Z4MC Ownership??
Discussion
Hi All,
I would welcome the 'usual' advice on owning a Z4MC. Am thinking about a new car this summer and really like the look of the Z4MC (especially in black or interlagos blue).
I havent owned a 'sports' car for the last 2 years and have been driving a 'dirty diesel' which is great - but dull!! (My last car was an 05 Impreza STi)
I need to use the car for business, but not regularly. "Reasonable" fuel economy on a long run is preferred, say about 30mpg??!! (anything over that would be a bonus).
What do you all find is the general cost of servicing, tyres etc.
Secondly, how practical do you find the car - obviously i know its a 2 seater so i'm not expecting a lot. But it would be nice to be able to use the car to say go to the airport (so fit some suitcases), instead of having to use the wifes car!
I appreciate its a small 2 seater, so practicality and economy are not going to be top of the list. But part of the reason for selling the scooby was that I just couldnt drive it anywhere without getting stuck in traffic and it needed petrol every 5 minutes! In the end i decided there was little point ownbing a sports car as i just couldnt make use of it and justify the cost of ownership.
I have a couple of superbikes, so i tend to use those for my adrenalin fix, but i want to get a more classy and intersting car and the Z4MC is top of my list at the moment.
Any comments would be greatly received.
I would welcome the 'usual' advice on owning a Z4MC. Am thinking about a new car this summer and really like the look of the Z4MC (especially in black or interlagos blue).
I havent owned a 'sports' car for the last 2 years and have been driving a 'dirty diesel' which is great - but dull!! (My last car was an 05 Impreza STi)
I need to use the car for business, but not regularly. "Reasonable" fuel economy on a long run is preferred, say about 30mpg??!! (anything over that would be a bonus).
What do you all find is the general cost of servicing, tyres etc.
Secondly, how practical do you find the car - obviously i know its a 2 seater so i'm not expecting a lot. But it would be nice to be able to use the car to say go to the airport (so fit some suitcases), instead of having to use the wifes car!
I appreciate its a small 2 seater, so practicality and economy are not going to be top of the list. But part of the reason for selling the scooby was that I just couldnt drive it anywhere without getting stuck in traffic and it needed petrol every 5 minutes! In the end i decided there was little point ownbing a sports car as i just couldnt make use of it and justify the cost of ownership.
I have a couple of superbikes, so i tend to use those for my adrenalin fix, but i want to get a more classy and intersting car and the Z4MC is top of my list at the moment.
Any comments would be greatly received.
Hi there
I have a Z4MC, had it since December 2008. Prices on the up at the moment so finding one under £20k would now be hard (mine was 18,800, Nov 2006 with 26k. Now done 31k!
Consumption. Manual says 23.3, I can get 24.5 or 25 but any higher will negate the point of having the car...
Tyres, varies from £600 for a set of Vredestein Sessanta to £1,100 (Dunlop Sp4.
Servicing every 12-14k. £260 for oil change then £600-£800 for Service one, another oil change, then £1,000 - £1,200 for Service 2. Main dealer prices.
VANOS - (variable valve lift system) Treat with caution seems to be the message so get the filter changed every service and maybe new bolts. Not expensive for this.
Engine so expensive if anything lets go consider warrenty (600 - 800 ish to extend for 12 months, comprehensive).
Gearbox. Complete pig between 1st and 2nd. Ok to Graunch of gears as change up 1st 2nd, ok on rest. Good reason to have the warranty! Suggest change Gearbox oil / diff oil more regularly than they advise (?) 'They all do it' but it is an effing pain in the ass when you are trying to accellerate REALLY quickly! 0-60 time appears to be about 4.7 seconds so all other bills must take performance into account.
Practicality. For what it is ride is pretty good (better than other models)and boot space pretty good too! Hndling is superb and therefore a very relaxing car to drive as it tracks like it is on rails.
Bottom line - fantastic car. As an ex-biker myself you'll love the accelleration and it is very rare and special to look at and to drive! Good luck with your decision!!
