Was quiet surprised today...

dasReaper · 10-07-2009, 11:07 AM

I took my 128i to the dealership today cause I got Low Tire twice in one week and suspected a nail or something. While they were checking it out and washing my car I test drove a brand new Z4 35i. I was quiet surprised, I liked driving my 128i better. I mean it was everything a roadster should be pure, raw driving experience. However, it didn't seem much faster on city streets/highway and it made me realize how I take the niceties/civility of my 128i for granted. I did have a blast playing with the Z4 but I just kept getting this feeling like I wouldn't want to drive it everyday because of how ruff it was. Also it was a rather windy day and on the highway it seemed to float over into the other lane when there was a hard gust. It had the performance package and everything, but in the same conditions my 128i is solid and doesn't move. Also merging on the highway I seemed to hit 90 down the same long on ramp I use everyday just about as fast in as I do in my 128i (I only do 90mph to merge with the inconsiderate nut jobs on my stretch of i75 and slow down to 5 over once I've merged). Also, while the vert hardtop was awesome and I personally love the styling of the Z4 it has pretty limited field of view even for a roadster. After driving the Z4 I've come to the conclusion that the only car I would upgrade to is a new M3 coupe. Well, or a M5 of course but I'm no where near the point in my life that I could swing dropping $80k+ on a car. Just thought I'd share my experiance.

tbird · 10-07-2009, 11:20 AM

+1

I like the Z4 as well, but I agree with your assessment, it has some issues. I would have a 128 over a Z4 as well.

jeremyc74 · 10-07-2009, 11:28 AM

I didn't drive the Z4, but I sat in one about a week ago. There's just no way I could live with it as an only car or daily driver. It's hard to get in and out of, and it just felt really cramped to me for a car that's as big as it is.

JimD · 10-07-2009, 11:38 AM

I was offered a chance to drive one when I was shopping but I didn't bother. I had decided I wanted at least an occasional use back seat. I was also not thrilled with the styling but I also understand there is room for other viewpoints.

If you like a 128i coupe, you should try the convertible. Visibility is not so great with the top up but with the mirrors correctly adjusted it is OK - you can't miss anything if you adjust the mirrors right and use them. The great part is with the top down. Then the visibility is great and it's the next best thing to being on a motorcycle. Buffeting by the wind is minimial if you get the wind blocker (which is pricey at about $500 list but works well). I came to work in about 60 degrees this morning with the top down and enjoyed it throughly. So far the coolest I'd driven on the highway with the top down was about 50 degrees. Much cooler I'll need at least long sleeves but it was OK. Noise level with the top up is pretty good, close to a regular sedan (better than I expected).

Jim

singular · 10-07-2009, 11:49 AM

I love the look of the Z4 and the 35i is very tempting. But I also felt it was too rough to use as a DD. I confirmed this to myself when I went on edmunds.com and found that the avg miles per year on Z4's was very low compared to other BMW's.

Probably a great weekend fun car, but not so much fun for everyday commutes.

dasReaper · 10-07-2009, 12:00 PM

Oh yeah as a toy it would be great. I also forgot the truck space even with the top up is very small and with the top down you can't even fit a suitcase. I have a dog as well so the backseat is a huge plus. I've had my 128i for almost a year now. Just test drove the Z4 for fun.

tbird · 10-07-2009, 12:17 PM

OH, and I almost forgot. I would hope that at least with the new retractible hardtop that BMW removed this caveat.

A few years ago, I had a Z4 loaner for about a month. The ragtop operation was a pain. You had to fully stop the car, then take it out of gear, then keep your foot on the brake, and THEN hold down the button for either opening or closing the top. If you didn't do every one of those steps, it would set off a Fault in the car, and the top would not operate properly after that unless you took the car to the dealership and they reset it, and that was a $500 charge.

The S.A who gave me the car stated that this was the most important thing to pay attention to in using the loaner. Let me tell you, with the 1 having a top that is super quick up/down operation, and can be done without all those steps, at up to 20mph or so, that definitely is a plus for the 1. Let alone the obvious of having a backseat and a usable trunk.

aerobod · 10-07-2009, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbird

A few years ago, I had a Z4 loaner for about a month. The ragtop operation was a pain. You had to fully stop the car, then take it out of gear, then keep your foot on the brake, and THEN hold down the button for either opening or closing the top. If you didn't do every one of those steps, it would set off a Fault in the car, and the top would not operate properly after that unless you took the car to the dealership and they reset it, and that was a $500 charge.

