by "B_dol" (bdolan40)
Published 02/23/2017 at 10:00
by "B_dol" (bdolan40)
Published 02/23/2017 at 10:00
Tags: BMW
; Review
; Comparison
; Z4
; M
; 228i
STARS: 9
( Full disclosure: Besides shared ownership of these fine automobiles, the author has no real credibility in journalism nor car reviews. Opinions taken from 1-2 years of daily driving, canyon runs and track outings. Your mileage may vary. )
Given a blank check for $32,000, most car enthusiasts would drive themselves and any innocent bystander crazy. New, used, restomod, engine swapped, etc; the combinations of car purchases are infinite. Let’s assume for simplicity sake the buyer is constrained to one make (BMW) and seeks a well respected car reflective of the company’s heritage.
In the new corner we have the BMW 228i MSport MT. A now seasoned car released in 2014 that has risen to the top of its segment including accolades from Road & Track and Jalopnik itself, despite heavy favoritism garnered towards it’s big bad brother the M2.
In the old corner we have the BMW Z4M Coupe. Long heralded as one of the last true drivers cars to leave BMW with a manual transmission, hydraulic steering and naturally aspirated inline 6 cylinder engine. Not fully appreciated during its brief tenure, the Z4M coupe sits somewhere alongside the iconic E46 M3 and 1M in terms of desirability and collectability.
Exterior
Taking from my own prior musings, the 2 series is a slightly more grown up, refined and in my opinion stylish remake of the previous 1 series. A crease wraps around the car into BMWs new rear end which feels the same for nearly every numerical designation, this time it gets a tiny integrated spoiler. The front hood extends further to a menacing grill I find more appealing than that presented in the M2. In estoril blue, it is an attractive car no doubt, however it still feels a bit emasculated in the face of the 3 series. 6/10
The Z4M is a bright spot in Chris Bangle’s tenure as head designer (attributed mainly to Anders Warming), throwing back to the iconic Z3 clownshoe days with a GT style elongated hoodline, pumped up rear fenders and low stance. Although not for everybody, it’s compact package and wide hips make for a fun sports car experience. 7/10
Interior
BMW circa 2006 vs modern BMW - I can tell you it’s not all progress. The 228i interior is admittedly a much more pleasant place to spend time. It’s spacious, full of leather everywhere with usable rear seats and center console. The M seats hug the driver and the M steering wheel falls into place. Negatives - the seating position forces the steering wheel to obscure part of the digital dash from the driver. There is no sunglasses holder and the infotainment system feels like a tablet stuck to the dash. 7/10
Meanwhile both the driver and passenger literally fall into the low slung Z4M coupe and sit far back, as if piloting a boat deep within the hull. Folks over 6 ft are going to feel a squeeze here as head and leg room are sparse. Less is more here, and all the controls are easily within the driver’s reach. The extended leather package and ‘carbon’ trim work well here to hide the cars age, however the radio, GPS! And cup holders feel like last minute choices that provide plenty of rattles 10 years later. Nevermind the doors, ambient traffic and tire noise are your companions. Ohh and one more thing, you never know where the front bumper ends and the curb begins. 6/10.
Acceleration
The 228i is a bit of surprise in this segment with the new turbocharged four cylinder (N20B20?). Sport mode, check. Blip the throttle, point and go and the little BMW obliges, offering a slight whoosh as the turbo comes off boost. It scoots no doubt, but it never truly feels FAST. Below 3700 rpm the car sheds its turbo character and is rather docile. 6.5/10
Step on it in the Z4M and you’ll quickly be reminded of the S54 engines notorious character. 2000 rpm check. 3000 rpm check. 4000 rpm - here we go. 5000 holy hell VANOS and induction wail. Continue climbing towards an 8500rpm redline and feel torque that can actually pin you to your seat (however briefly). In the modern era of big power it’s not catch-you-by-surprise fast, just genuine speed that will push you deeper into the brake pedal at the next stoplight. The throttle response is instant and almost overly aggressive with Sport Mode engaged - this car likes to buck. 8/10
Braking
Unfortunately I lack any real acuity to help differentiate the pedal feel, brake characteristics and fade of these two cars. Only the Z4M has seen the track - defer to the big guns here and I’ll supplement my 2 cents. On the street and canyon the 228i MSport brakes provide no complaints - predictable, smooth and chalk full of magic German brake dust. The Z4M comes standard with the drilled rotors and brake package from the E46 M3 CSL edition. They do a stellar job but most track veterans seek aftermarket alternatives. NA/10.
