2011 Z4 sDrive30i M Sport: The Oppositelock Review

"JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7" (jayzayeighty) 08/30/2014 at 11:05 • Filed to: BMW Z4, review

22

100

The N52-powered E89 with the M Sport package and manual transmission is an interesting combination of new and old in a rather often overlooked roadster: the second generation of BMW's sports car. It has electric steering, an electric parking brake, a ridiculous name, and drive-by-wire. It's also RWD, has defeatable traction control, stiffer damping and heavier steering settings, a great 6 speed manual, and (perhaps most importantly) a silky-smooth naturally aspirated 3 liter inline 6 that begs to be revved to its 7,100 RPM redline every time you drive it. The N52 is the last of its kind (and, as a result, so is this E89 Z4), and while it makes nearly 50 HP less than the N54 variant Z4, I would rather wring out this lightweight and raspy engine any day. It's an odd mix that leads to both versatility and contradictions; fittingly, the car's defining trait is its ability to play both the roles of coupe and convertible. So, does this confusing combination of characteristics make for an enjoyable !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

car or just a mini-GT car? Read this rambling review of my own mother's car and find out.

(Full disclosure: BMW wanted me to drive the last NA Z4 so badly they sold it to a guy in Europe who then shipped it to the good ole USA and sold it to a BMW dealership who sold it to my mom 3 years after it was new for a surprisingly good price. I am also writing this massive review on my phone and might jump out of my !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

if its kinja'd.)

Let's start this review by discussing its ancestors, its target buyers, its competition, and its purpose. The E89 Z4 followed the controversial E85 Z4, and the decidedly uninspiring Z3. Neither of these cars were bad, mind you- they only lacked a distinct purpose. Along with that satisfying normally aspirated straight six, that same tradition carries over to the E89 Z4, a well-appointed but fun 2 seater that sports striking proportions and a very pretty exterior. As a rival to the Boxster/Cayman things don't seem very evenly matched. It can also be thought of as a miniature SL of sorts that is a more attractive proposition than the actual title-holder, the SLK. Well, I don't see those as the correct approaches. Each car should be judged as a sum of its parts and its character, and despite many of your opinions I can say with confidence that numbers don't tell much of the story. The Z4 is a different approach, perhaps, but from my experience with it I feel that it is a worthy option. The engine is incredible, and no less enjoyable than one of the lesser flat 6 motors in the smaller Porsches. Its design is near-perfection but retains a level of originality and flow that I don't see in its competitors. It's rather uncommon, with many people who just don't get the point of the car and this particular variant only having been made for 3 years. Additionally, the car is bought mainly by wealthy, young "bros" looking for a car that will help their image and middle-aged people (like my mom) who want fun and ease of use; excitement and responsibility. These demographics, for the most part, want the engine with the most impressive numbers/midrange punch and an automatic transmission; as a result, the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

version' I found myself behind the wheel of is not a common car. It is relatively efficient, incredibly reliable, and much easier to work on than its midship counterparts while having improving modifiability (more on that later). It also makes for a great GT car with the top up on a high-speed road in 6th gear. Anyways, let's jump straight into the review part.

(Apologies in advance for the lack of pictures of the specific car. Like I said, this is not my car and I see it rather infrequently which means I never thought to take bunch of !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

pictures.)

Exterior- 8/10

I find the E89 Z4 to be a really good looking car. A really long, sweeping hood ends at a pronounced front facia with aggressive yet obviously BMW-like features. It is very sports car-like with a sweeping rear section ending at a beautifully integrated rear spoiler of sorts with wide haunches and sharp contrasting body lines completing a beautiful design. The rear is round and organic and is nicely completed by a pseudo-rear diffuser in dark gray contrasting with the rest of the paint. Everything is tied together with subtle styling cues from the 507 and Z8 and, while no detail is spared, it remains uncluttered for a modern car. I really think the exterior is a mainstay of the Z4 and its main selling point over its competitors. Paint color choices are excellent, with the space gray on the review car being a great fit due to its subtlety making the car's lines more visible. I think it's one of BMW's best colors because it's understated without being boring.

