Z4 Adaptive Headlights

[Jon D]

I'm on the verge of ordering a Z4 sDrive 35is with just about all the options and would appreciate some advice from anyone who has the adaptive headlights. Are they as good as BMW's promotional video and therefore worth the money.
I'd also be grateful for any comments you might consider applicable to someone switching from an E92. I definitely don't need convincing about the engine, 7 speed DCT or the performance and handling, but I do have niggling reservations about the lack of space and limited seat recline angle; not from the driving position point of view - it's as good as it gets, but a good stretch with the seat wound down can be very relaxing after a long drive.
All opinions welcome - many thanks,
Jon D.

[Memphis1]

they're not optional... are you sure you're getting a z435is. lack of space is a personal issue you should consider, and even in relaxing long drives you shouldn't "wound down" while driving...

[jparnes1]

Adaptive headlights are standard. Did someone try to sell them to you? As far as space goes, the Z4 is not a practical car. It's a fun car! Keep your 3er for cargo. On the other hand, I bought luggage from www.roadsterbags.com who make custom-fit suitcases for the Z4. They're well made and fit great, allowing you to maximize the space in your trunk, even with the roof down. I believe Rene is still offering disocunts to forum members.

[juhap]

Adaptive headlights are optional at least over here and also in the car configurator on the UK BMW site.

[Memphis1]

i just realized you're in scotland or somewhere around there... anyway, yes they're optional in europe. if you drive in dark streets with lots of curves then YES they're worth it.

[Rubber Ducky]

Adaptive headlights are nice, especially if you drive a lot of windy roads at night. But as I recall some wild rides in taxis at night around Dunoon and the Holy Loch, you Scots normally drive in the country at night with your headlights off (am not making this up). So not an issue, yes?

Z4 E89 is a very comfortable car, but what you see is what you get for space.

[SHADOW4]

Originally Posted by jparnes1

. On the other hand, I bought luggage from www.roadsterbags.com who make custom-fit suitcases for the Z4. They're well made and fit great, allowing you to maximize the space in your trunk, even with the roof down. I believe Rene is still offering disocunts to forum members.

Great tip jparnes.

Thanks

[Z4Andy]

I'd ask the dealer to let you spend some time with a car. Perhaps a loaner for a weekend.

I've the standard seats and whilst they don't hold you that well for the bends, for a long drive they let you spread out.

My wife has sport seats in her Msport 1 series and my back hurts after a long drive but they realy hold you well for the twisties.

BTW most important! How much discount are you getting. I have been thinking of trading up.

[Vintage]

the adaptive headlights are absolutely amazing - both myself and my wife agree that this is a huge safety benefit concerning visibility at night

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by memphis2012

they're not optional... are you sure you're getting a z435is. lack of space is a personal issue you should consider, and even in relaxing long drives you shouldn't "wound down" while driving...

Adaptive lights are NOT standard in the UK; if you check my location it's a bit of a giveaway as to where I live.
Additionally, if you were to re-read my post you'd find that I said it can be relaxing to wind down AFTER a long drive. Specifically: not while I'm in the process thereof.
Other than that, thanks for your observation.

[Jon D]

Many thanks to those of you who gave the constructive comments concerning the lights; it's obviously the way to go, especially on our twisty and unlit Scottish country roads.
As regards to the space: yes, I'm well aware that it's limited, but I haven't driven anything quite so exhilarating before, so I'll just have to learn to live with it, as my mind's pretty much made up.

[Z4@Phuket]

I have the adaptive in my '04 E60, It looked amazed when you turn your wheel and the light followed. But with normal driving in city, I rarely see the different. At one point the green light at the light switch started blinking, one of the electric motor of the projector lens is malfunction. (no turning with wheels)

I need to replace the whole head light from one malfunction electric motor.

This is pain

[s2000jan]

I have the adaptive headlights on my '07 E92 335i and ordered it also on my E89 35is ... I like it very much ! Go for it !

And btw sDrive35is .....

[T89]

Adaptive headlights are great. Lets you see around corners. Great for spirited driving at night

Coming from an e46 m3, I initially found the lack of space annoying. As I usually kept things in the back seat. But got used to it after a while. I agree that its hard to wind down after a drive.
You'll need to move the seat forward so you'll have space to recline the seat properly.
As others have said, you should consider getting a loaner from you dealer for a weekend for example. That's the best way of finding out if there's adequate space to your liking.
Hope this helps.


T

[GeneticX]

Originally Posted by Jon D

Adaptive lights are NOT standard in the UK; if you check my location it's a bit of a giveaway as to where I live.
Additionally, if you were to re-read my post you'd find that I said it can be relaxing to wind down AFTER a long drive. Specifically: not while I'm in the process thereof.
Other than that, thanks for your observation.

Mr. know-it-all probably had a bad day...

[Marc45]

Originally Posted by T89

As others have said, you should consider getting a loaner from you dealer for a weekend for example. That's the best way of finding out if there's adequate space to your liking.T

Careful, I did this and never brought it back...

[Rubber Ducky]

Originally Posted by Jon D

Many thanks to those of you who gave the constructive comments concerning the lights; it's obviously the way to go, especially on our twisty and unlit Scottish country roads.
As regards to the space: yes, I'm well aware that it's limited, but I haven't driven anything quite so exhilarating before, so I'll just have to learn to live with it, as my mind's pretty much made up.

Go for it, matey.

[mattberryman]

I've had a 35i for a few months and have grown to love the adaptive headlights. Also, I've just placed my order for a 35is and couldn't be without the adaptive lights.

I switched to the Z4 from a Lexus IS250 and I am pleased to say that the Z4 compares very well. It is not quite as comfortable as the IS250 on a long motorway jaunt, but it comes very close.

Matt

[cdeslandes]

Originally Posted by mattberryman

I've had a 35i for a few months and have grown to love the adaptive headlights. Also, I've just placed my order for a 35is and couldn't be without the adaptive lights.

I switched to the Z4 from a Lexus IS250 and I am pleased to say that the Z4 compares very well. It is not quite as comfortable as the IS250 on a long motorway jaunt, but it comes very close.

Matt

I myself switched from a Lexus IS350 to the new Z4.

When I first got the IS, I was skeptical about the usefulness of the adaptive headlights but when I switched that system off a couple of times I missed it right away! It's very instictive, you don't notice it unless you pay attention to it.

The system in the Z4 is virtually identical, and just as effective. Perhaps even less conspicuous, the lights just go where you instictively look, and it just seems natural.