Ride/Handling
Riding on KW Clubsports, the Z4M constantly reminds its driver just how crappy of a job the road maintenance crews are doing. It’s low, bumpy and easily upset making stop-n-go a real chore. Hydraulic steering garners precise feedback to the driver making them ever-connected to the road. On a smooth back road or track the car is sublime.. 7/10
For what it’s worth, the 228i also boasts a near 50/50 weight distribution making it rather agile and confidence inspiring. Steering is quick, but it lacks feel and a connection to the road. General comfort is a bit softer and more compliant, making it joyful to drive in all traffic situations. Press the //M button and you get another animal altogether with more poised steering and sharper inputs. Wherein the 228i absolutely wins ride quality, the electronic steering offers a very different definition of feel compared to its hydraulic counterpart in the Z4M. Steering feel is muted at best and does not inspire confidence in the driver when pushing hard corners. 7/10
Gearbox
I envision the 228i gearbox is an evolution of the E46/E86 era with a reformed ethos. Shifts are smooth and forgiving with a slightly longer throw than desired, coupled with a 1->2 shift that never seems to come perfectly. It does the trick but those hunting lap times will find a more precise and quicker setup to their liking. 7/10
The Z4M shift is hair shorter and more direct, leading to a much more pleasing shift. Touchy gas and clutch pedals can make the car finicky and likely to shutter aggressively under the control of those uninitiated. BMW still lacks the complete package of a Porsche gearbox and is not so flickable as a S2K or Miata. 8/10
Value
Let’s face it, the average joe is not going to cross shop these cars. The 228i MSport is above and beyond a better car in all situations encountered by the driver. It’s compliant, usable for long trips, seats 4 and can rear its sports car heritage when asked. It’s proportions are refreshing in a sea of bloated sedans and SUVs, most of all I never feel stressed when behind the wheel.
The Z4M coupe enters traffic with the strut of a cowboy gunslinger. It means business and provides ear to ear grins. Driving it is a treat, and you truly sit IN the car not ON the car. Place it on a backroad and cherish the inline 6 induction wail followed by aftermarket exhaust bangs and pops down the rev range. Maintenance is no cake walk, with most parts showing wear and tear from simple age or miles covered. Not to be seduced by the presence of a large trunk or sunglasses holder, every trip in bumper-to-bumper traffic on cruddy pavement will remind you of it’s true home.
I am fortunate to have access to both these cars and enjoy them in all duties. Review rankings do little to sway a decision - the everyday usability of the 228i shines while I try to resist the look and feel of a true sports car. Forced to pick just one, I am afraid my wallet and appetite for repair stories may be the deciding factor. Luckily that is a decision I do not have to make today.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 10:07, STARS: 0
Do you like the electric steering at all in the 228i? I had a 228i as a loaner and I did not like the steering at all. That said, I only had the car for a day so maybe your long term opinion would be different.
"B_dol" (bdolan40)
02/23/2017 at 10:15, STARS: 1
I added some thoughts to address that but it’s difficult to compare the two. Hydraulic steering provides a vastly more communicative and heavy feedback feel well suited for performance driving when compared to the BMW electric steering offered at this time. I think there are real improvements to be made for BMW and I’d bet the M2/M3 feel vastly different.
"BeaterGT" (beatergt)
02/23/2017 at 10:25, STARS: 4
TL;DR Z4M is a sports car and the 228i is not ;). Definitely a good read though as I would like to own/drive a Z4M in the future.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 10:28, STARS: 0
I edited my answer after I saw you did talk a little about the steering, must have missed that the first time through.