I have a Z4MC, had it since December 2008. Prices on the up at the moment so finding one under £20k would now be hard (mine was 18,800, Nov 2006 with 26k. Now done 31k!
Consumption. Manual says 23.3, I can get 24.5 or 25 but any higher will negate the point of having the car...
Tyres, varies from £600 for a set of Vredestein Sessanta to £1,100 (Dunlop Sp4.
Servicing every 12-14k. £260 for oil change then £600-£800 for Service one, another oil change, then £1,000 - £1,200 for Service 2. Main dealer prices.
VANOS - (variable valve lift system) Treat with caution seems to be the message so get the filter changed every service and maybe new bolts. Not expensive for this.
Engine so expensive if anything lets go consider warrenty (600 - 800 ish to extend for 12 months, comprehensive).
Gearbox. Complete pig between 1st and 2nd. Ok to Graunch of gears as change up 1st 2nd, ok on rest. Good reason to have the warranty! Suggest change Gearbox oil / diff oil more regularly than they advise (?) 'They all do it' but it is an effing pain in the ass when you are trying to accellerate REALLY quickly! 0-60 time appears to be about 4.7 seconds so all other bills must take performance into account.
Practicality. For what it is ride is pretty good (better than other models)and boot space pretty good too! Hndling is superb and therefore a very relaxing car to drive as it tracks like it is on rails.
Bottom line - fantastic car. As an ex-biker myself you'll love the accelleration and it is very rare and special to look at and to drive! Good luck with your decision!!
Fuel econ - 19/20 town, 27 long run
Servicing every 14k or 2 yrs.
Usually goes, Oil service, inspection I, oil service, inspection 2
Oil service is approx £3-400, ins 1 - £600, ins 2 £800 (not sure yet all guesses)
Road Tax £400
Hope that helps
Edited to add, Vanos has never been an issue on the S54, only old E36 Evo M3s. So dont worry about that.
Servicing every 14k or 2 yrs.
Usually goes, Oil service, inspection I, oil service, inspection 2
Oil service is approx £3-400, ins 1 - £600, ins 2 £800 (not sure yet all guesses)
Road Tax £400
Hope that helps
Edited to add, Vanos has never been an issue on the S54, only old E36 Evo M3s. So dont worry about that.
Edited by daz05 on Thursday 7th May 12:28
flimper said:
Buy one, I promise you won't regret it. I haven't 
Got it in one.I've had mine for a month now. Loving it. Did approx 500 miles the first weekend and was very impressed at how comfortable it is and how supple the ride is (sooo much better than the 3.0si I had a year or so back with the dreaded runflats).
Prices seem to have steadied, so depreciation shouldn't be a huge worry if you buy a 12 month old car.
Oh and the other half and I are taking it to Italy for a fortnight in the summer, so we're confident it's sufficiently practical, comfortable and economical for a 2,000 mile round trip.
Go for it!
Edited by wrighty78 on Thursday 7th May 13:43
I hum and haw at mine!
Looks great, and with CSL's and lowering it's a peach. It's fast and handles pretty well, not reached the track yet but i'm sure it's capable.
Worst thing about the car, infact 2 things really is the Gearbox! It's the worst i've used. Pain in the ass when cold, crap in traffic, heavy, clunky. Nowt wrong with it, coz my bro's is the same. It's just a crap box! lol. Reminds me of the 7.5tonner truck we used to have for racing. The CDV is also horrendous, it makes an experienced driver look like a "Just passed" as you kangaroo away from the junction.
That said, BMW have been super, i broke an engine mount and the altenator failed, this was replaced in a day/over a weekend and Road assist were fantastic. She's runnign sweet now and on the whole i do enjoy it.
30mpg! lol - Maybe @ 70 on the motorway...gentle!!! But around town 17-19 for me. Roughly 75miles to 20£ petrol is you want the nitty gritty.
would advise popping on to Z4forum, full of useless bits of info.
