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      01-17-2021, 08:54 PM   #1
Rick.Null
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M240i xDrive convertible vs Z4 M40i

I needed small AWD convertible with a fantastic engine and a decent backseat, and BMW made that possible with the M240i xDrive. Custom ordered the color and options I wanted for a 2018 model. Now 3 years down the road, I have been listing after the Z4 M40i

(Quick note: I am up here in MN and love top down winter/fall driving! I have snow tires on the cabriolet! Hence AWD was a bit of "want", as well the quicker acceleration!)

Lately I am in love with the look, the proper no-nonsense roadster style, the updated B58 of the Z4 M40i. It is a beautiful automobile and the rarity makes me want it more. I know allocation is terrible but, still, I can make that work.

So, here is a question for those who were in a similar position. What would you do? Would you trade in a M240i xDrive cabriolet for a Z4 M40i?

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      01-18-2021, 08:31 AM   #2
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"the proper no-nonsense roadster style"

This truly describes the difference - no compromise. You will also enjoy the increased performance.
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      01-19-2021, 01:46 PM   #3
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2020 Z4 M40i  [7.00]
love my Z4 M40i......but then I wouldn't use it as a daily driver in my climate nor would I drive one in the winter/snow.

2 cents,

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      01-19-2021, 04:29 PM   #4
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Daily driver here in New York. Sure its different in Canada. but it hardly snows anymore in the northeast. I just have to be real careful with those summer tires in the cold. Drive in eco mode when its really cold outside. Southern boys wouldn't understand the effect of summer tires on a really cold day. Very Unsafe.
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      01-19-2021, 07:29 PM   #5
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I have both. Well, a Coupe and the Z4 for Sunny fun days.
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      01-22-2021, 07:30 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gasnet View Post
Daily driver here in New York. Sure its different in Canada. but it hardly snows anymore in the northeast. I just have to be real careful with those summer tires in the cold. Drive in eco mode when its really cold outside. Southern boys wouldn't understand the effect of summer tires on a really cold day. Very Unsafe.
YA THINK !





SUNNY SOUTH Raleigh NC

Cars are all on summers, COBRA on tracks & the 4X4's Pickup on Mud/Snow, SUV on ON/OFF road All Terrain.

Z4 is an all round daily driver as long as no snow or ice is on the road.
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Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 01-22-2021 at 07:43 AM..
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      01-22-2021, 01:18 PM   #7
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I currently have a 1 series convertible I have been considering replacing for a while.

The most obvious choice was the M240 convertible but I struggled to pay $60k for a car that's similar to mine which was still running running ok. Sure it was newer and nicer and more reliable but I could do a lot of repairs for $60k especially since it wasn't my daily driver.

So I didn't do anything.
Then the new Z4 comes out and I say meh.
Then the the better engine comes out and now I'm interested.

I wasn't thrilled with the idea of a 2-seater since it really limits what you can do with it if you can't fit any luggage in it. But the trunk is actually reasonably sized for a 2-seat convertible so March of last year I was negotiating to buy one when Covid hit and I got cold feet.

So here we are almost a year later and I'm not sure what to do.
Now there's a new M440 to complicate things as well, though I think its too big and not as quick or nimble as the M240 or Z4.

So really those are different cars. I would like the extra room so I can at least take it to Cape Cod or wherever for a long weekend. Not sure you can do that with the Z4.

So here I am and I still haven't done anything ;-)
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      01-22-2021, 04:07 PM   #8
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I think I am just going to get a Porsche. Or perhaps not.

All I want is a sporty AWD convertible with killer looks. I love the M240i but given how much I love top down winter shenanigans and the AWD zip n zoom, I'd have one hell of a time adjusting with a Z4 M440i
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      01-22-2021, 04:12 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ejm3 View Post
I currently have a 1 series convertible I have been considering replacing for a while.

The most obvious choice was the M240 convertible but I struggled to pay $60k for a car that's similar to mine which was still running running ok. Sure it was newer and nicer and more reliable but I could do a lot of repairs for $60k especially since it wasn't my daily driver.