From all the BMWs I’ve driven with EPS, it just feels numb compared to the hydraulic steering. I’d compare the 228i to my old 128i and I’d take the 128i’s steering every time. I’ve heard the same thing about the steering in the M cars with EPS, but the only newer M car I’ve had a chance to drive was an F10 M5, and that retains hydraulic steering. I would at some point really like to drive an M2 and see how it compares to my M3.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
02/23/2017 at 11:06, STARS: 0
I test drove an M235i xDrive before I bought my E92 335i xDrive. It handled well but the steering felt like a video game. My E92 has upgraded shocks & springs, poly lower control arm bushings, and camber plates with pillow ball upper mounts, so I feel everything through the steering wheel, even though the xDrive steering ratio is too damn slow. Downside is every little pavement fluctuation comes through the wheel, and I’m in Wisconsin which is not exactly known for smooth roads.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
02/23/2017 at 11:11, STARS: 0
Part of this is also modified vs. stock suspension. ;)
My E92 335xi with a couple grand worth of suspension mods reminds me all the time that Wisconsin roads are terrible, but then I throw it into a corner and all is forgiven. This even though I did my best to go with a suspension setup that would try to preserve ride quality. I wanted the ride height to be juuuust right looks-wise but I could probably use a little more travel, especially in front.
Damn if I don’t love how the car sits though.
The stock floaty xDrive suspension was very comfy. Just not the handling I wanted. Everything’s a tradeoff I suppose.
Also you know what the best color for a BMW is!
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 11:11, STARS: 1
Video game like is a pretty accurate description of BMW’s EPS. It’s not terrible, but it lacks the feel of the hydraulic steering. I’m told the EPS is improved on the M cars, but I have yet to drive an M car with EPS.
Is the steering in your E92 heavy at low speeds? My 128i was pretty heavy at parking lot speeds, but once you got moving it didn’t feel as heavy. I test drove an E90 328i last week and the steering felt just like how I remembered the steering in the 128i. I believe the my M3 has what they call “servotronic” meaning the steering adjusts depending on your speed. The M3 steering feels the same whether you’re doing 2 or 22 or 122.
"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein)
02/23/2017 at 11:17, STARS: 0
Yeah my steering is heavy at low speeds, that increased with suspension mods and the effort is higher with my sticker summer tires vs. performance winter tires on the car right now.
The basic hydraulic steering has a typical speed-sensitive power assist. The servotronic or whatever it’s called is a variable steering gear ratio (I think?) or in some other way is more “adaptive” than the basic speed-sensitive power assist.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/23/2017 at 11:56, STARS: 0
I haven’t done much research into exactly how it works, but that sounds about right.
"B_dol" (bdolan40)
02/23/2017 at 13:01, STARS: 2
When I switch back to the Z4M after a few days in any other car the steering is noticeably heavier at slow speeds, but just right at moderate to high speeds.
The EPS in my old FRS and 991.1 Carrera S felt better than their BMW counterpart.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
02/23/2017 at 13:25, STARS: 0
Hmm the Z4M definitely sounds interesting to me. I am a diehard Miata fan but I have been trying out some other cars to further my automotive knowledge. Having driven the FRS, Cayman, and S2k I now have a better picture of how other miata-like cars can be. Obviously none of these are really in the same category but they definitely have similarities to me. I will definitely look to try out the Z4 at some point in the future!
"B_dol" (bdolan40)
02/23/2017 at 13:31, STARS: 0
KW Clubsports are not helping the cause that is for sure! However, even the stock M suspension is jarring compared to BMWs latest offerings.
Great looking car and a proper stance! Being from MN I can attest to the fact you will need back therapy in due time.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
02/23/2017 at 13:31, STARS: 1
I think the interesting point that he made though is that while the 228i is not a real sports car, it has the majority of the sporting attributes without compromising on space and comfort. Sure I guess that makes it a “sports sedan” but really where is that line drawn?
"B_dol" (bdolan40)
02/23/2017 at 13:33, STARS: 1
The FR-S, Miata, Cayman and S2000 are definitely of the nimble, driver-centric, balanced car ethos. The Z4M is a bit more 911, Corvette or 370Z throwing a slight GT feel into the mix. Rough around the edges (handling-wise) and more abrupt on the power delivery - I call that character!
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
02/23/2017 at 13:36, STARS: 0
Well yeah, that seems somewhat interesting to me. That extra bit of character. Sure I love the whole balanced car thing but it’s nice to have variety in the stable. I feel like it would be pretty boring to own 2 miatas lol.