Should i have bought the m6....yeh i think so! But i'm happy enough for now.
Looks great, and with CSL's and lowering it's a peach. It's fast and handles pretty well, not reached the track yet but i'm sure it's capable.
Worst thing about the car, infact 2 things really is the Gearbox! It's the worst i've used. Pain in the ass when cold, crap in traffic, heavy, clunky. Nowt wrong with it, coz my bro's is the same. It's just a crap box! lol. Reminds me of the 7.5tonner truck we used to have for racing. The CDV is also horrendous, it makes an experienced driver look like a "Just passed" as you kangaroo away from the junction.
That said, BMW have been super, i broke an engine mount and the altenator failed, this was replaced in a day/over a weekend and Road assist were fantastic. She's runnign sweet now and on the whole i do enjoy it.
30mpg! lol - Maybe @ 70 on the motorway...gentle!!! But around town 17-19 for me. Roughly 75miles to 20£ petrol is you want the nitty gritty.
would advise popping on to Z4forum, full of useless bits of info.
Should i have bought the m6....yeh i think so! But i'm happy enough for now.
I bought mine at the end of November 2008, with 9,500 miles on the clock and it's now got 17,000 on.
I was using it for my regular commutes to London & back, and averaging 600 miles a week which needed between 2 and 3 visits to the petrol station, depending on how it was driven.
I'm getting an overall average of 23mpg and getting 280-300 miles out of a tank on a run - and even then I can't get any more than 45 litres of SUL in.
The only costs I've had so far are for fuel, tyres (2 rears at £170 each) & insurance (£700 for 38 year old, car parked on road/drive in Liverpool 25), although as it's black there will be another bill shortly for a detailing session.
I've also done a couple of track days in it, and thought it performed very well, and so much better than my old e34 M5
I was using it for my regular commutes to London & back, and averaging 600 miles a week which needed between 2 and 3 visits to the petrol station, depending on how it was driven.
I'm getting an overall average of 23mpg and getting 280-300 miles out of a tank on a run - and even then I can't get any more than 45 litres of SUL in.
The only costs I've had so far are for fuel, tyres (2 rears at £170 each) & insurance (£700 for 38 year old, car parked on road/drive in Liverpool 25), although as it's black there will be another bill shortly for a detailing session.
I've also done a couple of track days in it, and thought it performed very well, and so much better than my old e34 M5
Sorry to gate crash your thread, but I am also thinking about getting a Z4MC.
I've already got a 3.0 Z4 roadster with every option ticked, but love the shape of the coupe. General opinion seems to be that the 3.0 is generally easier to live with, and much cheaper to own, but I can't see the justification in spending the extra cash to get the same car with a roof. That's why the //M makes more sense as an upgrade, but I still keep wondering whether the difference is going to be worth getting rid of the roadster and adding what my current car is worth again on top!
I don't need to do big miles in it, so the running costs won't kill me, but it doesn't make any sense if the car is going to be worth 10-12K in a year from now...
It is hard to know what will happen to the value of them with the new Z4 coming in, but I keep getting the urge to get hold of a coupe before it's too late;)
I've already got a 3.0 Z4 roadster with every option ticked, but love the shape of the coupe. General opinion seems to be that the 3.0 is generally easier to live with, and much cheaper to own, but I can't see the justification in spending the extra cash to get the same car with a roof. That's why the //M makes more sense as an upgrade, but I still keep wondering whether the difference is going to be worth getting rid of the roadster and adding what my current car is worth again on top!
I don't need to do big miles in it, so the running costs won't kill me, but it doesn't make any sense if the car is going to be worth 10-12K in a year from now...
It is hard to know what will happen to the value of them with the new Z4 coming in, but I keep getting the urge to get hold of a coupe before it's too late;)
I wouldn't worry about it being difficult to live with, I do lots of small journeys and it's fine. The gearbox is annoying at first but you get used to it, my main annoyance is having to fill up so often. I get about 200 miles before the light comes on, as it's a small tank and I get about 21mpg.
