z4 back to mx5?

[california123]

I started out about ten years ago, with a mark one mx5,then another then another,had to be mk1 pop up headlights and all .I then got the six cylinder large body z3.I have now got the six cylinder z4.I cant imagine going back to an mx5 now.Im thinking of another z4 or z4 s drive,or slk.Reason i want a more cheerful colour interior than the grim black one on my present z4.I cant imagine it but has anyone you know bought a mx5 after they owned a z4?

 

[Paul Rice]

I started out about ten years ago, with a mark one mx5,then another then another,had to be mk1 pop up headlights and all .I then got the six cylinder large body z3.I have now got the six cylinder z4.I cant imagine going back to an mx5 now.Im thinking of another z4 or z4 s drive,or slk.Reason i want a more cheerful colour interior than the grim black one on my present z4.I cant imagine it but has anyone you know bought a mx5 after they owned a z4?

If you like the car why not brighten the interior on yours

 

[california123]

Hi Paul, im assuming you mean dyeing the leather?I like to change my cars now, and again ,so im on the look out for a 3 litre z4 with red, or cream interior,at present my car is 2.5,im also considering an s drive, or slk. I think i would prefer the interior colour to be factory original.

 

[Paul Rice]

Hi Paul, im assuming you mean dyeing the leather?I like to change my cars now, and again ,so im on the look out for a 3 litre z4 with red, or cream interior,at present my car is 2.5,im also considering an s drive, or slk. I think i would prefer the interior colour to be factory original.

E89 interior to me is the best, really well finished looks especially good in Red. Saying that Red exterior with cream interior probably my pick

 

[JimS]

If you have already owned an MX5 then you know what good fun it is, and they only get better with the later versions. It is down to the lightness and the ease of use in my opinion. Jump in, drop the top in a few seconds, snick through the slick gears and off you go, knowing you are going to enjoy yourself. The engines and the interior quality though, aren't nearly as good as the German cars.

The Z4 is a much more sophisticated car, I would almost call it a sporting GT rather than a sports car, particularly the E89. Satisfying and comfortable over long distances and with a feeling of real quality you don't get in an MX5, but also less involving.
The SLK probably has even more quality and less sportiness, and I find the interior a bit outdated. The earlier 350 and newer AMG versions are hooligan cars though if that's your thing.

There is of course also the default choice Boxster and the Audi TT to consider. It's really about budget and what qualities you are looking for that should guide your decision. I drove them all and decided on the Z4 this time, but they all have lots to offer in their own ways.

 

[california123]

If you have already owned an MX5 then you know what good fun it is, and they only get better with the later versions. It is down to the lightness and the ease of use in my opinion. Jump in, drop the top in a few seconds, snick through the slick gears and off you go, knowing you are going to enjoy yourself. The engines and the interior quality though, aren't nearly as good as the German cars.

The Z4 is a much more sophisticated car, I would almost call it a sporting GT rather than a sports car, particularly the E89. Satisfying and comfortable over long distances and with a feeling of real quality you don't get in an MX5, but also less involving.
The SLK probably has even more quality and less sportiness, and I find the interior a bit outdated. The earlier 350 and newer AMG versions are hooligan cars though if that's your thing.

There is of course also the default choice Boxster and the Audi TT to consider. It's really about budget and what qualities you are looking for that should guide your decision. I drove them all and decided on the Z4 this time, but they all have lots to offer in their own ways.

You are right each has good qualities,i enjoyed the simplicity of the 3 mk1 mx5s i owned, and yes they handled brilliantly.The bmw z3, or z4 is a step up though.You have got the badge,and the stunning body designs.On balance i think the mx5s handles better,but their bland body shape from the mk2 up i didnt like.The z4 is a modernist work of art, and will go down as a classic.Its also a relation to the marvelous z8, and thats pleasing in itself.Its the only bmw i would ever consider buying,as the saloons i find clinical, and soulless.also but for the handling i would concider the body shape of the mx5 also bland,the handling redeems it though! ps the very latest z4 i dont like, and would not go down as a classic in my humble opinion.

 

[california123]

E89 interior to me is the best, really well finished looks especially good in Red. Saying that Red exterior with cream interior probably my pick

The s drive interior is a major step up on the mk1 z4 ,agree especially in cream leather.

 

[Maurits K]

I owned an MX-5 mark 1 (actually: a Canadian Miata), as well as a mark 2.5 MX-5, prior to owning the 2.5si, which I owned prior to my current 3.0i roadster (and my current 3.0si coupe). Are you still with me? ;-)

Mx-5s are great fun (especially for the money), but simply a step down in terms of engines, gearboxes and also interior space, options, etc. Also in terms of corrosion around the rear arches, but that probably is not an issue in California (but definitely is here in the Netherlands).

In terms of E85 interior dullness: agreed! But you could also refresh your black interior by sourcing some OEM non-black parts and create your own Individual. That is what I did, in what also started as a ‘03 plain black interior aluminium interior panels (and greyish pre-facelift bits):

All OEM bits, however not a combination you could order in ‘03. Individualising with OEM bits also might be a path for you to explore?