No, I didn't drive one, I'm referring to a recent article in Car & Driver that compared the Z8 to a Ferrari and some other unobtainable, think it was an Aston Martin, but my point is about the BMW Z8...

Did anyone notice how retro the interior of the Z8 looks? And that incredibly utilitarian steering wheel? What was BMW thinking? And how about that "engine start" button on the dash, seen this before somewhere, can't recall where...

I seem to remember another post about the Z8 on this BB and how most S2K owners were getting all wet and warm when discussing it, but in my opinion the inside of the car is a total bust. And what about the instruments being located centrally on the dash, almost like BMW took their cues from the Toyota Echo! NO performance car should have tach and speedo located anywhere but directly in front of the driver, this is just common sense.

I'm sure that the driving experience of the Z8 must be like nothing else, as one would expect from a $130,000 (USD) automobile, but any auto-lust I would ever have for this car is gone now because of the 1950's style interior, give me a break BMW!

OK let the dissenting opinions come-

 

Shouldn't this be in off-topic?

Bavarians already build plenty of cars with functional and practical interior. And it's unlikely that the 3, 5 or 7 series will ever win any award for their unique and stylish exterior.

One of the only vehicle in their history that some might actually consider beautiful and stylish like the Italian exotics, was the 507. Thus BMW decided to break out of their mold of only creating ultimate driving machines, and decided to build something that not only drives well but also looks unique. And would it make sense to have an retro exterior and typically modern BMW interior.

Remember what the Z8 replaced? The 8-series, which is considered a failure by BMW, because they were too heavy, not fast enough and looked too plain. They won't make the same mistake twice.

So if you have $130,000 to burn, and is only interested in high performance, then I say you should look somewhere else. There are plenty of cheaper and faster cars(after some mods probably), that are better driver's car then a Z8.

 

You know what I didn't like about that article, all the bitching an moaning about wind in the cabin of the BMW. Give me a f--king break, it's a CONVERTIBLE. I WANT wind in my CONVERTIBLE. These old geezers sounded like they wanted a sedan w/a big sun roof commenting on how they could converse w/the top down at over 100mph in the Ferrari. Bitching about how cold it was in the BMW. News flash, drive top down in the winter w/snow on the ground w/the top down and it's, gasp, cold

I like the Ferrari better regardless though

 

Maybe they were taking cues from the McLaren F1 and forgot to move the driver's seat and pedals to the center



[QUOTE]Originally posted by djohnston
[B]
And what about the instruments being located centrally on the dash, almost like BMW took their cues from the Toyota Echo!

 

Yes, I think it's altogether odd that the instrument panel is in the middle of the dash. Not exactly where *I* would want them, but hey, what do I know. I was a little underwhelmed at the Chicago Auto Show with the Z8. For the money, I would be all over a dozen or so other cars. The style is very reminiscent of the Z3 (which I don't care for, in case you were wondering) and the price tag makes it not only out of my reach, but even if I wanted to afford a 100K+ car, this would be one of the very last that I would want...many other cars are in line before the Z8.

Here's a shot from the Chicago Auto Show. I really want to like it, but I was left quite indifferent by it. Then again, I'm not a fan of most BMW's...however I think the 7 series is a truly magnificent car (was dating a hot chick who had one a while back) and I L O V E the 8 series, even though they have been gone for a long time now...

Anyway...

 

Saw one the other day... Nice car. $125k nice? Nah... I'd buy a Ferrari first.

 

Loki, that damn Modena is pure automotive perfection.

Totally awesome...

 

Saw a silver one over my spring break, but I was going the opposite direction. I tried to turn around, but the traffic was too heavy...but damn that thing was gorgeous!

 

I have a friend who traded in his 25th Anniversary Edit. Lamborghini Countach for his Black BMW Z8. When I first saw the car in person I thought it was one of the most beautiful automobiles that I'd ever seen. Max (my friend) offered to let me drive it if I let him drive the S. Who could refuse a deal like that, not me. We went for a ride in the Z8 and at first I was a little dissappointed in the power then he pushed the magic button on the dash. For those of you that don't know, the Z8 under normal operation operates on about 60% of the fuel injector capacity which limits the car to around 260 HP. When you push the 'magic button' everything changes. The car turns into a beast. It is noticably much heavier than the S but OMG is it fast. Handles quite well and rides much more comfortably than the S. Is it a $130,000.00 worth of car, I guess that depends on your opinion of what a $130,000.00 car is. Is it amazing and unique, yes.

 

"For those of you that don't know, the Z8 under normal operation operates on about 60% of the fuel injector capacity which limits the car to around 260 HP."

I'm almost 100% sure that is not correct. The "Sport" button is used to tweak the electronic throttle bodies for quicker response, but does not affect peak power. In my M5 it also changes the weight of the steering.

P.S. Ask yourself why there is a "Sport" button, that defaults to off no less, in a $130,000 two seat sports car? It's almost excusable in the M5, but an embarrassment in the Z8.