Re: YES! Z8...(more) (archive)

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I agree with Glenn. I have owned two 740iLs, my wife drives a 540iT wagon and I have an M Roadster. Like Glenn I work for a living and enjoy the unique approach that BMW takes in their business. Owning and driving a unique car like the Z8 will be a kick. It will be hard to get burned given BMW's reputation and the current market demand.

BTW I had the pleasure of meeting Heinrich Fisker, the Dane that designed the Z07. He now heads BMW's design studio in Pasadena, CA. His passion for what the company was trying to express was very refreshing. The talk that he gave was not a BMW sponsered event. It was part of an automotive design series put on by the University of California. If any of you have the opportunity to meet him you should take the time. The thought process in creating a car like this is facinating for someone completely outside of the business.

: I've already heard and read enough posts and articles where people are comparing this car to others of similarly priced vehicles; they both enjoy the car and feel that it IS a contender. Basically, I've taken to ignoring others concerns. I pick BMW for it's style and (to me) it's perfect blend of performance and luxury. It's not purely a luxury car, it's not purely a performance car. I'm not a racer, I'm not an aristocrat. Therefore, I like the mix that I get with this vehicle. With the limited quantity of the Z8, at least even if I find that for some unseen reason I DON'T like the car, I can sell it! AND probably turn a profit! To me, those are unbeatable qualities.

: : Well, I have decided after some long, hard thinking to buy a Jaguar XKR. I have placed an order for a Blue XKR convertible with upgraded brakes and gps. The bad part is that for Canada, the gps system isn't up and running yet. It could be a year before I will actually be able to use the system. No matter. I decided that the Jag and Z8 offer similar levels of quality, performance and luxury, but the price of the XKR and the fact that it has a glass rear window tipped the balance for me. Added to this the wait for a Z8, the fact one can't get a test drive and the markups, the XKR made real sense to me.

: : For those of you considering buying a Z8 or those who have already placed an order for one, I would like to know what other cars you considered before choosing the Z8 (e.g. MB SL series, Aston Martin DB7, Jaguar XKR etc) and why you chose the Z8. Also, what previous cars of this class have you previously owned? Well, even as a soon-to-be Jag owner, I hope I can still visit this board and get your opinions of the Z8 one you take delivery. Happy motoring!

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