Who Considered a Boxster, but Got a Z4 Instead?

Originally Posted by Cvaria

the boxster is near impossible for DIY engine work,

can you elaborate more on this? is it something specific to Porsche/Boxster or the mid-engine layout?
I've been doing self-maintenance on my e36 M3 and most of it are easy to do. Haven't done any self-maintenance on the e89 since its still under the free service.

Originally Posted by Cvaria

i dont want the 35is because it doesn't come in stick (i like to drive my cars, not pose in them).

Umm, I'm pretty sure that most of us w/ the faster DCT don't pose in our Zeds, rather, just drive them very skillfully.

Originally Posted by zetmobile

can you elaborate more on this? is it something specific to Porsche/Boxster or the mid-engine layout?
I've been doing self-maintenance on my e36 M3 and most of it are easy to do. Haven't done any self-maintenance on the e89 since its still under the free service.

The boxster engine is inaccessable unless lifted in some manner.

Originally Posted by tranquility

Umm, I'm pretty sure that most of us w/ the faster DCT don't pose in our Zeds, rather, just drive them very skillfully.

no beef,

i just don't dig automatics... totally a personal choice.. sorry if i got out of line.

.... (not the z4 but the automaticlutchninja hate is strong):



the autonunchuck clutchamacallit is getting a lot of love in the new 911 though.

Originally Posted by tranquility

Umm, I'm pretty sure that most of us w/ the faster DCT don't pose in our Zeds, rather, just drive them very skillfully.

I've often wondered why anyone would need to yak about his stick shift, i think it's an inadequacy thing ...

Originally Posted by EdCT

I've often wondered why anyone would need to yak about his stick shift, i think it's an inadequacy thing ...

i think thats why the stick and auto are sold... but i think it is redonkulous that the 35is is only available in auto. not fair.

When I started my search I was looking at Boxter's and Caymans. Lots of research turned up some serious issues with the Boxter/Cayman engines with regard to engine reliability.
Mid shafts were breaking and, due to internal cooling issues, pistons are sticking in the bore.
Lots of reports were bad-mouthing PNA for not standing behind some of these problems and causing some huge repair bills to customers.
I'm new to BMW and it was a fluke to run across a CPO 2008 Z4 3.0si Coupe about 500 miles away.
The more I looked at it and read about it the more I fell in love. Years of editorials hardly said a bad word about the car! A deposit, a plane ride and a wonderful drive home and I've never looked back. I love this car! The warranty is good until this September, the CPO extends that for two years and I bought the service contract so I have virtually no additional cost for at least 2 1/2 years.
The Boxter/Cayman have been left in the dust in my mind. Sure, any mid-engine will have phenomenal handling but the Z4 is no slouch and I love the looks, the power and the handling. The RFT's suck but they will go away eventually. I bought a Viair 88P compressor, carry a plug kit and some slime if I really need it and I'm good, no matter what tires I have.
btw, the compressor fits down low right next to the battery under the trunk matte.
Bottom line.......I'm happy. Z4 is great and on top of all that.....it was probably $10-15k cheaper than the CaymanS.
Regards, david

Originally Posted by greenspire

. . . The Z4 is great and on top of all that.....it was probably $10-15k cheaper than the CaymanS.
Regards, david

Since I originally started this thread, I've done a lot of thinking. I have owned a 2009 base Boxster for over 2 years. I really do appreciate this car a lot... but the harsh (some say solid) ride is getting the better of me. And, while I'm really not worried about the IMS or oil seal issue (design improved starting with my year)... it does sort of lurk back there somewhere. So... I am selling the car and am waiting delivery of a 2012 35i Z4, MSport, and pretty loaded. Now I can put a bumper sticker on my e91 that says, "My Other Car is a BMW"

Doug

Congrats on the new Z4! You're going to have a blast!
Good choice....;-)

The new Boxster is pretty sweet.

Love that 635! I have always like them and, unfortunately, never got stationed in Germany! I hope Uncle Sam shipped yours home! Seems like most of the 635's I have seen came home that way!
Very nice!

And yes, the new Boxter/Cayman's are "sweet"!

