[unfoundnemo]

So, I’m getting quite bored with my M8 coupe and haven’t had anyone in the rear seat for a few months now that my daughter is getting big enough to ride up front. I’m thinking about cashing in on my positive equity and getting something that will inevitably act as my commuter and otherwise our extra car.

For what it’s worth, I have a line on a fully optioned 30i that should be at port this side of the pond next week. It’s probably a car that would hold me over until the next M5 is out or something else tickles my fancy. I would have ideally found a B58, but if I’m going smaller to be more fun and nimble, I might as well go all in, right? Aside from missing the HUD from the premium package since it’s a 30i, is there anything else I’ll miss aside from power? Yes, it has DHP and M sport brakes, M sport trim, even the MPP carbon paddles (even though I have a set in my basement along with the new/G8x style coming off my real M). I’m extremely familiar with most other current chassis out there, just haven’t dove into the G29 until now.

Has anyone else made the jump? I suppose once your talking about 2nd/3rd cars, swaps are less linear, but I daily my M8 and would do the same here… for the most part (will also pick up something to let the older kids drive that I’ll play in the snow with, but I’ll also certainly throw winters on a z4 come November).

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

So, I’m getting quite bored with my M8 coupe and haven’t had anyone in the rear seat for a few months now that my daughter is getting big enough to ride up front. I’m thinking about cashing in on my positive equity and getting something that will inevitably act as my commuter and otherwise our extra car.

For what it’s worth, I have a line on a fully optioned 30i that should be at port this side of the pond next week. It’s probably a car that would hold me over until the next M5 is out or something else tickles my fancy. I would have ideally found a B58, but if I’m going smaller to be more fun and nimble, I might as well go all in, right? Aside from missing the HUD from the premium package since it’s a 30i, is there anything else I’ll miss aside from power? Yes, it has DHP and M sport brakes, M sport trim, even the MPP carbon paddles (even though I have a set in my basement along with the new/G8x style coming off my real M). I’m extremely familiar with most other current chassis out there, just haven’t dove into the G29 until now.

Has anyone else made the jump? I suppose once your talking about 2nd/3rd cars, swaps are less linear, but I daily my M8 and would do the same here… for the most part (will also pick up something to let the older kids drive that I’ll play in the snow with, but I’ll also certainly throw winters on a z4 come November).

Not owning an M8 I really can't give you a true comparison, however many of us use the Z4 as our DD and love it. We have a member named Horseman who uses the SDrive 30i as his daily driver and he absolutely loves it, look for some of his posts.

I have an M40i that is my daily driver. I test drove the SDrive 30i and decided I wanted the extra power and spent the money.

As long as you test drive the SDrive 30i and are satisfied with the smaller engine you should be ok. Otherwise I suggest that you do a search for the M40i.

Different strokes for different folks!

[SMD001]

I didn’t plan to daily mine but I do. 7700 miles in 4.5 months.

I think the M8 is epic. Maybe not as sexy as some but still a great car. If you still want the gut punch acceleration, you will want the B58. Well worth the premium and I think you would be disappointed not doing so.

[Horseman]

It is true that I love my 30i, but there are times that I do wish that I waited a little longer to get the M40i (though, not sure how well that would have gone down with all the other circumstances). Timing is everything....

To go from an M8 to a 30i... I have a feeling you'll be wanting a little more. If nothing else.. that ///M badge. I posted a video on the Anniversary Video thread that talks about likes and dislikes over the course of hte last 12 months as a daily driver.

[unfoundnemo]

ugh, I doubt I’ll be able to drive both prior (my main hope is that less weight up front will put a smile on my face), but maybe I’ll get in touch with a broker or do some more searching on my own to find a M40i so I don’t have any regrets. Patience is not the virtue I possess when it comes to cars, especially the more passionate choices. This one being something I would have spec’d myself and already on a boat which happens to land just after my upcoming vacation just works out to be great timing. If I should get into September or later, I’d probably make a totally different decision or just hang onto my car another year.

