Replacement for a Z4
Discussion
djglover said:
How about mods to the Z4
I have racing coil overs, strut brace and an LSD on mine and its set up same geo as M3 CSL, its absolutely brilliant on B roads
Also Porsche will come with much higher bork factor risk and day to day maintenance, I've also been there! never again
I'd love to try one to see how much better it is, but I think your post says enough. It's about 3-5k for all of that?I have racing coil overs, strut brace and an LSD on mine and its set up same geo as M3 CSL, its absolutely brilliant on B roads
Also Porsche will come with much higher bork factor risk and day to day maintenance, I've also been there! never again
Sycamore said:
jm8403 said:
Hahaha, he definitely needs to chill. I dont find the Z particularly amazing on b roads, especially tight ones so not going to get excited by another viewpoint.
That's where I felt my Z fell down too. More of a GT/Cruiser rather than something you'd fly down a B road with.Sycamore said:
Shock horror, there's more to a car than the engine.
The GT86 engine is st, the Z4 engine is awesome.
All I said, was that I found the GT86 more fun to chuck around.
If we all liked the same thing, life would be boring
Relax old chap
The frustrating thing about the internet is everyone thinks someone else is having a go, that couldn't be any further from the truth in my reply. I love talking about cars and their quirks. The GT86 engine is st, the Z4 engine is awesome.
All I said, was that I found the GT86 more fun to chuck around.
If we all liked the same thing, life would be boring
Relax old chap
The GT86 does seem to be an interesting car to talk about online. I really didn't like the standard one I drove, I don't care about speed, but I need a car to sound good. I assumed it would sound like a N/A version of my Impreza, I was so disappointed that it didn't.
The handling (for me) was okay, but the standard Michelin tyres they have are terrible. I believe they're the same as a Prius, but I'm sure with a few upgrades the 86 would be transformed.
jm8403 said:
Hahaha, he definitely needs to chill. I dont find the Z particularly amazing on b roads, especially tight ones so not going to get excited by another viewpoint.
Everyone thinks everyone else is angry online, but I'm really not. I even re-read my post and nothing screams "angry person reply" to me jm8403 said:
djglover said:
How about mods to the Z4
I have racing coil overs, strut brace and an LSD on mine and its set up same geo as M3 CSL, its absolutely brilliant on B roads
Also Porsche will come with much higher bork factor risk and day to day maintenance, I've also been there! never again
I'd love to try one to see how much better it is, but I think your post says enough. It's about 3-5k for all of that?I have racing coil overs, strut brace and an LSD on mine and its set up same geo as M3 CSL, its absolutely brilliant on B roads
Also Porsche will come with much higher bork factor risk and day to day maintenance, I've also been there! never again
Yes not looking for a big car is good/bad barney on here!
The GT86 is not on the radar, I owned a VX220 turbo not so long ago and that was multiples the fun the GT86 is plus oodles faster too. As well as being a huge adrenaline rush on top of it all.
The Z4 is very capable, lazy power, comfort and lovely interior...even at 13 years old the interior is better quality than the 370z. So I cannot see myself going into a 370z.
The Porsche definitely has the bork factor, I can't be bothered with that.
It still leaves me rubbing my chin. I looked at TTS's and possibly throwing a remap at them but I heard they are very numb to drive. Shame the country went JDM mad and all the old 90s Japanese cars have gone stupid prices.
The GT86 is not on the radar, I owned a VX220 turbo not so long ago and that was multiples the fun the GT86 is plus oodles faster too. As well as being a huge adrenaline rush on top of it all.
The Z4 is very capable, lazy power, comfort and lovely interior...even at 13 years old the interior is better quality than the 370z. So I cannot see myself going into a 370z.
The Porsche definitely has the bork factor, I can't be bothered with that.
It still leaves me rubbing my chin. I looked at TTS's and possibly throwing a remap at them but I heard they are very numb to drive. Shame the country went JDM mad and all the old 90s Japanese cars have gone stupid prices.
coldel said:
It still leaves me rubbing my chin. I looked at TTS's and possibly throwing a remap at them but I heard they are very numb to drive. Shame the country went JDM mad and all the old 90s Japanese cars have gone stupid prices.
I've had a TTS and I'm not sure with your car history if you would enjoy it all that much. They feel nice in terms of performance/size/weight I reckon, however the steering is too light and it doesn't communicate much, plus they predictably understeer too. A lovely place to sit/spend time though. I often lust after getting another S14a 200SX, but as you say the prices have gone a bit mad for nice examples of the 90's Jap stuff for sure.
There were some great suggestions on my thread that I just updated when looking for a £14k weekend car.