Interior- 8/10

The interior of the latest-generation Z4 is also thoughtfully executed and beautifully designed. Its layout is driver-oriented with easy-to-reach and well placed controls. The M Sport package adds a fantastic seats , a meaty steering wheel, and a very nicely shaped and weighted shifter. Materials are high quality throughout, with few hard plastics and nice soft touch materials in the trim, much of which would be leather on the really unnecessary "extended leather" package. The design is clean, simple, and organic. I'm sure BMW calls it dynamic, too. The heated M Sport seats are unbelievably good—they're well bolstered, ergonomic, comfortable, and hug you like nothing else in a corner. The Kansas Black leather leaves something to be desired on a car of this caliber, though, with a papery feel that is not present in the Napa leather package available only on the 35i models. All the same, it is a fantastic place to be whether you are looking for comfort or excitement. The only image I could find with my phone that matched the interior is the one on top, although it doesn't do the interior justice at all.

Here's a better picture of an E89 Z4 interior for your viewing pleasure.

Acceleration- 6/10

The naturally aspirated Z4 is certainly not about low-end torque and midrange punch. As a result, people dismiss the N52 as being too inferior to the much-revered N54. However, any good driver's car should be engaging, and for me that involves encouraging the driver to row through the gears and hear the howl of the engine at redline. That's why I would take a higher-output variant of the N52 over an N54 any day in a smaller car. It's the last in a long line of normally aspirated BMW DOHC I6s and due to its aluminum/magnesium construction weighs very little. What it lacks in power it makes up for in involvement, something that is almost always overlooked in modern engines. One nice thing about the N52 is that heat soak is not an issue on the track. The engine also returns better mileage, is far more reliable (being capable of 200,000 miles without major issue) and, in my opinion, sounds better and has power delivery and response that is unmatched by any BMW engine since. Sorry if I still don't give a care more about the numbers, but a rev happy engine that I can push harder will put more of a smile on my face and therefore is better in my eyes. It's also the last of its kind, which makes it very cool in my eyes. Despite not making tons of torque, the 255 HP N52 will propel the car to 60 in 5.6 seconds and all the way to a limited top speed of 150. With a smooth and serious attitude, it really makes this car a BMW's BMW behind the wheel. Now let's touch on the issue of modifiability. No, it won't make 400 HP with a few mods and E85. But, a supercharger good for over 100HP on low boost is on preorder from ESS and 335 HP has been made with NA N52s. It is more than adequate and the experience is more intimate because of its power delivery, and is a refreshing traditional feature in a car with as many new technologies as this Z4.

Braking- 7/10

I don't know the specifics of the Z4's brakes, but I do know that they'll stop the heavier 35i variant in 105 feet. Pedal feel is progressive and not over-assisted, but still not great. They are more than sufficient and performance is what you'd expect from a sporty BMW weighing 3,200 pounds.

Ride- 7/10

Compared to the competition, the Z4 excels in this area... without the runflats. It's still pretty good with them, though, so I'm giving it a 7. In normal mode, it takes road imperfections and undeveloped road with ease—but, the run flat tires are rather unforgiving. While handling does suffer due to the softer damping, that's easily made up for by the M Sport's adjustable shocks along with springs and good tires.

Handling- 7/10

Handling is good, but falls short of its competition from Porsche mostly for two reasons: weight and soft springing. Nevertheless, it is predictable with a 50:50 weight distribution and the car can still pull .92g on the skid pad. This Z4 can oversteer if prompted to, but never unexpectedly with the oh-so-nicely balanced straight six. Lateral grip is very good and most of the body roll can be eliminated, as previously stated, with stiffer springing.

Gearbox- 8/10

The 6 speed manual in this car is a Getrag 217, the same transmission used in the straight six 1ers and 3ers. It's smooth with the slightest hint of notchiness and throws are short and easy. The shifter is weighted and shaped perfectly for rowing through the gears, which you'll want to do a lot with the rev-happy engine up front and nicely spaced gear ratios.

Toys- 5/10

There's no backup camera, navigation, or i-Drive. Honestly, that's nothing I care about and especially on a fun car. Not to sound to cliche, but the whole car is a toy of sorts. It's just a very German take on a car you'd typically call a "toy." Heated power seats with memory, disabling traction control, and the information screen in the gauge cluster are not the coolest toys, though. That would have to be the fantastic aluminum folding hard top that adds just 40 pounds and takes under 20 seconds to open and close. The only neat toy is the great power retractable hard top, really.

Audio- 8/10

It has the normal BMW Professional sound system. It's good if you're not a huge audiophile. The real music comes from under the expansive hood in front of you and the surprisingly unrestrictive exhaust in the rear. The naturally aspirated straight six sounds glorious from 2,000 RPM screaming all the way to its 7,100 RPM redline. The howl of the induction, the low-rev growl, the mid-range wail and the eargasm that is the top end mechanical rasp all make foregoing the forced induction worthwhile. The sounds this car makes is a huge part of the experience.

