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      08-23-2019, 03:29 PM   #23
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Originally Posted by frank.m2 View Post
IMO an auto transmission only car does not fit the definition of a drivers car.

It can shift fast, get to 60 quick and save you from traffic sure but it won't ever be a "drivers car".
Well other than Porsche what sports car manufacturers still offer manual?
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      08-23-2019, 03:42 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frank.m2 View Post
IMO an auto transmission only car does not fit the definition of a drivers car.

It can shift fast, get to 60 quick and save you from traffic sure but it won't ever be a "drivers car".
So I guess Formula 1 cars with their semi-automatic transmissions that the drivers shift only with paddle shifters is not a "driver's car". Uh, okay.
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      08-23-2019, 03:51 PM   #25
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Such a good looking car.
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      08-23-2019, 03:52 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ThugzZ BunnY View Post
I've driven both. The power and sound is awesome in the M40 but the 30i handles better. the weight really does make a big difference in the way it feels.
I test drove both and agree, that the weight difference can be felt. I still went for the M40i though. For the - way better - sound and additional power, and because I have this feeling Roadster with an inline 6 and 380hp will go the way of the Dodo pretty soon...
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      08-23-2019, 04:02 PM   #27
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Originally Posted by German1967 View Post
The ZF in the Z4 is excellent. And yes, I have been driving manuals for 30 years.

Agree - the 8-spd ZF in my M240i is excellent. So much smoother than the 7-spd DCT was in my 135is (yet shifts just as fast) and so much faster than the 6MT in my M235i. After having driven manuals for 25 yrs, I now get more joy out of the new paddle-shift autos than manual (and I use the paddles 100% of the time).

I can't imagine anyone who has driven the 8-spd ZF call it a bad transmission.
I thought it was amazing when I experienced it in the M240i but when I drove it in the Z4 30i whenever I would lift off the throttle after aggressive acceleration it would "slam" itself into the next gear without a smooth transition which would significantly jerk the car. Left me with a bad taste in my mouth. If they could smooth that out it would be perfect (excluding the lack of a manual option). Car otherwise drove fantastic and really felt like a modern BMW update of the Z4 M.
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      08-23-2019, 05:06 PM   #28
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Originally Posted by Lucky1 View Post
I thought it was amazing when I experienced it in the M240i but when I drove it in the Z4 30i whenever I would lift off the throttle after aggressive acceleration it would "slam" itself into the next gear without a smooth transition which would significantly jerk the car. Left me with a bad taste in my mouth. If they could smooth that out it would be perfect (excluding the lack of a manual option). Car otherwise drove fantastic and really felt like a modern BMW update of the Z4 M.
Sound like you had it in Sport Plus.
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      08-23-2019, 05:56 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TodmordenLad View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ThugzZ BunnY View Post
I've driven both. The power and sound is awesome in the M40 but the 30i handles better. the weight really does make a big difference in the way it feels.
Interesting, I've heard one or two others say the same. I'm undecided between the two. Have only driven the 30i, waiting on a test in the 40i. Can you elaborate on how you found the handling in both, and how did you find the power delivery in the 30i having driven both? Thx
The front end is a lot more direct and snappier. Probably the most early 2000s car feel I've felt out of a newer vehicle. For a mountain/canyon car, the 30i is absolutely the way to go. If you have more open roads get the m40. In no way am I saying the m40 doesn't drive well, it's just the 30i feels so damn good.
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      08-23-2019, 06:02 PM   #30
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Originally Posted by clee1982 View Post
Well other than Porsche what sports car manufacturers still offer manual?
I think that's the point. Porsche, Lotus, some BMWs, a few muscle cars, the Miata...that's mostly it. The Alfa 4C, Alpine A110, and Supra/Z4 twins really dropped the ball on that one.

As for the ZF 8-speed, we had one in our X3, and I'd never chose it over a manual. Heck, I'd rather have a manual Miata than any 8-speed/DCT BMW.
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      08-23-2019, 06:53 PM   #31
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I think that's the point. Porsche, Lotus, some BMWs, a few muscle cars, the Miata...that's mostly it. The Alfa 4C, Alpine A110, and Supra/Z4 twins really dropped the ball on that one.

