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      07-07-2009, 11:31 AM   #1
Z4 Beemer
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Talking 6 weeks / 600 mile Z4 review

Ok, I know 600 miles in 6 weeks is not a particularly high mileage, but here are some of my thoughts on the new Z4.

I spent most of today cleaning it, and applying a coat of Collinite 915 wax as well as giving the interior a good clean. I've had the roof down quite a lot recently and it just seems to attract dust when the roof is down

The engine in the sDrive 23i is the same as the one I had in my 2006 325i coupe, but you wouldn't think it. Not sure if its because of less sound deadening or tweaks to the exhaust but it sounds quite throaty and deep like a 6-in-line should (even at idle!). The engine bay was given a wipe over with Aerospace Protectant 303 - love this stuff. It gives all the plastics a really nice shine without appearing too glossy or sticky.



Can also be used on the interior plastics:





The manual gearbox has a very short throw and positive shift. I've only had it in SPORT mode a few times, but you do noticeably feel the difference in steering and throttle response. In NORMAL mode the steering can feel a bit light and "remote", but its still very accurate.

I love the 19" wheels and have to say the ride is not too harsh... but puddles of dirty water lie at the bottom of them when it rains:

Once they've been cleaned, they look amazing:





The mark on the spoke at the bottom of the wheel is actually some PoorBoys Wheel Sealant, not properly buffed off. Its intended to help stop dirt and grime stick to the wheel.

I also think that the heating controls and central dash looks amazing, but from the drivers seat, its quite difficult to see what the passenger side temperature is set to (unless you want it set to 22 or upwards!)



I know some don't like the idea of the folding hard top. It certainly does eat into luggage space, and access to the boot is quite poor when the roof is folded, but this is not really an issue for me. Also, the design of the roof is first class - no major squeaks/rattles or even water leaks, although I did finally track a rattle down to the passenger seat. Re-adjusting various bits of the seat has made it stop, but someone did suggest that BMW know about this issue.

All I can say is that I'm really enjoying this car and I think it makes my old 2006 325i coupe look a bit dull in comparison. At the end of a long hard day at the office, getting into the Zed soon lifts your mood!

Any questions, just ask!
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      07-07-2009, 12:53 PM   #2
Nebraska99
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Thanks for the update it was very enjoyable. Keep 'em coming please. One question though: Does the car attract the "WOW factor"? Do you find a lot of people checking out your car or complimenting you on it?
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      07-07-2009, 12:59 PM   #3
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I use the Aerospace stuff too. Much better than Armorall.
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      07-07-2009, 02:04 PM   #4
rup
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Love the car z4 beemer, exact spec/colour etc i'm after.
I'm in the UK too and have an e92 like i think you did.
Would you recommend changing to the z4?
Did u get any discount? Brokers seem to be doing about 2k off
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      07-07-2009, 03:43 PM   #5
Z4 Beemer
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Thanks guys.

I think it has the WOW factor (for me anyway!) A few strangers have commented on it, and it does attract a fair bit of attention. Oddly enough last week when I returned to it there were some hand-prints on the drivers side window - I guess someone had their nose pressed to the glass having a look inside. I also feel that with the folding hard top, its more of a "proper" car when the roof is on (safety and security aspects) and an enjoyable fun car when its folded away. The weather has also been pretty good here recently so have had the roof off quite a bit.
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      07-07-2009, 03:56 PM   #6
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Very nice. How are the headlights at night, did you have xenon lights on your previous Z4?
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      07-07-2009, 10:22 PM   #7
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Thanks for sharing. If ur black interior attract dust, then my future beige interior will be in for big trouble!

Finally get a picture for the right hand driven car, me study in Glasgow long time ago and the weather there is nothing short of shocking for me!!!!!!
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      07-07-2009, 10:48 PM   #8
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Thank you for sharing.
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      07-08-2009, 12:33 AM   #9
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Nice review and photo !!!!
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      07-08-2009, 02:47 AM   #10
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really good and clean car!
aerospace protectant work wonders!
I have to get this one....have you got a link ? I have to buy it online, I think it's difficult to come in glasgow and get it...10 years ago I had a holiday trip in Scotland and bought waxoil for my old BMWs and some products at Eurocarparts...but I was just there....
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      07-08-2009, 03:22 AM   #11
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She's a beauty. Nice to see a manual for a change, and that's the first pic I've come across where you can see how short the shifter actually is. At least the visible part looks significantly shorter than in my E86...
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      07-08-2009, 02:47 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wondermike View Post
Very nice. How are the headlights at night, did you have xenon lights on your previous Z4?
Yes, I had the optional xenon's on the old Z4 but to be honest I haven't really noticed anything poor or unsatisfactory about them on the new Z4.

One other point I should have mentioned, I had the folding mirrors on my 325i coupe and also have them on the new Z4, but you hardly hear the motors in the Z4 whereas on the 325i they really were quite loud, especially when folding in!

I also think that the door mirrors are quite large (particularly tall) and I find that sometimes they get in the way, especially if you are approaching a roundabout and need to look across to the right at a 45 degree angle. I would be interested to hear other peoples thoughts on this.
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      07-13-2009, 05:59 PM   #13
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It looks the dogs bollacks Gordon!

Those wheels close up look really fabulous. What width are the back ones?
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      07-13-2009, 08:57 PM   #14
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What would you put on those tailpipes and silencer to keep them clean? I was thinking about this tonight when cleaning what looked like rust coming from the BMW center caps.
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      07-14-2009, 06:31 AM   #15
Z4 Beemer
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlanQS View Post
It looks the dogs bollacks Gordon!

Those wheels close up look really fabulous. What width are the back ones?
Thanks Alan! Still really enjoying the car. The back tyres will be the same as your 19's - 255/30 I think? Just back from a blast around the country roads around Bishopton/Erskine... terrific when you put it in Sport mode

Quote:
Originally Posted by Z4Andy View Post
What would you put on those tailpipes and silencer to keep them clean? I was thinking about this tonight when cleaning what looked like rust coming from the BMW center caps.
Its the wheel hubs I'm worried about. This was how my old 325i coupe went after a few months:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=115

So far the hubs are ok on the Z4, but I'm keeping a close eye on them.

As for the tailpipe trim, I'm surprised how easy they do seem to clean, and a lot less black stuff seems to come out compared with my old car. I have actually put some of this stuff on the tailpipe trim so that any black muck comes off with a wipe:

http://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/wheels...nt/prod_9.html

Its also pretty good on the wheels!
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      07-14-2009, 12:34 PM   #16
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Hi Z4 Beemer
Quick question, do your mats move around a lot? The drivers side especially, I can't seem to get mine to stop moving. They should have came with clips.
John
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      07-14-2009, 01:23 PM   #17
Z4 Beemer
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At the drivers side there appears to be two circular discs that fix to the floor of the car. One of them is super strong and you can barely get the mat out of the car, but the other is just a circular disc with no velcro stuck to it... so its actually useless I'm pretty sure there is nothing holding the passenger side mat in place.
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      07-14-2009, 02:28 PM   #18
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Was wondering about the discs myself, they just seem to be the soft side of the velcro, it just does not stick.
On another note I just found the tracker "WHERENET" jammed under the drivers seat. Searched on net about it, and its apparently what they use to track the car at the factory. I am wondering if my dealer really did valet my car!!
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      07-16-2009, 09:54 AM   #19
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Oh good
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      07-16-2009, 12:34 PM   #20
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nice update!
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      07-16-2009, 12:43 PM   #21
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I have a question. I love your car. Can I have it?
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      07-16-2009, 05:12 PM   #22
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beautiful car and great post with great pictures. im in love!
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