more comfortable with that setup than the Z on a stock setup!

epbrown · 01-02-2010, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW Maniac

Took mine on a 900 mile road trip last week and I will have to repeat it here in 10 days....while the car itself is a BLAST to drive, the long trip was not very comfortable. I don't find the seat supportive because of a lack of lumbar support. Also, the seats themselves seem to lack cushioning.

I didn't have a problem on a similar trip (Chicago to Greenville, SC), but I do think lumbar would be nice. I keep meaning to add it - I've got all the parts.

topendpower · 01-02-2010, 08:20 PM

I've only put about 100 miles on my M coupe since I purchased it a couple weeks ago

, but it is a blast to drive. The car begs to be driven and does everything asked of it remarkably well. The engine is spectacular as are the brakes and steering.

The car could be used as a daily driver. Oklahoma has some of the worst roads I've ever driven on and the ride isn't what I'd describe as harsh. You'll feel every bump but they do not produce teeth rattling jolt.

The ergonomics are great. I'm 6'3 and it fits like a glove. I love the way the shifter falls perfectly into grip. Be prepared to buy this car once you test drive one.

Steve P. · 01-04-2010, 07:55 AM

Took my Z4 M Coupe on a trip part way across Canada, and back across the northern States, 6000 miles total (over 10 days drving). Found it to be surprisingly comfortable, no back issues or anything! Many reviews say the car is not a cross country driver, I would have to disagree as I found it very comfortable.

AWM3 · 01-04-2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrh3

No issues here other than a rare oil leak where the oil pan was replaced under warranty- my dealer had not seen this in any other S54 car so I assume it was a fluke on my car.

As far as ride and wives/SOs, my wife routinely goes to the mountains with me when we go on various club drives that can vary from 6 hours to 12 hours. After doing these for a year or so in our Lotus Elise, the M feels like a Cadillac to her

You have a pretty tolerant wife. My wife (of 25 years) rode in the Z4MC once and said it made her carsick. This is someone who has ridden without complaint in everything from Austin Healeys to Porsches. Maybe my driving had something to do with that. It's a car that loves to be thrown about. Anyway she hasn't been in the car since.

99C2 · 01-04-2010, 07:56 PM

How about the ride:

Softer than a S2000, firmer than a 996. That Sport Button really helps too!!

99C2

jrich4411 · 01-05-2010, 10:55 PM

Maintenance costs? What exactly are you going to compare it to? A Z4M will cost you 30 Gs give or take, depending on year/options/mileage. What else will you be able to purchase for that money that will give you that performance. I understand that not everyone can put $30,000+ into a 2 seater. So don't buy it. The Z4 M roady or coupe is a fantastic buy when you consider price vs performance. You can get a 'Vette Z (same year) for 15 Gs more & get more HP & similar cornering. "Maintenance" costs will probably be less - but overall costs definitely more. Get a Porsche - costs will be similar, performance similar. Get a Lotus - great if you don't want a DD (too harsh) and absolutely don't ever need any body work. Dodge Viper? Fantastic in a straight line. Similar price. Maintenace costs? similar. Repair costs? Rediculous.
In the end, If you want the performance the Z4m gives, the maintenance costs are reasonable, for what you get. You just gotta figger that into the purchase price to begin with.

