[ejm3]

I am looking to replace my 135i convertible and am considering a Z4.

I know its only been 2 model years so far and these aren't the kind of cars where owners tend to pile on the mileage, but how have they been so far?

[PrionFawkes]

I can only speak for myself, but I haven’t experienced any issues at all. The fit and finish, pre/post break-in performance, and experience with BMW for my end user education has been exceptional. I did recently take it in for the Backup Camera Recall (ability to turn camera view off violated US NTSB regulations) and have noticed some minor improvements to iDrive.

I am at 6000 miles in 7 months, at this point.

[SakhirM4]

Have had mine for 5 months and no issues.

[TeaPot918]

No issues besides the little stones in the rear brake callipers. Having my first service tomorrow morning so will report back if they find anything. 27500km done sine April

[ejm3]

Another question...

Did anyone cross-shop the Z4 with the M240?

Back in 2012 when I bought my 135i convertible my original intent was a Z4. I ended up going with the 135i because it had more room (mostly for stuff rather than people) and it was maybe $10-$12k less expensive.

And the car is fun and I don't regret my decision.

So here we are in 2020 with a fairly new M240 and a completely new Z4 I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the two in comparison to each other. Looks like the price differential is still about the same.

Edit:
I actually meant to make this a separate topic.

[jeffp1105]

Regardless of price, IMHO they are two completely different cars. The Z4 is much sportier and has a "roadster aesthetic" while the M240 is a two door sedan with a chop top. The Z4 is ~50hp and 0.6 sec faster than the M240. The M240 has room for munchkins dropping Cheetos and Cheerios in the back seat while the Z4 barely has room for wine and cheese behind the seats.

Of course, a comparably equipped M240 is ~$12K cheaper but one is not getting a roadster, one is getting a family convertible. IMHO, they each have their place but are not interchangeable.

[German1967]

No issues on the Z4 M40i (8 months, 5,000 miles).

Regarding the M240: I own both the M235 and the Z4. Both great cars. I find the Z4 faster and stiffer. The M235 is my "bad weather car". My M235 is an xDrive; hence it feels more planted while the Z4 can be "tail-happy" when wet.
Love them both. The Z4 is a fantastic summer cruiser. The M235 a little, agile fun car with additional storage and passenger capability.

[ejm3]

I don't anticipate driving the car in the rain unless I get caught unexpectedly.
Same with my 135i, though I do drive it in the winter if the weather is nice so I have winter wheels & tires for it.
I would probably do the same with whatever I replace my 135i with.

I think I will miss the space (such as it is) in the 135i.
I'm not sure I can even take a two people in a Z4 to Cape Cod for a long weekend, which is a little annoying.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by ejm3

I don't anticipate driving the car in the rain unless I get caught unexpectedly.
Same with my 135i, though I do drive it in the winter if the weather is nice so I have winter wheels & tires for it.
I would probably do the same with whatever I replace my 135i with.

I think I will miss the space (such as it is) in the 135i.
I'm not sure I can even take a two people in a Z4 to Cape Cod for a long weekend, which is a little annoying.

The G29 Z4 has a BIG trunk. My wife and I take quite a few long weekends with no problem - and I have to take a large oxygen concentrator along.

[jeffp1105]

I'll second SakhirM4. Even the previous gen E89 room for a weekend. The key for that car was give up hard sized luggage for duffels and there's more than enough room for your weekend.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by ejm3

Another question...

Did anyone cross-shop the Z4 with the M240?

Back in 2012 when I bought my 135i convertible my original intent was a Z4. I ended up going with the 135i because it had more room (mostly for stuff rather than people) and it was maybe $10-$12k less expensive.

And the car is fun and I don't regret my decision.

So here we are in 2020 with a fairly new M240 and a completely new Z4 I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on the two in comparison to each other. Looks like the price differential is still about the same.

Edit:
I actually meant to make this a separate topic.

Not an owner, but have a good amount of experience with the Z4 M40i and M240i vert and here's my thoughts between the two.

Styling: Z4 is definitely more modern and aggressive looking, while the 2er has a more classic BMW design, but arguably more "boring," but then again, styling is subjective. I prefer the Z4's exterior.

Interior: Z4's interior is more cozy due to the 2 seat and roadster layout, but the seats offer more grip, and materials and design in the Z4 feels nicer and more modern. I actually prefer the older steering wheel and iDrive of the 2er though, as well as the analogue gauges.

Engine: The Z4 being a newer car gets an updated B58 motor, making it quicker, but both applications are plenty fast, smooth, and sound good.

Handling: The Z4 being smaller and lighter makes it more nimble in the corners, although I think the 2er's suspension feels more composed/buttoned down, but neither is too rough. 2er still handles well, but you will notice the extra weight. Steering wise, both cars have similar racks, without too many noticeable differences, and both are pretty much numb, and have synthetic heft in their sportiest modes. This will likely be the biggest noticeable change/issue coming from an E82 1-series with a hydraulic rack.

Practicality: 2er beats the Z4 there for obvious reasons. Space and extra seats can be very helpful even if not used often.

Price: Price difference between both seems to be around $13k (in both base and loaded configurations). 2er is a good amount cheaper.

The Z4 being the newer car obviously gets all the benefits of an updated engine, tech and interior, and while being smaller of course benefits in handling as well, and as good as the Z4 is I would buy the M240i vert for one reason alone, the manual transmission. Its rare, but you can find or build a 2er vert with the inline-6 and manual transmission. However if we're comparing auto to auto, I'd buy a Z4, however the 2er still isn't a bad choice as it has better practicality, more space, and is a better value.

