I just thought I'd give a small review of what I think of my M so far. I LOVE IT! Its a fun little car to drive. When I first got it the shifter was a bit stiff, but thats loosened up now (only 960 miles). I am still getting used to the grabbyness of the clutch, but I'm getting smoother. The sound from the engine is awesome, especially at about 3000 RPM. I love the power. I haven't really let it loose yet, but that will happen after 1200 miles. Although I will say I think its possible to leave a 15 foot 11 mark on the road, not that I would know that. The navigation system is a lot better than I was expecting. Although, touch screen would be nice (like on Range Rover). The car has a very solid feel to it, which also leads to a harse ride over bumps with the suspension set up that it has. It corners really well, but again, I've not really tested this yet. Steering feels really amazing, you get a lot of feedback. It turns in well, and the turning circle is phenominal (partly the size of car). The size of the steering wheel is good, its Go-cart-ish and chunky. Again, it has a solid feel in your hands, its confidence inspiring.
The appearance of this car is awesome. It has great lines and wicked curves. None of which a photo can do justice for. you just can't seem to capture the character of the landshark. The coupe is a sleek, sexy looking BEAST. The fastback style looks like something Austin Powers would draw up (You are a SEXY BEAST, Yeah!). It is even more pleasing to the eye than the roadster, and thats saying something. The styling of this performance machine is something that Aston Martin would have to say "Wow, Thats Gorgeous."
So, Its fast, sexy and a whole bunch of fun to drive. Its one car that you would have to drive before you die, or die driving.
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seems like u enjoying it. congratts

Great review ... I really like the car.

Very nice...what color exterior and interior????

I'm very seriously considering trading my E60 M5 for an M Coupe... possibly as soon as saturday. I'm 6'3" - how's the headroom?

I'm very seriously considering trading my E60 M5 for an M Coupe... possibly as soon as saturday. I'm 6'3" - how's the headroom?

I'm 6'4" and have no issues with headroom, except for a slight "duck" to clear the edge of the roofline when getting in and out. Once seated, I have plenty of headroom. I noticed that the upper left corner of the roofline does encroach into your peripheral vision a bit, but I got used to it pretty quickly. At 6'3", you'll probably wind up like me, with the seat positioned all the way back and all the way down.

Our previous car was a C6 Corvette, and although the Vette is bigger inside, the Z4 is much easier to get in and out of.

england1987, did you consider an E46 M3 Coupe before going with the Z4 M Coupe? Any thoughts between the two (E46 M3 and Z4 M Coupe)?

england1987, did you consider an E46 M3 Coupe before going with the Z4 M Coupe? Any thoughts between the two (E46 M3 and Z4 M Coupe)?

Yeah, I though about, I thought that the M3 is common and will be outdated within the next year. So, I thought not. The M3 is nice, but I didn't want to buy a car that was going to be replaced by a better, new one in a year or so. Plus the Z4 is such a nice coupe to look at. Not really any major peformance differences, just wanted to be different.

I know several former e46 m3 owners who have traded in their M3's on Mz4 coupes after there test drive. It outerperforms the M3 in all areas.

I know several former e46 m3 owners who have traded in their M3's on Mz4 coupes after there test drive. It outerperforms the M3 in all areas.Yes, I'm convinced that we're going to see a lot more Z4 M Coupes at drivers ed events--they'll eventually replace the E46 M3 as the hot BMW M car to track. I don't believe the E90 M3 will be as quick as the new Z4 M Coupe on a road course--because the new M3 will undoubtedly be heavier--my guess is 3750 lbs (each generation of M3 seems to gain 10% in curb weight over the previous generation M3). So with 400 hp from the 4.0-L V8, that's 9.4 lbs/hp--while we have we have 9.7 lbs/hp with the Z4 M Coupe--sure in a straight line the new M3 may have an advantage, but hustling 3750 lbs through 15 turns at Mid-Ohio may prove very had on brakes, tires, and suspension components (just ask the SVT Cobra Mustang guys!)!