12-28-2009, 11:19 PM	#26
princefemi Private First Class 35 Rep 193 Posts Drives: Silverstone F80 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Virginia, USA iTrader: (0)	I test drove one today and all I can say is it felt like sex on wheels! The salesman is an enthusiast and took me on one of the best test drives ever. I drive an E90 335i my car feels like a boat when compared to the Z. The difference in driving dynamics was apparent at the first turn of the steering wheel, and the first stab at the throttle. The steering was direct, laser sharp, and the car felt very nimble. You can drive the Z4M around town in a very civil manner but when you hit the "sport" button and put your foot in it, the car transforms into a beast. I have the N54 engine in my E90 and this is the engine in the latest generation Z car. The engine is very powerful and power delivery is smooth (almost too smooth). The S54 engine in the Z4 M to me is truly a gem. It is spectacular! I love the way it sounds and it just seems to be a perfect fit for the Z4M. I do not have the words to describe how much I like this engine. Pop the hood and you will even find the engine to be beautiful to look at. Based on the direction BMW and other car companies seem to be heading, the Z4M will be one the last few raw sports cars available. I really think the Z4M has a chance at becoming a collectors item. The styling is awesome too. The new Z car is a looker (almost too pretty), but the Z4M to me looks more business-like and athletic. Maybe because it is smaller, I can't put my finger on it. I found the ride to me somewhat stiff but compliant. The ride was by no means too stiff for use as a DD. I can ramble on about how much I love the car. The best advice I can give is for you to locate one and take a drive. It will put a smile on your face. I left the dealership today wondering why BMW didn't sell way more of these cars than they actually did. I am going to buy one of these next year. I am to search hard and will get me an '07 or '08 Interlagos Blue roadster from some old retired guy in FL that just couldn't handle the rawness of this vehicle, and just wants to get rid of it. Hopefully the prices will drop further so that I can pick one up for around 25K. I will use it as my weekend/track car, while I use my E90 as my DD. __________________ Silverstone F80
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12-29-2009, 07:05 PM	#27
GothM Oversteer Enthusiast 9 Rep 71 Posts Drives: '06 M Coupe, Black Sapphire Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Oregon iTrader: (0)	It's like a cross between your 335i and Miata but with more character than either, 9/10 Ferrari Daytona proportions and a dash of muscle car. Or like this:
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12-29-2009, 08:33 PM	#29
GothM Oversteer Enthusiast 9 Rep 71 Posts Drives: '06 M Coupe, Black Sapphire Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Oregon iTrader: (0)	Turn up your speakers
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12-29-2009, 09:14 PM	#30
ausherpharmd Private 7 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 2010 Gray Ford Fusion Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ocala, FL iTrader: (0)	I recently took an 800 mile roundtrip to Atlanta and it was great as the driver. If you don't like to ride though, and hope to just pass out and sleep through the entire journey, this isn't the car. While it's fine sitting up, it is not comfy for a sleeping passenger.
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01-01-2010, 11:07 AM	#31
bosstones Lieutenant Colonel 1154 Rep 1,543 Posts Drives: o_0 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Suburbia iTrader: (0)	What's it like? Great fun. Looks small on the outside, but roomy yet cozy in the cabin. Sweet spot in starts around 4.5k RPM. Ride quality is harsher than the ZHP I came from. Been in a 335 a long time ago so I can't really compare. I DD the M spring through late fall and don't mind the ride a bit (on Chicago and surrounding suburban roads). I call "Sport" mode "Clutch Smoke" mode. I think it was already mentioned that most of us are still within warranty but if you want to get at least a little bit of an idea, maybe check out what some of the early Z4 owners might be seeing as well as what E46 M3 owners go through with engine related maintenance. __________________ - Jeff bosstones' flickr
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01-01-2010, 11:20 AM	#32
BMW Maniac Lieutenant 22 Rep 428 Posts Drives: Former Z4M coupe owner Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (1)	Took mine on a 900 mile road trip last week and I will have to repeat it here in 10 days....while the car itself is a BLAST to drive, the long trip was not very comfortable. I don't find the seat supportive because of a lack of lumbar support. Also, the seats themselves seem to lack cushioning. I recently drove my E36 M3 w/ GC coilovers track/street kit with the vader seats and I was shocked when I realized it was more comfortable with that setup than the Z on a stock setup! __________________ 1997 /// M3 Coupe Arctic Silver CES STAGE IV (651rwhp/615rwtq) 1999 /// M3 Convertible Techno Violet
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01-02-2010, 08:20 PM	#34
topendpower New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: Z4M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: OKC iTrader: (0)	I've only put about 100 miles on my M coupe since I purchased it a couple weeks ago, but it is a blast to drive. The car begs to be driven and does everything asked of it remarkably well. The engine is spectacular as are the brakes and steering. The car could be used as a daily driver. Oklahoma has some of the worst roads I've ever driven on and the ride isn't what I'd describe as harsh. You'll feel every bump but they do not produce teeth rattling jolt. The ergonomics are great. I'm 6'3 and it fits like a glove. I love the way the shifter falls perfectly into grip. Be prepared to buy this car once you test drive one.
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01-04-2010, 07:55 AM	#35
Steve P. Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 215 Posts Drives: 2006 M Coupe, 2008 M3 Sedan Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada iTrader: (0)	Took my Z4 M Coupe on a trip part way across Canada, and back across the northern States, 6000 miles total (over 10 days drving). Found it to be surprisingly comfortable, no back issues or anything! Many reviews say the car is not a cross country driver, I would have to disagree as I found it very comfortable.
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01-04-2010, 07:56 PM	#37
99C2 New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	How about the ride: Softer than a S2000, firmer than a 996. That Sport Button really helps too!! 99C2 __________________ 2007 - Z4 M - New Ride! 1999 - 996 C2 CAB - Gone! 2005 - S2000 - Gone!
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01-05-2010, 10:55 PM	#38
jrich4411 Private First Class 5 Rep 165 Posts Drives: 2006 ///M black on black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Maintenance costs? What exactly are you going to compare it to? A Z4M will cost you 30 Gs give or take, depending on year/options/mileage. What else will you be able to purchase for that money that will give you that performance. I understand that not everyone can put $30,000+ into a 2 seater. So don't buy it. The Z4 M roady or coupe is a fantastic buy when you consider price vs performance. You can get a 'Vette Z (same year) for 15 Gs more & get more HP & similar cornering. "Maintenance" costs will probably be less - but overall costs definitely more. Get a Porsche - costs will be similar, performance similar. Get a Lotus - great if you don't want a DD (too harsh) and absolutely don't ever need any body work. Dodge Viper? Fantastic in a straight line. Similar price. Maintenace costs? similar. Repair costs? Rediculous. In the end, If you want the performance the Z4m gives, the maintenance costs are reasonable, for what you get. You just gotta figger that into the purchase price to begin with.
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