Value- 5/10

My mother paid $37,000 for this car in perfect condition, CPO, with all of the right options, and with just 10,000 miles. That's a pretty good deal, but it's no $2,500 Miata. I'd say it's a good used value, but I wouldn't pay the $55,000 new price even if I had the means.

Score: 68/100

Conclusion:

You can consider it as a less fun Boxster or a not-as-cool F-type, but it's neither. It's a Z4 with its own faults, advantages, and character and (especially in this combination) deserves to be viewed in its own light. This car is one to really appreciate when you drive it hard, and bridges two different ideals to bring you a unique and fresh experience that may never again be possible due to the death of the sweet naturally aspirated I6 BMW is famous for. I drive a raw sports car with heaps of low end torque and stiff suspension that performs on the Z4's level for a seventh of the price, but I still have great respect for what is nothing short of a great upmarket sports car.

Brian Silvestro > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/29/2014 at 19:52

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That sweet, sweet straight-6.....

MMMMMMM

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 19:55

5

You: "I love all straight sixes, as long as they are not in the E46 or E39 bimmers. Cause I hate how those cars look so I can't like their engines either"

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 19:56

2

WRONG

I LOVE THE Z4 M COUPE

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 20:02

1

Um that's not an E46 or E39...

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 20:03

10

Oh wait.

I misread your comment before.

Yeah. I dislike those cars.

I still love the Z4M.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 20:04

1

WE NEED A NEW VERSION NOW!!!!

IN YELLOW WITH A BLACK ROOF AND BLACK WHEELS!

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 20:05

1

I like everything about that, except I know it'll have that new meh-sounding engine in the new M3/4.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 20:06

0

Noooooooooooooooo

Damn it

The world is against us

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 20:12

4

I just want a new M1 with a 4.0L N/A straight six!!!!

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 20:19

0

Hahaha yeah right! God hates us way too much to let us have that!

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 20:24

3

Yeah. Fast wagons will be sold in the US before the M1 ever comes back.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 20:29

0

True! Because they can be efficient and AWD and based off slow wagons

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 20:30

0

And BMW seems absolutely against making another supercar for some reason.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 20:34

2

The i8 is their new supercar

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 20:37

3

NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 20:41

0

LOL. I'm kind of OK with it because they don't have a history of making mid engine supercars. The M1 was the only one and unless you bought it with the power pack it wasn't even fast. They're not Ferrari or Porsche. But what they COULD do to make us happier is make a more expensive version of it later that has MOAR POWER. How about an i12 with a small and bespoke 3L TT V10 and electric power?

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 20:43

2

It's like sex. I know because every time I get the revs up there I just get so in the moment that i don't check the tach. So I climax before the car. How sad.

Brian Silvestro > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/29/2014 at 20:46

0

That's just what it's like....

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 20:47

1

DUH

I WANT THAT

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 20:51

1

Yep. Car sex. It's sex.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 20:53

0

They would totally redeem themselves!

I bet it would get pretty OK gas mileage too for how fast it would be

Definitely much better than my E90

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 20:59

0

You should sell both M3s and get an E60.

Because V10.

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/29/2014 at 21:00

6

"decidedly uninspiring Z3"

That's just, like, your opinion, man.

I like the new Z4 but the Z3 was a classic roadster shape, love it or hate it, and will seem equally fine in 50 years as it does today. Both Z4s will be of their time.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 08/29/2014 at 21:04

0

I only said decidedly because I like it. I think it's an interesting car, but the general consensus on the always-true internet is that they aren't fun to drive...

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 21:05

1

But the E90 :( It's such a good car

Can I haz an E60 without tons of miles in exchange for E46?

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 21:19

0

You're gonna laugh

I'm still at work because too lazy to pack up my shit, walk to my car and drive home

So I keep working while Oppoing

For once being lazy helped me be more productive!

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 21:20

1

LOL That's awesome!

Yay laziness!

You should reward your employees for that kind of behavior.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 21:27

0

I also want water. But too lazy to walk 6 feet to get it.

Haha I can create a bonus: "salaried employees get a bonus if they're too lazy to get up to get water, go to the bathroom, or go home after 8 hours. Just keep working cause getting up is hard"

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 21:28

0

I wouldn't be surprised if you had to give out a lot of bonuses that year.

