marky77

guys i am thinking about trading in the 8 and getting a 3.0L Z4? what do you think? Does anyone know a website that compares car specs? 1/4 mile teams etc etc

takahashi

What did I write about the Z4...?

I made a diary of all the car I tested... here we go. I think it is ok, it is not a fun track car but just as sexy as the RX-8. Just as thirsty though. There is my write up

TAKA test drive Report Oct 2003

The Z4 is the successor to the much-loved Z3, which was my wedding car - after my major effort to get a white convertible at a reasonable price and which received unfaltering popularity among young and old upon its introduction in 1996. Z4 aims at a higher end market with sleek interior design. The exterior styling is certainly a break with tradition and a long flat sheet of metal behind the front mudguard, but even if you don't like the car from side on, there is plenty to appreciate on the Z4.
I wore a suit and walked from 100m from my apartment would arrive to BMW Melbourne. I got a test drive straight away in a black Z4 3.0! Oh I like it. The car is superb with the New English hand stitch leather. In terms of overall length and width, the Z4 is slightly bigger than the Z3. With the seat further behind the front Beamer badge. The body is SIGNIFICANTLY stiffer, and measures have been taken to reduce weight without sacrificing rigidity. Handling is much sharper because of this than before, the car response to sudden acceleration and power slide with ease, there are more room to be punished than the Z3, with the tail of the car stick to the ground this time. Sport Package-equipped roadsters feature Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) technology, which delivers quicker throttle and steering response at the press of a button. So there is more assistant to your driving style in the time of need. Even I was using most of my drive in the sport mode, I found the steering still softer than a true sports car with less responsiveness than say the WRX STi and the 350Z. The new electrically has assisted steering rack delivers an even more solid road feel, certainly eliminate the unsteady feel of the Z3. I still have not work out how to turn it off, have you? For power, the Z4 offers a 170 kW, 3.0-liter straight six, or if for a more sedated drive of a 141 kW 2.5 which still give you a 245 nM of torque for $20K less. The engine is smooth like newborn's skin. No rough edges even in low torque signified the German genius in motor engineering. For transmissions, there is a five-speed manual (standard on the 2.5), a six-speed manual (standard on the 3.0), a five-speed automatic or, as previously seen on the M3, a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) - the ultimate automatic.
The power-operated top (which can go up or down in 15 seconds) has a special folding mechanism that allows extra storage space. The material they use are top class which provide insulation that other convertible do not have. When the roof lock open with a "cheeee"-like mechanical noise, the roof can unfold and the front-most section of the roof folds over the soft top like a cover and rests flush on the body when fastened in position, thereby eliminating the need for a tonneau cover. The rear window is glass rather than plastic. Superb styling and given a sophisticated and yuppie look. BMW claims that the trunk can hold two golf bags. It is because they have got rid of the space safer. You may ask how could the Z4 do in the road trip. They come with the new Bridgestone technology named Run Flat Tyre (RFT for short), which allows you to ride at a limit of 80 km per hour for 150 km. It has a thick sidewall and road contact corner. It can be safely run the tyre even the sidewall is damaged. Amazing!
Overall, it is a James Bond ride that good for a short burst of fun. It control magnificently and do the job it is supposed to. Although it lacks of the absolute taste of a true sport mobile and it replaces with the 007 style and charisma. Only if I was still a playboy with $100K lying around...


Very journalist .... ish, isn't it? I don't believe I wrote this... I must have sold you the car!

The car is torquier than the 8 but there is no replacement of the handling. I was nervous with front being too soft. Seating so far backward, it really like driving a boat (or a sport boat ).

Give it a try... I am sure BMW will let you have the car for a day if you are serious about buying the car.

EZZY

Top Gear
http://www.bbc.co.uk/topgear/prog6/bmwz4.shtml

5th Gear

Z4
http://fifthgear.five.tv/jsp/5gmain....ption=BMW%20Z4

Z4 user reviews
http://fifthgear.five.tv/jsp/5gmain....ption=BMW%20Z4

/are they planning to put the ///M package in it?

takahashi

They are doing a M4 but why ... you can get the same performance in a new M3 for less...

It is a convertible factor I know.

timbo

The new Z3 coupé looks rather tasty!

takahashi

ehhhh a Z4 coupe??

timbo

yeah...that one

Detrich

I was seriously considering the Z4 before getting my 8. But, here are the top 5 reasons I decided against it:

5. The Z4 is considerably more expensive than the 8- almost $10K more after you load it up w/ all the goodies- ie navigation system and so forth.
4. The Z4 can only seat 2 people.
3. The Z4 would've been more expensive to insure, since it's classified as a 2-door sports car , as opposed to the 8, which oddly is classified as a 4-door coupe.
2. In Los Angeles, Z4's are literally EVERYWHERE- ie, a dime a dozen.
1. I test drove the 8...

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

Don't do it - please... Spend the $10K with Rotomaster B4 the end of the year and do yourself a favor

RXP33D

More like over 40 K after you load it up with goodies in Australia.
RX8 retails at 60K with all major options. Doesn't Z4 3.0 come in at close to 90K (no options).
Owch!

I'd do it. The new engines are 190kW. Why not. Sweetest sixes on the earth.

EDIT: Forgot to say one thing, "IF" I had the money. Key factor to all things.

EZZY

i say....
follow your heart, you only live once, so go hard!
its a uniqure looking car, with a right choice spec you get to have once nice ride!
perfect for summer.
maybe its time to go european ;-)

deano

Get the $10k super charger kit - it'll give you that new car feel for at least another 2 years - heaps cheaper than a Z4!!

PS. I can talk - I'm in love with the Alfa Romeo GT.....

EZZY

nothing beats drving a half decent european "performance/sports" car

what happened to the 300C?
saw one today (pimped blk with huge chromies), all i can say is YUK

deano

I was keen as then the whole "yank tank" thing put me off.... Pretty keen on an Alfa though, two new models out mid next year.

Deano.

timbo

Alfa = 2 days of pleasure: the day you buy it; and the day you sell it

deano

I don't know a lot about Alfa (other than it looks pretty) - happy to hear your reasons.

jax8

Timbo, give the Italians a break: I've had Alfas, Lancias, even a de Tomaso, and they are always entertaining - even when they're going!
Jack.

marky77

thanks for all the feedback!!!

timbo

I was probably a bit harsh, and yes, I have certainly had my moments of lust with Alfas. But I have also had mates who, besotted by that lust, made the purchase....and paid the price Of course, it is just my personal experience, but I don't think I have known an Alfa owner who could put his hand on his heart and say "I bought this car new, and it's never given me a moment's worry" Whereas I know many, many owners of Mazdas, Hondas, Subarus...even the odd BMW who say that

deano

They say that the new ones now are a lot better than the older ones, and that next years will be even better again but who knows.

My RX8 has had more re-calls than any other item I've ever owned, and I've had more grumbles with it than any other vehicle so I guess its just the luck of the draw.

To supercharge, or not to supercharge, that is the question.

Deano.

xxup

Don't worry about that it is a Mazda thing - my old 6 had an exploding fuel tank recall and other things... I am pretty sure that the MPV had a few odd things too... Better to have a recall that to hear a manufacturer say, after one of their customer's cars explodes into a million pieces, "gee we never thought THAT would happen again!"