But these are mere details, the car is a riot!
But these are mere details, the car is a riot!
Buy one. You won't regret it & as only 500 (approx) Roadsters & Coupes were ever sold in the UK you will buy a relatively non-depreciating car...
Had my Z4M (Roadster) for 5 months now. I've had two problems with it but as a BMW AUC they have been corrected with no quibbles (Rattling dasboard & - more seriously - an OSR suspension clonking, which turned out to be a misthreaded (from the factory!) mounting bolt on the rear "Y" chassis brace!
The only downer for me (I'm retired & on a p**s poor pension) is the £400 Road Tax. I drive it like a normal car until I want to overtake & it has returned approx 27mpg, which is incredible for 343bhp. I had a brand new 231 RX-8 in 2004 that only gave 18mpg so I changed it for a Golf R32 - which gave me only 22mpg - but a big smile!!
I'm 52 & pay £330 fully comp with protected NCB. My last Z4 was a 3.0 Factory AC Schnitzer & that cost me £650 pa in 2007 so I don't understand how the ///M is only costing £330???
Having run that unique AC for 14 months (34mpg & half the road tax), with hindsight I would say that 99% of the time on 70mph UK roads I would choose to buy a 3.0Si Coupe. If you regularly visit Germany on business then the ///M is the one to buy.
Get rid of the CDV (Clutch Delay Valve) as I did (Took me 15 minutes). Ignore the "Doom & Gloom" merchants quoting ridiculous BMW servicing costs. Find a GOOD independent specialist for less than half BMW's prices. An "Oil Inspection" (read - oil change) with fully synthetic oil will be under £100 (about £60 inc filter if you DIY). Inspection 1 will be about £150 if you DIY. Inspection 2 requires the valve clearances to be checked & re-set (if necessary-which is a rarity). Get a good Indy if you keep a car that long....
Go for it. You won't regret it & might actually buy an appreciating asset.
Had my Z4M (Roadster) for 5 months now. I've had two problems with it but as a BMW AUC they have been corrected with no quibbles (Rattling dasboard & - more seriously - an OSR suspension clonking, which turned out to be a misthreaded (from the factory!) mounting bolt on the rear "Y" chassis brace!
The only downer for me (I'm retired & on a p**s poor pension) is the £400 Road Tax. I drive it like a normal car until I want to overtake & it has returned approx 27mpg, which is incredible for 343bhp. I had a brand new 231 RX-8 in 2004 that only gave 18mpg so I changed it for a Golf R32 - which gave me only 22mpg - but a big smile!!
I'm 52 & pay £330 fully comp with protected NCB. My last Z4 was a 3.0 Factory AC Schnitzer & that cost me £650 pa in 2007 so I don't understand how the ///M is only costing £330???
Having run that unique AC for 14 months (34mpg & half the road tax), with hindsight I would say that 99% of the time on 70mph UK roads I would choose to buy a 3.0Si Coupe. If you regularly visit Germany on business then the ///M is the one to buy.
Get rid of the CDV (Clutch Delay Valve) as I did (Took me 15 minutes). Ignore the "Doom & Gloom" merchants quoting ridiculous BMW servicing costs. Find a GOOD independent specialist for less than half BMW's prices. An "Oil Inspection" (read - oil change) with fully synthetic oil will be under £100 (about £60 inc filter if you DIY). Inspection 1 will be about £150 if you DIY. Inspection 2 requires the valve clearances to be checked & re-set (if necessary-which is a rarity). Get a good Indy if you keep a car that long....
Go for it. You won't regret it & might actually buy an appreciating asset.
