05-24-2019, 05:19 AM | #1 |
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So .... I drive a 2017 A4.
Its well a totally decent sedan, does sedan things. Its super boring to drive it turns out and at first I was thinking hey I should just go back to BMW and get a RWD 330i But it got me thinking, I'd figure the 330i will be a lot more fun to drive but if I'm going to bother making a change, I can try something totally different and get the Z4 sdrive30i which is barely more $ than a 330i for a 3 year lease. So I was just wondering if this is a car that is easy to live with as your only car (for a single late 30s guy.)? So far sitting in it, it does feel a little small , but I'm guessing I'd get used to it...? Also does anyone know if euro delivery is a thing for this. Last edited by hans007; 07-31-2019 at 11:26 PM.. |
05-24-2019, 07:02 AM | #3 |
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So I have the older e85 I bought 15 years ago, but the premise is similar. I bought mine as well as a single guy in my early 30's. I did have to have a 2nd car as I live in MN and these are not snow cars. But during the summer I drive it to work and everywhere else. If you never have to transport more than a suitcase, have a big dog, or go anyplace with snow, you'll want another car. Looks like the trunk in mine is bigger. That being said, new ones are bigger (cabin wise) and have a lot more features and are probably more comfortable to be an only car as well. Mine I get pretty sore on a drive over 3 hours. So you should be fine. Hoping to replace mine with a new one next year after the new iDrive kinks are worked out.
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05-24-2019, 07:12 AM | #4 |
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No issue to use as a daily driver if you do not have to haul kids. Personally I keep my M235 Coupe for snowy and salty winter days.
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05-24-2019, 08:52 AM | #5 |
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Daily driver while temps are above about 45 degrees (and no snow); we are just two, no kids. We do have other cars for hauling stuff etc. When I was single, I used to have a MX-5 Miata as a only car. Rented larger car if needed. Used snow tires in winter. I think we have some people from Canada on the forum who use snow tires on the E89 and drive it all year around.
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05-24-2019, 09:09 AM | #6 |
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The new Z4 looks like a terrific car and I am sure it would work well as a DD for many people. When it comes time to replace my M235i convertible, I will certainly take a close look at the Z4, mostly because by then the next version of the 2 Series isn't expected to be available as a convertible. If you're coming out of an A4 and are looking for something more fun and engaging as a DD and are concerned the Z4 might be a bit small, you might consider the current 2 Series. It really hits the sweet spot on size, performance and fun. You can choose coupe or convertible, and even still get it with a 6MT if you really want an engaged driving experience.
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05-24-2019, 09:26 AM | #7 |
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I'm trading my 08 in on a 19 this coming week. I will use it fairly regularly, but in more inclement weather I will drive my 13 Jeep. It is good to have the Jeep for those foul weather days.
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05-25-2019, 07:28 PM | #8 | |
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I think the "can I daily this" question is a yes. it's surprisingly roomy once you get used to it |
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05-29-2019, 01:41 PM | #9 |
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As others said, get snow tires if you'll be in the snow. If you have kids then you'll want a back seat (unless they aren't in a car seat, booster seat is fine in the front) unless you only have 1 kid. If you have a big dog, get a bigger vehicle like the G20 330i, if you have a small dog, then the z4 is fine.
I just did a 7 hour trip from Pensacola to Tampa and was comfortable the whole time. Did the same trip in February in my m240i and I was stiff after that drive. I've also done trips to lowes for small items, grocery store trips for food the next 2 weeks for my wife and I, and taken it to the beach. Very easily a single person, or even solo couple, vehicle to daily drive. Tons of fun as well. |
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05-30-2019, 10:41 AM | #10 |
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We have a long road trip coming up mid-June - thanks for your comment being comfortable on 7 hour trip!
