Drove a Z4 today!

Akmcmahon · 03-11-2013, 10:28 PM

Not sure if there are any BMW Z4 fans here, but I've always thought it was a sweet looking roadster. Having owned an M3 before, I expected similar smiles per mile in the Z4. Well, I have to say I'm quite surprised at how disappointed I am in the feel of the Z4. The steering feels loose and sloppy, almost no road feedback at all. The clutch is also very spongy and soft. Made finding the engagement point a little tough. Acceleration is solid and handling is decent. But all of these things felt pale in comparison to the 370z. I knew when I first drove the 370 that it just felt right. Handling, braking, acceleration, all feel more in sync with me than most cars I've driven. It's what impressed me so much about the Z. And just for reference, I've driven a lot of fun cars. I've owned an E46 M3, 97 Twin Turbo Supra (modded to single), Prowler, G35C, Evo 8, 68 Vette, Sky Redline, and several others not worth mentioning. I've driven an 07 SLK AMG, Z06, Grand Sport Vette (So close in performance to the Z06 it's hard to justify the cost difference), Lotus Exige, and a Viper. And I have to say I really like the way the Z drives over most of these. Of course there are things I miss about each, but up until my Z, the Supra was my favorite of the bunch. Might still be just because I invested so much into that car and it was so stupid fast. After some Z mods, we'll see how I feel.

Not meant to spam my past garage or anything, just thought some might like to know what a Z4 was like. It has just as bad if not worse blind spots. It has a bigger trunk. Gauges are a little hard to see as they are small. Interior really doesn't do anything for me. I thought the M3 design was far better. It has 2 cup holders, one on each side. Hehe, so you pretty much can't reach the passenger one if you needed to. It's by the door. It's still a fun little car that turns heads, but didn't feel nearly as fun to drive. The exhaust note is pretty nice though for stock. It's a bit deeper and louder than ours. That's about it. Just wanted to share.

ImportConvert · 03-11-2013, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akmcmahon

Not sure if there are any BMW Z4 fans here, but I've always thought it was a sweet looking roadster. Having owned an M3 before, I expected similar smiles per mile in the Z4. Well, I have to say I'm quite surprised at how disappointed I am in the feel of the Z4. The steering feels loose and sloppy, almost no road feedback at all. The clutch is also very spongy and soft. Made finding the engagement point a little tough. Acceleration is solid and handling is decent. But all of these things felt pale in comparison to the 370z. I knew when I first drove the 370 that it just felt right. Handling, braking, acceleration, all feel more in sync with me than most cars I've driven. It's what impressed me so much about the Z. And just for reference, I've driven a lot of fun cars. I've owned an E46 M3, 97 Twin Turbo Supra (modded to single), Prowler, G35C, Evo 8, 68 Vette, Sky Redline, and several others not worth mentioning. I've driven an 07 SLK AMG, Z06, Grand Sport Vette (So close in performance to the Z06 it's hard to justify the cost difference), Lotus Exige, and a Viper. And I have to say I really like the way the Z drives over most of these. Of course there are things I miss about each, but up until my Z, the Supra was my favorite of the bunch. Might still be just because I invested so much into that car and it was so stupid fast. After some Z mods, we'll see how I feel.

Not meant to spam my past garage or anything, just thought some might like to know what a Z4 was like. It has just as bad if not worse blind spots. It has a bigger trunk. Gauges are a little hard to see as they are small. Interior really doesn't do anything for me. I thought the M3 design was far better. It has 2 cup holders, one on each side. Hehe, so you pretty much can't reach the passenger one if you needed to. It's by the door. It's still a fun little car that turns heads, but didn't feel nearly as fun to drive. The exhaust note is pretty nice though for stock. It's a bit deeper and louder than ours. That's about it. Just wanted to share.

I have always liked the Z4, but the Z4M was the last Z4 I ever lusted after. I always considered one, but by the time I could afford a car, they were all older than I felt comfortable buying, being $$$$$ to fix when out of warranty. I did have the joy of racing one years ago in my bone-stock WS.6, and I put the smack down on it from a freeway roll. It was funny. Anyway, I always wondered how they felt in the corners/what the weight dist. was on them?

Could it be the alignment and tires that sucked for you? That matters a lot to me. I have had cars that felt like crap until I changed tires and alignment, and vis-versa.

