[spta97]

..well my gf is the buyer anyway.

Hi all - I frequent the F97 forums as I have a X3MC but the girl wants to get a Z4.

Hoping you wouldn't mind helping with some questions.

Background - She is totally fixated on the Z4 strictly based on looks (since it was initially introduced); we have not test driven yet.

1) She is 5' tall - any issues with having a good view of the road?

2) This will be her daily driver (as daily as COVID allows) and we live in NY. My thoughts are to replace the summer performance tires with all seasons. Your thoughts? She won't drive in actual snow (unless it is unplanned) but it is more the cold performance I am concerned about. I assume rain performance is ok regardless of tire (obviously cold rain would be a problem with the summers)?

3) I'm trying to talk her into the M40i (I love speed/performance) but she is a fairly slow driver. I feel that once you start adding options the M40i would be a better value (and I love the power). She would rather spend less on the 30i. What are your thoughts on the M40i for a less "spirited" driver?

4) Speaking of options, are there any must haves (i.e., M-Sport Differential, etc.)?


5) In the event she decides the car is too impractical and wants to sell, I imagine it would be hard to find a local buyer? Seems the used prices are close to new though and not a lot on the market. Perhaps good for resale?

Thanks and I appreciate the replies while I'm making my way through the forum for more information.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by spta97

..well my gf is the buyer anyway.

Hi all - I frequent the F97 forums as I have a X3MC but the girl wants to get a Z4.

Hoping you wouldn't mind helping with some questions.

Background - She is totally fixated on the Z4 strictly based on looks (since it was initially introduced); we have not test driven yet.

1) She is 5' tall - any issues with having a good view of the road?


2) This will be her daily driver (as daily as COVID allows) and we live in NY. My thoughts are to replace the summer performance tires with all seasons. Your thoughts? She won't drive in actual snow (unless it is unplanned) but it is more the cold performance I am concerned about. I assume rain performance is ok regardless of tire (obviously cold rain would be a problem with the summers)?

3) I'm trying to talk her into the M40i (I love speed/performance) but she is a fairly slow driver. I feel that once you start adding options the M40i would be a better value (and I love the power). She would rather spend less on the 30i. What are your thoughts on the M40i for a less "spirited" driver?

4) Speaking of options, are there any must haves (i.e., M-Sport Differential, etc.)?


5) In the event she decides the car is too impractical and wants to sell, I imagine it would be hard to find a local buyer? Seems the used prices are close to new though and not a lot on the market. Perhaps good for resale?

Thanks and I appreciate the replies while I'm making my way through the forum for more information.

NOTE: have a M40 have never driven or sat in a 30

Seat has all kinds of power adjustment seeing out should not be a problem. My daughter, 5'2", has no problems.

Live in the south & we get occasional snow. Summers will not move in snow period. Car stays parked.

Would not tell her how to spend her money. That said the 40 has many more basic features than the 30 beside the engine.

The LSD is one of those standard 40 features included with the full performance suspension, steering, tires, brakes package.

Absolute minimum I would get is the 40 with the Premium package. Think the Executive is the best all round if you willing to go over the Premium price but do not want to spend anymore money after that. Exec is about triple the premiums $1400

Personally added some other things, overall there are not a whole lot of options, but was not price sensitive.

Used private sales are a crap shoot. Only comment is they have not been produced all summer so there is a shortage under normal inventory. Based on some comments there is a demand but how much you can expect to get back with dealer incentives etc is not easy to determine & will vary greatly by location.

[gasnet]

I used to put on all seasons. My 3rd Z4, but i dont bother anymore. Comfort mode all winter tames the beast. Just be careful! The car has the same performance as the outgoing M3. So you will enjoy it. If going with 30i make sure you get the M package. It will look similar to M40i. Of coarse i don't drive in snow or salted roads. As you know lots of snow lately so car is held up for awhile. I guess thats what we get for having no snow in the past 2 years. Front vision is not a problem, but rear you must be careful. Blind spots so always be careful backing out. Also take the wind screen off in winter. Or leave it off. It helps.

[gasnet]

Held up for a week and counting

[CeEl]

I test drove the 30i. Twice. It really is a fun car, sounds great. I ordered the M40i because power. But honestly would have been happy with the 30i.

