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02-24-2012, 11:19 AM | #1 |
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So, how does it drive? (Z4 35i)
To my delight, I've recently come to learn that, due to BMW lease deals, the Z4 is in my reach (was otherwise considering F30 335, 390 335is).
I'm certainly impressed with the z4 35i's performance figures, my only concern is this: the lease deals I find come with premium package but not sports package. To what extent does the adaptive M suspension (that comes with the sports package) make a difference in terms of steering feel, precision, and handling? |
02-24-2012, 12:00 PM | #2 |
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depends on ur driving style and road conditions, NYC just like LA has the worst possible roads so it will only make the car stiffer and u'll only enjoy the good side of it on short backroads
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02-24-2012, 12:43 PM | #3 | |
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How does the z4 handle on such "dynamic canyon runs" and is the adaptive M suspension really make a difference? |
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02-24-2012, 01:07 PM | #4 |
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it does make a difference, the car is stiffer and more composed
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02-24-2012, 01:33 PM | #5 |
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Even though I often read reviews saying that the Z4 has less of a road feel than say the Boxster, I find that it handles just fine in the canyons, and I have a lot of drive time in the canyons surrounding LA on my bikes and in my Vette. Maybe it's because I've never driven a Boxster, so I don't know the difference, but I can take my Z4 for a spirited ride on Mulholland as fast, if not faster than on my bike. Mine is an is and has the adaptive suspension. To be honest, it may feel a bit more agressive, but not wildly so.
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02-24-2012, 01:38 PM | #6 | |
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That said, it looks like its up to me to convince the guys at BMW to give me a Z4 for the advertised lease price and simply replace that premium package with the sports package (or ideally the M package). |
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02-24-2012, 05:02 PM | #8 |
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I believe we have also determined to get the oil cooler requires the sport package on the 35i.
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02-24-2012, 06:04 PM | #10 |
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I have adaptive m suspension but have never driven a Z4 without it so I can't comment. I do love the car, very fun to drive. I'd go for sport and premium, each package adds a lot. Love the sport seats but also love the convienance of auto dimming mirrors in such a low car and the home link. The adaptive m lowers the suspension minimally, like by 1/4 inch. Which was bad for me today because I was caught in a horrendous rain storm and went through tons of standing water!
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02-24-2012, 06:25 PM | #11 | |
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02-24-2012, 06:29 PM | #12 |
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I just looked at the premium package... it doesn't seem to add anything worth while. They're asking $1,100 for door handle lights, auto-dimming mirror, lumbar support... !? I think BMW has gone slightly insane with its pricing.
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02-24-2012, 06:40 PM | #14 | |
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Auto-dimming mirrors aren't so bad either.
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02-24-2012, 08:08 PM | #15 |
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On the printout of options on my 35i, the Premium Package added:
319 Universal Garage Door Opener 430 Auto-dimming mirrors 431 Auto-dimming rearview mirror 459 Power front seats 488 Lumbar support 563 Ambient light package 639 BMW Assist |
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02-24-2012, 08:33 PM | #16 | |
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My 35i sans sport package has an oil cooler.
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02-25-2012, 05:08 PM | #17 |
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I'll throw in my 2 cents here: I don't have the Adaptive M Suspension ("AMS") - I think that it's a great feature but that you may want to stay in 'sport' mode all the time because BMW didn't separate the suspension dampers(feel?) w/ the acceleration/steering response when you choose amongst the normal/sport/sport + settings. Some ppl found that the suspension in 'normal' mode with the AMS too soft, so they always leave it in at least 'sport'. (Here's a chart below to better illustrate)
I personally tried w/ and w/o the AMS and didn't feel too much of a diff and the non-AMS suspension setup seemed right for me. Of course, the key for you is to try one w/ and w/o the AMS to decide for yourself. Btw, the 35i drives great. It's a very responsive machine. |
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02-25-2012, 07:55 PM | #18 | |
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with m sport and it def has an oil cooler.
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02-26-2012, 09:04 AM | #19 |
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The oil cooler is below the right headlight, behind the small vent. Hard to see if one isn't looking for it.
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02-26-2012, 09:25 AM | #20 | |
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02-26-2012, 01:10 PM | #21 | |
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