I'm very seriously considering trading my E60 M5 for an M Coupe... possibly as soon as saturday. I'm 6'3" - how's the headroom?
Wow! Do explain. I would love a new M5.

Wow! Do explain. I would love a new M5.Weight is a big factor with the E60 M5 (4200 lbs)!

Yes, I'm convinced that we're going to see a lot more Z4 M Coupes at drivers ed events--they'll eventually replace the E46 M3 as the hot BMW M car to track. I don't believe the E90 M3 will be as quick as the new Z4 M Coupe on a road course--because the new M3 will undoubtedly be heavier--my guess is 3750 lbs (each generation of M3 seems to gain 10% in curb weight over the previous generation M3). So with 400 hp from the 4.0-L V8, that's 9.4 lbs/hp--while we have we have 9.7 lbs/hp with the Z4 M Coupe--sure in a straight line the new M3 may have an advantage, but hustling 3750 lbs through 15 turns at Mid-Ohio may prove very had on brakes, tires, and suspension components (just ask the SVT Cobra Mustang guys!)!

Interesting you say this. I was worried the new gens of Coupes weren't up to the sporting DNA of the 368's...That they were going to be "the next thing to have" with the must-have now crowd.

Interesting you say this. I was worried the new gens of Coupes weren't up to the sporting DNA of the 368's...That they were going to be "the next thing to have" with the must-have now crowd.

I am curious how much weight the M3 will pick up going to the v8.
Hopefully they will undergo a weight cutting plan ala Corvette Z06 to offset the difference.

Btw, having a picture of the DC metro map as your avatar kinda defeats the point of having your location read "this world" :P

was there ever an upgraded or facelifted version of the z3?

I'm very seriously considering trading my E60 M5 for an M Coupe... possibly as soon as saturday. I'm 6'3" - how's the headroom?


I'm 6'1" and sat in a coupe the other day. I had plenty of headroom and sat in it to consider how a helmet was going to work. I don't see a problem as the seat does go quite low as well. It had about 3" more headroom than a Roadster I drove.

England,

Care to share any more thoughts on your experience? I figure you have put on a few more miles.

Sure, I'll add some more comments. O.k. So, at the moment I have almost 2500miles on the clock. I have been driving it pretty much everyday. Since returning to college, I have put 40+ miles a day on it. I am loving this car. Some of you may have heard about a certain 1st to 2nd shift issue. It seems as though this is from beating the sycros to 2nd. You get a nice gringing sound. So, I have been training myself to time the 1-2 shift better. On the highway, the ride is firm, but not to firm. Its more annoying on concrete, but luckily, I don't have much concrete to travel. The car drives really well, The feedback through the wheel is good (hydraulics work well). It takes the corners like you'd expect. There are some nice twisties around here, and the car takes them with enthusiasm. The gearbox feels a lot smoother and easier than when it was new. The power feels fantastic, and the DSC works to help keep the power in order. The navigation system is brilliant, its got good functions and abilities. I love having Xenons, however, I feel that the high beams are lacking passion. They dont light up your life. The trunk works well, although, rarely I do find myself closing the trunk twice because the latch didn't catch first time. The lack of storage space is slightly stupid. There is sufficient space, but thats it. The sunglass holder was meant for looking at, although, I have found away to get my sunglasses to fit in the space, but it took practice. I find the seat comfortable, and have finished tweeking the position, I think, maybe, almost. Now, I'm waiting for BMW to release the iPod adaptor that the performance center told me about. So, too review, its fast, handles well, needs better storage. I love this car, and knowing what I know now, I would get this car again. I think its awesome.

I'm very seriously considering trading my E60 M5 for an M Coupe... possibly as soon as saturday. I'm 6'3" - how's the headroom?

Saturday? You'll either pay through the nose or stand in a long line. The M's are dribbling out right now...

