My sales guy was pretty clueless about the following questions re: my new Z4. :dunno

1) What's up with a hardtop prep option as described in Edmund's.com? Is a hardtop available?

2) I have BMW assist. Can I add my own Blue-tooth capable cell phone to the car and use it in conjunction with the steering wheel controls and hands free microphone and speaker?

3) Can fog lamps be installed after purchase?

4) Is there an aftermarket alarm system that ties into the existing BMW key less entry features?

5) What can be done to take the Bangleness away ?



Sorry, couldn't help it. Welcome to bimmerforums. Sorry, I do not have the answers to your questions. I would guess that #3 is «yes», though. Avoid stealer prices by looking at online dealers and supporting vendors here.

Originally posted by cgerlach
My sales guy was pretty clueless about the following questions re: my new Z4. :dunno

1) What's up with a hardtop prep option as described in Edmund's.com? Is a hardtop available?

2) I have BMW assist. Can I add my own Blue-tooth capable cell phone to the car and use it in conjunction with the steering wheel controls and hands free microphone and speaker?

3) Can fog lamps be installed after purchase?

4) Is there an aftermarket alarm system that ties into the existing BMW key less entry features?


1) If he was clueless about a hardTop questions, this means that they don't have it.. but why would you need to add a hardtop? the Hardtop on the Z3 looks too bad.. so imagine it on a z4!

2)dunno

3)Why not..

4)Are you telling me that BMW Alarm system option is not available?

and now my question: Did you buy it?

A stop at a top-fight dealership last night answered all my questions.

1) Removable hard top (color coordinated w/ body) is available - about $2,800 installed.

2) Blue-Tooth upgrade kits are available, allowing one to use their own Blue-Tooth capable phone in the car and take advantage of built-in speaker and mic. More info from parts manager promised.

3) Factory Fog lights available. Lights, switches and install about $500.

4) OEM alarm (@ $97) plus some programming time available.

To your question, Tasmisr, my wife drove the Z4 off the lot Monday night. We can kill this thread... Thanks for the replys.

cool, that's the right way to deal with things, is to fight for it..
and Congfratulations on the new bimmer! don't forget to send us some pictures :love1

Hugo & tasmisr, I thought we tried to be helpful here.....

PS: I rather like my hardtop for my MZ3.

PPS: And the sales numbers on the Z4 indicate that it is nearly exactly as popular as the Z3 during its intro (a little under 22,000 cars vs a little over 22,000 cars in the US for the Z3, without James Bond's help). BMW has reverse the declining Z sales. They're a business, not a hobby, and they've found a new market segment that wasn't interested in the Z3 series. I'm overjoyed with my MZ and there is nothing on the road like it. But clearly, there are alot of folks that like the Z4, and based on a performance course in the Z4, it is a blast to drive at the limit.

PPPS: :rolleyes: Bimmerforums shouldn't be less receptive to discussion that Roadfly....

cgerlach

What dealer are you working with?

Try http://www.bimmerfest.com and http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e85/ for more info. The best tech info is on bimmerfest, but the traffic is slower.

On the alarm -- the alarm harness and even motion sensor are already built into the newer Z4's (or so I think). Check with Hack on Bimmerfest.

I have only seen some hardtop discussion on roadfly.

Originally posted by phrider
Hugo & tasmisr, I thought we tried to be helpful here.....



:confused:

Just because of the Bangle comment?

Look man, in the whole history of BMW, there has never been as much flaming against the looks of their cars than since Bangle has started to draw vehicles that look like the latest flavor-of-the-month, rather than classic, timeless beauties.

Like it or not, that's the truth. True BMW enthusiasts hate the Bangle cars. Sales are up for some models, true, but the hardcore fans are going elsewhere. Good for the money, yes, but it's the sign of a real problem. Just because Metallica sold more albums after «...and justice for all» doesn't mean they didn't sell out.

Also, my hate for Bangle and his designs is so well-known, I'm sure if you type «Bangle» and «hate» in google, my name will come up. That doesn,t mean I hate Bangle-car owners and won't help them.

And third, re-read this :

Welcome to bimmerforums. Sorry, I do not have the answers to your questions. I would guess that #3 is «yes», though. Avoid stealer prices by looking at online dealers and supporting vendors here.

I'm not only nice, I'm also helpful, I'm trying to avoid the guy paying 500$ for foglights, and encouraging going through supporting vendors - those who keep this board alive and free of charge.

What's wrong with that?

:dunno

Given what's built in, I'd stick with the BMW alarm rather than going aftermarket. The only aftermarket security item that might tempt me would be a LoJack or GPS tracking device.

Before you let the dealer talk you into LoJack, consider the GPS alternatives. LoJack is 30 year old (or older) technology and needs you to (1) discover the car is gone, (2) have the car in an area of SoCal where the specific police dept has LoJack receivers, (3) have the car not hidden where transmission can be blocked.

An alternative is a GPS/cellular unit that triggers on alarm activation or unauthorized car movement. The service then calls/ pages / emails you. A SoCal based service (works anywhere that has any cell service in North America) is http://www.alerttrac.com/ -- I'll go with them or a similar service for my next car.

phrider,

Good feedback on the alarm. You are correct regarding the pre wiring done on '04 Z4's. A $97 chip/board and a little software programming and the OEM alarm system is ready to go. I like the alerttrac idea you put on the table. I wonder if the service can be tied into/piggy backed on the BMW Assist that is built into the car? I'm waiting for the BMW Assist contract and contact info to arrive by mail so I can inquire about combining the functions through BMW. I'll update you as I learn more.

Regarding the hardtop, my wife (it's her car) loves the look and the flexability of where and when we drive the Z4 versus my four door beast . What's been your experience with the hardtop?

