The cars and bikes thread!

[geoffbot]

S4? I think you mentioned it in the past - looks awesome.

[geoffbot]

So I'm thinking of getting myself a sports car like a Z4 and the missus a little runaround like a polo.

There's a new Z4 that is launched with the supra but I've never seen one, it's kinda ugly and anyway I can't afford it

The previous model is surprisingly affordable and still looks fresh. BMW don't update their cars very often which is great for second hand buyers.

Raza - thoughts on the Z4 as a daily driver (80 miles a day) for a 6'2" dude?

[gnuyork]

If the top photo is the new one, I don't think it's ugly, It's sharp. Either way, Geofferz, you needs a sports car. I'd recommend the Lotus, but it's not at all practical... your bike is probably more practical The Z4 sounds like the good option assuming you fit.

[geoffbot]

If the top photo is the new one, I don't think it's ugly, It's sharp. Either way, Geofferz, you needs a sports car. I'd recommend the Lotus, but it's not at all practical... your bike is probably more practical The Z4 sounds like the good option assuming you fit.

Yeah I need to test drive it. Its pretty much the only option I'd consider in my £15k budget >2010, <£50k miles, convertible... Don't like the slk, mazda mx5 really (soz), mini, audi tt... An s2000 could be an option but its older than that.

[geoffbot]

And the Z4 comes in a 3 litre which I want before they become illegal

[Raza]

S4? I think you mentioned it in the past - looks awesome.

Yeah, 2011 S4. Only thing is that it's a DCT, but it's still fun to drive. I'd love one with a real manual though.

[Raza]

So I'm thinking of getting myself a sports car like a Z4 and the missus a little runaround like a polo.

There's a new Z4 that is launched with the supra but I've never seen one, it's kinda ugly and anyway I can't afford it

The previous model is surprisingly affordable and still looks fresh. BMW don't update their cars very often which is great for second hand buyers.

Raza - thoughts on the Z4 as a daily driver (80 miles a day) for a 6'2" dude?

So, I drive a 2006, an E85 generation (well, E85.5, post facelift), which is very different from the hardtop convertibles at which you're looking. The E89 never did it for me--the hardtop convertible kills all boot space (the E85 loses no space from its generous trunk when the roof is stowed), the car is much softer (the E85 can be punishing at times, especially on the OE runflats, but it comes with the benefit of sharp and fun handling), and it looks much softer. To me, the E89 came out a bit more like a boulevardier instead of a sports car. I had written off the Z4 myself, as I thought since I had a Boxster and the Boxster always beat the Z4 in comparisons, what's the point? But while the Boxster is probably technically a better car, the E85 Z4 is way more fun to drive, a much rawer experience. The E89 is more comfortable, more suitable for a non-masochist to drive everyday. But to me, it feels toned down and watered down.

I can't speak to the space, except to say that hardtop convertibles seem to have more headroom than soft tops, if I recall. I've had over 6 footers in my car before, but never as the driver.


The newest Z4 looks decent (though not as good as the E85, in my opinion), but in the US (don't know about worldwide), it won't be sold with a manual transmission, so it's DOA. It's not a sports car if it doesn't have a real manual. There's a reason the only cars I've considered replacing my Z4 with are an E85 Z4M Roadster or a 964 911 Cabriolet. An automatic in something like the S4 or an SUV or something like that is sufferable, but in a proper car, it's only okay in a rental. The Corvette I drove, for example, was an automatic, which is fine for a day out in Maui. But to own? You'd have to take my left foot for me to consider an automatic in a sports car. And even then....


This is mine:



Don't mind the brake dust.

[Seriously]

DCT FTW

[gnuyork]

Yeah I need to test drive it. Its pretty much the only option I'd consider in my £15k budget >2010, <£50k miles, convertible... Don't like the slk, mazda mx5 really (soz), mini, audi tt... An s2000 could be an option but its older than that.

I know it's not for everybody, but I LOVE my MX5.

[geoffbot]

I know it's not for everybody, but I LOVE my MX5.

I'm sure it's superb to drive, but my stepmother has one so...