Any past / present BMW Z4 //M Coupe or Roadster owners?

Was recently at the dealer to look at the new X5i, and the Z4 Coupe really caught my eye. Am currently "on the fence" about purchasing the //M version -- Sepang Bronze / Sepang Brown with all options except heated seats and HD radio.

Wife and I took it for a fairly lengthy test-drive and was very impressed for the most part with the performance and handling of this car. The only exception would be the rather "notchy" shifter, and awkward 1st / 2nd gear / clutch modulation. For the life of me, I just couldn't get a smooth acceleration from stop until at least 3rd gear or higher -- at least not without giving my wife "whiplash" . After doing some research, I found that there was an aftermarket clutch valve that would help solve the issue, but still wonder why BMW hasn't addressed it.

At any rate, was curious if there were any prior or current owners here on the forum -- and, if so, what your thoughts / experiences are or have been with these cars. Anything to watch out for?

Also, do any of you have or know of a favorite forum for either the Z4 and/or the //M versions of the Z4?

Thanks in advance for any input or recommendations, as I'm completely new to the BMW experience.

 

I agree, Noel...those lines are very captivating in an odd sort of way...it's almost hard to describe. Thanks for the forum tip -- I'll check it out.

Found a couple of pics of the color that I'm considering (the color probably isn't for everyone, but I really like it in the "flesh"):
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Thanks everyone for the replies thus far -- they've been very informative.

The styling of the coupe is certainly "polarizing" amongst people I've talked to in the last few days -- as is the color combo. -- both of which I find appealing for some reason.

These cars certainly do handle superbly -- at least from what I could gather from the test drive.

Still trying to decide whether or not to wait a year or so and buy one outright (especially since I've read rumors that the new //M3's 8-cylinder motor might find its way into a possibly redesigned / updated Z4 //M coupe and roadster), or trade the C6 Vette for it now since the dealer has the exact coupe in the color and options sitting on their lot now.

Just finding it hard to justify trading the Corvette as it has more options, bigger engine, more hp, and more versatility. Perhaps it'd be better to wait, and then we could enjoy both cars. Decisions, decisions...