Used BMW Z4 M

Well worth it

By C (Indianapolis) on Tuesday, August 07, 2007

"Alright so here's how it goes. Mine is the 3.0i with the SMG transmission. At first I was against it because I've driven nothing else than a manual my entire life. I was most impressed and if at all possible I will always opt for the SMG. I know some reviewers say that in town driving with an SMG is choppy and weird, but all it really comes down to is making sure you manually downshift (the car automatically downshifts as you slow down, though I feel its a little behind) with the paddles and never shift to 1st until you are completely stopped. I have absolutely no qualms with it. As far as gas mileage goes. In town driving I get about (and this is moderately aggressive driving) 22-24 mpg. On the interstate at an average speed of 75-80 MPH I get 33-34 MPG. And best of all, when I'm on the highway traveling between 55-60 MPH I get 37-38 MPG. Its fantastic and worth every penny. Now as far as buying one, I suggest getting every option possible because it makes the car feel the way BMW designed it to be. I have the premium package, sports package, convenience package, navigation, and M sport seats. Nothing here is left to be desired, and thats the way it should be. I would reccomend buying a CPO vehicle as well (certified pre-owned). It comes with the exact same warranty as the original factory warranty as well as some other options you can purchase. I personally bought a CPO vehicle and love it everyday. The only thing I have to pay for for the next 4 years is gas and insurance. -All maintenance is free -Oil and oil changes are free -EVEN THE WIPER BLADES ARE FREE!!! All of this for 4 years. Absolutely great. Its why I'll be a return customer. BMW treats you like you're the big shot. Simply Amazing."

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

By Jim (MD) on Thursday, November 03, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I'm a sports car guy. Its basically all I've ever owned. Last few cars I've owned were a Boxster, 911, and a S2000. The BMW is a very polarizing car. The body is very attractive (I get more compliments on its appearance than anything else I've owned), and very menacing, particularly in black. The interior is very well laid out, with carbon fiber-look leather everywhere, and very supportive seats (rather less comfortable for trips though). The stereo system is very powerful and clear, and the climate control system is outstanding. Interior switch gear and materials quality in general are top notch. And you certainly feel as if the car is worth every bit of its $52k price tag. Other aspects of the car are less endearing. Visibility is horrendous. You literally CANNOT see out the rear of the car without ducking your head while looking in the rear view mirror. The angle of the rear window means that all you can see is the lower half (I’m 5’ 10”), and cars more than about 40 feet behind you are not visible. The long front hood with its raised bulge constantly makes you feel like you’re going to hit the front spoiler. You’ll swear you’re right up on a curb, only to get out and find 3 feet left in front of the car, making turns in tight parking lots is also an iffy proposition (I actually curbed the right front wheel once, scratching the rim, something I’ve never done in 35 years of driving). The much lauded 3.2 liter engine really is very powerful. In a rolling start, I walked away from a friends modified 350Z as if it was an economy car. The 8000rpm redline is exhilarating, and the motor makes a beautiful wail (the Porsche flat six sounds better though). However the sport button on the dash must be engaged to get full power. The car feels nice, but nothing special in normal mode. Push the button and it feels like you gained 85 hp, and much sharper throttle response. Unfortunately, this mode makes the car almost undrivable at low speed. You only need the tiniest pressure on the gas pedal to cause the engine to rev dramatically. So driving around town, in traffic, is very annoying, which is a shame; since in sport mode the car REALLY feels like it has 330 hp. Its constantly straining to go faster, and encouraging you to rev it. By contrast, normal mode feels lethargic, and the car seems unwilling to rev. The transmission has fairly short throws, and is very positive in engagement. However the clutch take-up is rather uneven due to the clutch delay valve (Google it if you're not familiar). So it takes a while to get used to it, and smooth shifting takes concentration. Handling assessments are unfair, since I’m coming from a Boxster. But the car has great lateral grip, minimal body roll, and neutral handling characteristics (with stability control engaged). Unfortunately, the high, long front hood, and limited visibility do not instill confidence. The stability control system can be disengaged by pushing a button, but be warned; the car is VERY tail happy in this mode. And not in a fun way. Stability off, sport mode on is a recipe for an off-road excursion unless you have familiarized yourself with the car on a track with adequate runoffs. The driving mechanics are more old-school 1960’s sports car, rather than sophisticated, modern sports car; which is honestly one of the cars endearing qualities. I would recommend the car to anyone who wants an engaging old-style sports car that can generate impressive performance numbers, and turns heads (you don’t pass yourself very often either). But be aware that (like my S2000), the Z4M requires more of a commitment from the owner than other choices."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Dream Car

By barbara (San Francisco, CA) on Friday, September 28, 2007

"I can't say enough about this sports car. I've owned mine for 3+ years and it still makes my heart race when I see it. It's "The ultimate driving machine". I highly recommend the 3.0. Drive them both and you will definitely feel the difference in power. I'd like to mention safety. I was t-boned on the driver side by someone going 45+ mph. The entire length of the car was smashed, but the interior (and myself) were untouched due to the steel safety bar around the car. Everyone who saw it, including the police, told me that any other 2-seater and I would have been crushed. Thank you BMW. I love my Z4!!"

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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