It's a great drive ODM, I think you're the first person to have asked me that on here .

I've done about 15k in the car since I got it last May, including 4 big road trips. It does have similarities to the S, being a powerful, high revving, 2 seater, rear wheel drive sports car, with a manual gearbox, and an ON/OFF traction control system.

It really is very comfortable on long journeys, with all the luxuries you could want, and cruise control which I love. The handling inspires a lot of confidence, and is quite progressive as you near the limits; something that I like to keep clear of .

At first I found the car really wide (it's some 6" wider than the S), but that's something I'm used to now. It also feels a little heavy (1480kg) at low speeds, but as the speed increases this quickly diminishes. With so much performance available I rarely get chance to extend the engine to it's higher reaches, but plenty of pace can be maintain using the torque (270lbs/ft).

The gearbox is very good too. I wasn't so sure at first but with 17k on the clock it's plenty quick enough with a nice short throw. The only let down is the 1st to 2nd change, which is clunky at best. The brakes are again superb on the road; borrowed from the M3 CSL, maybe a little over servoed initially, but with great stopping power. One thing that does frustrate me is the height of the brake pedal at rest, relative to the accelerator, some 1" higher, which does make heel and toeing somewhat difficult.

The star of the show is the engine; 338bhp from a normally aspirated straight 6 that loves to rev, all the way to 7900. Being a roadster you get to enjoy more of the lovely sound it makes too.

It's funny really, the Z4 is a car I had no interest in until the M came along. Having owned the car for a while now I've come to appreciate the lines and the styling, but like anything, it doesn't suit everyone. It really doesn't bother me. I think if people got a chance to drive the car they might be able to see beyond the looks.

One thing I loved about owning the S2000 was the rarity of the car. I never thought I would own another car as rare as the Honda; I do now. I think only 500 MR's came to the UK, and I can't even remember the last time I saw one. It's a very rare car indeed, even more so with me new wheels

I good friend of mine (ex S owner who is a handy driver), has driven my car and was very impressed. Another (on his 2nd S) has taken a passenger ride. I think his response was "bloody hell"!

Dave

 

I was expecting CSL alloys

Looks tidy!

 

I'd be most tempted by the coupe, but i'd always been afraid that the handling wasn't up to much, and would need fancy suspension.

If it was the same as the S2000 chassis and handling, but with a massive engine it would be prefect.

It would HAVE to have some sort of exhaus system on it though

 

What I like about the alloys and the grille is it makes it look significantly more race track refuge, and less like a boulevard cruiser. Black CSL's would look fantastic though

 

Absolutely Mike.

The CSL's do look great but I wanted to be different, and to keep to the standard 18" setup.

 

Your posting is the first time I have ever looked at a Z4 twice.
Why?
1. IT AIN'T SILVER.
2. In red with what could be mistaken for OE wheels it actually looks different, an absolute first for a sports car that is far too common.
3. The black detailing suits the hard nature of the M version.
4. If I could overcome my discomfort with the too long bonnet and too stumpy boot I might be prepared to tolerate one on my drive.
5. Reflecting on 4, I could live with less power which you can rarely use in the real world, yet still go for the red/black colour scheme.

Good for you mentioning cruise control. I have lost count of the times that people sneer at this very sensible and useful contribution to comfort and speed control peace of mind.
My daily beater has cruise and I would not be without it, wonderful for long motorways and for contributing to minimising overspeeding.

Like the convenience of automatics for some driving styles and situations, my experience is that those who sneer the most prop up the pub bar and talk the talk but have no real knowledge.

 

I like the combination

 

.......it gets worse
I have re-read some of the road tests of the new metal roofed Z4 and re-evaluated the looks.
Why it is almost handsome and the slightly less 'stumpy' backside is not a million miles from the S2000 rear.
It is more a refined GT than a hard-core sportscar in the S2000 mould or even that of the inevitable Boxster ZZZZ.
Check out the interior and the Porsche begins to look very dated.
Crap boot space though when roof down, and there is always that whiff of 'Smart Alec' when it comes to the BMW brand.

 

I think you should test drive the M coupe MB, the handling is better than the S2000 in standard trim. The backend is miles more progressive and the chassis communicates the limits of grip more and the transition from grip to slip is better telegraphed It

 

Interesting.

I do have a rough plan of what I want to own, and an M car is one I wish to tick off. It would either be a CSL, a new shape M3 or a Z4MC.

The Z4M fits more as i;ve already got a saloon.

There's a reeeealy smart looking black one on PH (although cat D)