As to the GS and Z06, the performance is somewhat similar, in the same way the V6 and mustang GT perform similarly, but they felt TOTALLY different to me. I've driven both the Z06, ZR1, and GS on track, and the Z06 by far felt the most "race-car" like, while the ZR1 and GS felt like very similar cars, one just had a MUCH! larger performance envelope. I was glad I had bought the Z06, but I honestly think I would have kept it if I had gotten the MRC/Z07 package.

Akmcmahon · 03-11-2013, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

I have always liked the Z4, but the Z4M was the last Z4 I ever lusted after. I always considered one, but by the time I could afford a car, they were all older than I felt comfortable buying, being $$$$$ to fix when out of warranty. I did have the joy of racing one years ago in my bone-stock WS.6, and I put the smack down on it from a freeway roll. It was funny. Anyway, I always wondered how they felt in the corners/what the weight dist. was on them?

Could it be the alignment and tires that sucked for you? That matters a lot to me. I have had cars that felt like crap until I changed tires and alignment, and vis-versa.

As to the GS and Z06, the performance is somewhat similar, in the same way the V6 and mustang GT perform similarly, but they felt TOTALLY different to me. I've driven both the Z06, ZR1, and GS on track, and the Z06 by far felt the most "race-car" like, while the ZR1 and GS felt like very similar cars, one just had a MUCH! larger performance envelope. I was glad I had bought the Z06, but I honestly think I would have kept it if I had gotten the MRC/Z07 package.

Possible on the tires and alignment making some difference. But those wouldn't change the mushy steering and clutch feel. It felt like it was trying to cater too much to the business class and leaving it's sports car attitude in check. For me, I didn't feel too big of a difference between the GS and Z06 and I was driving both hard on the track back to back. Granted, I did slightly better times in the Z06 and it pulls ever so slightly on the GS. But for the fractional time differences, I'd rather save the $20Gs.

ImportConvert · 03-12-2013, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akmcmahon

Possible on the tires and alignment making some difference. But those wouldn't change the mushy steering and clutch feel. It felt like it was trying to cater too much to the business class and leaving it's sports car attitude in check. For me, I didn't feel too big of a difference between the GS and Z06 and I was driving both hard on the track back to back. Granted, I did slightly better times in the Z06 and it pulls ever so slightly on the GS. But for the fractional time differences, I'd rather save the $20Gs.

I don't know what you mean by mushy steering feel. I have had tires/alignment make a HUGE difference in feedback and steering feel.

As to the clutch, is it possible that there was air in the line? Dirty fluid? How old was the car?

I'm not arguing, as I have not driven one, but just offering possibilities as to why a car over half a decade old (maybe?) sucked.

As to the Z06/GS, it was more feel for me. The Z06 felt a lot tighter, responded much quicker to steering inputs (stiffer suspension), and in general, felt more "racy" to me. It felt way lighter. It was also more jittery over irregularities. The ZR1 felt like a GS and a Z06 crossed. Stable like the GS over jitters, racy like the Z06 when given input.

I raced a C6 the other day in my 370Z. It pulled me decent, but it wasn't a stomping, and I didn't think "Wow I bet he got thrown back in his seat compared to my 370Z!". I thought "Yeah, his car is faster, but I am plenty happy with mine". That is about a 85bhp difference.

The Z06 and GS are only about a 75whp difference or so.

I dunno, I just loved how the Z06 felt, compared to the GS. I hate anything other than a hardtop, so I bought the Z06. On the track, the Z06 felt much more enjoyable to me.

UNKNOWN_370 · 03-12-2013, 05:19 AM

The Z4 is a beautiful roadster, but from many reviews I can tell it fails as a serious sports car. I drove the 135i and I really liked it. I'm sure the 1M is a perfected version of an already great car.

That said, Overalll. I'm not a huge fan of BMW. I think they are overrated as a brand.

Mike · 03-12-2013, 06:07 AM

I love my wife's 2010 twin turbo. Its got the SMG trans or whatever they call it these days. I don't think the car feels imprecise at all, in fact, I just drove it the other day and it reminded me a lot of the Z. I've also taken it out to Road Atlanta for a day when my Z broke and it performed excellent on the track, even with the runflat tires.

The inside is a little cramped though, but its a 2 seat roadster, so its supposed to be. The hardtop is great though, and it looks good with it up or down.