~ Ian

Sure, I'll add some more comments. O.k. So, at the moment I have almost 2500miles on the clock. I have been driving it pretty much everyday. Since returning to college, I have put 40+ miles a day on it. I am loving this car. Some of you may have heard about a certain 1st to 2nd shift issue. It seems as though this is from beating the sycros to 2nd. You get a nice gringing sound. So, I have been training myself to time the 1-2 shift better. On the highway, the ride is firm, but not to firm. Its more annoying on concrete, but luckily, I don't have much concrete to travel. The car drives really well, The feedback through the wheel is good (hydraulics work well). It takes the corners like you'd expect. There are some nice twisties around here, and the car takes them with enthusiasm. The gearbox feels a lot smoother and easier than when it was new. The power feels fantastic, and the DSC works to help keep the power in order. The navigation system is brilliant, its got good functions and abilities. I love having Xenons, however, I feel that the high beams are lacking passion. They dont light up your life. The trunk works well, although, rarely I do find myself closing the trunk twice because the latch didn't catch first time. The lack of storage space is slightly stupid. There is sufficient space, but thats it. The sunglass holder was meant for looking at, although, I have found away to get my sunglasses to fit in the space, but it took practice. I find the seat comfortable, and have finished tweeking the position, I think, maybe, almost. Now, I'm waiting for BMW to release the iPod adaptor that the performance center told me about. So, too review, its fast, handles well, needs better storage. I love this car, and knowing what I know now, I would get this car again. I think its awesome.

Two Words: Pic-Tures!

~Ian

Thanks England! By the way, what did your dealer say about break in period? I heard someone mention on another thread they needed to put 3K miles on it before a track day. That seems excessive! Thanks again!

Thanks England! By the way, what did your dealer say about break in period? I heard someone mention on another thread they needed to put 3K miles on it before a track day. That seems excessive! Thanks again!

When I bought the car on the windshield it said for 1,200 miles, you should not rev above 5,500 RPM and not go over 106 MPH.

When I bought the car on the windshield it said for 1,200 miles, you should not rev above 5,500 RPM and not go over 106 MPH.

I'm driving mine of the lot like it was stolen.

Anyone subscribe to the DRIVE IT HARD early school of thought?

Also, I've had numerous AMG cars but this will be my first M. Is their some type of adaptive CPU?

~ Ian

I'm driving mine of the lot like it was stolen.

Anyone subscribe to the DRIVE IT HARD early school of thought?

Also, I've had numerous AMG cars but this will be my first M. Is their some type of adaptive CPU?

~ Ian

There's a good discussion on that here:

http://www.z4um.com/viewtopic.php?t=21247

I'm of the school of thought that doing it BMW's way can't hurt, excpet that I won't necessarily be baby'ing it when I get it either. You can still drive hard in this car without exceeding 5,000 RPM and 100mph.

I think more important than anything else, you NEED to vary the RPM regularly and not cruise on the freeway for extended period of time. If I'm cruising on the freeway at say, 70-80 mph I'd constantly be shifting between 5th and 6th every 2-5 minutes.

Two Words: Pic-Tures!

~Ian

Follow this link http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j233/Z4MCOUPE/ thats all the pics I have taken so far

Follow this link http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j233/Z4MCOUPE/ thats all the pics I have taken so far

I just love how that color stands out! Bravo. Enjoy the new sled!

~ Ian

Follow this link http://s81.photobucket.com/albums/j233/Z4MCOUPE/ thats all the pics I have taken so far

Beautiful!!! Exactly like the one I have in transit except I went for black extended leather (although I was really torn about going with the light Sepang like you got :-).

Congratulations!!!!

do m coupes have the option of park distance control?

Anyone subscribe to the DRIVE IT HARD early school of thought?


I believe you should drive it fairly hard from time to time during break in. I will change (or have the dealer change) the oil @ 1K-2K miles.