[Horseman]

Try to seeif you can find one at a CarMax and take it for a spin.

[BMWGirlFL]

Have you ever had a 4 cyl?

Don't know if you saw this other thread:

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

https://www.bmwblog.com/2022/07/12/bmw-z4-m40i-manual/

Originally Posted by Germanauto

What you're saying is all correct, but I feel BMW figured out a while ago that that 99% of their customers just want a car that's somewhat sporty but not all out sports car. That's why the F/G generations have not earned the adoration of enthusiasts in the way prior models did. I know a lot of colleagues and friends who own BMWs, and none of them really give a shit about cars in the way we do. They won't be waking up at 7am to find a fun back road or hanging out on forums in their free time.

As a result, the Z4 just straddles that line between luxury and sporty without being truly committed to the latter. I had test drive a Z4 M40i too and like most BMWs, I felt it had the right "stuff." Amazing powertrain, stiff ride, decent exhaust note, great chassis. But the "feedback" part in the steering/handling category was absent. Steering felt mostly mute and uncommunicative. For majority of customers it's not a dealbreaker. For those of us who care, our only option for a sports car is Porsche.

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

Have you ever had a 4 cyl?

Hah, I have, my 428i GC was one of my favorite cars actually. In fact, so far it’s the only BMW I have kept 3 whole years. Aside from that, some manual subarus, minis, and other fun small compact cars I’ve enjoyed. Granted, I drove a 430i convertible (F33) for a bit and couldn’t stand it, it was an absolute dog, but I was driving an F80 at the time for a pretty direct comparison, and the hard top in the F33 didn’t help.

[goat30i]

I would miss the HUD. I like the 30i, though at times, I also think about the next one likely being a 40i. Don’t know how M8 power to 4cyl delta would suit me. . . Suspect I would greatly miss the extra ponies at times when I really wanted to emergency maneuver.

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

Hah, I have, my 428i GC was one of my favorite cars actually. In fact, so far it’s the only BMW I have kept 3 whole years. Aside from that, some manual subarus, minis, and other fun small compact cars I’ve enjoyed. Granted, I drove a 430i convertible (F33) for a bit and couldn’t stand it, it was an absolute dog, but I was driving an F80 at the time for a pretty direct comparison, and the hard top in the F33 didn’t help.

Maybe you'll be 30i OK then? Sounds like M240i not under consideration?

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

Maybe you'll be 30i OK then? Sounds like M240i not under consideration?

Might be, other than availability, the 30i peaks my interest for having a bit less weight up front as I’m cruising through the mountain roads in my area. Same is true for an M240i, also hard to find quickly, but I would much rather wait for the new M2 in that case.

That’s why my real question here was around what else I might miss from the M40i to 30i beyond power and HUD.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

Might be, other than availability, the 30i peaks my interest for having a bit less weight up front as I’m cruising through the mountain roads in my area. Same is true for an M240i, also hard to find quickly, but I would much rather wait for the new M2 in that case.

That’s why my real question here was around what else I might miss from the M40i to 30i beyond power and HUD.

The M40i weighs about 170 pounds more and the SDrive 30i might be slightly better at handling those mountain roads. However after reading all of the posts in this thread I have to agree that coming from the M8 you would really miss the power (382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque) if you selected the SDrive 30i. Needless to say, you are the driver and may feel differently once you are behind the wheel of one. You really should test drive both models before making this decision.

Out of curiosity, where in PA do you live?

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

The M40i weighs about 170 pounds more and the SDrive 30i might be slightly better at handling those mountain roads. However after reading all of the posts in this thread I have to agree that coming from the M8 you would really miss the power (382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque) if you selected the SDrive 30i. Needless to say, you are the driver and may feel differently once you are behind the wheel of one. You really should test drive both models before making this decision.

Out of curiosity, where in PA do you live?

I'm near Scranton/ the Poconos.

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

Might be, other than availability, the 30i peaks my interest for having a bit less weight up front as I’m cruising through the mountain roads in my area. Same is true for an M240i, also hard to find quickly, but I would much rather wait for the new M2 in that case.

