[Kwajtrader]

My last two cars were F12 and F13 convertibles respectively, but not Ms and they were my daily drivers. I’ve found the Z4 M40i to be much more engaging and fun to drive. It definitely puts a smile on my face more often. I can’t put a whole Costco cart in the trunk like I could with the 650i’s, but it’s much more fun in the GA and NC mountains. Before buying the M40i I test drove it and the s30 and for me I needed the extra hp. I also wouldn’t buy it without the HUD, and I would opt for ACC, but again, to each their own…

[SMD001]

I am a HUD nut. Have it in a couple cars. Just love it. Anyway, if your swapping cars quickly Z4’s actually do pretty good on residual.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Kwajtrader

My last two cars were F12 and F13 convertibles respectively, but not Ms and they were my daily drivers. I’ve found the Z4 M40i to be much more engaging and fun to drive. It definitely puts a smile on my face more often. I can’t put a whole Costco cart in the trunk like I could with the 650i’s, but it’s much more fun in the GA and NC mountains. Before buying the M40i I test drove it and the s30 and for me I needed the extra hp. I also wouldn’t buy it without the HUD, and I would opt for ACC, but again, to each their own…

I totally agree about the HUD and I wish my Z4 has the ACC but I grabbed what was sitting in stock so I had to settle for the build as is.

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

I totally agree about the HUD and I wish my Z4 has the ACC but I grabbed wihat was sitting in stock so I had to settle for the build as is.

I'd normally say this as well, but I mainly use the HUD for nav and wouldn't really take any trips in this car where nav would be needed (maybe 2 or 3 throughout the course of ownership), aside from that I tend not to pay attention to my speed and don't really listen to music in my "fun" car. Granted, there are the occasions I'll get a notification on Waze or see a cop and want to know my speed, which is always disorienting when I'm in a rental with no HUD since I've had one for so long, so it would still be noticeably missed.

The car I'm considering has ACC, but similarly it won't be used much by me just because of where I'll be driving. I do like the look of the radar breaking up the lower grille, though, so it has some purpose to me. This would also be my first car in 8 years without surround view cameras, but that's not an option across the board, and obviously it's a little easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

I have one of each available for me to drive tomorrow, the 30i doesn't have DHP, though, so I don't think I'll be able to grasp it potentially handling a bit better. I could at least see how I feel about the comment SpeedyATL made as that's more of a concern than the power loss to me.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by SpeedyATL

I found the 3.0i (4 cyl) motor in the one I test drove to be too frenetic in sport mode. It's like it's trying to be something it's not.

Just my $.02.

I had an old girl friend that fits that description.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

I'd normally say this as well, but I mainly use the HUD for nav and wouldn't really take any trips in this car where nav would be needed (maybe 2 or 3 throughout the course of ownership), aside from that I tend not to pay attention to my speed and don't really listen to music in my "fun" car. Granted, there are the occasions I'll get a notification on Waze or see a cop and want to know my speed, which is always disorienting when I'm in a rental with no HUD since I've had one for so long, so it would still be noticeably missed.

The car I'm considering has ACC, but similarly it won't be used much by me just because of where I'll be driving. I do like the look of the radar breaking up the lower grille, though, so it has some purpose to me. This would also be my first car in 8 years without surround view cameras, but that's not an option across the board, and obviously it's a little easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

I have one of each available for me to drive tomorrow, the 30i doesn't have DHP, though, so I don't think I'll be able to grasp it potentially handling a bit better. I could at least see how I feel about the comment SpeedyATL made as that's more of a concern than the power loss to me.

In the beginning I didn't think I would be using HUD that much but now especially when driving at night I wouldn't live without it.

My wife has ACC in her 228i and I have found it to be an extremely useful tool, not only for highway driving but also on local roads around me like US-1 where the speed limits can vary from 35-45 mph and idiots suddenly brake for no reason. If I had ordered from the factory I definitely would have included ACC in my build.

Good luck on your test drives tomorrow, where did you find both the SDrive 30i and the M40i?