So I didn't do anything.
Then the new Z4 comes out and I say meh.
Then the the better engine comes out and now I'm interested.

I wasn't thrilled with the idea of a 2-seater since it really limits what you can do with it if you can't fit any luggage in it. But the trunk is actually reasonably sized for a 2-seat convertible so March of last year I was negotiating to buy one when Covid hit and I got cold feet.

So here we are almost a year later and I'm not sure what to do.
Now there's a new M440 to complicate things as well, though I think its too big and not as quick or nimble as the M240 or Z4.

So really those are different cars. I would like the extra room so I can at least take it to Cape Cod or wherever for a long weekend. Not sure you can do that with the Z4.

So here I am and I still haven't done anything ;-)
If I were you, I'd stick with the the 1 series or get a 2 series. After reading all these posts I think I get why the Z4 would be so limited for me.

I am from the East Coast as well, and now live in MN. If you are thinking of taking road trips in your convertible and enjoy dynamic driving at the same time, you will have to get proper performance non-RFT tires. That would mean putting a big hulking spare in the trunk. With the M240i I can stow away luggage in the backseat and carry a spare in the trunk. Driving this car on performance tires (PS4S) WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE
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      01-22-2021, 06:08 PM   #10
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Not a whole lot of difference in the 135is & Z4 trunk. The 135is does have a back seat to put stuff in but 5 day weekends have not been an issue with the Z4's trunk.

Z4 has as much space with the roof down as the 135is has with it up.

FWIW was going to get an M4 to replace the 440MPPSK but when I saw the grill I bailed out & bought the Z4.
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      01-22-2021, 07:17 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory View Post
Not a whole lot of difference in the 135is & Z4 trunk. The 135is does have a back seat to put stuff in but 5 day weekends have not been an issue with the Z4's trunk.

Z4 has as much space with the roof down as the 135is has with it up.

FWIW was going to get an M4 to replace the 440MPPSK but when I saw the grill I bailed out & bought the Z4.
I think I am done with BMWs after this. The M twins are bloated pigs with weird beaver teeth and they are retiring their sole roadster, the Z4

Good on you for picking it up; last of an era.

However if they put the S58 in an upcoming Z4M haha! That will be hard to resist!
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      01-23-2021, 12:28 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick.Null View Post
I think I am done with BMWs after this. The M twins are bloated pigs with weird beaver teeth and they are retiring their sole roadster, the Z4

Good on you for picking it up; last of an era.

However if they put the S58 in an upcoming Z4M haha! That will be hard to resist!
They do that they better go with bigger lower treadware tires on the rear. Car is already somewhat traction limited in first & the first to second shift with the 265's

Thought the 4 series coupe was a big bloated pig with a pig snout.
That said the Z4 is not very tiny. Very big compared to the 135is.



Its a lot wider & the front (only) seats are as big as my 440 Coupe was. Its just like they cut the trunk off the 440 & restyled what is left. That said it drives small. Very agile, very quick.

Was initially concerned about the small 13 gallon tank but its range on that much gas is over 400 miles at speed. About 200 miles to our beach place. Can make a round trip on one tank if I have to. I start full both ways.

Cars computer says 30.6MPG at 78.5MHP round trip. Will do 32mpg if I drop back to 70mph which I am not likely to do, was break in speed
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      01-23-2021, 08:52 AM   #13
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It’s getting harder and harder every year to find performance-based convertibles.

And if you want a manual transmission it’s even harder.
M240 is actually not a bad choice for a reasonable price.
Z4 isn’t available with a manual which is irritating.
Porsche 718 is nice but they really nickel and dime you until you are spending way more than you wanted. And that’s for what’s basically a 4 cylinder Boxter. You want the 6 cylinder motor and you’re north of $100k.
AMG C63 is nice but it hasn’t been updated in like 10 years and again if you’re not careful with options you’ll be at $100k. For a C-Class.