I'm loving my Z4M Roadster. Done a trackday at Cadwell (car was rock solid all day) going drifiting at Oulton on Saturday and then Driving round Europe in it in early June so you could say I'm making the most of it. Picked mine up in March for a smidge over 18k but these prices are history now. I knew they were undervalued which was what really spured me on to sell (imo) a near perfect 2 car setup (Megane f1 and vx220) to fund it. I'd consider myself lucky to buy the same car now for anything under 22k in fact I couldnt afford one at prices as they are now TBH.
Wouldnt worry about servicing I think this is something BMW have been looking at because their prices seem to have dropped massively. I was quoted £450 today for an inspection 1 including valve clearences checking. I've needed a set of rears but dropped on some at a good price so havent really had to spend anything on it in the few months we've had it. Had a problem when I first got it which was just a leaky washer fluid pipe all fixed in a single visit at BMW wakefield even though it needed parts (Renault used to really get on my moobs as every fault needed 2 visits for parts fitting jobs)
Best things I like about the car are the noise which I dont think any petrolhead could ever tire of. Exclusivity, the Mrs gets on well with it as its very easy to drive. Contrary to a lot of the reviews I dont find the suspesion hard and the handling is sublime for a 1500kg car. Performance is comically rapid and the ease you can go sideways is equally amusing.
Things I dont like - The fabric hood marks when it goes up and down which is a bit annoying but apparently TADTS. As mentioned road tax is a bit inconvenient at £400 also I sometimes feel its a wee bit bordering on ostentatious and you certainly get death stares from some people (mainly common types).
I'm currently running it on my spare E46 M3 track wheels though so it doesnt look quite so posh (sprayed them black lol) Its not been envy keyed yet but we're waiting.
Wouldnt worry about servicing I think this is something BMW have been looking at because their prices seem to have dropped massively. I was quoted £450 today for an inspection 1 including valve clearences checking. I've needed a set of rears but dropped on some at a good price so havent really had to spend anything on it in the few months we've had it. Had a problem when I first got it which was just a leaky washer fluid pipe all fixed in a single visit at BMW wakefield even though it needed parts (Renault used to really get on my moobs as every fault needed 2 visits for parts fitting jobs)
Best things I like about the car are the noise which I dont think any petrolhead could ever tire of. Exclusivity, the Mrs gets on well with it as its very easy to drive. Contrary to a lot of the reviews I dont find the suspesion hard and the handling is sublime for a 1500kg car. Performance is comically rapid and the ease you can go sideways is equally amusing.
Things I dont like - The fabric hood marks when it goes up and down which is a bit annoying but apparently TADTS. As mentioned road tax is a bit inconvenient at £400 also I sometimes feel its a wee bit bordering on ostentatious and you certainly get death stares from some people (mainly common types).
I'm currently running it on my spare E46 M3 track wheels though so it doesnt look quite so posh (sprayed them black lol) Its not been envy keyed yet but we're waiting.
Edited by fridaypassion on Thursday 7th May 18:31
Superb car - had mine almost 18 months and never looked back. Many people say this next bit but it is so true - I cannot imagine what I could change to for similar money that would be as much fun.
Down sides - gearbox, can be noisy / tiring on longer journeys
Up sides - EVERYTHING! Driving has never been such fun!!!!
Down sides - gearbox, can be noisy / tiring on longer journeys
Up sides - EVERYTHING! Driving has never been such fun!!!!
For me...
Fuel 25mpg average over 15k mls
Insurance c £500pa
Tracker £130pa
Warranty - mine runs out 2010 but its c £600pa IIRC
Rear Tyres £400 pair every 15k mls
Front tyres similar but dunno wear rate
Servicing
Oil - £160 every 22kmls
Insp 1 - £626 every oher 22k mls
Brake Fluid £48 every two years
Depreciation - don't ask!
So for 12k mls / year
Fuel £2600
Ins £600
Tracker £130
Warranty £600
Tyres £320
Servicing £500
Say £5k!!! or 42p/mile...
