First impressions and comparison

Bayernzeit · 07-31-2022, 03:07 AM

First impressions after driving a 135i m-sport w/ PPK daily for years and then a G30 540xi as a long-term loaner before delivery of my Z4:

1. All the criticism I've seen and read about lackluster steering is overrated. It was my biggest question before taking delivery and the loaner 540xi only made it worse - an incredible car in many ways but definitely numb steering. I was worried BMW lost its mojo across the lineup. I'm happy to say the Z4 feels far, far better and much closer to the hydraulic-assist steering in the 135i. Big win for me.

2. Awesome fit and finish. Hats off to my Austrian cousins in Graz. Eased it up to 120-140 mph for about 30 minutes on the A92 and A6 yesterday and nary a squeak, shimmy, or shake. Couldn't say that for the 135i. Far more planted on high speed turns, but I expected that with the wider, lower chassis and beefier wheel package. Very impressive for a soft top!

3. The tech of course is so much better. The 135i is downright analog in comparison. Had an idea what was coming w/ the loaner, which had even more bells and whistles like the the driving assistant professional. I am more than fine not having that in the Z4 - this car is about driving engagement and not disconnecting. The HUD (even w/ minimal functionality) and CarPlay are definitely welcome. Can't see what the HUD can really do until I get the car back to the States and registered with BMWconnect.

4. Getting used to that long hood vs the 135i. The relative driver positions are quite different. Not better or worse, just different. Still breaking it in and keeping it below 4K RPM, so hard to really tell how different it actually is w/ spirited driving. Same for the extra horsepower, too early to tell.

That 6MT coming would have been awesome, but I would have never had it for my final year here in Bavaria. Thanks to this community for all the info and ideas and helping me count down the 7 months to delivery. Freude am Fahren, all.

BMWGirlFL · 07-31-2022, 04:55 AM

Congrats!! I'm happy with our Variable Sport Steering. Guessing your loaner had Servotronic?

Bayernzeit · 07-31-2022, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

Congrats!! I'm happy with our Variable Sport Steering. Guessing your loaner had Servotronic?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

Congrats!! I'm happy with our Variable Sport Steering. Guessing your loaner had Servotronic?

Had to look it up, and yes, that's what it had. Awful in comparison to what I was coming from and thankfully back to now. A shame, because it's an incredible commuting machine in so many other ways.

Horseman · 07-31-2022, 08:22 AM

Congratulations!

getbfuller · 07-31-2022, 10:24 AM

Congrats. I just got mine as well and I am completely happy with it. I received my tags yesterday and installed them. Enjoy!!!!

Bayernzeit · 07-31-2022, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbfuller

Congrats. I just got mine as well and I am completely happy with it. I received my tags yesterday and installed them. Enjoy!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbfuller

Congrats. I just got mine as well and I am completely happy with it. I received my tags yesterday and installed them. Enjoy!!!!

Congrats back. Definitely noticed yours and l'm going to follow you with those puddle lights at some point. Lots of good ideas shared here.

07-31-2022, 03:07 AM	#1
Bayernzeit Private 173 Rep 71 Posts Drives: G29 Z4 M40i Join Date: Nov 2021 Location: Regensburg, DE iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 Z4 M40i [10.00]	First impressions and comparison First impressions after driving a 135i m-sport w/ PPK daily for years and then a G30 540xi as a long-term loaner before delivery of my Z4: 1. All the criticism I've seen and read about lackluster steering is overrated. It was my biggest question before taking delivery and the loaner 540xi only made it worse - an incredible car in many ways but definitely numb steering. I was worried BMW lost its mojo across the lineup. I'm happy to say the Z4 feels far, far better and much closer to the hydraulic-assist steering in the 135i. Big win for me. 2. Awesome fit and finish. Hats off to my Austrian cousins in Graz. Eased it up to 120-140 mph for about 30 minutes on the A92 and A6 yesterday and nary a squeak, shimmy, or shake. Couldn't say that for the 135i. Far more planted on high speed turns, but I expected that with the wider, lower chassis and beefier wheel package. Very impressive for a soft top! 3. The tech of course is so much better. The 135i is downright analog in comparison. Had an idea what was coming w/ the loaner, which had even more bells and whistles like the the driving assistant professional. I am more than fine not having that in the Z4 - this car is about driving engagement and not disconnecting. The HUD (even w/ minimal functionality) and CarPlay are definitely welcome. Can't see what the HUD can really do until I get the car back to the States and registered with BMWconnect. 4. Getting used to that long hood vs the 135i. The relative driver positions are quite different. Not better or worse, just different. Still breaking it in and keeping it below 4K RPM, so hard to really tell how different it actually is w/ spirited driving. Same for the extra horsepower, too early to tell. That 6MT coming would have been awesome, but I would have never had it for my final year here in Bavaria. Thanks to this community for all the info and ideas and helping me count down the 7 months to delivery. Freude am Fahren, all. Attached Images
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07-31-2022, 04:55 AM	#2
BMWGirlFL Colonel 6265 Rep 2,350 Posts Drives: Z4 M40i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Z4 M40i [9.89] 1989 325is (Retired) [9.00]	Congrats!! I'm happy with our Variable Sport Steering. Guessing your loaner had Servotronic?
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07-31-2022, 08:22 AM	#4
Horseman Colonel 4118 Rep 2,492 Posts Drives: 2024 BMW Z4 M40i Join Date: May 2021 Location: Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW Z4 M40i [9.90]	Congratulations!
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07-31-2022, 10:24 AM	#5
getbfuller USAF Retired 189 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW Z4 M40i Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW Z4 M40i [9.75]	Congrats. I just got mine as well and I am completely happy with it. I received my tags yesterday and installed them. Enjoy!!!! Last edited by getbfuller; 07-31-2022 at 11:00 AM..
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