"B_dol" (bdolan40)
02/23/2017 at 13:38, STARS: 1
Yes and no - 1st hand reinforcement that one car to do everything well really doesn’t work on a modest budget. For weekend fun the 228i will never beat the Z4M, but it does stand out positively against a GTI, CLA, Focus ST and other cars it competes with.
Arranging seat time in an M2 shortly, perhaps that is my golden ticket.
"BeaterGT" (beatergt)
02/23/2017 at 13:40, STARS: 1
Also, he got the Msport model. Not sure how much “sportier” that is than a base 228i.
"Jonathan Harper" (jbh)
02/23/2017 at 13:58, STARS: 0
NA vs Turbo, no competition here for me. Z4M all day...unless you can find a way to put the S54 into the 2.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
02/24/2017 at 21:10, STARS: 2
That first photo is fantastic.
"B_dol" (bdolan40)
02/24/2017 at 22:14, STARS: 0
It is a lot of aesthetic upgrades. However, it also adds the M sport suspension, seats and M steering wheel. It also gives the Comfort, Normal and Sport ECU modes which changes the throttle response and steering feel.
"B_dol" (bdolan40)
02/24/2017 at 22:16, STARS: 1
Thanks! Still needs some edits but I am currently without a real computer.
"Chris@Carlypso" (chriscarlypso)
02/25/2017 at 13:55, STARS: 0
Hey Dude! I think we met @ Laguna Seca in this last rainy-day track event. Great to meet, enjoyed chatting and nice post! The Z4M looked great in the rain!
"B_dol" (bdolan40)
02/25/2017 at 14:19, STARS: 0
Most definitely was me - had some fun lead/follow with your boosted Miata once the track started drying out! Only it the last two sessions could I really stand on the throttle/brakes and start to pick up the pace.
Planning to get out to a few more tracks this year
"Orange Exige" (OrangeExige)
02/25/2017 at 14:42, STARS: 0
(Presuming it’s a phone photo) If you have iOS, I’d highly recommend ACDSee Pro as a photo editor. It’d be worth whatever few bucks it normally sells for - but it actually looks like it’s free now. (I discovered it myself because it was free :)
As an amateur photographer, it’s great for super easy on-the-go editing that can be as simple or complex as you want it to be. 95% of the time, it’s not even worth bothering pulling photos onto my computer to edit in Lightzone. Often better results on the phone and far quicker to do.
For that photo (very nice indeed!*), the biggest improvement you’ll get is by opening up the shadows - and you can do it super easily in ACDSee.
*Basically any photo with a Z4M is an instant winner - no fair ;)
"Orange Exige" (OrangeExige)
02/25/2017 at 14:48, STARS: 0
7/10 exterior for the Z4M?
My opinion is that the first gen Z4(M) coupes is one of the best sports car designs out there. At least a 9/10 in my book but honestly, I can’t even pick out anything that could be changed to make it better, so I’d even say 10/10.
Good read though!
"B_dol" (bdolan40)
02/25/2017 at 16:54, STARS: 0
Hah perhaps it deserves higher. Keeping 9 and 10/10 reserved for seat time in a 993 GT2 or Ferrari F40. The Z4M works well for most angles
"Orange Exige" (OrangeExige)
02/25/2017 at 23:12, STARS: 0
All different types of beauty - but yes, all 9s and 10s!
I wouldn’t want to rank them nor would I say the Z4M is better than an F40 or Miura or Countach (if you’re into those too) but it’s a damn near-perfect design in my option. It perfects what the Mk4 Supra and FD RX7 were so close to achieving (8 and 9 in my book respectively). Those would probably be more comparable class- and design-wise to the Z4.
"NYankee1927" (nyankee1927)
02/26/2017 at 11:28, STARS: 0
I test drove the M2 two months after buying my M3. I came so close to whipping my wallet out and buying it. It was absolutely awesome. I think the deciding factor was the engine. The S54 was just too nice to give up. In every other way the M2 was better though.
"Michael Cohen" (hofmeisterkinky)
07/23/2018 at 16:36, STARS: 1
Great review! I just rented the Z4M roadster for a few days. Fantastic machine. I think maybe out of modesty you sold short the look of the Z a bit. One of my favorites of the last 20 years.