Its only money...
ps you need to factor in £400 road tax too I forgot and can't be bothered to correct the calcs!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Fuel 25mpg average over 15k mls
Insurance c £500pa
Tracker £130pa
Warranty - mine runs out 2010 but its c £600pa IIRC
Rear Tyres £400 pair every 15k mls
Front tyres similar but dunno wear rate
Servicing
Oil - £160 every 22kmls
Insp 1 - £626 every oher 22k mls
Brake Fluid £48 every two years
Depreciation - don't ask!
So for 12k mls / year
Fuel £2600
Ins £600
Tracker £130
Warranty £600
Tyres £320
Servicing £500
Say £5k!!! or 42p/mile...
Its only money...
ps you need to factor in £400 road tax too I forgot and can't be bothered to correct the calcs!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
bjohnson said:
Hi All,
I would welcome the 'usual' advice on owning a Z4MC. Am thinking about a new car this summer and really like the look of the Z4MC (especially in black or interlagos blue).
I havent owned a 'sports' car for the last 2 years and have been driving a 'dirty diesel' which is great - but dull!! (My last car was an 05 Impreza STi)
I need to use the car for business, but not regularly. "Reasonable" fuel economy on a long run is preferred, say about 30mpg??!! (anything over that would be a bonus).
What do you all find is the general cost of servicing, tyres etc.
Secondly, how practical do you find the car - obviously i know its a 2 seater so i'm not expecting a lot. But it would be nice to be able to use the car to say go to the airport (so fit some suitcases), instead of having to use the wifes car!
I appreciate its a small 2 seater, so practicality and economy are not going to be top of the list. But part of the reason for selling the scooby was that I just couldnt drive it anywhere without getting stuck in traffic and it needed petrol every 5 minutes! In the end i decided there was little point ownbing a sports car as i just couldnt make use of it and justify the cost of ownership.
I have a couple of superbikes, so i tend to use those for my adrenalin fix, but i want to get a more classy and intersting car and the Z4MC is top of my list at the moment.
Any comments would be greatly received.
A biker myself and have an 08 Interlagos Z4M Coupe...I would welcome the 'usual' advice on owning a Z4MC. Am thinking about a new car this summer and really like the look of the Z4MC (especially in black or interlagos blue).
I havent owned a 'sports' car for the last 2 years and have been driving a 'dirty diesel' which is great - but dull!! (My last car was an 05 Impreza STi)
I need to use the car for business, but not regularly. "Reasonable" fuel economy on a long run is preferred, say about 30mpg??!! (anything over that would be a bonus).
What do you all find is the general cost of servicing, tyres etc.
Secondly, how practical do you find the car - obviously i know its a 2 seater so i'm not expecting a lot. But it would be nice to be able to use the car to say go to the airport (so fit some suitcases), instead of having to use the wifes car!
I appreciate its a small 2 seater, so practicality and economy are not going to be top of the list. But part of the reason for selling the scooby was that I just couldnt drive it anywhere without getting stuck in traffic and it needed petrol every 5 minutes! In the end i decided there was little point ownbing a sports car as i just couldnt make use of it and justify the cost of ownership.
I have a couple of superbikes, so i tend to use those for my adrenalin fix, but i want to get a more classy and intersting car and the Z4MC is top of my list at the moment.
Any comments would be greatly received.
It's a great car, not bad in town and a lot of fun on the twisties while comfy on longer motorway trips. It's got the character of a TVR/GT3 with BMW reliability and everyday use. It isn't as easy to drive as a scooby or 911, at higher speed on bumpy B roads it can be a handful but you get used to it and the DSC traction control is excellent.
They come with a battery in the big boot - you could fit a hand luggage case (big one) in the boot or two but a full case would fall foul of the battery. This can be moved if you install a smaller one (look at the Zpost forum)...
MPG - I average 18. That's half town and half A/B/Motorway roads. I once seen 30mpg on the motorway but best I've had is 24mpg on longer trips...
Servicing is pretty cheap for an M car and long between intervals. Mae sure your car has had the 1200 mile running in service or you'll never sell for anything near its worth in future. And make sure you get the decent stereo or as I've done, upgrade the basic one with a custom install (amp/speakers) as it's about the same cost but much better sound.