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do m coupes have the option of park distance control?

I don't think so and hope not. BMW has obviously gone minimalist on the M Coupe/Roadster.

do m coupes have the option of park distance control?

Not on US-bound cars, unfortunately, and I did ask my CA about it. I have it on my 3er and I find it useful.

i just went to the dealership to check one out, hadn't seen one in person yet. it looked sweet but did seem a little too small on the inside. the blind spot for the passenger side window seemed like it would be a real bitch. they told me it would take 6-8 weeks to order what i want but i was thinking by that point the 07s will be out so i'm gonna wait until then to see if the price on these 06s drops. worst comes to worst i'll order a 07 and wait a while if i decide to get the car

Nice, but I thought the CHMSL on all coupes (as well as all other Z4s) was clear and not red??? My '05 3.0 is clear!

it looked sweet but did seem a little too small on the inside. the blind spot for the passenger side window seemed like it would be a real bitch.

I'm 5'11" and 235 lbs (yeah I can stand to lose about 50 lbs) and the interior is surprisingly roomy for someone my size.

RE: Blind spot: You need to adjust the side mirrors properly and use those to see cars behind and around you. Do this: While stationary, lean your head to the left until it barely touches the glass, then adjust the left mirror until the tail tip of your left rear fender shows on the right most edge of the mirror. Then tilt your head to the center of the car, adjust the right mirror so the tail edge of your right fender shows in the left edge of the mirror. Then have a friend walk all around the car, if the mirrors are done right, he/she will disappear from the mirror right when they appear in your peripheral vision. If not, you need to fine tune the mirror's position.

When done right, as cars pass out of your interior rear view mirror it will appear in your side mirrors, and as they disappear from your side mirrors they'll start appearing in your field of vision.

RE: Blind spot: You need to adjust the side mirrors properly and use those to see cars behind and around you. Do this: While stationary, lean your head to the left until it barely touches the glass, then adjust the left mirror until the tail tip of your left rear fender shows on the right most edge of the mirror. Then tilt your head to the center of the car, adjust the right mirror so the tail edge of your right fender shows in the left edge of the mirror. Then have a friend walk all around the car, if the mirrors are done right, he/she will disappear from the mirror right when they appear in your peripheral vision. If not, you need to fine tune the mirror's position.

When done right, as cars pass out of your interior rear view mirror it will appear in your side mirrors, and as they disappear from your side mirrors they'll start appearing in your field of vision.



Yep, that's how I was taught. The only concern I have is that the new Coupe has what's been described as a mail slot view when looking out the rearview mirror. I could be a compromise between covering your blindspots with the sides & looking through a mailslot from directly inside.:confused

With the mirrors adjusted as described previously, the visibility is very good in the Z4 M Coupe. I'm wondering if being shorter than 5'9" helps :D


Yep, that's how I was taught. The only concern I have is that the new Coupe has what's been described as a mail slot view when looking out the rearview mirror. I could be a compromise between covering your blindspots with the sides & looking through a mailslot from directly inside.:confused

Yep, that's how I was taught. The only concern I have is that the new Coupe has what's been described as a mail slot view when looking out the rearview mirror. I could be a compromise between covering your blindspots with the sides & looking through a mailslot from directly inside.:confused

I've gotten used to it, my last car, a Nissan 350Z, has about the same size rear windshield and the visibility was "poor" as well. It is certainly something you need to get used to if your daily drive was a bigger sedan.

But we all have to sacrifice something to drive one of the best handling BMWs ever built.

I'm 5'10 and have adjusted the seat as low as possible. The side view is perfect. The rear view is fine but requires a small head motion to look for cars far away. (like say chp cars)

Yet, rear visibility is better than many other modern cars such as the Lotus Elise.

AW

I've gotten used to it, my last car, a Nissan 350Z, has about the same size rear windshield and the visibility was "poor" as well. It is certainly something you need to get used to if your daily drive was a bigger sedan.