All the best,
d

Originally Posted by iwanna330cic

Since I originally started this thread, I've done a lot of thinking. I have owned a 2009 base Boxster for over 2 years. I really do appreciate this car a lot... but the harsh (some say solid) ride is getting the better of me. And, while I'm really not worried about the IMS or oil seal issue (design improved starting with my year)... it does sort of lurk back there somewhere. So... I am selling the car and am waiting delivery of a 2012 35i Z4, MSport, and pretty loaded. Now I can put a bumper sticker on my e91 that says, "My Other Car is a BMW"

Doug

Congrats! I've followed your story and you've made a great choice in the 35i!

I considered a Boxster but wanted the hardtop.
Just picked up my 35is. I am amazed at how comfortable it is and nice it rides.
I am 6'3" and I fit fine.
I think I made the right choice for myself.

The Boxster might be a better choice for others though.
Guess it depends what you are after.

Originally Posted by az34

the boxter problem is its aging design (1997) same year of the dating z3

Saying that the current boxster is anything like the z3 is a joke. Maybe back then they were competitors...not any more. The new boxster looks nothing like the old one from back when they had egg yolk headlights. Not bashing the z4...I would love to own one, but I would sooner hop into a boxster (not counting for labor costs, etc).

Originally Posted by abanjableu

Saying that the current boxster is anything like the z3 is a joke. Maybe back then they were competitors...not any more. The new boxster looks nothing like the old one from back when they had egg yolk headlights. Not bashing the z4...I would love to own one, but I would sooner hop into a boxster (not counting for labor costs, etc).

The general concensus it that the Boxster still looks a lot like it did in 1997. A few have commented as such in this thread. It looks enough like it did in 1997 that people decide not to get the car for that reason.

To say it looks nothing like it did (from any angle) in 1997 is an opinion that very few would share.

To be fair, the latest Boxster looks really good, best it's ever been. I still don't like that it has a ragtop, but other than that, it looks very nice. As such, the new Cayman should look great.

Originally Posted by tranquility

To be fair, the latest Boxster looks really good, best it's ever been. I still don't like that it has a ragtop, but other than that, it looks very nice. As such, the new Cayman should look great.

I agree - the newest generation of rhe Boxster is a good looking car.
The only point I was making was that for many, it still resembles the 1997 too much.

The Z3 and e89 they are absolutely nothing alike. The newest generation Boxster is an evolution from 1997

Hi there is a video on either fifth gear or you tube not sure, with a head to head on the Z4 and Boxster. The presenters are a couple of plant pots but they can drive!
Most people don't have the ability to drive on the edge for each of these cars, so to my mind you are looking at best the odd blast and the rest day to day, on this basis give me the Z4 anyday!!!!!

Exactly the point I've always made. If you're going to track the car, the Boxster will perform better. But for the 99% of us who have this car as a DD, the Z4 is unbeatable. Hard top convertible, killer looks, 4 years free maintenance, less expensive.

Originally Posted by 645/333

Hi there is a video on either fifth gear or you tube not sure, with a head to head on the Z4 and Boxster. The presenters are a couple of plant pots but they can drive!
Most people don't have the ability to drive on the edge for each of these cars, so to my mind you are looking at best the odd blast and the rest day to day, on this basis give me the Z4 anyday!!!!!

Yes, the video is on Fifth Gear. Actually they did two different Z4 (E89) comparisons:

Series 16, Episode 3 - Z4 vs. Boxter
Series 17, Episode 4 - Z4 vs. 370Z

Cheers!

Originally Posted by BlueZ4AZ

I agree - the newest generation of rhe Boxster is a good looking car.
The only point I was making was that for many, it still resembles the 1997 too much.

The Z3 and e89 they are absolutely nothing alike. The newest generation Boxster is an evolution from 1997

The first generation 986




3rd generation 981

[QUOTE=TeeZee;6799013]

Are the comparison photos meant to change the opinion that the 1997 looks a lot like the 2013, or was it meant to confirm the opinion??

They were offered to let people have their own opinion

Originally Posted by TeeZee

They were offered to let people have their own opinion

OK, then my opinion is that they still look too similar to each other for model years that are 16 years apart.

The new Boxster reminds me of a Laser 917 - I just not feeling that new look. Spyder is my favorite but the original Boxtser does not look half bad.

The Boxster may ultimately outperform the Z4 but the Z4 feels that much more special to me in day-to-day driving.