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

This would also be my first car in 8 years without surround view cameras, but that's not an option across the board, and obviously it's a little easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

Probably not important to you but:

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

I have ACC & Parking Assistant. ACC is awesome in traffic and on long drives. My understanding is Parking Assistant (5DM) enhances Park Distance Control (508) with low speed side protection (additional sensors) and active braking:
-Active PDC (prevents or limits risk of collision during parking maneuvers via the brakes)
-Rear View Camera (produces an additional image with parking guidelines if vehicle also has 5AS/Rear Cross Traffic Warning)
-Parking Assistant: the car parks autonomously both in parallel and perpendicular to the driving lane
-Reverse Assistant: driving forward within 35km / h the system memorizes the last 50m of the road and the obstacles present, by engaging the reverse gear the system takes control of the steering and retraces the road traveled in reverse. The driver remains responsible for the accelerator and brake.

508:
Attachment 2605104

5DM:
Attachment 2605105

https://www.bmwzclub.it/public/2019-...01.03.2019.pdf

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

Good luck on your test drives tomorrow, where did you find both the SDrive 30i and the M40i?

They're at two different spots. The M40i is the used one you linked at Mainline. I'm not really interested in their used M40i specifically, but I was already talking to them as they have the 30i on the boat currently and were asking MSRP before negotiations, plus they could give me a hard number on my M8 while I'm there so it's not a waste of time for anyone involved. It's also a dealer I have happened to use twice before, so a little more likely to negotiate a bit. There are a couple of used 30is within 100 miles of me, but the most convenient one is at what seems to be at a CarMax wannabee on my way to Mainline. I really wish I could find one with DHP, but that's likely a unicorn since once you load a 30i up with that and everything else, you're at the M40i base price.

[ToysArs]

My Z4 M40i has been the perfect daily for the last 3 years. Very nimble and practical car overall contrary to common beliefs with roadsters. Unfortunately, I'm cashing in on the equity and trading in my Z4 to make space for a Jaguar F-typeR.

You won't regret buying the Z4 but I highly recommend the M40i.

[CJ421]

I'd have to suggest the M40i version if you're coming from an M car. The 4-cyl has plenty of pep but I'd miss the sound. The M40i has a great exhaust note.

Charles

[6MT4me]

New on this forum, had various BMWs for 20 years, then went thru a MB C 63, a TTRS and then a S5 cab. Just traded a Stringer GT1 ON A CERTIFIED 2020 Z4 M40 with 9300 miles on it. Drove a s30 without m package and was disappointed and was going to walk away. The M40 was eye opening....There are some low mileage m40s around. Just a suggestion!

[TAZ007]

I test drove the 30i then ordered the M40 and never looked back.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by TAZ007

I test drove the 30i then ordered the M40 and never looked back.

That sounds just like what happened to me.

[Horseman]

Test drove both…. Didn’t want the extra payments for the M40i, but sure did want it all the same.

[CeEl]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

That sounds just like what happened to me.

Same here. Mind you, the smaller engine sounds great and the car is still a blast, but… POWER 😉

[james11]

Had M4 f82 for last 3 years and remember having similar thinking.. I didn't use back seats and my son was old enough to drive front seat. Ordered Z4 m40i and so far I'm happy. Finally found my dream car i want to keep. Previously i changed cars every 2 years and I couldn't settle. M4 was great but I had to push it to feel happy.
Roadsters are dying breed, it's now or never.

[Westside Guy]

When comparing the sDrive30i to the M40i this famous quote comes to mind.

[Horseman]

You mean still enjoying a great time AND make good financial decisions? Yes!! ;P

[stlcdr]

I test drove the 30, ordered the 40 (still waiting for it). I came from a 1.4 turbo fiat spider. It had excellent power to weight ratio, but still felt lacking, even after a couple of tune upgrades.

Those with lower powered engines always say, “more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow”. Maybe true, especially in something Miata sized.

However, “better to have something and not need it than need something and not have it”.

So, I’d say get the M40i.

[Horseman]

For me the regret isn’t the power. Nits the prestige of the badge and other cosmetics. I do wish I went with the M40i in that regard.

[Kwajtrader]

Originally Posted by Horseman

For me the regret isn’t the power. Nits the prestige of the badge and other cosmetics. I do wish I went with the M40i in that regard.

That just gives you something to look forward to for the next one!

[DPelletier]

Originally Posted by ToysArs

My Z4 M40i has been the perfect daily for the last 3 years. Very nimble and practical car overall contrary to common beliefs with roadsters. Unfortunately, I'm cashing in on the equity and trading in my Z4 to make space for a Jaguar F-typeR.

You won't regret buying the Z4 but I highly recommend the M40i.

ditto. Strangely, I sold my V8 F type to get the Z4 M40i but the Jags are nice cars.

Dave