But we all have to sacrifice something to drive one of the best handling BMWs ever built.

Ha Hack! How crazy is this! I had a 2003 350Z as well...! The first one Tustin Nissan sold.

~ Ian

Ha Hack! How crazy is this! I had a 2003 350Z as well...! The first one Tustin Nissan sold.

~ Ian

Well you've got a decidedly NICER collection than I have now. :D

That's interesting. I haven't found any blind spot for passengerside, however I feel a bit uncomfortable with my side when top up.

If you subscribe to the "break it in like you're going to drive it theory" or the "drive it like you stole it" right off the lot remeber two things. I used to be a BMW tech and a none of the guys I worked with did. I can tell you that max speed and RPM can be downloaded. I've never seen it happen but there's an urban legend of dealers getting that info and voiding powertrain warranties.

Secondly, if you've ever built an engine or think intuatively about the physical processes involved in breaking in an engine, you'd know that all those new metal, parts/bearings/rings bang and rub against eachother and macro/microscopic patterns are formed. Varying RPM's and going easy for awhile will ensure that there are no abnormal or excessive troughs/valleys/ridges are formed which later won't align with moving parts that wear in.

You will not hurt a BMW engine by beating on it from the get go... they are too well made. You will simply be reducing your engine's performance/efficiency/longevity by a minute amount. I'm just anal about my engines... I follow the break in.
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If you subscribe to the "break it in like you're going to drive it theory" or the "drive it like you stole it" right off the lot remeber two things. I used to be a BMW tech and a none of the guys I worked with did. I can tell you that max speed and RPM can be downloaded. I've never seen it happen but there's an urban legend of dealers getting that info and voiding powertrain warranties.

Secondly, if you've ever built an engine or think intuatively about the physical processes involved in breaking in an engine, you'd know that all those new metal, parts/bearings/rings bang and rub against eachother and macro/microscopic patterns are formed. Varying RPM's and going easy for awhile will ensure that there are no abnormal or excessive troughs/valleys/ridges are formed which later won't align with moving parts that wear in.

You will not hurt a BMW engine by beating on it from the get go... they are too well made. You will simply be reducing your engine's performance/efficiency/longevity by a minute amount. I'm just anal about my engines... I follow the break in.
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Great insight! Thanks.

~ Ian

I'm very seriously considering trading my E60 M5 for an M Coupe... possibly as soon as saturday. I'm 6'3" - how's the headroom?


:nono :nono :nono

:nono :nono :nono

Agreed. He'll never look back.

~ Ian

zther, where in newport coast do you live? i live off san joaquin hills

zther, where in newport coast do you live? i live off san joaquin hills

Actually I should update that. I'm in Irvine now. The Summit at Turtle Ridge. Near the juncture of Newport Coast Drive and Bonita Canyon.

~ Ian

I'm driving mine of the lot like it was stolen.

Anyone subscribe to the DRIVE IT HARD early school of thought?

Also, I've had numerous AMG cars but this will be my first M. Is their some type of adaptive CPU?

~ Ian


It has been proven on street bikes through dyno testing that breaking them in hard first helps produce more power. After 2500miles they pulled the bearings and no one could tell the difference.

I have my own idea on how to break in cars.

I have owned about 13 BMWs and a few other cars including GT3's, few Ducati's...

I am no professional, but here goes.

You can sort of drive it like you stole it to an extent.

Always make sure the engine is warm, thats a key.

Now I go easy for first 25-100 miles. Then I go 90% full throttle to about 6k RPM's and vary engine speed.

I also do lots of engine braking with leaving it in gear going down hill.

Thats it. At 1000 miles I let it rip a bit and then change the oils on every thing. At 1200, its better be good to go, or you can forget about it.

Look at it this way, if anything goes wrong from having an improper break in, it will occur before 4 years 50k miles. So you are covered.