There’s just no easy answer.
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      01-23-2021, 09:56 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ejm3 View Post
Z4 isn’t available with a manual which is irritating.
You mean a manual shift stick. Nothing wrong with paddle manual shifting to me. For starts it's super convenient and safer with 2 hands on the wheel, not just one. Is that not what's on stock racing cars pros compete with?

I like many here have compared long and hard and for the low price, you won't find a better value or performer including COMFORT than this car.

Porsche is a rip off like you said. I custom built my car, got invoice pricing all for around $55K. Can't do that with a Porsche.
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      01-23-2021, 10:13 AM   #15
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What amazes me is that the car's automatic transmission always seems to be in the right gear... (Sports modes). I really don't miss a manual transmission. Unless really pushing it or desire to downshift in advance of curves/braking, I rarely need to go to paddle/manual mode.
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      01-23-2021, 12:01 PM   #16
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There’s no doubt that the modern automatic transmissions are faster than a manual. When I bought my 135i the sales guy was trying to talk me out of the manual my pointing out that according to BMW the DCT auto was .3 seconds faster to 60 than the manual.
I didn’t care I wanted the manual anyway.
To me paddle shifters are a waste of time and don’t add much.
But I realize that manuals are going the way of the dinosaur faster than convertibles so my next car may not have one.
But a manual transmission is the ultimate anti-theft device!
I’m pretty sure no one under 30 has ever even seen one.
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      01-23-2021, 12:07 PM   #17
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"manuals are going the way of the dinosaur"

I've read that the integration of all the control systems make the automatic a must. Active suspension, intelligent traction control, smart differentials, engine management, etc. all are tied into transmission control.

Today's state of the art cars are way smarter than me.
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      01-23-2021, 12:59 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by badfitter View Post
"manuals are going the way of the dinosaur"

I've read that the integration of all the control systems make the automatic a must. Active suspension, intelligent traction control, smart differentials, engine management, etc. all are tied into transmission control.

Today's state of the art cars are way smarter than me.
Honestly no one fetishizes manuals more than Americans anyway haha. And it is usually a very small, very vocal corner of the internet.
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      01-25-2021, 12:15 PM   #19
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I leased a 2017 M240 before I purchased my M40, no regrets in getting the Z over another M240.
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      01-25-2021, 01:18 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Living Dead View Post
I leased a 2017 M240 before I purchased my M40, no regrets in getting the Z over another M240.
My craze for winter/fall top down driving in the snow is the reason I have the xDrive M240i cabriolet... and the backseat space without the obscene trunk overhang of the 440/M4 cabriolet

But man I love the Z4 M40i. What a lovely car!
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      01-25-2021, 01:40 PM   #21
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Agree the MT is fading fast with few holdouts. My Cobra, Ranger & 135is are MT the rest AT.

There is a high fun factor with the MT that you give up with the AT even if you use the paddles. Trade off is with equal power & the AT will run circles around an MT.

Best compromise is the 7DCT which I had on the 2011 335is. And as far as BMW is concerned that are pretty much dead ducks with all of the big horsepower power "M's" being 8ZF only. Also the AT in the M4 is now the 8ZF the 7DCT is history.

One of my daughters who is of the "you will have to pry the stick out of my cold dead hand" persuasion is ordering an M4 convertible when the configurator is posted. She has never owned or driven anything but MT cars.

Two interesting points I got the Z4 instead of an M4 coupe (after 2011, 2014, 2018 coupes) because of the Pig Snout front end.

Second is she cannot get the 503BHP M4 Competition version because its an 8ZF only. The base 473 BHP M4 had the option of either 6MT or 8ZF.
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      01-26-2021, 06:48 AM   #22
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Sadly owning an MT is a losing battle.
Its just a matter of how long you hold out until you throw in the towel.
The pool of MT cars is shrinking and so in the not too distant future you might have 3 cars from which to choose.
Especially with EV's becoming more and more prevalent.
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