Sounds like they found a "special" Z4 just for you! Normal ones don't do this. In my "normal" Z4M you have to be driving less than 5km/h to start the top opening or closing, it will continue opening or closing at speeds up to about 30km/h. If you go faster than that speed while it is partially open, then you just have to slow below 5km/h to continue the roof opening or closing. From the Z4 manual:

"If a convertible top operation has not yet been completed as you start to drive off, at a traffic light for example, you can continue the procedure at moderate speed"

Top operation on my Z4M has been flawless and is one of the fastest power tops around - 10 seconds or less for a complete open or close.

tbird · 10-08-2009, 05:43 AM

Maybe it was an earlier model and a bunch of people complained and they fixed it. I have no idea. I just followed the S.A.'s instructions.

Of course, it was from the crappy dealer down here, Lauderdale BMW. They are idiots there, so they could easily be wrong. I just followed the instruction because it wasn't my car and I didn't want to lose $500.

Alext · 10-08-2009, 07:10 AM

Nice comparison. I like your usage of the words "raw" and "rough". This sounds like my kind of roadster. Although from the reviews I have read it is no where near as raw and pure as say an Elise or a TVR or even a Boxster. But this can be a good thing too.

Interesting that you say it is no faster than your 128i, but I suppose you would need to race a Z4 35i in a straight line to find out how different it actually is in reality.

I too thought of upgrading to a M3 coupe as I love the styling and engine in this vehicle. But I am not a fan of the dull, teutonic interior (no sense of occassion) and the physical size the M3 now is.

jkp1187 · 10-08-2009, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dasReaper

After driving the Z4 I've come to the conclusion that the only car I would upgrade to is a new M3 coupe. Well, or a M5 of course but I'm no where near the point in my life that I could swing dropping $80k+ on a car. Just thought I'd share my experiance.

Agree - much rather have an M3 coupe. Just never was into the whole convertible thing, and I find the backseat area in my 135i too convenient for storage and occasionally even carting people around.

Plus, I'm not a big convertible fan.

HeyMoe53 · 10-08-2009, 08:13 AM

I would never tell anyone which car to drive. So, I will never trash what another person drives.

What I like about this thread is that it brings out the fact that a 128 (particularly with sports package) is a great car to own and drive every day. It is certainly a "driving machine" in the BMW mold, with enough trunk space to haul myself and my girlfriend to the beach for a week, and with enough interior room to take my kids with me to "Octoberfest" at my BMW dealer.

I don't know what I would do with the extra power of the 135 around here. Of course, if you want it, get it. Personally, I am very content with my 128.

oasis3582 · 10-08-2009, 09:00 AM

I am surprised to read this - I would think the Z would be much more fun, despite that huge front overhang.

I also think the new Z4 is a beautiful, beautiful car.

jkp1187 · 10-08-2009, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeyMoe53

I would never tell anyone which car to drive. So, I will never trash what another person drives.

What I like about this thread is that it brings out the fact that a 128 (particularly with sports package) is a great car to own and drive every day. It is certainly a "driving machine" in the BMW mold, with enough trunk space to haul myself and my girlfriend to the beach for a week, and with enough interior room to take my kids with me to "Octoberfest" at my BMW dealer.

I don't know what I would do with the extra power of the 135 around here. Of course, if you want it, get it. Personally, I am very content with my 128.

The 128i is a fine automobile. The only thing it's missing, frankly, is an oil temp gauge.

JasonCSU · 10-08-2009, 10:29 AM

Out of curiosity, did your dealer mention what caused the tire pressure warning? My car has alerted me a couple of times about a low pressure warning, but when I checked the pressure of each tire, they were fine. I then reset the TPMS, and go on my way.

HeyMoe53 · 10-08-2009, 11:41 AM

jkp-I hear you on the oil temp guage!