Tyres - still on my first set at 7500 miles which is impressive...
It's the best value real world supercar in my opinion without going to Porsche and the expensive servicing and labour costs. It gives me the thrills of the GT3 without the in-town headaches.
It's a real drivers car, old fashioned muscle, not very delicate and if you like a superbike you'll love this....
From "fridaypassion":
"Things I dont like - The fabric hood marks when it goes up and down which is a bit annoying but apparently TADTS. As mentioned road tax is a bit inconvenient at £400 also I sometimes feel its a wee bit bordering on ostentatious and you certainly get death stares from some people (mainly common types)."
My Z4MR is my fifth (5th) BMW convertible since 1997. I had a LHD Z3 1.9 before the Z3 was even available in the UK. I bought a brand new 2.8 Z3 in June 98 & had the delight of BMW Munich booking me into a hotel literally next door to the factory/customer pick up facility. I kept that car for 5 years & never had a hood problem. The BMW fabric hoods are the best in the world. They need NO treatment whatsoever -unless you get Seagull poo on it - then just douse the poo out with a hosepipe & brush....
I don't get "Death Stares" from anybody. The Z4MR is just another bog standard Z4 to look at - until they see the 4 tailpipes & lowered suspension. Enjoy your car but keep it, despite the £400 Road Tax. That tax won't reduce if you vote for Cameron - he needs every penny.
Just enjoy a unique machine - but look after it if you want to recoupe your money - as you will.
Here's a story: I bought an Aston Martin V8 (secondhand) for £84,000 in 2006. I got £54,000 in 2007. Not good.
Mike
"Things I dont like - The fabric hood marks when it goes up and down which is a bit annoying but apparently TADTS. As mentioned road tax is a bit inconvenient at £400 also I sometimes feel its a wee bit bordering on ostentatious and you certainly get death stares from some people (mainly common types)."
My Z4MR is my fifth (5th) BMW convertible since 1997. I had a LHD Z3 1.9 before the Z3 was even available in the UK. I bought a brand new 2.8 Z3 in June 98 & had the delight of BMW Munich booking me into a hotel literally next door to the factory/customer pick up facility. I kept that car for 5 years & never had a hood problem. The BMW fabric hoods are the best in the world. They need NO treatment whatsoever -unless you get Seagull poo on it - then just douse the poo out with a hosepipe & brush....
I don't get "Death Stares" from anybody. The Z4MR is just another bog standard Z4 to look at - until they see the 4 tailpipes & lowered suspension. Enjoy your car but keep it, despite the £400 Road Tax. That tax won't reduce if you vote for Cameron - he needs every penny.
Just enjoy a unique machine - but look after it if you want to recoupe your money - as you will.
Here's a story: I bought an Aston Martin V8 (secondhand) for £84,000 in 2006. I got £54,000 in 2007. Not good.
Mike
scotia_steve74 said:
bjohnson said:
Hi All,
I would welcome the 'usual' advice on owning a Z4MC. Am thinking about a new car this summer and really like the look of the Z4MC (especially in black or interlagos blue).
I havent owned a 'sports' car for the last 2 years and have been driving a 'dirty diesel' which is great - but dull!! (My last car was an 05 Impreza STi)
I need to use the car for business, but not regularly. "Reasonable" fuel economy on a long run is preferred, say about 30mpg??!! (anything over that would be a bonus).
What do you all find is the general cost of servicing, tyres etc.
Secondly, how practical do you find the car - obviously i know its a 2 seater so i'm not expecting a lot. But it would be nice to be able to use the car to say go to the airport (so fit some suitcases), instead of having to use the wifes car!
I appreciate its a small 2 seater, so practicality and economy are not going to be top of the list. But part of the reason for selling the scooby was that I just couldnt drive it anywhere without getting stuck in traffic and it needed petrol every 5 minutes! In the end i decided there was little point ownbing a sports car as i just couldnt make use of it and justify the cost of ownership.
