Is the Z4M for me?

[necroscope]

Hi guys and gals. My first post here so go easy.

I currently run a TT2 3.2 manual, but i am thinking of chopping in against a used Z4M.

The main reason for this is that i hate the TT's clutch and throttle repsonse. The clutch is spongey and the throttle "sharp" to say the least. I love the look of the M, but am i going to be jumping from the frying pan into the fire? I dont mind a heavy clutch, but is a smooth change in low gears just a pipe dream in an M??

I have a test drive booked for Saturday but would like a heads-up!

Thanks for any help and advice! No nasty comments about the current motor as well please ;-)

[Top pup]

necroscope said:

The main reason for this is that i hate the TT's clutch and throttle repsonse. The clutch is spongey and the throttle "sharp" to say the least. I love the look of the M, but am i going to be jumping from the frying pan into the fire? I dont mind a heavy clutch, but is a smooth change in low gears just a pipe dream in an M??

I haven't driven a your model of TT to compare but I think you will have exactly the same problems in a Z4M. A Z4M is far from the easy to drive smoothly around town and in particular the 1st to 2nd gear change takes some getting used to. You do get the knack eventually though.
You can fit a modified CDV (valve in the clutch line) that does help a bit.

[rassi]

necroscope said:

Hi guys and gals. My first post here so go easy.

I currently run a TT2 3.2 manual, but i am thinking of chopping in against a used Z4M.

The main reason for this is that i hate the TT's clutch and throttle repsonse. The clutch is spongey and the throttle "sharp" to say the least. I love the look of the M, but am i going to be jumping from the frying pan into the fire? I dont mind a heavy clutch, but is a smooth change in low gears just a pipe dream in an M??

I have a test drive booked for Saturday but would like a heads-up!

Thanks for any help and advice! No nasty comments about the current motor as well please ;-)

Slightly OT, but as per an Evo article on their long-term TT 3.2 you could be well-advised to have the throttle mapping changed by a reputable "chipper"

[necroscope]

I guess its a difficult question to answer, as smooth is a subjective term, and down to the individual.

Thanks for the comments guys keep them coming. I guess the test drive will tell all.

[Nano2nd]

having had my car almost 2 weeks i'm still getting used to the clutch/throttle scenario, to be fair i've cracked the throttle control sometimes with the clutch i'm fine then other days i'm like some kind of numpty, i've definately considering the modded CDV.

when i did my test drive i also took out a 3.0 sport and it was noticibly easier to "control", i did kangroo the Z4M on the test drive and the sales guys commented that everyone does that and it did take some getting used too... i do still believe the 3.0 would of been a better choice for my daily commute i still went for the M though LOL

[Welshbeef]

Have you considered an automatic either the TT3.2 DSG or the Z4M Auto (do they make one?)

Not saying your like someone who drives a Merc SL55AMG (and coming from a TT lol) but perhaps an Auto is suitable for your requirements - only kidding OP

[rassi]

Welshbeef said:

Have you considered an automatic either the TT3.2 DSG or the Z4M Auto (do they make one?)

Not saying your like someone who drives a Merc SL55AMG (and coming from a TT lol) but perhaps an Auto is suitable for your requirements - only kidding OP

Z4M manual only...

[kentmotorcompany]

What you are asking about is such a subjective thing. All I would say is keep an open mind, and make your own mind up once you have driven it. If the salesman lets you drive first, wait until its fully warmed up before passing judgement, as they can be a bit more jumpy when cold.

[shunt]

Even when warmed through, mine sometimes kangaroos. Usually in first gear pulling away under gentle throttle, or changing from first to second. The problem only shows when trying to be gentle, if you wring it's neck it's fine.........But you can't always do that!!

Removing the CDV make things much better but doesn't solve it. Driving with wife on board requires a lot of concentration!!

[flying scotsman]

It does take a little time to master the clutch / throttle blend but as an alternative in every day driving I find second gear far more 'user friendly' when pulling away from most situations and it avoids the potential kangaroo scenario. Once you have had the test drive I doubt you will be dissapointed, however,if smootheness and refinement are important then try the Boxster as an alternative but I belive that after the first squeeze of the loud pedal on the M you won't look back.

[necroscope]

Thanks for the advice guys. I will pay real attention this time!

[domcross]

While we're on this subject; I've had my Z4M for a month now. Is it just me/my car, or is the biting point of the clutch a hell of a long way down??? I'm reasonably tall (6ft) and have long enough legs to deal with most cars, but I'm really at full stretch to engage the clutch. When I use my wife's Audi I find I'm revving the balls off it for the first few seconds trying to pull away

[Rich_Alpina]

domcross said:

While we're on this subject; I've had my Z4M for a month now. Is it just me/my car, or is the biting point of the clutch a hell of a long way down??? I'm reasonably tall (6ft) and have long enough legs to deal with most cars, but I'm really at full stretch to engage the clutch. When I use my wife's Audi I find I'm revving the balls off it for the first few seconds trying to pull away

The M's clutch's alot stiffer than most cars... I have a similar experience when switching between cars - for a few seconds though.

Edited by Rich_Alpina on Wednesday 14th November 23:06

[taffyracer]

I find this as well, really don't think it's conducive to fast changes, its very long indeed

[Top pup]

domcross said:

While we're on this subject; I've had my Z4M for a month now. Is it just me/my car, or is the biting point of the clutch a hell of a long way down??? I'm reasonably tall (6ft) and have long enough legs to deal with most cars, but I'm really at full stretch to engage the clutch. When I use my wife's Audi I find I'm revving the balls off it for the first few seconds trying to pull away

I run an Audi A4 in the week and find exactly the same, but to me it feels like the biting point in the Audi is too high. The biting point in the Z4M feels just fine to me.

[taffyracer]

If ever there was a car that needed a remap purely for driveability then this is it, going to definitely have to get mine down to iron out the throttle jerkiness, it's like a bloody switch when you try to be progressive, sport mode is even worse, on track it's even worse when trying to balance on the throttle