Z4 Handling

[copez4]

Hey Everyone, I just got a 2010 Z4 sDrive35i, sport package + 19's 2 weeks ago. I LOVE the car.

I traded in a 2004 545i (E60) with sport package. While driving the new Z4, it sometimes feels as if it has more body roll when cornering than the E60. This is the same even in Sport or Sport+. This could be from a number of things:

1. I'm just not used to the new car and how it feels
2. I'm sitting much lower, the car is smaller, therefore it feels like more roll, but really isn't
3. It does have more roll, and that's normal
4. It's all in my head

(I guess #1 & #2 are the same thing ).

Has anyone had experience driving both cars (E60 & E89)? If so, what are your impressions?

Thanks - I'm glad to have found this forum.

[richard in NC]

I currently have both, an '08 550i and the '09 Z4 35i. If your 5er had Active Roll Stabilization, it is incredibly flat cornering. The Z4 in Sport mode is somewhat more roll!! Sport plus is about the same but I have no actual comparison numbers.

But I do have pictures. Here is the 550i on the Tail of the Dragon with ARS. Followed by the 550i on track in an obviously hard turn but still very flat.
Followed by the Z4 in Sport mode on the TOD with noticeable lean.

[rmorin49]

In standard mode, I find that my Z4 rides smoother but does lean a bit more than my 335i. I haven't had enough road time with the other suspension settings. It seems that BMW has tuned the Z4 to be more of a touring car instead of a true sports car. For me, I am pleased with this decision since I will be using my Z4 for a lot of weekend road trips and never plan to track the car.

[copez4]

I did have the Active Roll Stabilization on my 545i. It was amazing how flat the car would stay around hard corners.

By the way, awesome photos!

I guess I'll just get used to it. I have not noticed any problem with handling, just the roll is different feeling than the 5er.

[flpnout]

Richard, do you happen to know CobraDave? If you do I thought he might be the one in the 645i behind your Z4. I know he attends that Tail of the Dragon event. He knows so much about 6 series. He was guru to us in the 6 series forums.

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by flpnout

Richard, do you happen to know CobraDave? If you do I thought he might be the one in the 645i behind your Z4. I know he attends that Tail of the Dragon event. He knows so much about 6 series. He was guru to us in the 6 series forums.

Yes that is his car. I see CobraDave 2-3 times a year at our GTG's. We are still planning our spring GTG but a rock slide has closed the Dragon for quite awhile.

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by copez4

By the way, awesome photos!

I wish I could take credit for those shots. Kind of difficult while driving.
The Tail of the Dragon and most track events have pro photogs that shoot the cars and sell the shots.

[flpnout]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

Yes that is his car. I see CobraDave 2-3 times a year at our GTG's. We are still planning our spring GTG but a rock slide has closed the Dragon for quite awhile.

Must be nice having that event. I wish we had something like that here. I only get to go on the BMW car club events. CobraDave is a helpful & knowledgable guy. I sure miss my 6 series. I think the V8 in that car is the silkiest BMW I have ever owned. I'm debating to get the last 2010 coupe. I had the cabrio. I also thought about the M6. Decisions decisions. BMW just keeps making great cars!!