[Malvernz4]

Hey guys
Just got a Z4 30i and am confused with the adaptive suspension selection.
I know there’s been lots of posts regarding this and I apologise in advance if I’m being a numpty!!!
When I press the adaptive suspension button it shows on the screen but doesn’t actually show if it’s on or off??
So, if I press this button at the start of a journey does that mean it is on? And then does it reset to off if I turn the ignition off and park the car?
I know my way around the other modes just can’t seem to suss this out!!
Several more dumb ass questions inbound when I’ve figured this one out 😂😂😂
Any advice greatly accepted (go easy on me tho)

[RigaTony1982]

Originally Posted by Malvernz4

Hey guys
Just got a Z4 30i and am confused with the adaptive suspension selection.
I know there’s been lots of posts regarding this and I apologise in advance if I’m being a numpty!!!
When I press the adaptive suspension button it shows on the screen but doesn’t actually show if it’s on or off??
So, if I press this button at the start of a journey does that mean it is on? And then does it reset to off if I turn the ignition off and park the car?
I know my way around the other modes just can’t seem to suss this out!!
Several more dumb ass questions inbound when I’ve figured this one out 😂😂😂
Any advice greatly accepted (go easy on me tho)

Yes, pressing it at start of journey turns it on. Resets to comfort every time you restart the car.

[BmwIowa]

Originally Posted by R3R

For 2023, the weight difference between the M40i and 30i is 229 pds or 104 kg, according to bmwusa.com. Ouch

I have a Z4 on order and have also been torn between the M40i and 30i. Unfortunately I don't have the opportunity to test drive these cars (they're rarer than unicorns in VT), so I have to lean on Z4 or Supra reviews and opinions. It sounds like the choice is between better power and sound with the M40i and better handling with the 30i.

The reviews where the handling of the 30i or 2.0 Supra shined, were based on cars with magnetic dampers and eLSD, which fortunately can be optioned on the 30i here in the USA.

I have ended up ordering the M40i as I've been impressed by the B58-ZF8 combo on an X3 and am afraid I might miss it more than better handling with the B48. That and the fact that lumbar support on Sensatec seats is not tied to parking sensors/assistant on the M40i. Those clean bumpers do look nicer.

Really enjoyed your post above....
Back in 2019...I did a simiilar 230i vrs 240i comparision with back to back test drives. My previous "fun cars" have been lightweight Miatas and a MINI Cooper Roadster (still own it). While I don't think anyone can deny the thrill of power the B58 provides, I then chose the 230i for cost and it's more nimble feeling (to me).
Now...as I contemplate a z4, without access to test drive both nearby back to back...I face a similar dilemna...complicated by the fact we now also own a '23 x3 M40i...and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the B58 ZF 8 speed auto combo...yet that's in a totally different vehicle.

Thanks to everyone for this valuable thread!

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by BmwIowa

Really enjoyed your post above....
Back in 2019...I did a simiilar 230i vrs 240i comparision with back to back test drives. My previous "fun cars" have been lightweight Miatas and a MINI Cooper Roadster (still own it). While I don't think anyone can deny the thrill of power the B58 provides, I then chose the 230i for cost and it's more nimble feeling (to me).
Now...as I contemplate a z4, without access to test drive both nearby back to back...I face a similar dilemna...complicated by the fact we now also own a '23 x3 M40i...and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the B58 ZF 8 speed auto combo...yet that's in a totally different vehicle.

Thanks to everyone for this valuable thread!

If the $10K price difference isn't a big deal, go with the M40i. No one who owns a M40i thinks "gee, I wish I'd bought the s30i instead".

I went with the s30i because it was at the right price point and I decided I'd rather have a new s30i than a used M40i but you'll find many who would disagree. 18 months in, I'm super happy with my s30i but I came from Miatas and MINI Cooper S convertibles, not from a X3 M40i.

Bear in mind, the Z4 is rear wheel drive and even the s30i will easily enable traction control if you punch it even from a rolling start. I accidentally did so today at before an intersection with slow moving right turners. The s30i has all the power I want or need but then, again, nobody with a M40i has complained it has too much power. Traction control keeps things manageable.

As for handling, I suspect most people can't feel the difference. Just for grins, I test drove a Z4 M40i at a BMW event a few months ago. I had limited drive time but during that time, it certainly didn't feel more or less nimble. On the other hand, I also didn't feel as though I needed the extra power of the M40i. There are just too few scenarios where I could actually take advantage of it. That M40i badge sure looks nice at Cars and Coffee events though.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by StanDiego

On the other hand, I also didn't feel as though I needed the extra power of the M40i. There are just too few scenarios where I could actually take advantage of it. That M40i badge sure looks nice at Cars and Coffee events though.

My slightly modified 135i is similar, more power than needed, but for those couple of seconds here and there when you do have a chance to punch it, it's pretty nice. But you are right they are sort of few and far between. I don't do car shows but the big engine still makes me happy even without anyone else knowing it's there.

Not disagreeing with anything you said by the way.

[MisanoblueZ4]

Originally Posted by StanDiego

If the $10K price difference isn't a big deal, go with the M40i. No one who owns a M40i thinks "gee, I wish I'd bought the s30i instead".

I went with the s30i because it was at the right price point and I decided I'd rather have a new s30i than a used M40i but you'll find many who would disagree. 18 months in, I'm super happy with my s30i but I came from Miatas and MINI Cooper S convertibles, not from a X3 M40i.