[DocWho]

I have to keep the top up in January and February, so I can live with it as a daily driver. It is fun for me to drive it every day.

Options depend on what you want. I like sound, so upgrade was necessary. I like the convenience M-sport, and executive packages. That is the car I bought because it had all the options I would have picked and it was already available. Again, depends on what you like. Have fun.

[Mixitt]

I and a few others here started with the 30i and built up from there. Anecdotal evidence suggests the 50/50 weight ratio provided by the lighter engine might be better regarding handling than the 40i.

Test drive a 30i. The power, torque is excellent. 40i may be over kill for her. It is for us.

In NYC you might NEED some of the options that make driving more in sync with big city driving. Z4 comes with a hands off Parking Assistant as standard - very cool.

Did a lot of research and added the M Sport package and Dynamic Handling option after asking around here. Convenience package was perfect for us and all we need. Then again I live in the country in central Texas, not NYC.

Paid invoice. Is now pending production. As far as I know there are no dealer incentives being offered.

Good luck!

[spta97]

Thanks for all the replies!

I should clarify we are in Long Island (not NYC). We have gotten a lot of snow as of late but like I said the car would only be driven in snow if it just happened to start snowing rather than a forecasted event. Roads are usually clear the next day.

I will have to do some research on all seasons. On my X3MC I run dedicated winter tires and dedicated summers. For her use case, I do not think she would need the top end performance benefit of summers. Unfortunately that would mean tossing a perfectly good set of new tires (or I suppose selling them).

It seems the M-Performance package is a must and the M40i might be overkill. Personally, I like the looks of the M40i but she is ok with the front of the 30i. To compare the M40i to the outgoing M3 is eye opening - despite the specs I didn't think it was as powerful!

A lot of reviews I see state the Z4 is just a weekend car but most of the complaints are about space. I'm hoping with a good set of all-season tires she should be fine despite the rear wheel drive.

For performance, the reviews I see state is it more managed (with some back-end kick outs if you get on it ). My X3MC is BRUTAL when you get on it. What's nice is you can drive it like a normal X3 but it is a monster when in Sport+. It seems the Z4 is more tame in that respect but only a test drive will tell.

Please feel free to add more suggestions/experiences!

[Mixitt]

Videos. My fave for BMW's of any make is the German fella's video, 3rd listed. https://g29.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ight=z4+videos

[jcard71]

Originally Posted by spta97

Thanks for all the replies!

I should clarify we are in Long Island (not NYC). We have gotten a lot of snow as of late but like I said the car would only be driven in snow if it just happened to start snowing rather than a forecasted event. Roads are usually clear the next day.

I will have to do some research on all seasons. On my X3MC I run dedicated winter tires and dedicated summers. For her use case, I do not think she would need the top end performance benefit of summers. Unfortunately that would mean tossing a perfectly good set of new tires (or I suppose selling them).

It seems the M-Performance package is a must and the M40i might be overkill. Personally, I like the looks of the M40i but she is ok with the front of the 30i. To compare the M40i to the outgoing M3 is eye opening - despite the specs I didn't think it was as powerful!

A lot of reviews I see state the Z4 is just a weekend car but most of the complaints are about space. I'm hoping with a good set of all-season tires she should be fine despite the rear wheel drive.

For performance, the reviews I see state is it more managed (with some back-end kick outs if you get on it ). My X3MC is BRUTAL when you get on it. What's nice is you can drive it like a normal X3 but it is a monster when in Sport+. It seems the Z4 is more tame in that respect but only a test drive will tell.

Please feel free to add more suggestions/experiences!

You'll be fine with the 30i and once it's in sports + you don't need anymore power...

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Drivers right foot regulates the power. You can drive an 808bhp Dodge like a 250bhp one by staying out of the throttle.

FWIW BMW has a history of underrating it BHP numbers. The Z4 is stronger than advertised. On our rural interstates traffic flow is generally in the 85mph range with two lanes in each direction. To make a pass of a car in the 75/80mph range the Z4 M40i is outstanding.

Was a bit concerned with the 13 gal fuel tank. We make a lot of runs to our beach house year round at a bit over 400miles round trip.

