[Argo]

There's definitely a press car doing the rounds.

[Mr. Bill]

Thanks for sharing. A much more flattering review than the last time. I might even think they were reviewing two different vehicles.

[Argo]

I think a lot of it has to do with what you expect the car to be.

During the initial launch people, I get the feeling were expecting it to be a more hardcore/track side of the sports car spectrum. Now it's being reviewed more in the lens of a being on the daily/cruiser side of the sports car spectrum. The latter is much more in line with what the car actually shines at.

[MisanoblueZ4]

Is it me or is the Z4 M40i aging gracefully, reviews are positive or even more so then initially, the front end is now liked versus panned (essentially the same look just people are accustomed to it after a few years) AND now the pricing doesn’t look terrible, the reviews even mentioned a loaded Miata is getting close to Z4 territory.

This was a great review, they loved the engine and exhaust. Again I can’t bring up my disappointment that Savagegeese completely missed reviewing the M40i.

[Bimmerfun82]

Just saw this on youtube - thanks for posting - is BMW doing some marketing effort here, or are we just lucky

[ebirotedu]

That’s a good question.

That the Z4 is not expected to continue after 2025 may have something to do with it: The future of roadsters will likely be EVs from other makes that don’t make cool ICE noises. The looks really seem to have grown on people as well - recently others have said it’s the best, or one of the best, looking BMWs as well. The looks thing surprises me because to the extent reviewers had anything to say in 2019, they seemed to think it looked like a Fiat 124 Spyder. I guess a few years and a few new BMW model releases have changed opinions? 😆

That the Z4 has ID7 with actual knobs and buttons seems to be making an impression on lots of reviewers too now that they’ve realized newer isn’t always better.

And they did a review of the CT5-V Blackwing sometime in 2022, IIRC, and they absolutely raved about it being the best thing ever in the video where they hooned around in it at a test track. That sort of helped me understand what Straight Pipes prize in a car: noise, speed, and lap times.

The novelty of comparing the Z4 to the 718 Boxster has finally worn off and reviewers are coming to grips with the idea that not everyone wants or needs a razor sharp Boxster, or a utilitarian Miata, or a super car sized Corvette as their 2-seat roadster. The comparison with the GT-like MB SLS is more sensible in fact.

Related, the B58 rips (they both complained about the Sport mode burbles last time, but not now) and the roughly price equivalent Boxster S flat 4 lacks the magic of a flat six. I wonder too if the reality of actual 718 GTS pricing is finally setting in? Those comparisons were always fatuous.

Their criticism of the Z4 steering seems fair - improving it would make a really good car a great one if it were fixed. In fact their review has me wondering what’s different about the Supra steering and whether it’s just a matter or swapping some parts or if it involves that and some programming as well….

Re: ID7, I’m at least considering the idea of getting a 2024 X3 M40i before the updated 2025 model with the inevitable ID9 update. I probably won’t because my truck is still good for another two or three years (or more given low mileage) and I like it, but that’s how much i like the B58 and ID7’s knobs and buttons over whatever is likely to come next. 😂

[Bimmerfun82]

Indeed. The Z4 is the sweet spot of all roadsters in the market today.

They make a good point about the power. It's so quick. I wish they had taken it out on a dry day though like last time.

I wouldn't complain about the steering except that it's numb - if they could be honest about it, Michelin tires (esp Star) make for improved steering feel especially at the limit but also in turn in over Continentals, which only make the steering worse in my experience. Swapping for Michelins PSS or PS4S Star is worth it.

iD7 is functional and easy to use. Coming from id8, it was a breath of fresh air. However, I really like the modern look of iD8.5 in my X7. But iD7 is perfect in the Z4. You don't want to rely on voice commands with the top down.

[ebirotedu]

Re: the steering, I’d like two things: a little more tire feel, and a stronger tendency to self-center.

When I had my alignment done I asked about caster adjustments. Unfortunately there isn’t any on the Z4 - caster is fixed from the factory.

The steering is very precise and it goes where you point it. But I wish it had those two other qualities as well.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by ebirotedu

Re: the steering, I’d like two things: a little more tire feel, and a stronger tendency to self-center.

When I had my alignment done I asked about caster adjustments. Unfortunately there isn’t any on the Z4 - caster is fixed from the factory.

The steering is very precise and it goes where you point it. But I wish it had those two other qualities as well.

I don't know if my aftermarket springs helped with self centering, but in the twisties they have reduced body roll and rebound to the point where my confidence is up. The Michelins added significantly more tire feel. But drive by wire eliminates any mechanical feedback from the road - I miss my E46!

[ebirotedu]

BMW has some sort of internal requirement that you have to be able to spin the wheel from lock to lock in 2 seconds or something, and that’s not achievable with a smaller EPS motor than the ones they use.