Your dad: "Why the hell are we giving all of this money away?!"

"Because our employees are so lazy!"

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 21:31

0

Dad: "Son I am disappoint"

LOOK you can finally afford an Alfa and have a reason to drink:

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/fiat-alfa-rome…

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 21:32

1

I know I saw that, makes me want to get into drinking.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 21:38

0

ahhhh yis

best thing about wine - you don't have to actually get drunk to enjoy it. it actually tastes good

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 21:45

1

Coca Cola is probably better.

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 21:55

0

ewwwww no. coke is gross

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 21:56

1

:'(

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 21:57

2

I guess it's because you're still young. When you get old you'll lose the taste for cola and gain the taste for IPAs and red wine, haha

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 22:01

0

I dislike that theory. I don't want that to happen!

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 22:05

0

LOL why? You don't want to become a distinguished Italian or British gentleman? Don't you know that they own ALL the Alfas and Astons?

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 22:08

1

Now you're just generalizing!

PEER PRESSURE

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 22:17

0

Hahaha. Well if I got peer pressured into drinking at 14 then you deserve some at whatever age you're at now

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 22:23

1

I'm too lazy to get any though!

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 22:35

0

Haha I understand. Wait until you can find someone else to get it for you

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 22:37

1

Lol, that's illegal. But fuck it, YOLO

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 22:42

0

Legality is for plebs! Ask the guys on Wall Street how many laws they break a week...

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/29/2014 at 22:47

1

ALL THE COCAINE LAWS

Manuél Ferrari > Brian Silvestro 08/29/2014 at 23:07

0

Hahahaha. Exactly!

They probably break the prostitution laws too

rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/29/2014 at 23:33

1

Huh. My 2001 MZ3 with the S54 is pretty fun. I drove a first-year 4-banger once, that wasn't terribly fun.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > rb1971 ARGQF+CayenneTurbo+E9+328GTS+R90S 08/29/2014 at 23:51

0

I've never heard a bad thing about the M versions, though! I lust after those, especially with the S54. By all accounts the poor reputation as driver's cars comes from the 4 banger ones. An S54 version must be a ton of fun.

Brian Silvestro > Manuél Ferrari 08/30/2014 at 08:49

1

Yep, guaranteed.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Manuél Ferrari 08/30/2014 at 11:09

0

With a manual transmission like the CR-Z, right?

AM3R > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 11:13

2

I love the N52. My car is a little more "old school" with hydraulic steering. I want another N52 down the road, whether it's another 3 series or 1 series or a Z.

Duffers917K > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 12:42

2

I love the 265BHP N52 in my 130i, even more enjoyable with the Quaife diff I had fitted.

Just a shame the E89 is so heavy for a 'sports car', would've been cool if they'd have done a fixed coupe that weighed less (it looks better with the roof up anyway.) Even better if they did with the M3 V8 like the GT3 car.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Duffers917K 08/30/2014 at 12:52

1

The 130i is such a great car, shame we never got it here. It must be tons of fun with the 265hp motor and LSD. If only the Z4 were a bit lighter and had hydraulic steering; the subject of the review weighs 3,200 lbs and is the lightest one! I'd be interested to see how much of a weight savings there would be with the removal of the retractable top parts.

boneheadotto > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 12:54

0

I really love the way these look and think its one of BMWs most cohesive designs in a really long time. The proportions and details are great. But the handling and the steering are numb. If they could fix those and just give this car more feel it would be considered by the enthusiasts i think. Especially with the tunable turbo (4 ad 6). This should have been their most successful Z4 but just a few missteps made it not so

boneheadotto > Manuél Ferrari 08/30/2014 at 12:55

2

aaaahhh! arrright you know what it is.....blackandyellowblackandyellow

VinnieDeutsch > Brian Silvestro 08/30/2014 at 13:00

1

I have to say that in real life the new M3/M4 actually sounds pretty good in my opinion. To each their own though. I've been wishing for a new Z4 M for a while, I think it would be potentially amazing, manual only like the old one too but we know that would never happen.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > boneheadotto 08/30/2014 at 13:01

0

Agreed on the numb handling. I think they alienated enthusiasts mostly by giving the car electric steering and stopping production of the naturally aspirated variants that were more involving due to the classic progressive powerband. If this car had hydraulic steering, it would be just about right.