Bear in mind, the Z4 is rear wheel drive and even the s30i will easily enable traction control if you punch it even from a rolling start. I accidentally did so today at before an intersection with slow moving right turners. The s30i has all the power I want or need but then, again, nobody with a M40i has complained it has too much power. Traction control keeps things manageable.

As for handling, I suspect most people can't feel the difference. Just for grins, I test drove a Z4 M40i at a BMW event a few months ago. I had limited drive time but during that time, it certainly didn't feel more or less nimble. On the other hand, I also didn't feel as though I needed the extra power of the M40i. There are just too few scenarios where I could actually take advantage of it. That M40i badge sure looks nice at Cars and Coffee events though.

The M40i badge was the only reason those McLaren’s parked next to me last weekend…….lol

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by MisanoblueZ4

The M40i badge was the only reason those McLaren’s parked next to me last weekend…….lol

I'll admit that M40i badge seems to carry a little more weight.

[Bimmerfun82]

You have the Autobahn and want a slower car? Make it make sense. What you need is the handschalter!

[Matthewstorm]

I originally bought the S30i last year and I just traded it in for the M40i. There is a difference.

[Living Dead]

Originally Posted by StanDiego

If the $10K price difference isn't a big deal, go with the M40i. No one who owns a M40i thinks "gee, I wish I'd bought the s30i instead".

I went with the s30i because it was at the right price point and I decided I'd rather have a new s30i than a used M40i but you'll find many who would disagree. 18 months in, I'm super happy with my s30i but I came from Miatas and MINI Cooper S convertibles, not from a X3 M40i.

Interesting, I was originally looking for a new M30i in 2020 but came across a 2020 M40i CPO with 7k on the odo. for the same price. I went for the 6 month old with the bigger engine that smelled like cigarettes, which on a hot day I can still catch a wiff of.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Living Dead

Interesting, I was originally looking for a new M30i in 2020 but came across a 2020 M40i CPO with 7k on the odo. for the same price. I went for the 6 month old with the bigger engine that smelled like cigarettes, which on a hot day I can still catch a wiff of.

Maybe it wasn’t the cigarettes you smelled but your butt being toasted because you are sitting in such a hot ride? 😂

[Living Dead]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

Maybe it wasn’t the cigarettes you smelled but your butt being toasted because you are sitting in such a hot ride? 😂

[BmwIowa]

Originally Posted by StanDiego

If the $10K price difference isn't a big deal, go with the M40i. No one who owns a M40i thinks "gee, I wish I'd bought the s30i instead".

I went with the s30i because it was at the right price point and I decided I'd rather have a new s30i than a used M40i but you'll find many who would disagree. 18 months in, I'm super happy with my s30i but I came from Miatas and MINI Cooper S convertibles, not from a X3 M40i.

Bear in mind, the Z4 is rear wheel drive and even the s30i will easily enable traction control if you punch it even from a rolling start. I accidentally did so today at before an intersection with slow moving right turners. The s30i has all the power I want or need but then, again, nobody with a M40i has complained it has too much power. Traction control keeps things manageable.

As for handling, I suspect most people can't feel the difference. Just for grins, I test drove a Z4 M40i at a BMW event a few months ago. I had limited drive time but during that time, it certainly didn't feel more or less nimble. On the other hand, I also didn't feel as though I needed the extra power of the M40i. There are just too few scenarios where I could actually take advantage of it. That M40i badge sure looks nice at Cars and Coffee events though.

Well "veeery interestingk" as Sgt Schultz would say... I have had two Miatas and currently drive a MINI Roadster S (along with our x3 M40i) Your vehicle history nearly mimics mine...making me think I'd be more than happy with the Z4 3.0...and the extra $$$ in my pocket and lower insurance, better gas mileage and lower vehicle licensing costs too. Thanks for your feedback!

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by BmwIowa

Well "veeery interestingk" as Sgt Schultz would say... I have had two Miatas and currently drive a MINI Roadster S (along with our x3 M40i) Your vehicle history nearly mimics mine...making me think I'd be more than happy with the Z4 3.0...and the extra $$$ in my pocket and lower insurance, better gas mileage and lower vehicle licensing costs too. Thanks for your feedback!

I'm glad you quoted Sgt Schultz rather than this one:

https://youtu.be/sTd_73Slj3Q?si=dWQvplJTIJ-qmWLa

[LoneStar]

just switched from Z4 M40i over M240 convertible to a MINI Cooper convertible with the 3-pot haha

A lot of fun so far. The M240i was too heavy at all for me (the weight) and drinking like a fool.

It feels almost balanced with the small engine and is comfortable on one hand and sporty on the other, the adaptive suspension does it very well.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by LoneStar

just switched from Z4 M40i over M240 convertible to a MINI Cooper convertible with the 3-pot haha

A lot of fun so far. The M240i was too heavy at all for me (the weight) and drinking like a fool.

It feels almost balanced with the small engine and is comfortable on one hand and sporty on the other, the adaptive suspension does it very well.

You should post pictures of all three cars.

[BEAR-AvHistory-2]

Originally Posted by BmwIowa

Well "I know nothink" as Sgt Schultz would say... I have had two Miatas and currently drive a MINI Roadster S (along with our x3 M40i) Your vehicle history nearly mimics mine...making me think I'd be more than happy with the Z4 3.0...and the extra $$$ in my pocket and lower insurance, better gas mileage and lower vehicle licensing costs too. Thanks for your feedback!

Fixed

[LoneStar]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

You should post pictures of all three cars.

I could do, but why?

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by LoneStar

I could do, but why?

Because it is something many of us do here on Bimmerpost.