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05-30-2019, 05:18 PM | #12 |
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I plan on using mine as a weekend/leisure car in the same fashion I've been using the roadster it's replacing. Even if I didn't have a family or had to haul kids, I wouldn't use a soft top sports car as a daily driver. Until two years ago and for over 20 years I have always kept a current generation VW Golf in my garage as a daily driver but have since switched to the a Tiguan. They're excellent workhorses and I am more comfortable driving them daily than any BMW I have ever owned (and I've owned most of them). A4s aren't much different from Golfs so I suggest you keep yours as a daily driver. When I am commuting, I am looking for comfort and smoothness not driving excitement,
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05-30-2019, 10:12 PM | #13 | |
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I was going to get a regular sportsline sdrive30i (i really like mediterranean blue) and figured it'd be ok...... i mean non runflats should be pretty smooth i'd imagine on 18s.? I don't have a place to park a second car so I wouldn't be keeping the A4.... gettign a second spot where I live would cost as much as leasing a car. |
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06-09-2019, 04:28 AM | #14 |
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Mine is my daily and it's coming up to 5000 miles already!
I've toyed with getting a sensible car to go alongside it but I'm not convinced it's worth it really. I can live without the practicality, and any saving I'd make in fuel would be lost in the running costs of a second car! |
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06-09-2019, 04:47 AM | #15 | |
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07-30-2019, 01:39 PM | #16 |
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My sDrive 30i is my daily driver. It's been great. I'm in my 50's and getting in and out isn't too bad. I do have other cars for hauling (stuff & people), but this is the car that makes me smile each morning when I enter the garage and head off to work topless!
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07-30-2019, 03:51 PM | #17 |
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I'm sure the Z4 would make a fine daily driver in some climates. Mine is a summer toy only; I daily drive my Ram 4x4, GLC43AMG or one of my motorcycles (on occasion). I don't drive my sportscars to work or in the winter so they are parked for 6 months of the year.
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07-30-2019, 05:21 PM | #18 |
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My Z4 M40i will be a daily driver
Just sold the 2007 Z4 M Coupe and was going to turn the 2000 Honda S2K into a track only car but have decided to sell it too though it is one of the first (vin #176) so that will leave me with just the new Z4 (and my wife's SUV). I don't need two silver/grey convertibles. And with retirement likely in the next year or so decided 1 car was plenty and works fine for Northern California as long as I am not heading to Tahoe or Yosemite. And I absolutely love how the new Z4 can be a 2 personality car with comfort or more sporty (my wife hated riding in my old 2007 as it was too bumpy for her). The comfort and sport modes are big factors here vs adding another sedan or another non-convertible sports car.
But if I hit the jackpot might add another fun car like the new NSX as like the idea of a convertible and a multiple personality GT sports car like the NSX in my garage. But most likely will just stick with what I consider to be an amazing value with the new Z4 and not spend the $.... |
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07-31-2019, 01:25 AM | #19 |
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I finally test drove it this past weekend and talked to the fleet manager about buying a Mediterranean blue sdrive30i. going to be a bit of a wait but it'll give me time to save a few extra bucks. The 4 cylinder honestly sounds way way better than I expected.
I also instead of paying my last car off earlier this year gambled the money on a stock I liked. well z4 is what 75% gain in 3 months smells like. yessssss |
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07-31-2019, 12:18 PM | #20 |
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I sold my 2018 A5 Sportback (basically the same car as your A4) for my M40i, and it's my daily driver. Road noise is higher in the BMW as you'd expect, but it's nowhere near as bad as my 2013 911. I find the slight tradeoff in comfort is worth the extra involvement and power.
I thought the Audi was...fine. It was a nice car and perfect for a long commute. It didn't do anything wrong but it wasn't fun or interesting. The BMW is far more fun, the ride isn't as quiet, the tech is better, and I think the upgraded stereo is better than the B&O in the Audi. Top-down is always a plus for me. |
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11-12-2022, 10:15 PM | #21 |
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I don’t have the M40i yet. Reserved a ‘23 dealer order yesterday. A little nervous giving up my Audi SQ5 as DD. And I don’t have good spot to park 3rd vehicle unless it’s a beater. Hubby drives a ‘21 Mustang GT with staggered tires. It could be a DD for someone, but not me. Glad to hear so many enjoying their Z4 as DD. Hopefully I will too if I go through with it. I have some time to decide as it is in dispatched from factory status right now. I really, really want it though and feedback is welcome.
Last edited by Accentu8; 11-12-2022 at 10:15 PM.. Reason: Punctuation |
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11-12-2022, 11:51 PM | #22 |
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Your G29 would make a great DD but bear in mind the tires are high performance tires and many owners are only getting around 15K miles on a set so, when it's time for a new set, you may want to consider a different tire. There are threads in the forum discussing mileage and tire options.
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