Rags
12-05-2010, 06:10 PM
Well, you may have seen a couple of my posts but I am back in the Z club, but this time its a Z4M Coupe.
I part exchanged my e90 m3 saloon for the Z4M. I bought the e90 m3 as I was doing a commute and this car fitted the bill at the time. I now use the tube for work and a sports car was the ideal 'weekend toy'.
The main reason for coming back to this car was due to missing the 'fun' factor of the Z4M and the CSL. I did toy with the idea of a CSL again and even a 911 but my flat also requires a new kitchen:lol:.
So after crunching some numbers with Dick Lovett Swindon, we did a surprisingly amazing deal with me walking away with a z4m and cash my way. So look out for a nice grey m3 saloon at Dick Lovetts.
Anyway, to the important bits, the car itself.
The car is an 07 Ruby Black Coupe with Red Leather - spot a trend here? my e46 m3, z3, and e90 m3 had red interiors:lol:. The car had 21k miles with a couple of owners. the previous owners have fastidiously maintained the car and the paint is very good for a black car. No swirls and 2 or 3 stone chips.
Spec
The spec list is fully loaded with every option including heated seats, Logic 7, Bluetooth, parking sensors and Shat Nav. The latter 3 which come in very handy and items I would most miss from my e90 m3.
Aesthetics
There is no denying it, the car is aesthetically pleasing and although it lacks the bold rear arches of the z3m, it makes up for it the sleak good looks. The 18 inch wheels do let the car down and CSL wheels are on my list but the only positive of smaller wheels is cheaper tyres I suppose?
The Engine - S54
There is not much that i can say that hasn't already been said about this briliant engine. It doesnt have the roar of the 4L V8, however it really does sound angry in every gear when the throttle is blipped. Once you overcome the kangarooing, the car really does feel briliiant to drive. The pick up and throttle response is very good and that sound in the higher rev ranges is epic.
The Drive
This was the one part for me that I was expecting to be a bit disappointed by. I have racked up 500 miles so far in 2 weeks and its actually a very comfortable ride despite the pathetic state of our roads - especially London ones. The car feels like a Z3M but without the rattles and just very well put together. Obviously the comfort levels compared to my e90 m3 are not there, but then its not built for that.
Having said the above, I must say that the drive back on the m4 into London was really good and the car is actually at home on the motorway.
The Handling is surprisingly decent and you feel more confident in corners than I did in my Z3M however the CSL and the M3 feel more planted.
The only issue, which everyone picks up on, is the ridiculous Clutch Delay Valve. I have modified mine over the last weekend and the car has been transformed. You ended up looking like a learner in the low gears - particularly changes from first to second but now the changes are silky smooth.
Overall, I am happy with the car. It is surprisingly quick and certainly feels like a modern sports car should.
I would say to all - I actually discounted this car as I didnt think it was up to much. But once I drove it, something just clicked.
I will post pictures when I get the chance.
Rgds
Rags
I part exchanged my e90 m3 saloon for the Z4M. I bought the e90 m3 as I was doing a commute and this car fitted the bill at the time. I now use the tube for work and a sports car was the ideal 'weekend toy'.
The main reason for coming back to this car was due to missing the 'fun' factor of the Z4M and the CSL. I did toy with the idea of a CSL again and even a 911 but my flat also requires a new kitchen:lol:.
So after crunching some numbers with Dick Lovett Swindon, we did a surprisingly amazing deal with me walking away with a z4m and cash my way. So look out for a nice grey m3 saloon at Dick Lovetts.
Anyway, to the important bits, the car itself.
The car is an 07 Ruby Black Coupe with Red Leather - spot a trend here? my e46 m3, z3, and e90 m3 had red interiors:lol:. The car had 21k miles with a couple of owners. the previous owners have fastidiously maintained the car and the paint is very good for a black car. No swirls and 2 or 3 stone chips.
Spec
The spec list is fully loaded with every option including heated seats, Logic 7, Bluetooth, parking sensors and Shat Nav. The latter 3 which come in very handy and items I would most miss from my e90 m3.
Aesthetics
There is no denying it, the car is aesthetically pleasing and although it lacks the bold rear arches of the z3m, it makes up for it the sleak good looks. The 18 inch wheels do let the car down and CSL wheels are on my list but the only positive of smaller wheels is cheaper tyres I suppose?
The Engine - S54
There is not much that i can say that hasn't already been said about this briliant engine. It doesnt have the roar of the 4L V8, however it really does sound angry in every gear when the throttle is blipped. Once you overcome the kangarooing, the car really does feel briliiant to drive. The pick up and throttle response is very good and that sound in the higher rev ranges is epic.
The Drive
This was the one part for me that I was expecting to be a bit disappointed by. I have racked up 500 miles so far in 2 weeks and its actually a very comfortable ride despite the pathetic state of our roads - especially London ones. The car feels like a Z3M but without the rattles and just very well put together. Obviously the comfort levels compared to my e90 m3 are not there, but then its not built for that.
Having said the above, I must say that the drive back on the m4 into London was really good and the car is actually at home on the motorway.
The Handling is surprisingly decent and you feel more confident in corners than I did in my Z3M however the CSL and the M3 feel more planted.
The only issue, which everyone picks up on, is the ridiculous Clutch Delay Valve. I have modified mine over the last weekend and the car has been transformed. You ended up looking like a learner in the low gears - particularly changes from first to second but now the changes are silky smooth.
Overall, I am happy with the car. It is surprisingly quick and certainly feels like a modern sports car should.
I would say to all - I actually discounted this car as I didnt think it was up to much. But once I drove it, something just clicked.
I will post pictures when I get the chance.
Rgds
Rags