UNKNOWN_370 · 03-12-2013, 07:30 AM

I don't know why with the Top Gear episode it's been blocked from public viewing but I have a small clip of the episode. Basically the Z was the CLEAR winner as a true sports car. There's also an episode of 5th gear.

Fifth Gear: BMW Z4 s35i Convertible vs. Nissan 370Z Convertible - YouTube

Top Gear: Dinosaurs vs. the Z4 - Series 13 Episode 6 - BBC Two - YouTube

ImportConvert · 03-12-2013, 07:43 AM

I think the Z4 failed after they killed the Z4M. To me, a sports car is a manual. Anything else, and you are getting into "lap times are more important to me than being connected with my ride".

To me, that's "meh". I don't care about going fast, I care about feeling like I am. I don't make any money off this ****, and I like smiling. If you DO make money, or you drive competitively and racing the clock is your game, then kudos, but all the BS about "Well my car is 0.2 seconds faster 0-60 because it drives for me, and it never misses a launch rpm or gear!" is just laughable to a guy like me who doesn't track cars often at all, if ever, and who doesn't live his life 1/4 mile at a time.

The one feature I do like is the auto-blipper, because it does preserve parts, and is a GREAT! learning tool. However, it can be turned 100% off at the press of a button, and to me, that's an important feature of that feature. You can't turn an SMG into a manual unless a 3rd pedal pops down from some hidden cubby or something, lol

Mike · 03-12-2013, 07:42 PM

They sell them with manual transmissions, my wife just doesn't care to have to clutch all the time. For her, its a cruiser.

antennahead · 03-12-2013, 08:54 PM

I have a Z4 M roadster, absolutely ZERO in common with your description. What did you drive, a 2.5, 3.0? The "M" roadster is a monster............ 2/10s of a second slower around the Top Gear track than the Gallardo........... Stig at the wheel both cars. I wouldn't trade mine for anything short of a Lambo or Ferrari spider. Add Euro headers and a tune and it jumps to about 375HP.

6MT · 03-12-2013, 08:57 PM

Yep...sweet car!

antennahead · 03-12-2013, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6MT

Yep...sweet car!

Thanks bro!

frost · 03-12-2013, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by antennahead

I have a Z4 M roadster, absolutely ZERO in common with your description. What did you drive, a 2.5, 3.0? The "M" roadster is a monster............ 2/10s of a second slower around the Top Gear track than the Gallardo........... Stig at the wheel both cars. I wouldn't trade mine for anything short of a Lambo or Ferrari spider. Add Euro headers and a tune and it jumps to about 375HP.

great looking car! thanks for the input.

shadoquad · 03-12-2013, 10:32 PM

Actually, while the M Roadster has got to be amazing, the standard Z4 is a ton of fun, too. My dad used to have one, and it was very fun to drive. Amazing clutch/shifter feel in those things.

antennahead · 03-12-2013, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

Actually, while the M Roadster has got to be amazing, the standard Z4 is a ton of fun, too. My dad used to have one, and it was very fun to drive. Amazing clutch/shifter feel in those things.

I agree. The OP may have been expecting a hard core sports car, and the 3.0like your Dad had was more an all around car, great fun and acceleration but not a hard core handling/track car. Suspension mods on those cars also really improved them for serious handling addicts.

03-11-2013, 10:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Akmcmahon Base Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 159 Drives: 13 370Z Mag Black M6 Rep Power: 13	Drove a Z4 today! Not sure if there are any BMW Z4 fans here, but I've always thought it was a sweet looking roadster. Having owned an M3 before, I expected similar smiles per mile in the Z4. Well, I have to say I'm quite surprised at how disappointed I am in the feel of the Z4. The steering feels loose and sloppy, almost no road feedback at all. The clutch is also very spongy and soft. Made finding the engagement point a little tough. Acceleration is solid and handling is decent. But all of these things felt pale in comparison to the 370z. I knew when I first drove the 370 that it just felt right. Handling, braking, acceleration, all feel more in sync with me than most cars I've driven. It's what impressed me so much about the Z. And just for reference, I've driven a lot of fun cars. I've owned an E46 M3, 97 Twin Turbo Supra (modded to single), Prowler, G35C, Evo 8, 68 Vette, Sky Redline, and several others not worth mentioning. I've driven an 07 SLK AMG, Z06, Grand Sport Vette (So close in performance to the Z06 it's hard to justify the cost difference), Lotus Exige, and a Viper. And I have to say I really like the way the Z drives over most of these. Of course there are things I miss about each, but up until my Z, the Supra was my favorite of the bunch. Might still be just because I invested so much into that car and it was so stupid fast. After some Z mods, we'll see how I feel. Not meant to spam my past garage or anything, just thought some might like to know what a Z4 was like. It has just as bad if not worse blind spots. It has a bigger trunk. Gauges are a little hard to see as they are small. Interior really doesn't do anything for me. I thought the M3 design was far better. It has 2 cup holders, one on each side. Hehe, so you pretty much can't reach the passenger one if you needed to. It's by the door. It's still a fun little car that turns heads, but didn't feel nearly as fun to drive. The exhaust note is pretty nice though for stock. It's a bit deeper and louder than ours. That's about it. Just wanted to share. Eagle and Zoren 370 like this.