Milky > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 13:04

0

Thanks for the review, I mostly reaffirmed my beliefs …. and therefor my wants of a Z4. Its on my short list of cars to buy next. But preferably in 35i trim.

intheDeedtheGlory > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 13:05

0

Who has made 355 on the N52? I know there are a couple dedicated race N52s I've seen on bimmerpost that have gotten around 300 but I haven't seen anything like that.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Milky 08/30/2014 at 13:08

1

I think it's a good car, and certainly a nice car to drive on the weekends. I think I'd get a bit bored with the immense torque of the N54 in a car like this where the engine is what's really providing the intimacy, but it's damn fast in 35i trim. I managed to drive both and was surprised that I preferred the 30i despite it being the easier-on-your-wallet option.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > intheDeedtheGlory 08/30/2014 at 13:10

0

It's a crazy build with ITBs, a hotter cam, and valvetronic on full lock. Here's the link: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthr…

It's down the thread a bit.

QetWzPJKV6IFGCe > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 13:11

0

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

BKRM3 > Brian Silvestro 08/30/2014 at 13:14

1

BUT the Z4 M coupe had the S54 engine from the no-longer-in-production E46 M3 so what if a new version used the S65B40 V8 from my car??? MIND = BLOWN

jsemerica > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 13:14

1

I've driven this z4, not sure of the model though. Very fun to drive.

Fjord > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 13:15

1

beyond all the other complaints, I just can't get beyond the stupid name. Wasn't this system just an April Fools joke that got out of the building? I don't know how the sales people can keep a straight face.

Stefan25 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 13:17

1

I came across these in the classifieds, and i kinda felt sad this car was so overlooked. the porsche boxster comparison killed it a bit. but it's way better looking, more practical, cheaper, easier to maintain etc. I'd love a used one, maybe even a 4 cylinder with a few mods. One day....

Brian Silvestro > BKRM3 08/30/2014 at 13:20

1

That's what the race car version of the Z4 is doing right now!!!!!!

JeffB > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 13:20

1

I could not get past the title. The way BMW names cars is ridiculous.

Kin Polaj > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 13:22

1

This is exactly the car I want to replace my zhp vert. The 2nd gen Z4's are so overlooked in the bmw community. Probabaly because of its lack of practicality but whatever. It's such a great looking car, and amass I've improvement over the first gen.

I was actually pleased to find out it has 20 more hp than my zhp... And about 100 lbs lighter. That's something I'll take. Although if I could get a turbo m sport I would take that as well. Because power.

BKRM3 > Brian Silvestro 08/30/2014 at 13:23

1

Yes! The Z4 GTE! Love those cars.

RiseVbove > Manuél Ferrari 08/30/2014 at 13:24

1

only the Challenger deserves that colors, aha you know what it is!

intheDeedtheGlory > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 13:26

1

Nice, I do remember running across that thread back when I first got my car and I was digging for secret hidden power gains for my 330. I assume you mother has the ESS on preorder, update when installed :)

Brian Silvestro > BKRM3 08/30/2014 at 13:30

1

Damn...a road going version of that would be amazing.

bdc20313@toiea.com > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 13:32

0

Start working at home with Google! It's by-far the best job I've had. Last Wednesday I got a brand new BMW since getting a check for $6474 this - 4 weeks past. I began this 8-months ago and immediately was bringing home at least $77 per hour. I work through this link, go to tech tab for work detail

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BKRM3 > Brian Silvestro 08/30/2014 at 13:33

0

I'd buy one for sure! Although I'm a little miffed about the Z4 race cars because they're not cars you can actually buy with the V8. I really don't understand why turner, RLL etc don't still use the E9X M3. Like after the E46 stopped production no one ran the Z3 or Z4 so wtf is wrong with the E92s????

Brian Silvestro > BKRM3 08/30/2014 at 13:39

0

YOUR CAR SUCKS CLEARLY

bigmark6969 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 13:41

0

Fugly! The Mz3 was the last great small BMW. These things are more of a tourer and less of that great go-cart type handling style of car. Would love to see another small powerful BMW in the line-up.

BKRM3 > Brian Silvestro 08/30/2014 at 13:54

0

IT'S NOT EVEN GOOD ENOUGH TO DRIVE AROUND IN CIRCLES =*(

boneheadotto > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 14:07

1

they kept the 3.0L NA inline 6 but it still had few takers. It was just too slow for the price. 240hp 6 doesnt cut it in a $40k car.

laurs_ospabr > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 14:10

0

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

N51fanatic > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 14:31

1

We need an oppo review of the E82 128i. N52, straight 6, 6 speed, hydraulic steering with M-Sport is a GREAT car for us jalops. I have one and absolutely love it. I started writing a review to post here, but its hard finding time to finish it.