I went for a 987 Boxster but know you got stung on a previous Porsche. The TTS is a good idea and was my 2nd choice. The draw of the Porsche was strong for me though and a bit more special, but wouldn't be everyones choice. Drive a TTS and see what you think for yourself - plenty around for sale so you can test drive one at a dealer.
Brave choice would be a Chimera but I suspect the annual running costs would be more than a Boxster and less reliable.
I went for a 987 Boxster but know you got stung on a previous Porsche. The TTS is a good idea and was my 2nd choice. The draw of the Porsche was strong for me though and a bit more special, but wouldn't be everyones choice. Drive a TTS and see what you think for yourself - plenty around for sale so you can test drive one at a dealer.
Brave choice would be a Chimera but I suspect the annual running costs would be more than a Boxster and less reliable.
DanG355 said:
There were some great suggestions on my thread that I just updated when looking for a £14k weekend car.
I went for a 987 Boxster but know you got stung on a previous Porsche. The TTS is a good idea and was my 2nd choice. The draw of the Porsche was strong for me though and a bit more special, but wouldn't be everyones choice. Drive a TTS and see what you think for yourself - plenty around for sale so you can test drive one at a dealer.
Brave choice would be a Chimera but I suspect the annual running costs would be more than a Boxster and less reliable.
Fwd TTS hairdresser car from a rwd straight 6. Massive downgrade IMOI went for a 987 Boxster but know you got stung on a previous Porsche. The TTS is a good idea and was my 2nd choice. The draw of the Porsche was strong for me though and a bit more special, but wouldn't be everyones choice. Drive a TTS and see what you think for yourself - plenty around for sale so you can test drive one at a dealer.
Brave choice would be a Chimera but I suspect the annual running costs would be more than a Boxster and less reliable.
A TTS does have 4WD (although not permanent) and can be easily tuned to 300bhp.
I know they are not for everyone, but the OP seems to want a change from the Z4 and a tuned TTS with a manual or DSG box will be quick and more modern. Whether is is better to him than the Z4 who knows - some people prefer the TTS (or they would all buy Z4s in the first place).
We all like different things so I would have it on the list to test drive and make my own mind up.
I know they are not for everyone, but the OP seems to want a change from the Z4 and a tuned TTS with a manual or DSG box will be quick and more modern. Whether is is better to him than the Z4 who knows - some people prefer the TTS (or they would all buy Z4s in the first place).
We all like different things so I would have it on the list to test drive and make my own mind up.
XKR with a manual swap (check out the DriveTribe video)
BBR MX5 Mk3
Toyota MR2 with the 2ZZ swap
Abarth 124 Spider
SLK350 ?
Or stay with BMW and get a Z4M
Your list of requirements of Cheap, Fast and Reliable are somewhat comflicting unfortunately, especially outside of the Hot Hatch segment.
BBR MX5 Mk3
Toyota MR2 with the 2ZZ swap
Abarth 124 Spider
SLK350 ?
Or stay with BMW and get a Z4M
Your list of requirements of Cheap, Fast and Reliable are somewhat comflicting unfortunately, especially outside of the Hot Hatch segment.
VX220 Turbo or NA are a very different proposition to the Z4.
I have a VXT, and on occasion drive a Z4, banned of late as last two times I drove it the EML came on, nothing to do with me turned out was coil related but the accusation stuck.
Driving the Z4 prompted me to buy my M235i, lovely engine, effortless acceleration but a lot more insulated from the world in comparison to the VX.
An M2 could be an option, depending on how much want to spend, convertible or many other factors
New shape Supra or current Z4 seems to be the closest to what you have today, depends on what you want out of a weekend car, the VX is better with a garage not just a drive now as is rare to find one that is waterproof 100% at least in a heavy downfall which the Z4 manages.
I have a VXT, and on occasion drive a Z4, banned of late as last two times I drove it the EML came on, nothing to do with me turned out was coil related but the accusation stuck.
Driving the Z4 prompted me to buy my M235i, lovely engine, effortless acceleration but a lot more insulated from the world in comparison to the VX.
An M2 could be an option, depending on how much want to spend, convertible or many other factors
New shape Supra or current Z4 seems to be the closest to what you have today, depends on what you want out of a weekend car, the VX is better with a garage not just a drive now as is rare to find one that is waterproof 100% at least in a heavy downfall which the Z4 manages.
Crudeoink said:
XKR with a manual swap (check out the DriveTribe video)
BBR MX5 Mk3
Toyota MR2 with the 2ZZ swap
Abarth 124 Spider
SLK350 ?
Or stay with BMW and get a Z4M
Your list of requirements of Cheap, Fast and Reliable are somewhat comflicting unfortunately, especially outside of the Hot Hatch segment.