As for the ZF 8-speed, we had one in our X3, and I'd never chose it over a manual. Heck, I'd rather have a manual Miata than any 8-speed/DCT BMW.
Of course you know that the ZF8 in your X3 and the ZF8 in the Z4 are not exactly the same transmission.
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      08-23-2019, 06:59 PM   #32
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Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
Of course you know that the ZF8 in your X3 and the ZF8 in the Z4 are not exactly the same transmission.
Sure, but people often comment how great that transmission is relative to others. I've driven Lamborghini's with paddle shifters, Porsche's PDK, etc., and I don't have any interest in anything other than a manual. It largely defeats the fun of a sports car, to me.
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      08-23-2019, 07:01 PM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky1 View Post
I thought it was amazing when I experienced it in the M240i but when I drove it in the Z4 30i whenever I would lift off the throttle after aggressive acceleration it would "slam" itself into the next gear without a smooth transition which would significantly jerk the car. Left me with a bad taste in my mouth. If they could smooth that out it would be perfect (excluding the lack of a manual option). Car otherwise drove fantastic and really felt like a modern BMW update of the Z4 M.
Sound like you had it in Sport Plus.
Okay and if so whats the benefit? Faster shifting or something? Can't see why I'd deliberately want a car to drive that way.
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      08-23-2019, 07:02 PM   #34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
So I guess Formula 1 cars with their semi-automatic transmissions that the drivers shift only with paddle shifters is not a "driver's car". Uh, okay.
That's a bit different, because they have a zillion other parameters** to constantly deal with...although Lewis Hamilton has often said he wishes F1 cars went back to manual. Plus, the only objective of a race car is performance. It's a bit more nuanced in a fun car for the street...which is why Hamilton also customer ordered his Pagani with a manual, and a lot of other F1 drivers choose a manual for their street cars.

**F1 steering wheel:
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      08-23-2019, 07:51 PM   #35
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Well for ages we as consumer has been telling faster is better car, any surprise how we get here?
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      08-23-2019, 08:31 PM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frank.m2 View Post
IMO an auto transmission only car does not fit the definition of a drivers car.

It can shift fast, get to 60 quick and save you from traffic sure but it won't ever be a "drivers car".
Quote:
Originally Posted by clee1982 View Post
Well other than Porsche what sports car manufacturers still offer manual?
Quote:
Originally Posted by duder13 View Post
I think that's the point. Porsche, Lotus, some BMWs, a few muscle cars, the Miata...that's mostly it. The Alfa 4C, Alpine A110, and Supra/Z4 twins really dropped the ball on that one.

As for the ZF 8-speed, we had one in our X3, and I'd never chose it over a manual. Heck, I'd rather have a manual Miata than any 8-speed/DCT BMW.
I heard Savagegeese say BMW may be offering a manual? I also heard him refer to a possible future higher performance version of this model? (an "is" or maybe "M"?). The the new 3-series only offering a manual in the higher dollar "M3" version, is this the BMW path for the die hard enthusiasts? We have it your manual, it's a more expensive "Z4is" or "Z4M" with a stick?

I seen the Z4 in the Frozen Silver at Dealer, it was really nice looking. Loved the long hood, front face, slim rear lights and the seats. The Wife is telling me to get a sport car, but I really wanted to get back to a manual for my next car. I am curious how the short wheel base and wide track feels... maybe this one is worth a test drive.
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      08-23-2019, 08:45 PM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by duder13 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
Of course you know that the ZF8 in your X3 and the ZF8 in the Z4 are not exactly the same transmission.
Sure, but people often comment how great that transmission is relative to others. I've driven Lamborghini's with paddle shifters, Porsche's PDK, etc., and I don't have any interest in anything other than a manual. It largely defeats the fun of a sports car, to me.
You better vote with your wallet.

Regardless those days are numbered.
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      08-23-2019, 08:52 PM   #38
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Quote:
Originally Posted by frank.m2 View Post
IMO an auto transmission only car does not fit the definition of a drivers car.