Turned out the fuel mileage is also outstanding. Although I fill at both ends before the trip if necessary the car could easily make the full round trip on a single tank.

[STR3T]

Love the 40i in test driving. Wife didn't. Bought the 30i. Still love it...and unless you Mrs. likes to pound the throttle...30i is really plenty for most.

[Wife'sCar]

Just bought a lightly used 2020 S30 for my wife, to replace her 1999 Z3 2.5. She is 5 feet tall and loves the car, but visibility is an issue for her. Rear window is very narrow compared to her former car, blind spot warning etc. are essential. Mesh wind blocker went the first day, will be replaced with clear. The S30 has 50% more power and torque than her former car so she's not complaining, is even OK with the automatic. I'm more boy racer. The S30 has plenty of power to keep me happy, but my days of doing 120 mph on public roads are over...

[Romer]

i have the 3.0i

This is my 4th Z4 and the best. I am amazed at the power handling and features of the 3.0i. I know the 4 has more power, but man I go 0 - 60 fats. Ina and out of traffic. I think I am just cruising along and look down and I am going 90 without realizing it

Its nice having more power, but I have no regrets and would buy the 3.0 again. For me and what I wanted, the extra cost didnt make sense. If I was going to track the Z4 as a hobby, then it would have.

Each person has different preferences, but from my viewpoint the 3.0 will not disappoint or leave you wishing you had bought the 4

One person mentioned modifications. If that is a goal, then you need to decide to what end purpose and if the 4.0 fits that better you should go that route

I am happy with the Z4 stock, but I do understand modification of vehicles. I have heavily modified my Toyota Land Cruiser to take me anywhere I want to go offroad

[spta97]

Originally Posted by Wife'sCar

Just bought a lightly used 2020 S30 for my wife, to replace her 1999 Z3 2.5. She is 5 feet tall and loves the car, but visibility is an issue for her. Rear window is very narrow compared to her former car, blind spot warning etc. are essential. Mesh wind blocker went the first day, will be replaced with clear. The S30 has 50% more power and torque than her former car so she's not complaining, is even OK with the automatic. I'm more boy racer. The S30 has plenty of power to keep me happy, but my days of doing 120 mph on public roads are over...

Good point about visibility. I saw a poster who installed the clear one and it confused me why BMW didn’t go that route unless the mesh is somehow better at wind deflection. To be honest, I doubt she’ll ever take the top down lol. Like I said, it’s the looks of the car and she’s wanted it since the Z3.

I watched several videos on the 30i and it seems like it would be plenty of power...for her. My X3MC is 503 HP which is the sweet spot for me

Edited to add - I’m disappointed the Z4 doesn’t come with the 360 cameras at this price point.

[gasnet]

Yes the car needs 360 camera's for sure!' Front would be nice to see curb

[Mixitt]

Price? IMO the Z4 is the best value and most highly refined sportster on the road.

[blaird03]

for 100% city driving - the 4 pot would be better - it does feel and drive like a much lighter car

[CeEl]

Originally Posted by Mixitt

Z4 comes with a hands off Parking Assistant as standard - very cool.

Hands off?

[Mixitt]

Originally Posted by CeEl

Hands off?

Yep, 1:25.

[DPelletier]

Originally Posted by Mixitt

Anecdotal evidence suggests the 50/50 weight ratio provided by the lighter engine might be better regarding handling than the 40i.

Just FYI, but BMW and others have been saying that the M40i has 50/50 weight distribution since the beginning. https://driving.ca/bmw/z4/auto-news/...er-z4-roadster

To the OP; as far as the rest - the Z4 has good visibility except to the rear with the top up. I can't comment on the winter issue as I don't drive the car in the winter. Powerwise, my wife is a chicken (one of the reasons I sold my V8 Jag F type was because she was too scared to drive it) but she's been quite comfortable and fine in the Z4. She's always in Comfort mode.

2 cents,
Dave

[gasnet]

[QUOTE=spta97;27209771]Thanks for all the replies!

I should clarify we are in Long Island (not NYC). We have gotten a lot of snow as of late but like I said the car would only be driven in snow if it just happened to start snowing rather than a forecasted event. Roads are usually clear the next day.

I'm in Long Island also. Babylon