10-07-2009, 11:07 AM	#1
dasReaper Enthusiast 54 Rep 20 Posts Drives: '09 128i Black/Black Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	Was quiet surprised today... I took my 128i to the dealership today cause I got Low Tire twice in one week and suspected a nail or something. While they were checking it out and washing my car I test drove a brand new Z4 35i. I was quiet surprised, I liked driving my 128i better. I mean it was everything a roadster should be pure, raw driving experience. However, it didn't seem much faster on city streets/highway and it made me realize how I take the niceties/civility of my 128i for granted. I did have a blast playing with the Z4 but I just kept getting this feeling like I wouldn't want to drive it everyday because of how ruff it was. Also it was a rather windy day and on the highway it seemed to float over into the other lane when there was a hard gust. It had the performance package and everything, but in the same conditions my 128i is solid and doesn't move. Also merging on the highway I seemed to hit 90 down the same long on ramp I use everyday just about as fast in as I do in my 128i (I only do 90mph to merge with the inconsiderate nut jobs on my stretch of i75 and slow down to 5 over once I've merged). Also, while the vert hardtop was awesome and I personally love the styling of the Z4 it has pretty limited field of view even for a roadster. After driving the Z4 I've come to the conclusion that the only car I would upgrade to is a new M3 coupe. Well, or a M5 of course but I'm no where near the point in my life that I could swing dropping $80k+ on a car. Just thought I'd share my experiance. __________________ "Life is risky business" ~Schirmnov, Oleg
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-07-2009, 11:20 AM	#2
tbird Captain 31 Rep 683 Posts Drives: "Bianca" 135cic AW/TC Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: FLL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135cic [0.00]	+1 I like the Z4 as well, but I agree with your assessment, it has some issues. I would have a 128 over a Z4 as well. __________________ 2008 135cic, Alpine White/Terracotta Leather/BlackTop, Premium Package (Bluetooth, folding mirrors, etc), Sport Package with M Wheel, Navigation, Logic7 with HD and IPod and Sirius, Steptronic, M Aerodynamic Kit 2001 Focus ZX3, modified for fun commuting Previous 2006 325xi 2002 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro 1997 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro 1984 Audi 4000S Quattro modified 1955 Ford Thunderbird 1969 Camaro modified 1993 Ford Explorer (basic hauling) 1984+1988 Ford Broncos 1993 Honda Civic (Commuter, junk) 2008 Mini (wife's car, AWESOME) A few more
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2009, 11:28 AM	#3
jeremyc74 Banned 76 Rep 5,970 Posts Drives: '08 135i Montego/Terra Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Evansville, IN iTrader: (0)	I didn't drive the Z4, but I sat in one about a week ago. There's just no way I could live with it as an only car or daily driver. It's hard to get in and out of, and it just felt really cramped to me for a car that's as big as it is.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2009, 11:38 AM	#4
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	I was offered a chance to drive one when I was shopping but I didn't bother. I had decided I wanted at least an occasional use back seat. I was also not thrilled with the styling but I also understand there is room for other viewpoints. If you like a 128i coupe, you should try the convertible. Visibility is not so great with the top up but with the mirrors correctly adjusted it is OK - you can't miss anything if you adjust the mirrors right and use them. The great part is with the top down. Then the visibility is great and it's the next best thing to being on a motorcycle. Buffeting by the wind is minimial if you get the wind blocker (which is pricey at about $500 list but works well). I came to work in about 60 degrees this morning with the top down and enjoyed it throughly. So far the coolest I'd driven on the highway with the top down was about 50 degrees. Much cooler I'll need at least long sleeves but it was OK. Noise level with the top up is pretty good, close to a regular sedan (better than I expected). Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2009, 11:49 AM	#5
singular Captain 21 Rep 935 Posts Drives: BSM 135i ppk cab Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	I love the look of the Z4 and the 35i is very tempting. But I also felt it was too rough to use as a DD. I confirmed this to myself when I went on edmunds.com and found that the avg miles per year on Z4's was very low compared to other BMW's. Probably a great weekend fun car, but not so much fun for everyday commutes.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2009, 12:00 PM	#6
dasReaper Enthusiast 54 Rep 20 Posts Drives: '09 128i Black/Black Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0)	Oh yeah as a toy it would be great. I also forgot the truck space even with the top up is very small and with the top down you can't even fit a suitcase. I have a dog as well so the backseat is a huge plus. I've had my 128i for almost a year now. Just test drove the Z4 for fun. __________________ "Life is risky business" ~Schirmnov, Oleg
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-07-2009, 12:17 PM	#7
