11-06-2022, 01:29 PM | #1 |
Enlisted Member
20
Rep 44
Posts |
Z4 M40 or 30i can't decide
real first world problem: had a z4 M40i for two years, but often felt not convinced with the car.
Driving profile: winding roads, suburban, urban and sometime trips over highways 300-500 miles (germany). I really like light and responsive cars. My cons of the M40i so far: - feels quite heavy, but still well balanced - feels a little to much "planted" so it lacks some responsiveness - very wide tyres underlines the feeling of heaviness - steering to heavy even in comfort - steering wheel far too thick Responsiveness could also depend on the adaptive suspension, the m sport suspension of a driven 30i felt more direct. The inline six engine is a real burner: power delivery, sound and mpg are all amazing. So logical wise it is a simple calculation, take the M40i again as long as it is posible But then - weight matters sometimes. The lighter 30i has some advantages: - could order it with 18" 225/255 instead of 255/275 - has thinner steering wheel - weighs 60-70 kg less on the front and the engine sits behind the front axle, not on top like the inline six Yes indeed, the weight difference is only around 130-140 lbs (60-70kg) and not 200 or more. The technical specs of BMW are misleading, with the same equippment, there ist only this difference between both models, I cross checked it several times. Nevertheless, the 30i feels lighter significantly, though the steering is not much better (feels still dead and heavy in the center), I hoped it would be better. But you can improve it with advanced coding for a ligther steering feel, so for me it would be fine in the end. I still can't decide between the two, I only had the chance to drive a 30i for two hours, not enough to convince me at all. But maybe it would be in the long run? So one day I would fix the M40, the next day the 30i What to do? Last edited by LoneStar; 11-06-2022 at 01:42 PM.. |
11-06-2022, 01:46 PM | #2 |
Captain
1065
Rep 708
Posts |
Steering wheel is thinner? I test drove a 30 and thought it had the same thickness.
__________________
2022 BMW Z4 M40i | 2021 HD Road Glide Limited | 2019 Ford Expedition XLT MAX | Subaru Outback 2019 | Subaru Outback 2024
|
Appreciate
1
Westside Guy6743.50 |
11-06-2022, 02:24 PM | #4 |
Captain
1556
Rep 694
Posts |
Here’s my advice: Stop reading magazine reviews and go drive a 30i. You’ve already owned an M40i, so you are in a better position to decide if a 30i fits your needs than anyone on this board.
|
Appreciate
5
|
11-06-2022, 03:06 PM | #5 |
Lieutenant
1347
Rep 503
Posts
Drives: BMW Z4 G29 M40i
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: Antwerp
|
I would go for the m40i, especially if you had one before, i think you would miss the power in a 30i. its probably possible to put wheels on the car that are less wide the winter-set for the m40i is also 18/255wide all around.
There's also a 17/225 set on the BMW accesoires site here in Belgium, but it might not fit over the brakes on the 40i. I would try to test drive them both back to back and compare there are different steering wheels for the m sport package and the non-msport it probably feels a little different.
__________________
2019 BMW Z4 G29 M40i @600hp - Insta: ZZZZ_M40i
|
Appreciate
2
stlcdr1065.00 Wynnsiensheng1145.50 |
11-06-2022, 03:52 PM | #7 |
Colonel
4975
Rep 2,731
Posts
Drives: 2024 BMW Z4 M40i
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Texas
|
I am a 30i owner. I can vouch to say you get a TON of fun car in a cheaper package. The pep is NOTHING to sneeze at and it’s a ton of fun to drive around. Here is my 12-month anniversary video.
However, as someone who likes to go all in with stuff he loves. I do feel pangs of regret not getting the M40i for the clout, sound, speed, the ///M (not a true M car, I know) and more. I am currently looking to find a way to upgrade to the M40i, but it still won’t be for a little while. |
Appreciate
3
|
11-06-2022, 06:02 PM | #9 |
Brigadier General
6744
Rep 4,979
Posts
Drives: 2022 Z4 M40i, 2021 228i GC
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Hallandale Beach, FL
|
I test drove the 30i and loved the looks of the car and how it handled. I then told my salesman that I wanted to order the M40i without ever test driving it.
|
Appreciate
1
stlcdr1065.00 |
11-07-2022, 01:34 AM | #10 | |
Darth ZEDer
6969
Rep 1,392
Posts
Drives: 2022 BMW Z4 sDrive3.0
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: metro St Louis
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
3
|
11-07-2022, 10:07 AM | #11 | ||
Brigadier General
6744
Rep 4,979
Posts
Drives: 2022 Z4 M40i, 2021 228i GC
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Hallandale Beach, FL
|
Quote:
I guess that in my mind the Cutlass was the equivalent of the 30i and the M40i was the 442 and it took me all of those years to fulfill that dream! |
||
Appreciate
3
|
11-07-2022, 10:09 AM | #12 |
Colonel
1851
Rep 2,760
Posts |
For me it came down to spending 55-60K for a 4-cylinder car. That is NOT something I can do. While the M40 I got was 69k it met my bang for buck decision.
|
Appreciate
2
BMWGirlFL6601.00 DPelletier686.50 |
11-07-2022, 10:12 AM | #13 |
2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt
3156
Rep 5,264
Posts
Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC
iTrader: (0)
Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57]
2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00] |
A logical test would be how many M40i buyers now wished they bought a 3.0 instead.
