[alvitdk]

Hi everyone, I used to have a 128i convertible before switching to a Nissan 370Z, and on to a Lexus IS350 F-Sport, to my latest Porsche Cayman 981 S.

So, had a Lotus Emira on order with a Manual and just got notified pricing will increase by 11% (12,000.-) and delivery delayed by about 12 months (after waiting 18 months already). The backup plan is a Z4 M40i. I test-drove today the Z4 i30 version which feels a bit underpowered, so it definitely will be the M40i version.

Test drove the M4 series with the M40 engine and certainly has better power delivery, but not as road hugging as the Z4, but I wanted to see how the engine performs.

So far so good, and I will likely put in the order tomorrow but have a couple of questions for people with experience. I am used to the Porsche PDK transmission for the last 5 years, and thought BMW had their own version of a double-clutch transmission but found out it is a regular torque converter, certainly wasn't as quick and exciting as the PDK.
The Lotus would have been in manual, but I know the Z4 does not come with one, at least not know unfortunately.

So, how does everyone feel about the transmission, was difficult to test on mostly 30mph back roads near the dealer...?

The car also felt a bit lower on torque compared to the Porsche, even though on paper it has more HP as well as Torque, but is a bit heavier.

I read there might be a Manaula transmission on the horizon, but that is not confirmed...anyone knows more than google?

Anything else I should be aware of before placing the order?

[Edit] Forgot to ask how you feel about the Alcantara seat instead of synthetic or black leather, is it difficult to keep clean, and does it wear out quickly?

Thank you, appreciate some insight from actual drivers instead the standard reviews online.

[jcolman]

I’ve had experience driving both pdk equipped Porsches as well as owing my Z4 M40i. I honestly can’t tell the difference between the two transmissions. The ZF transmissions is a smooth, quick shifting transmission that won’t leave you wanting more.

The only thing you’ll likely notice between the Porsche and the BMW is the Z4 feels a bit heavier. But it’s a well mannered roadster that is a blast to drive on the twisters as well as being quite comfortable on long highway trips.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

The Porsche 718 is a totally different car. Its a sports car & the Z4 is a GT car.

That said the 8ZF is one of the best transmissions in the world. Little to no difference in its shift speed compared to a PDK.

Think you really have to move up in the 718 line-up to have a noticeable difference. First two models base & S will not demonstrate better power delivery than the Z4 M40i. You need to step up to the 6 cylinder GTS if you want that.

[PinkNinja400Guy]

The ZF 8 speed in (almost) all modern BMWs is widely regarded as the best torque converted transmission in the industry. This ZF transmission is used in a couple of other non-BMW vehicles as well, it's great in those cars too, but the BMW version of the ZF8 is the best of them all because BMW has the best transmission tuning.

Shifts are practically instantaneous at high revs. In comfort mode it'll shift very smoothly, but in sport (and especially sport+) mode it'll be much more aggressive and quick, and jerk you around a bit like (I think) a DCT does.

Disclaimer I have an X7 right now, but the transmission is basically the same between all the BMW models. They just use different variants of the transmission as needed to handle the greater hp/tq from bigger engines. Another disclaimer, I've never driven a car with a high performance DCT. That said, in sport drive mode and sport transmission mode (tilt the gear shifter to the left) the X7 performs very well. As you do heavy braking before corners it'll automatically preemptively downshift. You basically don't even have to touch the paddle shifters when you're carving a twisty road... the computers handle everything perfectly.

Manual transmission on the Z4 M40 is 99% confirmed to start production in March 2024 (1 year from now) based on reliable insider info. There are a few other threads here discussing that.

I'm considering a Miata (manual) or a Z4 as a second car to have in addition to my X7 M50. I used to have a manual Civic Si before the X7. However, personally if I end up choosing the Z4, I'll probably pick the automatic transmission. The Civic and Miata and Lotus have short gear ratios, you get to enjoy rowing through the gears. Porsche and BMW, not so much. The Porsches top out at like 80+ mph at the top of 2nd gear... I haven't test driven one but that seems very not-ideal for street driving, you'd barely get to use the shifter. Many reviews of the Porsches also bring up their long gearing as a disadvantage of the vehicle. From some quick research I did, the manual transmission BMW M cars are sort of the same. Not quite as bad as the Porsche, but they still have pretty long gears which may make them less fun to use as a manual. And I've been very satisfied with the ZF8 in my X7.

[alvitdk]

Great feedback, thanks a lot. I wish I could have tested the ZF 8-speed more but with SXSW going on in Austin and the interstate parking lot, I could only go backroads at 40mph max, not really able to test it.

My Cayman is a 981, so it is the 6-Cylinder, but it's on its way out and the 718 with still the same interior is just not cutting it anymore for me, even the GTS 4.0...plus it's a 12-month wait as well.

Any opinion on the Alcantara interior, I like the blue stitching, but not sure abut the wear and tear on the material. Never had it but read it needs much more care to keep it looking good.....

[JustChris]

Plenty of good advice already on the Z4 here.

On the seats I can offer some thoughts, BMWs is very resilient indeed. Here in the U.K. there is only Vernasca leather but I had an M135i for over 15,000 miles and the seats were entirely Alcantara and spotless after that time. Warm and grippy too.

AFAIK from images it’s partial on tbe Z4 seat so I’d say not a worry at all.