Brian Silvestro > BKRM3 08/30/2014 at 14:43

0

And in a straight line!? HA! You'll be lucky if it even does that!

e36Jeff now drives a ZHP > Manuél Ferrari 08/30/2014 at 14:48

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There is a fair amount of rumor floating around that they will build a car above the i8 for their 100th anniversary in 2016. Specifically the rumor mill is saying a modified i8 chassis, the engine of the M5 at around 600-650hp, and a sub-3000lbs curb weight.

Mariah john > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 15:02

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Manuél Ferrari > e36Jeff now drives a ZHP 08/30/2014 at 15:27

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That would be fucking amazing!

DarkNick > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 15:27

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There are 2 versions of essentially the same paragraph in the "Exterior" section. #corrections Otherwise, nice review!

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > DarkNick 08/30/2014 at 15:29

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Thanks for that, goes to show why you shouldn't write this stuff on a phone. Thank you!

Manuél Ferrari > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 15:29

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what's a CR-Z? I heard of it once but my mind blocked it out, lol

e36Jeff now drives a ZHP > Manuél Ferrari 08/30/2014 at 15:34

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Apparently the head of the M division is 100% behind it, but the boss of BMW isn't as enamored with it, so keep your fingers crossed.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > N51fanatic 08/30/2014 at 16:14

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I'd say you own the last great driver's BMW, bar none. It's about as old school as you can get in a newer car. I'd love to see a review some time!

southernyooper > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 16:16

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im picking up a z43.5i next month

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > intheDeedtheGlory 08/30/2014 at 16:19

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Haha! She's actually not very much a Jalop, but was willing to look at some cool cars and doesn't like automatic transmissions. Maybe when she's done with it in ~5 years if it's still in nice shape, and hopefully offers a family discount, I will do the ESS kit. I will probably be ready for a modern car by then.

PardonMyFlemish16 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 08/30/2014 at 16:21

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Nice review. Kudos to the owner for bringing it over.

Shame they don't make a lighter fixed roof coupe. I would love one with the N55. I love NA, but on the street midrange is king and turbos = midrange. I have had a few Hondas, and when I could find a strip to wind them out they were fun, but for 95% of driving they ranged from OK to downright annoying. I still love the idea of a high revving engine, but there are rarely any roads to really enjoy them. For real life, I am OK with turbos. My car (350Z) sounds about the same boosted or with an exhaust you can live with anyway.

PardonMyFlemish16 > Brian Silvestro 08/30/2014 at 16:21

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Yea the 1M should have been an NA swan song. Still a great car though.

Brian Silvestro > PardonMyFlemish16 08/30/2014 at 16:36

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I agree. That's the one thing that could've made that car even better than what it is now.

Manuél Ferrari > e36Jeff now drives a ZHP 08/30/2014 at 16:38

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damn you bmw boss!!!!

I wonder if the M5's V8 would be too heavy. Can we haz a bespoke engine like the old days please?

PardonMyFlemish16 > Brian Silvestro 08/30/2014 at 16:39

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It would have had to have been a beast though. 4.0L and 8,000 RPM at the minimum. Hell the old M3 V8 would have been OK.

Brian Silvestro > PardonMyFlemish16 08/30/2014 at 16:40

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Man, so many possibilities...

BMW took the easy way out. At least it still turned out to be an amazing car.

Dreadnaught > e36Jeff now drives a ZHP 08/30/2014 at 16:45

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A race-fettled iteration of the i8 bearing a modern rendition of the storied S85 would seem a wholly fitting successor to the M1. Albeit potent, the rumored S63 hasn't the sense of occasion requisite for a car of this ilk, and the low kerb weight of the LifeDrive architecture can more than compensate for the V10's dearth of low-end torque. Mightn't be the fastest of its peers, but would be GLORIOUS to drive.

PardonMyFlemish16 > Brian Silvestro 08/30/2014 at 16:47

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Yea, it's still a classic for sure. I'm really looking forward to the M2. If I can't keep and turbo my Z I'm hoping my next car will be the M235i. For all the talk of BMW falling off they have some pretty cool stuff out.