Porsche can use smaller EPS motors on the 718 and 911 because they’re mid and rear-engined and there’s less weight on the front tires to resist unaided inputs.

Jason Cammisa has a good write up on what happens if the pump is too small based on his experience in a Ford Mustang GT350 that he spun on a track while trying to drift it. The GT350 otherwise gets high praise for its good steering feel, but apparently the tiny EPS isn’t powerful enough to allow a rapid lock to lock transition.


And I prefer less body roll too. The downside is that you get less warning when the tires are on the threshold of losing grip. I’d still get springs if it wouldn’t mean scraping on the end of my steep driveway. 😔

[Bimmerfun82]

That's really interesting about the EPS motors

[SpeedyATL]

Good to see a strong review from these guys as the first one was one of the few generally negative reviews on our car.

IMHO, this review is much closer to the other "major" reviewers I've seen and indeed closer to my take on the car.

[ebirotedu]

I’m a little off with some of the deets, but here’s a link:

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...hing-you-want/

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by ebirotedu

I’m a little off with some of the deets, but here’s a link:

https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cul...hing-you-want/

Thanks for sharing! I always assumed the mustang crashes were lack of rear diff followed by over-correcting. This makes a lot of sense.

[Balr14]

I really get annoyed by all of these reviews lamenting the lack of a manual transmission. The ZF 8 speed is far superior.

[Argo]

Originally Posted by Balr14

I really get annoyed by all of these reviews lamenting the lack of a manual transmission. The ZF 8 speed is far superior.

Objectively? Yes.

That said, plenty of people would choose a manual if it were available though.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by Balr14

I really get annoyed by all of these reviews lamenting the lack of a manual transmission. The ZF 8 speed is far superior.

So you don’t like manuals?

They lament it because a roadster should offer a manual option - like Porsche and Mazda and Toyota do.

It used to be that manuals were faster than automatics. The reason for the ZF8 outperforming a manual in every objective sense is the gearing for fuel efficiency and launching. But nothing displaces the engagement and fun of a manual transmission.

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by ebirotedu

And they did a review of the CT5-V Blackwing sometime in 2022, IIRC, and they absolutely raved about it being the best thing ever in the video where they hooned around in it at a test track. That sort of helped me understand what Straight Pipes prize in a car: noise, speed, and lap times.

FWIW, a few years ago I drove a Cadillac CTS-V Blackwing on the track, courtesy of Cadlillac Racing, and I was truly amazed how well such a heavy car performed on the track. It didn't feel nearly as heavy as it actually was and I drove it hard. That said, I'd never trade my Z4 for a Blackwing.

[JustinHEMI]

Originally Posted by Balr14

I really get annoyed by all of these reviews lamenting the lack of a manual transmission. The ZF 8 speed is far superior.

Be that as it may, I won't buy a Z4 without a manual. Fortunately, it looks like I'll be able to.

[Balr14]

Originally Posted by Bimmerfun82

So you don’t like manuals?

They lament it because a roadster should offer a manual option - like Porsche and Mazda and Toyota do.

It used to be that manuals were faster than automatics. The reason for the ZF8 outperforming a manual in every objective sense is the gearing for fuel efficiency and launching. But nothing displaces the engagement and fun of a manual transmission.

I drove manual transmissions for 60 years, starting with a 1947 Plymouth. I disagree about the engagement and fun. After exposure to the PDK and the Ford 10 speed, I felt stupid doing something the car could do better without my help. That's when I realized it was time to sell my 335i.

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by Balr14

I drove manual transmissions for 60 years, starting with a 1947 Plymouth. I disagree about the engagement and fun. After exposure to the PDK and the Ford 10 speed, I felt stupid doing something the car could do better without my help. That's when I realized it was time to sell my 335i.

There will always be those for whom nostalgia sings sweeter than truth. We all taste a bit of it. Let those enjoy their song.

[ebirotedu]

Without turning this into some sort of environmentalist screed, I’ll just note that I’m not in doubt regarding the capabilities of any of a number of 2+ ton performance vehicles including the excellent CT5-V Blackwing.

Rather, I’m noting that the SP guys are all about what thrills them when they’re behind the wheel. Other practical considerations, beyond whether the seats are comfortable, aren’t really a feature of their reviews that I’ve noticed.

Originally Posted by StanDiego

FWIW, a few years ago I drove a Cadillac CTS-V Blackwing on the track, courtesy of Cadlillac Racing, and I was truly amazed how well such a heavy car performed on the track. It didn't feel nearly as heavy as it actually was and I drove it hard. That said, I'd never trade my Z4 for a Blackwing.