Pics of seats back in the day 👍🏻

[CJ421]

I have the partial alcantara interior and it hasn't worn in ~1.5 years and 12k miles. It's a neat option and adds uniqueness. I put a pic in my garage and a few here. It's not in places where it would be subject to much rubbing, so I think the risk of wear is marginal.

Charles

[alvitdk]

Thank you all for the input, put my order in, have a build number and should take anywhere from 3 to 6 months I was told:

Model Code 23ZB Z4 M40i

Color C37 Frozen Grey II Metallic

Upholstery HCNL Black Alcantara Black Vernasa Leather with blue contrast stitching

Options ZDA Driving Assistance Package
5AS Active Driving Assistant
ZN1 Active Blind Spot Detection
ZN4 Lane Departure Warning

ZHO Shadowline Package
3BE Mirror Caps in Black
552 Adaptive Full LED Lights
7M9 Extended Shadowline Trim

ZPP Premium Package
1CR Remote Engine Start
4UR Ambient Lighting
5DM Parking Assistant
610 Head-up Display

1XY 19" M V-spoke Jet Black Wheels, Style 772M with Per Non Run-flat Tires

4KL Aluminum trim with mesh effect N/C

5AP Decoding for no-dazzle high-beam assistance N/C

5DF Active Cruise Control

688 Harman Kardon surround sound system

6NW Wireless Charging
6WD WiFi Hotspot with complimentary 3-month or 3GB trial N/C

925 Shipping package N/C

ZAX Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility N/C

ZTM Tier 2 N/C

[Zed Head]

Nice build… my only suggestion would be drop the wireless charging, unless it’s been improved with the lci and opt for the moonlight top.

[Westside Guy]

I totally agree with this recommendation. Their wireless charging option has had too many issues and the moonlight top will look phenomenal with your color choice !

[COKen]

Just be aware that without the wireless charging you won't get the credit card sized key.

[alvitdk]

Originally Posted by Zed Head

Nice build… my only suggestion would be drop the wireless charging, unless it’s been improved with the lci and opt for the moonlight top.

I was back and forth with the moonlight top and went with my first instinct of the black top. I think it looks too much tone in tone, and the black rims with the black top give it a nice contrast. Have never been able to see the moonlight in person, but not a fan judging from photos.
Its kind of "perfect" for the car color, but on the other hand a bit of contrast makes it look sportier...so I think at least (Well, and my wife, my one of two daughters, my son, and my neighbor, went all out on a survey ;-)

I guess either one will work in the end, the only other uncertainty was the color of the brakes. Always had red on previous cars, and thought blue is a bit of a change, idk...

I read about the wireless charging issue and will just hope it will be solved by the time it gets into production.

[Westside Guy]

In my opinion red calipers would give you the same type of contrast you wanted in the top. Blue calipers would simply blend in. 😉

[JustChris]

That’s a great spec.

The countdown is on!!!

[jvilla107]

Nice ride. Looking forward to the imminent posts from the expectant father as the long gestation period Begonia.

[RigaTony1982]

Originally Posted by COKen

Just be aware that without the wireless charging you won't get the credit card sized key.

I think this is incorrect. My wife has the credit card key and can use her phone as the key, but does not have the wireless charger in her X3. Unless the Z4 is different, you don’t need the charger for this feature.

[jvilla107]

Originally Posted by COKen

Just be aware that without the wireless charging you won't get the credit card sized key.

I don’t have wireless charging in my 2023 430GC and I do have the “credit card” key

[COKen]

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

I think this is incorrect. My wife has the credit card key and can use her phone as the key, but does not have the wireless charger in her X3. Unless the Z4 is different, you don’t need the charger for this feature.

Not the same thing. The credit card will only unlock the door and start the car after you place it on the charging pad. The phone connection will work with or without the charging pad. What can your wife do with the credit card key?

[RigaTony1982]

Originally Posted by COKen

Not the same thing. The credit card will only unlock the door and start the car after you place it on the charging pad. The phone connection will work with or without the charging pad. What can your wife do with the credit card key?

She can unlock the door and start the car with the credit card. If you don’t have the wireless charger, you still have the NFC pad, which is what works with both the phone and card.

[COKen]

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

She can unlock the door and start the car with the credit card. If you don’t have the wireless charger, you still have the NFC pad, which is what works with both the phone and card.

That is interesting. My Z4 came without the charger due to parts shortages when it was built, but I didn't get the credit card key either. I don't think mine has the NFC pad. Is there any visible indicator that the NFC pad is installed.

[RigaTony1982]

There’s a nfc logo on the pad. The wireless charger also has a battery with a lighting bolt logo in the pad as well.

I do believe that one of the items affected as part of the parts shortage was the digital key, so that may make sense that you don’t have it. Was there a credit on your window sticker for it (think it was like $80).

My wife’s X3 is like a month old, so I think the parts shortage issue has been resolved.

[COKen]

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

There’s a nfc logo on the pad. The wireless charger also has a battery with a lighting bolt logo in the pad as well.

I do believe that one of the items affected as part of the parts shortage was the digital key, so that may make sense that you don’t have it. Was there a credit on your window sticker for it (think it was like $80).

My wife’s X3 is like a month old, so I think the parts shortage issue has been resolved.

No credit, but there is this line item - "Deletion of BMW Digital Key Included".

I am able to use my phone to start the car though. The place where the charger would normally be only has a rubber pad with no lettering on it.

My X5, which I picked up at the end of January, has the charging pad and the credit card key.