It can shift fast, get to 60 quick and save you from traffic sure but it won't ever be a "drivers car".
thank you
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      08-23-2019, 09:00 PM   #39
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not a fan of how it looks. seen it in real life. honestly looks blah and wont age well. it dosnt draw your attention and make you say "that car is special" a manual transmission is a drivers car. bring me back to the 90s where you really felt the car and they are easy to maintain and work on.

bottom line this car dosnt fit the price tag. my tuned f30 335i 6mt would gap this hard. and ive only got fueling and simple bolt ons.

my car is 2013 f30 n55 335i xdrive manual black and feels like it could handle 200 miles per. im getting more enjoyment at a fraction of the price.

seems to be a band wagon of praisers for these automatic transmissions. sure theyre better than they have ever been but nothing beats popping that clutch and bangin through six gears. then dropping two gears and reving through the power band.
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      08-23-2019, 09:04 PM   #40
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The ZF 8 speed is total garbage for a “driver’s car”.

A Double clutch transmission is absolutely mandatory. Especially with a very basic over-boosted laggy turbo engine (without variable turbine geometry) like Z4 has.

I have owned 6 BMWs, including the M4, rented about 20 of them, test drove a variety of ZFs and manuals. Also DCTs and double clutch ones on 6 Porsches I’ve owned in the past few years.

ZF auto is trash. The Z4 is a fancy grandma car.
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      08-23-2019, 09:05 PM   #41
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by frank.m2 View Post
IMO an auto transmission only car does not fit the definition of a drivers car.

It can shift fast, get to 60 quick and save you from traffic sure but it won't ever be a "drivers car".
So I guess Formula 1 cars with their semi-automatic transmissions that the drivers shift only with paddle shifters is not a "driver's car". Uh, okay.
There are many who think a van with a MT is more of a driver's car than a purpose built race car with paddles. All of these people are American I'm sure.
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      08-23-2019, 09:09 PM   #42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky1 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by SakhirM4 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky1 View Post
I thought it was amazing when I experienced it in the M240i but when I drove it in the Z4 30i whenever I would lift off the throttle after aggressive acceleration it would "slam" itself into the next gear without a smooth transition which would significantly jerk the car. Left me with a bad taste in my mouth. If they could smooth that out it would be perfect (excluding the lack of a manual option). Car otherwise drove fantastic and really felt like a modern BMW update of the Z4 M.
Sound like you had it in Sport Plus.
Okay and if so whats the benefit? Faster shifting or something? Can't see why I'd deliberately want a car to drive that way.
I don't know why you wouldn't just pick the gears yourself.
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      08-23-2019, 09:16 PM   #43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kinimod View Post
The ZF 8 speed is total garbage for a “driver’s car”.

A Double clutch transmission is absolutely mandatory. Especially with a very basic over-boosted laggy turbo engine (without variable turbine geometry) like Z4 has.

I have owned 6 BMWs, including the M4, rented about 20 of them, test drove a variety of ZFs and manuals. Also DCTs and double clutch ones on 6 Porsches I’ve owned in the past few years.

ZF auto is trash. The Z4 is a fancy grandma car.
LOL... troll!
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      08-23-2019, 09:59 PM   #44
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 13blk335ix View Post
not a fan of how it looks. seen it in real life. honestly looks blah and wont age well. it dosnt draw your attention and make you say "that car is special" a manual transmission is a drivers car. bring me back to the 90s where you really felt the car and they are easy to maintain and work on.

bottom line this car dosnt fit the price tag. my tuned f30 335i 6mt would gap this hard. and ive only got fueling and simple bolt ons.

my car is 2013 f30 n55 335i xdrive manual black and feels like it could handle 200 miles per. im getting more enjoyment at a fraction of the price.

seems to be a band wagon of praisers for these automatic transmissions. sure theyre better than they have ever been but nothing beats popping that clutch and bangin through six gears. then dropping two gears and reving through the power band.
My car is an M4 with a 6MT. I enjoy driving it very much. I also believe that I will enjoy driving my Z4 M40i when it finally arrives. From everything that I have read, the ZF8 sounds like a great transmission. Will it be the same as my M4 - probably not - but I am willing to bet that it will still be a great driver's car. I have owned 18 BMWs and all but 2 have had manual transmissions (an E34 540i and an E39 540i). I am not die-hard enough to judge the driving enjoyment of a car based on the transmission. It's your personal choice.

P.S. The M4 is not going anywhere, so I can still get my MT fix if I need it.
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