tbird Captain 31 Rep 683 Posts Drives: "Bianca" 135cic AW/TC Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: FLL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135cic [0.00]	OH, and I almost forgot. I would hope that at least with the new retractible hardtop that BMW removed this caveat. A few years ago, I had a Z4 loaner for about a month. The ragtop operation was a pain. You had to fully stop the car, then take it out of gear, then keep your foot on the brake, and THEN hold down the button for either opening or closing the top. If you didn't do every one of those steps, it would set off a Fault in the car, and the top would not operate properly after that unless you took the car to the dealership and they reset it, and that was a $500 charge. The S.A who gave me the car stated that this was the most important thing to pay attention to in using the loaner. Let me tell you, with the 1 having a top that is super quick up/down operation, and can be done without all those steps, at up to 20mph or so, that definitely is a plus for the 1. Let alone the obvious of having a backseat and a usable trunk. __________________ 2008 135cic, Alpine White/Terracotta Leather/BlackTop, Premium Package (Bluetooth, folding mirrors, etc), Sport Package with M Wheel, Navigation, Logic7 with HD and IPod and Sirius, Steptronic, M Aerodynamic Kit 2001 Focus ZX3, modified for fun commuting Previous 2006 325xi 2002 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro 1997 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro 1984 Audi 4000S Quattro modified 1955 Ford Thunderbird 1969 Camaro modified 1993 Ford Explorer (basic hauling) 1984+1988 Ford Broncos 1993 Honda Civic (Commuter, junk) 2008 Mini (wife's car, AWESOME) A few more
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2009, 05:43 AM	#9
tbird Captain 31 Rep 683 Posts Drives: "Bianca" 135cic AW/TC Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: FLL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135cic [0.00]	Maybe it was an earlier model and a bunch of people complained and they fixed it. I have no idea. I just followed the S.A.'s instructions. Of course, it was from the crappy dealer down here, Lauderdale BMW. They are idiots there, so they could easily be wrong. I just followed the instruction because it wasn't my car and I didn't want to lose $500. __________________ 2008 135cic, Alpine White/Terracotta Leather/BlackTop, Premium Package (Bluetooth, folding mirrors, etc), Sport Package with M Wheel, Navigation, Logic7 with HD and IPod and Sirius, Steptronic, M Aerodynamic Kit 2001 Focus ZX3, modified for fun commuting Previous 2006 325xi 2002 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro 1997 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro 1984 Audi 4000S Quattro modified 1955 Ford Thunderbird 1969 Camaro modified 1993 Ford Explorer (basic hauling) 1984+1988 Ford Broncos 1993 Honda Civic (Commuter, junk) 2008 Mini (wife's car, AWESOME) A few more
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2009, 07:10 AM	#10
Alext Banned 138 Rep 2,042 Posts Drives: B M W Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Everest iTrader: (2)	Nice comparison. I like your usage of the words "raw" and "rough". This sounds like my kind of roadster. Although from the reviews I have read it is no where near as raw and pure as say an Elise or a TVR or even a Boxster. But this can be a good thing too. Interesting that you say it is no faster than your 128i, but I suppose you would need to race a Z4 35i in a straight line to find out how different it actually is in reality. I too thought of upgrading to a M3 coupe as I love the styling and engine in this vehicle. But I am not a fan of the dull, teutonic interior (no sense of occassion) and the physical size the M3 now is.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2009, 08:13 AM	#12
HeyMoe53 Captain 64 Rep 671 Posts Drives: '17 M240 AW/Coral MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central PA iTrader: (0)	I would never tell anyone which car to drive. So, I will never trash what another person drives. What I like about this thread is that it brings out the fact that a 128 (particularly with sports package) is a great car to own and drive every day. It is certainly a "driving machine" in the BMW mold, with enough trunk space to haul myself and my girlfriend to the beach for a week, and with enough interior room to take my kids with me to "Octoberfest" at my BMW dealer. I don't know what I would do with the extra power of the 135 around here. Of course, if you want it, get it. Personally, I am very content with my 128.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2009, 09:00 AM	#13
oasis3582 Lieutenant 146 Rep 582 Posts Drives: 2021 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (0)	I am surprised to read this - I would think the Z would be much more fun, despite that huge front overhang. I also think the new Z4 is a beautiful, beautiful car. __________________ Current: 2021 BMW X3 M40i Previous: VW GTI, Tesla Model 3 LR, Mazda MX-5 RF, Ford Mustang GT (x2), Mazda 3, BMW Z4 sDrive35i, Acura TSX, BMW 135i, Acura TSX, Honda Accord Coupe V6, Acura RDX, Pontiac GTO 6.0, Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2009, 10:29 AM	#15
JasonCSU Colonel 702 Rep 2,548 Posts Drives: '08 135i, '88 325is Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 1988 BMW 325is [0.00] 2008 BMW 135i [0.00]	Out of curiosity, did your dealer mention what caused the tire pressure warning? My car has alerted me a couple of times about a low pressure warning, but when I checked the pressure of each tire, they were fine. I then reset the TPMS, and go on my way. __________________ Delivered in Munich, broken in on the Nurburgring.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2009, 11:41 AM	#16
HeyMoe53 Captain 64 Rep 671 Posts Drives: '17 M240 AW/Coral MT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central PA iTrader: (0)	jkp-I hear you on the oil temp guage!
	Appreciate 0 Quote