Hugo,

No offense was taken regarding Bangle comments. Style preferences aside, the Z4 is a sweet ride. We're very happy with the purchase.

It just wouldn't be a proper thread re: Z4 w/o Hugo bashing it. :) lol

Anyways, post up some pics...there are at least a few of us here who actually like the Z4(like me). :) 2.5 or 3.0?

Gratz on the new purchase.

Also, what is the advantage to a hardtop on a Z4? As it already has a glass rear window and defroster, I guess perhaps better stability, maybe slightly quietier?

I've considered a hardtop for my Z3 but not the Z4, though I did just get a flyer in the mail for it and I do like the looks of it(though I've yet to see it on a Merlot car).

Originally posted by Ridgeway
It just wouldn't be a proper thread re: Z4 w/o Hugo bashing it. :) lol



See? We can all agree to disagree.

:D

As usual, I'm with Hugo.

Monkey butt.

I hear they're real handler though. I don't mind the interior, it's just the Monkey butt exterior.

I don't get it, the new 5 and 6 are nice- Bangle doin bumps of blow that day or something?

No Bill, YOU lay off the pipe and look at the new 6, aka Hyundai Tiburon and the 5, aka Honduh Accord, especially the headlights and the trunk. Monkey butt there too.

Thanks. It's a 2004 2.5 - Sterling Gray w/ Gray top and Black leather. We really liked the Merlot with wood trim but could find a dealer inventory or near production schedule match and didn't want to wait until March.

Regarding the hardtop, my wife loves its appearance and it eliminates some concerns about where she drives the car. We're
a couple of 50+ year old empty nesters (three daughters) and until this past Saturday afternoon have never owned or even though about owning a soft topped car. This is the first impulse auto purchase I have ever made (I usually do tons of research), hence the the four question original post. We're just exploring options...

Congradulations!

Hope you enjoy it.

All the sudden I feel badly about commenting on the physical attributes of your car.

Hope I'm not grounded sir!

Just kiddin, welcome to BFC.

Originally posted by StouffvilleZ3
All the sudden I feel badly about commenting on the physical attributes of your car.



I don't. Not having a conscience is part of my job.

I really hate the looks of your car (although the color is great), but hey, different tastes for different folks. And I respect impulse buyers in their 50's. Enjoy life while you can fellas, this is great.

Originally posted by cgerlach
phrider,

....I'm waiting for the BMW Assist contract and contact info to arrive by mail so I can inquire about combining the functions through BMW. I'll update you as I learn more.

.... What's been your experience with the hardtop? I have no clue as to what's included in the Assist package. Is it just roadside assistance or is it something like OnStar. Alerttrac is like OnStar, but without the voice communication (just data communication). If you want to have a install dealer discussion with someone I trust, I have an electronics/Alerttrac dealer in the Pasadena area that I would recommend (Automotive Electronics on Rosemead Blvd).

On the hardtop:
1. To steal a phrase from someone else, "It's like two cars for the price of three." The look is very different on the Z3 with vs without the hardtop (see thread http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41523 ).
2. It is quieter.
3. In the Z3, it is more roomy.
4. It is more secure for hauling gifts around during the holiday season.
5. I got a simple hoist to help putting it on and off. You'll want extra hands around the first time you try to put it on or remove it (maybe even two people, not one -- you on the hoist and the two helpers guiding the top). Now, I can handle it by myself. I got the basic RoadsterSolutions.com hoist -- you can go fancier.

Originally posted by Hugo What can be done to take the Bangleness away ?....

I don't. Not having a conscience is part of my job. Objection, your honour. Asked and answered. Actual, not asked, but answered anyway.:D

Originally posted by phrider

I have an electronics/Alerttrac dealer in the Pasadena area that I would recommend (Automotive Electronics on Rosemead Blvd).

On the hardtop:
I got a simple hoist to help putting it on and off. You'll want extra hands around the first time you try to put it on or remove it (maybe even two people, not one -- you on the hoist and the two helpers guiding the top). Now, I can handle it by myself. I got the basic RoadsterSolutions.com hoist -- you can go fancier. [/B]


Thanks for the tips. I'll give Auto Electronics a call and check out RoadmasterSolutions.

Originally posted by cgerlach
Thanks for the tips. I'll give Auto Electronics a call and check out RoadmasterSolutions.

It's at http://www.roadstersolutions.com/ . Also see http://www.eztop.com/ for hoist info.

And at Automotive Electronics, tell'em Fred with the M Roadster sent you. I think they'll have an exhibit at the LA Auto Show, too. I originally found them via recommendations here on bimmerforums.com.

I spoke with the owner of Alerttrac and came up to speed on the functionality offered. Sounds like sharp tracking system for a small monthly fee ($6 to $11 per month). Does $650 initial cost for equip and install ring a bell?

By the way, he thinks you may have purchased your unit from Auto Entertainment on Rosemead (his distributor in Pasadena).

Talk to Automotive Electronics on the pricing. I thought about it seriously, but it duplicates other systems on my current car. I will get it on my next car.

I've spent plenty of money on a headunit install and alarm install before the Alert-trac came on the market. I talked to AE about the Alert-trac, but couldn't justify a duplicate system.

It looks like Clifford and/or Viper have added a GPS feature and related service as well. See http://www.clifford.com/matrix/gps/default.asp

Thanks, I'll check them out.

I had the hardtop installed on Friday. It added more headroom (1 1/2 inches), quieter inside and added a very different look to the car. There are not many/any hardtops running about - it's a real head turner. I took a bunch of pictures yesterday - how do I load them to the site? Or, is it better to put them out on Yahoo and provide link information on bimmerforums?

Few sites are easier to load pix onto than this one....