Replacement for a Z4

Replacement for a Z4

Author
Discussion

jm8403

2,128 posts

12 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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?

cerb4.5lee

26,209 posts

167 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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.
Same. I'd rather take a 330i or a M3 over my old Z4M. The Z4 never felt very accomplished to me to throw down a nice B road. It frustrated me to be honest because BMW did a great job with the 3 series, whereas I never felt that they put as much love/time into the Z4 though in comparison.

Networkgeek

279 posts

20 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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 smile

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 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.

Networkgeek

279 posts

20 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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 laugh


djglover

417 posts

204 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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?
3k for the parts, probably looking at closer to 4.5k fitted, but I had a 996 C4S before this and its a more engaging car on Yorkshire B roads, it has way less grip, which is part of the fun I guess, but as long as you stick to going out in decent temperatures, the grip is very predictable.

coldel

Original Poster:

5,852 posts

133 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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.

cerb4.5lee

26,209 posts

167 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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.

DanG355

466 posts

188 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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.

jm8403

2,128 posts

12 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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 IMO

DanG355

466 posts

188 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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.

Crudeoink

181 posts

46 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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.


G0ldfysh

3,302 posts

244 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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 smile

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.


coldel

Original Poster:

5,852 posts

133 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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 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.

Johnniem

2,596 posts

210 months

Tuesday 3rd January
quotequote all
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! wink

coldel

Original Poster:

5,852 posts

133 months

Wednesday 4th January
quotequote all
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.

benny.c

3,334 posts

194 months

Wednesday 4th January
quotequote all
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

jm8403

2,128 posts

12 months

Wednesday 4th January
quotequote all
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.

Edited by benny.c on Wednesday 4th January 11:14
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.

Llew

122 posts

194 months

Wednesday 4th January
quotequote all
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 biggrin

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.


Johnniem

2,596 posts

210 months

Wednesday 4th January
quotequote all
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!

benny.c

3,334 posts

194 months

Wednesday 4th January
quotequote all
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.