Thanks, my previous cars have all been in budget, been reliable and pretty fast. So its very achievable. I think I have burnt through a few good options and just checking really Im not missing anything obvious. The TTS is relatively cheap fast and reliable as I understand it, but Ive heard its lacking feel (so not related to those three words) which is putting me off. BBR MX5 Mk3
Toyota MR2 with the 2ZZ swap
Abarth 124 Spider
SLK350 ?
Or stay with BMW and get a Z4M
Your list of requirements of Cheap, Fast and Reliable are somewhat comflicting unfortunately, especially outside of the Hot Hatch segment.
BBR MX5s again heard not positive things about them in terms of reliability, but again I guess you only hear the bad stuff.
I did almost buy (even had a deposit down on one) an RCZ R before I got the Z4 ... so I am trying to think of left field options like that.
Have you thought about a gen 1 Porsche Cayman/Boxster - properly inspected of course! Many have had the IMS changed (I had mine done recently) and around 5% could get bore scoring but it is a real option and a fantastic car in looks, power and handling. I doubt that you'd get the, more bombproof, Gen 2 for the money but it's worth a look (there may be a 2.9l available somewhere!)
Good luck with the hunting!
I could be selling my 2005 Boxster 3.2 in the Spring. Someone will be happy!
Good luck with the hunting!
I could be selling my 2005 Boxster 3.2 in the Spring. Someone will be happy!
My wife recently swapped her 2.5si Z4 for a 2.7 987 Boxter. I didn’t think there was going to be that much difference but the Boxster is on another level in terms of driver engagement. Hers was around £10K for an early one (which benefits from the lower tax band), 50K mikes and already had the IMS bearing replaced when she purchased it. There is always the potential for big bills but what a great car for the money.
Edited by benny.c on Wednesday 4th January 11:14
benny.c said:
My wife recently swapped her 2.5si Z4 for a 2.7 987 Boxter. I didn’t think there was going to be that much difference but the Boxster is on another level in terms of driver engagement. Hers was around £10K for an early one (which benefits from the lower tax band), 50K mikes and already had the IMS bearing replaced when she purchased it. There is always the potential for big bills but what a great car for the money.
What do you mean by 'engagement', in my view, they're a much more blunt instrument and not exciting at all. Hence I went the other way. The 3L is a very nice engine in the Z, too. Edited by benny.c on Wednesday 4th January 11:14
What about a manual Corvette C5... Sounds crazy but they are actually a really good off-piste alternative to the usual choices if you can live with LHD and a slightly plasticky interior.
"Legendary" LS1 which is a superb engine - Very reliable, 26-30+mpg in the real world and super fruity
Easy to make them handle like a proper sports car
Rust issues very rare
Circa 1400kgs so not a complete whale
Targa panel
Massive boot
Very tunable chassis
RX7 FD looks
Also they are just an interesting piece of design - Super stiff hydroformed chassis, aluminium transaxle, fibreglass body. They have some cool features as well like an on-board diagnostic tool, ability to easily adjust ride height with a 10mm spanner. People slate them for having "leaf springs" but it's actually a transverse composite "spring" which is a very clever design and works well.
"Legendary" LS1 which is a superb engine - Very reliable, 26-30+mpg in the real world and super fruity
Easy to make them handle like a proper sports car
Rust issues very rare
Circa 1400kgs so not a complete whale
Targa panel
Massive boot
Very tunable chassis
RX7 FD looks
Also they are just an interesting piece of design - Super stiff hydroformed chassis, aluminium transaxle, fibreglass body. They have some cool features as well like an on-board diagnostic tool, ability to easily adjust ride height with a 10mm spanner. People slate them for having "leaf springs" but it's actually a transverse composite "spring" which is a very clever design and works well.
coldel said:
Yes I heard the 2.9 is the engine which doesnt have all the issues ... its tempting as it would be a nice change to the Z4 GT feel.
Get out and try one. That'll give you all the answers you need. I've had 987.1 Cayman, 987.2 Cayman and now have the 3.2 987.1 Boxster. The 987.2 Cayman is utterly fantastic and I found it to be perfect on Europe's finest mountain roads. If you get the PDK auto version it'll potter around town very nicely too. It very torquey at the top end! jm8403 said:
What do you mean by 'engagement', in my view, they're a much more blunt instrument and not exciting at all. Hence I went the other way. The 3L is a very nice engine in the Z, too.
In comparison to her Z4 the Boxster feels much more nimble and the handling is more precise. It has nicely weighted steering with bags of grip. The Z4 had plenty of grip too but you could never really feel it properly with that slightly vague, floaty feeling they have. I love a BMW straight six but the Boxster sounds superb at high revs and is plenty fast enough for the road even in none S form. The Z4 was fun but more GT than sports car, for me anyway. Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff