[WillC94]

We picked up our Z4 a bit over a year ago and while I absolutely love it, my parter just doesn't find it comfortable, especially for longer trips. We do love roadtrips and as of now, the frontrunner is a M850i convertible. I test-drove one when shopping for the Z4 and found it amazing (and a bit out of our budget at the time). Now after some time with the Z4, it's become clear we need to get something more comfortable for her if we're going to do some of the longer trips we have planned but I am no where near ready to give up my fun convertible that does 0-60 in under 4 seconds. It seems like the M850 checks both of our boxes though. If anyone has much experience with both, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by WillC94

We picked up our Z4 a bit over a year ago and while I absolutely love it, my parnter just doesn't find it comfortable, especially for longer trips. We do love roadtrips and as of now, the frontrunner is a M850i convertible. I test-drove one when shopping for the Z4 and found it amazing (and a bit out of our budget at the time). Now after some time with the Z4, it's become clear we need to get something more comfortable for her if we're going to do some of the longer trips we have planned but I am no where near ready to give up my fun convertible that does 0-60 in under 4 seconds. It seems like the M850 checks both of our boxes though. If anyone has much experience with both, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

While I don't have any Z4 experience, I have a bit of M850 experience. If you haven't seen this, I would offer this link as being apropos to your interest in taking longer trips. You may find it helpful. And, you're really close to the action down there.
https://f92.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2098241

As for getting your kicks with your Z4 going under 4 seconds 0-60, well, let's just say that's not even remotely a problem with the M850.

Cheers man

[TupperBMW]

The M850i in convertible form would be a total blast. If I didn’t need the rear seats that’s probably the one I’d have right now. And I’d drive with the top down as much as possible

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by TupperBMW

The M850i in convertible form would be a total blast. If I didn’t need the rear seats that’s probably the one I’d have right now. And I’d drive with the top down as much as possible

Rear seats on the GC are great for long trips. But, if you get an M850 vert, those "ahem" rear seats are still more room than the Z4 would provide, for a little extra storage. Just don't plan on putting anything in the foot well.

[rickyr17]

I traded in my 2019 Z4 3.0 SDrive for my current M850 vert. Before that I had 2 other Z4s. It really is a big step up. The M850 is a lot heavier and it's very noticeable but the power is also very noticeable. It can really pull you back in your seat. I generally drive it in Comfort. It's a smooth ride. My Z4 was a comfortable drive but the M850 feels even smoother. I attribute that to the extra weight. I have a friend who drives with me a lot. She definitely noticed the difference and feels like it's much more comfy. I also notice when I'm in comfort if I want to punch it, it'll still go. I didn't get that with the Z4. I had to be in Sport to get the extra pop.
The M850 is about 20" longer. It took me a while to get used to the extra size, particularly while parking. I never used to pull all the way into parking spots with the Z4 so the rear was lined up with the back of the spot. For a while, with the M850, I wasn't parking deep enough. It took a while before I didn't get out of the car, notice I wasn't deep enough, then get back in to pull forward. Lol.
I'm a little annoyed by the M850 top mechanism. I had a 2009 Z4 that had a similar top control. You have to keep a flap in the trunk folded down to put the top down cuz it folds into the trunk itself. They got rid of that in the 2019 Z4. The M850 has the flap. What's annoying is that it's a manual flap. With all the tech in this car, they could've automated the flap open/close. I generally keep the flap down.
I chose the same color scheme for both cars so they're similar. The interiors are nearly identical but the M850 feels a bit better build quality. Plus, I think there's more leather. Oh, I chose the B&W sound system. The Z4 HK system was great but the B&W is elite.
The Z4 exterior has more sharp edges. The M850 looks a little more refined. Overall it's just a more mature car. I loved my Z4 but the M850 was the best thing I could've replaced it with.

[m3_08]

also I think z4 is lower and its much easier to get in/out in 8 cars if it is important
for some

[TupperBMW]

If I had the vert M850i I'd be in sport plus mode all of the time. This thing is one fine sounding V8. Give it some good throttle and enjoy the tone as well as the pops. I'd love to be able to hear that better.

[bloozemanAZ]

Our resident expert for the Z4 is BMWGirlFL. Not sure if she's ever test drove an 8-series but if she has she can absolutely provide the low down on the differences.

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by bloozemanAZ

Not sure if she's ever test drove an 8-series but if she has she can absolutely provide the low down on the differences.

LOL Drove the M850i & M8 when I started shopping because I wanted a white coupe. The black convertible became a personality pick & my best choice because I preferred the smaller sportier car, short wheelbase & 2 seats.

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

LOL Drove the M850i & M8 when I started shopping because I wanted a white coupe. The black convertible became a personality pick & my best choice because I preferred the smaller sportier car, short wheelbase & 2 seats.

There's still only 2 seats in an M850 vert........😆

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

As for getting your kicks with your Z4 going under 4 seconds 0-60, well, let's just say that's not even remotely a problem with the M850.

Exactly and should the least of the comparison concerns. As mentioned by another post even in comfort the M850i will break 4 sub seconds for zero to 60. Run with my config of Sport Individual with engine on Sport Plus, transmission on Sport and chassis/suspension on Comfort it's a smooth ride with endlessly ridiculous power more than one would ever need.

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by bloozemanAZ

Exactly and should the least of the comparison concerns. As mentioned by another post even in comfort the M850i will break 4 sub seconds for zero to 60. Run with my config of Sport Individual with engine on Sport Plus, transmission on Sport and chassis/suspension on Comfort it's a smooth ride with endlessly ridiculous power more than one would ever need.

0-60 very close. Your car better high speed highway.

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by bloozemanAZ

Exactly and should the least of the comparison concerns. As mentioned by another post even in comfort the M850i will break 4 sub seconds for zero to 60. Run with my config of Sport Individual with engine on Sport Plus, transmission on Sport and chassis/suspension on Comfort it's a smooth ride with endlessly ridiculous power more than one would ever need. vertical........

My favorite setting, too. While my two F90s were a blast, especially the LCI Comp, the M850's quickness gives me no sadness. I think the 523 hp numbers are under rated. My latent M envy dissipated much sooner than I realized it would. 😉🙆‍♂️

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

There's still only 2 seats in an M850 vert........😆

I'm still laughing.

[snowbimmer]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

I'm still laughing.

Facts are stubborn things.........

[snowbimmer]

I may be paraphrasing, but bloozemanAZ said there was room for his laptop and a package of kleenex back there. 🤣

Not sure about there being room for the kleenex, however.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by snowbimmer

I may be paraphrasing, but bloozemanAZ said there was room for his laptop and a package of kleenex back there. 🤣

Not sure about there being room for the kleenex, however.

For the record... a box of Kleenex behind the passenger seat (so my 6'6" wing span can easily grab one when needed), an Adams Double Soft also on that side for quick easy dusting of the console/iD7 screen, etc and my sun visor that lays across the two non-existing seats.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

0-60 very close. Your car better high speed highway.

True in the OPs desire for a potential G14 M850i vs the Z4 M40i. But not true in comparison to my G15 M850i with carbon roof, etc. (it's a weight saver against the curb weight over gluttoned 8-series).

Yes, I've done 140mph plus with the G15 being rock solid and the torque eating up the competition on a few of those drives. I had fun carving up I-17 to Flagstaff along with a WRX. On the flats we had fun but when the inclines hit (it's about a 6K elevation to Flagstaff) the torque in the M850i left the WRX in the dust.

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by bloozemanAZ

True in the OPs desire for a potential G14 M850i vs the Z4 M40i. But not true in comparison to my G15 M850i with carbon roof, etc. (it's a weight saver against the curb weight over gluttoned 8-series).

I'd argue close enough compared to your coupe with cost difference taken into account. Z4 v. 840i is a significant B58 difference.

[bloozemanAZ]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

I'd argue close enough compared to your coupe with cost difference taken into account. Z4 v. 840i is a significant B58 difference.

Attachment 3451424

Yes, but I don't own a B58 but rather a fire breathing twin turbo V8 absolute smiles to the gallon. The OP was asking about that not a 840i "the frontrunner is a M850i convertible". Still the difference and while close on 0-60 the M850i HP and torque will win beyond that any day of the week.