03-12-2013, 06:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
Mike The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Loganville, GA Posts: 5,944 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 2185	I love my wife's 2010 twin turbo. Its got the SMG trans or whatever they call it these days. I don't think the car feels imprecise at all, in fact, I just drove it the other day and it reminded me a lot of the Z. I've also taken it out to Road Atlanta for a day when my Z broke and it performed excellent on the track, even with the runflat tires. The inside is a little cramped though, but its a 2 seat roadster, so its supposed to be. The hardtop is great though, and it looks good with it up or down. antennahead likes this. __________________ NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

03-12-2013, 07:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
Mike The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Loganville, GA Posts: 5,944 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 2185	They sell them with manual transmissions, my wife just doesn't care to have to clutch all the time. For her, its a cruiser. UNKNOWN_370 likes this. __________________ NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

03-12-2013, 08:57 PM	#11 (permalink)
6MT A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: ITU Zone 2 Posts: 22,459 Drives: Reliant Robin Rep Power: 1789	Yep...sweet car! antennahead likes this. __________________ Andrew 2009 370Z Sport/Touring 6MT sold 2013 Honda Civic Si coupe D/D

03-12-2013, 10:32 PM	#14 (permalink)
shadoquad A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: . Posts: 42,608 Drives: . Rep Power: 3885	Actually, while the M Roadster has got to be amazing, the standard Z4 is a ton of fun, too. My dad used to have one, and it was very fun to drive. Amazing clutch/shifter feel in those things. antennahead likes this.

03-12-2013, 05:19 AM	#5 (permalink)
UNKNOWN_370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: ny'r livn in tx Posts: 8,687 Drives: well over 130m.p.h. Rep Power: 14857	The Z4 is a beautiful roadster, but from many reviews I can tell it fails as a serious sports car. I drove the 135i and I really liked it. I'm sure the 1M is a perfected version of an already great car. That said, Overalll. I'm not a huge fan of BMW. I think they are overrated as a brand.

03-12-2013, 07:30 AM	#7 (permalink)
UNKNOWN_370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: ny'r livn in tx Posts: 8,687 Drives: well over 130m.p.h. Rep Power: 14857	I don't know why with the Top Gear episode it's been blocked from public viewing but I have a small clip of the episode. Basically the Z was the CLEAR winner as a true sports car. There's also an episode of 5th gear. Fifth Gear: BMW Z4 s35i Convertible vs. Nissan 370Z Convertible - YouTube Top Gear: Dinosaurs vs. the Z4 - Series 13 Episode 6 - BBC Two - YouTube

03-12-2013, 07:43 AM	#8 (permalink)
ImportConvert A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: SWMO Posts: 4,454 Drives: 2019 CX5 GT Reserve Rep Power: 7626	I think the Z4 failed after they killed the Z4M. To me, a sports car is a manual. Anything else, and you are getting into "lap times are more important to me than being connected with my ride". To me, that's "meh". I don't care about going fast, I care about feeling like I am. I don't make any money off this ****, and I like smiling. If you DO make money, or you drive competitively and racing the clock is your game, then kudos, but all the BS about "Well my car is 0.2 seconds faster 0-60 because it drives for me, and it never misses a launch rpm or gear!" is just laughable to a guy like me who doesn't track cars often at all, if ever, and who doesn't live his life 1/4 mile at a time. The one feature I do like is the auto-blipper, because it does preserve parts, and is a GREAT! learning tool. However, it can be turned 100% off at the press of a button, and to me, that's an important feature of that feature. You can't turn an SMG into a manual unless a 3rd pedal pops down from some hidden cubby or something, lol

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