__________________
Kevin
Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT |
Appreciate
6
|
11-07-2022, 11:27 AM | #14 | |
Lieutenant
687
Rep 557
Posts
Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada
|
Quote:
Sometimes, I even regret selling my V8 F type for the M40i; there is no way I'd have been happy with a 30i.....but everyone is different. Honestly, by the sounds of it the OP may be happier with a Boxster; it's lighter and has better steering - I almost bought one but couldn't warm up to the turbo 2.0 4 cyl. 2 cents, Dave |
|
Appreciate
1
BMWGirlFL6601.00 |
11-07-2022, 11:28 AM | #15 | |
Lieutenant
687
Rep 557
Posts
Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada
|
Quote:
Dave |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-07-2022, 11:31 AM | #16 | ||
Brigadier General
6744
Rep 4,979
Posts
Drives: 2022 Z4 M40i, 2021 228i GC
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Hallandale Beach, FL
|
Quote:
|
||
Appreciate
1
DPelletier686.50 |
11-07-2022, 11:41 AM | #17 |
Captain
1065
Rep 708
Posts |
Trying to get my mind around this decision. I test drove a 30 and got the 40, without test driving, also. I knew I wanted the 40.
I'm not convinced there's anything the 30 can do that the 40 can't. Having said that, 99% (maybe more) of the time I drive at the point that the 30 would adequately handle. The 30 wins in the fuel economy department, I expect. As a daily driver with a lot of miles per year, that is possibly a significant factor. I guess I'm: a) a child and like stupid things (the 40 is stupid fast); b) better to have it and not need it.
__________________
2022 BMW Z4 M40i | 2021 HD Road Glide Limited | 2019 Ford Expedition XLT MAX | Subaru Outback 2019 | Subaru Outback 2024
|
Appreciate
2
getbfuller191.50 Bayernzeit193.50 |
11-07-2022, 11:43 AM | #18 |
Enlisted Member
20
Rep 44
Posts |
M40i is only 10% more than the 30i here. It's not the money. Fuel economy of the M40i is really decent, just 10% more or so.
That is the right question: how many M40i owners wishes a 30i? Not too much I would say. The 4-zylinder is our mid term future here in Germany, as long as our green party urges us to go by bus or on horsebacks very soon;-) From 2035 combustion engines will be be banned and in their dreams all these petrol and diesel cars should be banned right now, I am not kidding BTW 4-Zylinder: take a look at the brand new AMG C63, a real funny thing:-) |
Appreciate
0
|
11-07-2022, 02:32 PM | #19 | ||
Brigadier General
6744
Rep 4,979
Posts
Drives: 2022 Z4 M40i, 2021 228i GC
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Hallandale Beach, FL
|
Quote:
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
11-07-2022, 02:35 PM | #20 |
Lieutenant
687
Rep 557
Posts
Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada
|
The standard 455 in the 1970 442 was rated at 365hp; the W-30 had special heads, camshaft, unique aluminum intake, carb, tranny, etc. and was rated at 370hp which was clearly underrated. Actual gross crank hp was around 420hp. Also came with the W25 fiberglass hood, red inner fenders and reduced body sound deadening for less weight.
Of the approximately 23,000 442's built in 1970, 3100 were W30's. I don't have any pics of mine on this computer but it's identical to this one, color, stripes, rims, etc. except I had Goodyear tires on mine. |
Appreciate
1
Westside Guy6743.50 |
11-07-2022, 02:40 PM | #21 |
Lieutenant
687
Rep 557
Posts
Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada
|
apologies to the OP for going so far OT
Dave |
Appreciate
0
|
11-08-2022, 02:18 AM | #22 |
Enlisted Member
20
Rep 44
Posts |
I still can't decide, therefore I go for a M240i convertible;-)
It is quite a good offer, and selling it later on well shouldn't be a problem. The 2 series is more practical for daily use and the steering is really more the way I like it - light and well centered with more response. Sure a roadster is a total different approach and maybe I try it later on again, but not yet. |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|