I have a couple of superbikes, so i tend to use those for my adrenalin fix, but i want to get a more classy and intersting car and the Z4MC is top of my list at the moment.
Any comments would be greatly received.
A biker myself and have an 08 Interlagos Z4M Coupe...I would welcome the 'usual' advice on owning a Z4MC. Am thinking about a new car this summer and really like the look of the Z4MC (especially in black or interlagos blue).
I havent owned a 'sports' car for the last 2 years and have been driving a 'dirty diesel' which is great - but dull!! (My last car was an 05 Impreza STi)
I need to use the car for business, but not regularly. "Reasonable" fuel economy on a long run is preferred, say about 30mpg??!! (anything over that would be a bonus).
What do you all find is the general cost of servicing, tyres etc.
Secondly, how practical do you find the car - obviously i know its a 2 seater so i'm not expecting a lot. But it would be nice to be able to use the car to say go to the airport (so fit some suitcases), instead of having to use the wifes car!
I appreciate its a small 2 seater, so practicality and economy are not going to be top of the list. But part of the reason for selling the scooby was that I just couldnt drive it anywhere without getting stuck in traffic and it needed petrol every 5 minutes! In the end i decided there was little point ownbing a sports car as i just couldnt make use of it and justify the cost of ownership.
I have a couple of superbikes, so i tend to use those for my adrenalin fix, but i want to get a more classy and intersting car and the Z4MC is top of my list at the moment.
Any comments would be greatly received.
It's a great car, not bad in town and a lot of fun on the twisties while comfy on longer motorway trips. It's got the character of a TVR/GT3 with BMW reliability and everyday use. It isn't as easy to drive as a scooby or 911, at higher speed on bumpy B roads it can be a handful but you get used to it and the DSC traction control is excellent.
They come with a battery in the big boot - you could fit a hand luggage case (big one) in the boot or two but a full case would fall foul of the battery. This can be moved if you install a smaller one (look at the Zpost forum)...
MPG - I average 18. That's half town and half A/B/Motorway roads. I once seen 30mpg on the motorway but best I've had is 24mpg on longer trips...
Servicing is pretty cheap for an M car and long between intervals. Mae sure your car has had the 1200 mile running in service or you'll never sell for anything near its worth in future. And make sure you get the decent stereo or as I've done, upgrade the basic one with a custom install (amp/speakers) as it's about the same cost but much better sound.
Tyres - still on my first set at 7500 miles which is impressive...
It's the best value real world supercar in my opinion without going to Porsche and the expensive servicing and labour costs. It gives me the thrills of the GT3 without the in-town headaches.
It's a real drivers car, old fashioned muscle, not very delicate and if you like a superbike you'll love this....
Banus333 said:
If you are only getting 18mpg & 7500 miles out of £1000's worth of Conti's you are driving like you stole it & deserve to get banned. Not an impressive comment. I have had many "supercars", including a GT3, which quite frankly was an absolute disastor. It went like stink but all the weight was in the rear end. I wrapped it around a telegraph pole. Total design disaster. - The only car I ever lost control of in 35 years.
You're weird.sixspeed said:
Banus333 said:
If you are only getting 18mpg & 7500 miles out of £1000's worth of Conti's you are driving like you stole it & deserve to get banned. Not an impressive comment. I have had many "supercars", including a GT3, which quite frankly was an absolute disastor. It went like stink but all the weight was in the rear end. I wrapped it around a telegraph pole. Total design disaster. - The only car I ever lost control of in 35 years.
You're weird.The man's a tool.
ETA: Pray Tell Mike, how did you manage to lose control of a GT3 (a car which incidentaly has far more mechanical grip than any BMW I've ever driven) whithout driving it "like you stole it" and "[deserving of a ban]"?
Edited by asbo on Friday 8th May 12:44
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff