You are here: Forums Coupes & Convertibles Porsche Boxster & Boxster-S Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4

Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4

19 messages,  Last post on Apr 08, 2008 at 6:19 PM

You are in the Porsche Boxster & Boxster-S Forum. Your Host is claires

What is this discussion about? BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, Car Buying, Fuel Efficiency (MPG), Convertible

Messages Page 2 of 2 1 2 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#11 of 19 Re: Boxster or BMW Z4 [squelch] by habitat1 Sep 06, 2006 (5:15 am)
Replying to: squelch (Sep 05, 2006 1:59 pm) As far as I know, the Boxster engines that had problems were in the early (1990's) models. A neighbor of mine who formerly worked for Porsche's racing team is considering a 2007 Boxster S with the new 3.4 liter engine. According to him, it's bulletproof, having been refined from the 3.6 liter 911 engine.   When I was considering a 2005 Boxster S last year before deciding on a 911, I could not find any real concerns other than the "rear main seal" leak, which is often tied to improper break in. Porsche has moved up considerably in the reliability rankings, suggesting to me that the early Boxster issues are behind them.   The Z4 engine is about as tried and true as one can get, having been used in everything from the 3 series, 5 series, and X5. Unfortunately, for a sports car / roadster, IMO it is rather low revving and heavy, partly leading to Z4 handling characteristics that are inferior to the Boxster. The Boxster and S2000 are exceptional ground up roadsters, the Z4 is a bit too much like a spare parts project, a similar complaint I have to the 350Z. Just my opinion. Replies to this message: dl7265 (Sep 06, 2006 9:29 pm)
#12 of 19 Re: Boxster or BMW Z4 [habitat1] by dl7265 Sep 06, 2006 (9:29 pm)
Replying to: habitat1 (Sep 06, 2006 5:15 am) Having just driven a G35 Coupe against the 335i Twin Turbo at the Texas Motor Speedway. I can say your spot on. What looks good on paper (350Z, G35) does not translate into a fine Sports car. Personally I would not take a 800 Hp Nissan over the Bimmer or Porsche. What a hunk of junk...   DL
#13 of 19 Z4 is a great value; especially used by vsaxena Sep 07, 2006 (11:02 pm)
The Z4 is definitely cheaper to own than the Boxter. And right now BMW has truly incredible lease rates on the Z4 (at least till August) with very low interest rates. I am quite sure that the lease programs are going to be aggressive since the end of summer is here. The good thing about leasing is that you can always buy the car if you want to keep it but in case you do not want to keep it you do not pay the huge sales tax up-front.   I had a 2004 Z4 3.0 SMG and it was truly a blast to drive. BTW, do consider the 335 coupe. You can do European Delivery and get the car for 10-11% of MSRP. It is a blast to drive and you can seat four if you need it. However, you will not be able to throw it around like the Z4.   Also thanks the incentives offered on Z4 in the last few years, you can get a $48K MSRP loaded 2003-2004 Z4 3.0 for between $25-30K, which is almost 50% off the MSRP for a car still under warranty. A great deal for a great car. Check out ebay or craigslist for cars at a great value. If you are not looking for a particularly sporty ride, avoid the Sports Package since it can make the ride harsher. Also non-Sports Package cars are slightly cheaper.   The options to look for are Premium Package (includes automatic soft top with leather) and Heated Seats. Everything else (xenons, stereo, convenience package are nice to have).
#14 of 19 True - except get the sports package! by txranger1 Sep 18, 2006 (2:52 pm)
vsaxena has some good advice except one thing - Get the sports package. Having that little button to push can make all the difference. I really love using it, but not all the time. Replies to this message: vsaxena (Sep 20, 2006 1:25 am)
#15 of 19 Re: True - except get the sports package! [txranger1] by vsaxena Sep 20, 2006 (1:25 am)
Replying to: txranger1 (Sep 18, 2006 2:52 pm) The only problem with the Sports Package is the 18" Run Flats which can make the ride quite harsh. The throttle and steering response with the Sports button is definitely better; I had it on all the time . If the OP does not mind the harsher ride, then ZSP is a must have.
#16 of 19 Re: Boxster or BMW Z4 [squelch] (not hosting here) by Mr_Shiftright HOST Apr 25, 2007 (1:17 pm)
Replying to: squelch (Sep 05, 2006 1:59 pm) There's always a good chance of Boxster or 996 engine failure at around the 100K mark. That's just the way it is, sad to say.   Personally I'd buy the Boxster and be sure to ditch it around 80K, but I wouldn't turn down a Z4 if you gave me one   I just prefer the Boxster looks.
#17 of 19 Doctor J by larryjod Jan 01, 2008 (8:14 pm)
After 100,000+ troublefree miles on my '88 924S, I bought an '07 5 speed Boxster. Comfort & handling are awesome. I get 27 MPG on the highway, love the engine sound and having 2 trunks is nice. I test drove an automatic Boxster S and the power was great but the price was alot higher. If I ever buy a BMW it will be a sedan, the Z4 felt cramped. There is nothing like driving a Porsche!
#18 of 19 boxter vs z4 by aren1 Feb 17, 2008 (10:53 pm)
i sue to own a boxter s and loved it so much, fun to drive and great handling, only problen is it has been a money pit, so many times i have to bring to the dealership after 45,000 miles and labor and materials are about twice as much as other european cars. recently bought a z4, not quite like my boxter but close enough - better mpg and i love the styling. I do like boxters but prefer carrera's , i just dont find it practical for my financial situation - only thing i hate about boxters is whenever i came side by side with 911's or carreras i feel so inferior, witha z4 its hard to tell the difference between 2.5 and 3.0 Replies to this message: majormcf (Apr 08, 2008 6:19 pm)
#19 of 19 Re: boxter vs z4 [aren1] by majormcf Apr 08, 2008 (6:19 pm)
Replying to: aren1 (Feb 17, 2008 10:53 pm) Great thing about where I live is 911s are as rare as big foot sightings. The Porsche is several levels above the BMW so obviously it is going to cost more. You get what you pay for. I have a BMW motorcycle and its an awesome bike but their cars just dont measure up to Mercedes or Porsche.

Messages Page 2 of 2 1 2 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Coupes & Convertibles Porsche Boxster & Boxster-S Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4