That’s why my real question here was around what else I might miss from the M40i to 30i beyond power and HUD.

I've driven the M850i & M8 coupes. Traded out of an SL550. Hard to imagine giving up so much going well but you're making the strongest 4 cyl argument and know cars so maybe better answer is only tailpipe trim (assuming DHP)? Have you thought about a used M40i until the M2 arrives?

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

I'm near Scranton/ the Poconos.

If you want to take a 2 hour drive to White Plains, NY there is a BSM/ Magna Red 2020 M40i with 11,835 miles showing in their used inventory.

https://www.bmwusa.com/certified-pre...HF9C07LWW55045

I would call first to verify it is there and then take it out for a test ride.

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

I've driven the M850i & M8 coupes. Traded out of an SL550. Hard to imagine giving up so much going well but you're making the strongest 4 cyl argument and know cars so maybe better answer is only tailpipe trim (assuming DHP)? Have you thought about a used M40i until the M2 arrives?

Thanks! That's what I was seeing, just wasn't sure if there was any thing like engine mounts, bracing, suspension components, etc., that may differ, but assumed not since we're not talking about an m car either way.

This car is what I'm looking to bridge the gap until the next M5 comes out.. something different that I could have some fun with. Waiting another year and getting an M2 is an option as well... or if the market stays the way it is, I could probably go from a Z4 to M2 to M5 without loosing even 1/10th as much as I did when I dumped my X5 after 22 months.

I actually reached out to a couple dealers this morning and it seems my options for immediate-ish satisfaction aren't as limited as I thought. There are at least 2 M40i Z4s available on the same boat as the 30i. Looks like the GMs like to tick all the boxes on the Z4s, so if I go that route it's just up to negotiations and which dealer I want to go with.

Hopefully I could find a 30i and M40i to drive this weekend before I go on vacation and I could have something to look forward to shortly after I get back.

[Westside Guy]

https://www.bmwmainline.com/certifie...37ceb5b8f8.htm

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by unfoundnemo

Thanks! That's what I was seeing, just wasn't sure if there was any thing like engine mounts, bracing, suspension components, etc., that may differ, but assumed not since we're not talking about an m car either way.

This car is what I'm looking to bridge the gap until the next M5 comes out.. something different that I could have some fun with. Waiting another year and getting an M2 is an option as well... or if the market stays the way it is, I could probably go from a Z4 to M2 to M5 without loosing even 1/10th as much as I did when I dumped my X5 after 22 months.

I actually reached out to a couple dealers this morning and it seems my options for immediate-ish satisfaction aren't as limited as I thought. There are at least 2 M40i Z4s available on the same boat as the 30i. Looks like the GMs like to tick all the boxes on the Z4s, so if I go that route it's just up to negotiations and which dealer I want to go with.

Hopefully I could find a 30i and M40i to drive this weekend before I go on vacation and I could have something to look forward to shortly after I get back.

Hope you'll share thoughts after driving. Seen this?
https://g29.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1655664

Z4 M40i

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

Hope you'll share thoughts after driving. Seen this?
https://g29.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1655664

Z4 M40i

Thanks! Looks like good reading material for my flight.

[COKen]

You can use cars.com to find M40i Z4s across the US or near you. I just looked and there are over 30 new currently available.

[unfoundnemo]

Originally Posted by COKen

You can use cars.com to find M40i Z4s across the US or near you. I just looked and there are over 30 new currently available.

That doesn't work as it used to in the current climate for new cars, most of those cars are in transit and/or already sold to customers, dealers just auto-report everything coming in regardless.

Also, I definitely suggest you check out kilter.com instead if you're looking for a BMW. They're a forum sponsor, and they have much better indexing of options and such (but still subject to the dealer reporting like cars.com or autotrader.com)

[SpeedyATL]

I found the 3.0i (4 cyl) motor in the one I test drove to be too frenetic in sport mode. It's like it's trying to be something it's not.

Just my $.02.