Good luck with whatever you choose, both are great vehicles

[ejm3]

Thanks this is all helpful.

My main issue with the 2 series is simple.
Is it worth $60k more than my 135i, which is essentially free to me except for maintenance. It still runs fine and has 64k miles on it.
But honestly I don't trust taking it beyond maybe 50 miles of my home and that's been true for the past few years now. Reliability has been questionable for a long time.

So if I'm going to spend real money then it needs to be significantly better than what I have.

I understand the M240 replacement will not have a convertible variant, which is frustrating.

Convertibles are getting harder and harder to find. And if you want an MT even harder.

I would also consider an AMG C63 or new Corvette convertible. I've set an $80k limit and I think if I'm careful with options I can sneak those under my limit.

[BMWGirlFL]

I compared the Z4 M40i to a similarly equipped 840i and concluded the Z4 offered better performance with sufficient savings to more than justify giving up some technology, trunk space and a back seat.

[UNCM2]

We've had the z4 for 8 months -- no issues. Love the car. Traded my M2 and haven't had a single regret

[TeaPot918]

Had my first service at 27000km. An airbag-sensor in the passenger seat had to be replaced so it took about 6 hours total. It's an open item when you bring the car in(maybe just Ireland/UK).

[Tedbay]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

I compared the Z4 M40i to a similarly equipped 840i and concluded the Z4 offered better performance with sufficient savings to more than justify giving up some technology, trunk space and a back seat.

haha I had similar view. I considered the new 8 and even the new 8M but I thought this car was 40% less than the 8 yet offers so much and as beautiful as the 8 full M car is I would have gotten the new NSX if I was putting out that kind of $. I think this car is a tremendous value and absolutely love it. reliability great so far and only complaint is too much rattling for a new convertible. and have had zero connected drive/car play issues. and this engine is a monster....fun and great value and love the looks.

[ejm3]

Its funny because as I read the reviews of the new Z4 there's usually a comment about the $70k price tag being high.

I honestly didn't think so because its fairly well equipped, of high quality and 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Other than maybe a Mustang or Camaro what other car can say the same for significantly less than $70k? Hell my friend just spent $70k on an Audi SUV.

I think it was KBB that said it was expensive compared to the Z4 with the smaller engine (they said about a $13k difference), which should be good enough for most people.

Maybe it's a better car but I think the Porsche 718 is overpriced in comparison to the Z4.

[Tedbay]

Originally Posted by ejm3

Its funny because as I read the reviews of the new Z4 there's usually a comment about the $70k price tag being high.

I honestly didn't think so because its fairly well equipped, of high quality and 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Other than maybe a Mustang or Camaro what other car can say the same for significantly less than $70k? Hell my friend just spent $70k on an Audi SUV.

I think it was KBB that said it was expensive compared to the Z4 with the smaller engine (they said about a $13k difference), which should be good enough for most people.

Maybe it's a better car but I think the Porsche 718 is overpriced in comparison to the Z4.

why I say it IS a tremendous value. I think all those comments just make no sense. with heads up display all this tech and 40% less than a more powerful boxster I truly thought this car was just a heck of a value. cars have gotten ridiculously expensive and for all this car at this price I feel like I have gotten a really special car that is less than half the price of some other cars I was considering without much of a step down in what I would have gotten if I spent a bunch more. And the styling grabbed me since I first saw the concept car couple years back on youtube…… love at first sight

[Rob_G77]

Originally Posted by ejm3

Its funny because as I read the reviews of the new Z4 there's usually a comment about the $70k price tag being high.

I think it was KBB that said it was expensive compared to the Z4 with the smaller engine (they said about a $13k difference), which should be good enough for most people.

The price for a fully optioned M40i here in Canada is about $100k after tax. The lease and finance rates are not the best either so it is a car that many just simply can't afford. I think it's probably pushing the price envelope for a niche vehicle too, especially given that its performance maybe falls a tiny bit short on what people are wanting. Maybe the C8 release (and price) has taken a lot of the wind out of the Z4/Supra launch? There is 1 Supra and 1 Z4 M40I locally on dealer lots and they are not selling.

I had mine brought in from elsewhere because the local one wasn't a color I wanted. I could have got a $3500 discount too. Oh well.

Rob

[ejm3]

I stopped at my local BMW dealer today and they had a few I looked at. I didn't have time to drive one though.

The trunk is bigger than I thought.
Does it shrink when the top is down?

What's with the white interior? I know it's a status thing is in Tesla's but it doesn't seem very practical.

Interestingly they had a few M8's.
Nice looking car but the one I dared to check out the sticker on was $150k.

Makes the Z4 a bargain at half that price.

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by ejm3

I stopped at my local BMW dealer today and they had a few I looked at. I didn't have time to drive one though.

The trunk is bigger than I thought.
Does it shrink when the top is down?

The top does not use any trunk space.

[Rob_G77]

Originally Posted by ejm3

What's with the white interior? I know it's a status thing is in Tesla's but it doesn't seem very practical.

The interior is available in several colors:

Ivory White
Magma Red (what I have)
Black
Black with blue stitching
Cognac
and a black leatherette (cheaper non leather)

Certain color combinations work well together, but I imagine others might not, like Alpine White paint and white interior might not be good.

To me, the Magma Red is more of a bright orange color and I really like it. I was lucky to find a Z4 with the exact options I wanted.

I wish the Z4 was available in mineral white (metallic). Maybe in a future year, but I already have mine in Alpine White.

Rob