My current top ten possible Jetta replacements

[Lebowski]

Ears, even?

If they were met with a proportional number on my head, yes

I already have a fairly hairy nose, though. Ear hair I'm sure will come.

[sportyaccordy]

Mine is going too. But thats OK. Actually I think I will buzz mine now.

[Raza]

The evolution of this thread is amazing.  I really want to read it from page 1. 

[Onslaught]

My girlfriend hasn't giving it up in three days. I'm going to cheat in another day or two.

[Raza]

Out of all of these cars you're considering, don't see how the Z4 isn't top of the list, honestly. It's fast, handles like a champ, competent interior. Reliability is decent. Is it a Honda? Nah. But who cares. I could never imagine buying a car based on hypothetical repair costs 100K miles from now.

As long as you're willing to concede to buying a water pump at some point, go for it. It didn't scare me away when I was looking at Bimmers a few months back. At the end of the day, you'll enjoy driving this car more than any other. There are really no compromises with the Z4.

Ha, Dan was the first person to suggest a Z4. 

[sportyaccordy]

Still loling at a 350ZR. I wouldn't mind one just as a rolling chassis for that engine though.

[Raza]

Still loling at a 350ZR. I wouldn't mind one just as a rolling chassis for that engine though.

It's 80% a great car; it just sucks in the details, which is what kills it.  Lame steering, terrible throttle feel, bad transmission.  Enough to totally ruin the car.

[MrH]

It's 80% a great car; it just sucks in the details, which is what kills it.  Lame steering, terrible throttle feel, bad transmission.  Enough to totally ruin the car.

Steering feel, feedback (through the wheel, brakes, chassis, etc), and overall sharpness of the car is 90% of the car in my mind.  Guess that explains why I hated it so much.

[Raza]

Steering feel, feedback (through the wheel, brakes, chassis, etc), and overall sharpness of the car is 90% of the car in my mind.  Guess that explains why I hated it so much.

Yeah, I suppose that last 20% can be 90%, especially when you're talking about a performance car.  I mean, in a midsize sedan that's supposed to get you from work and back and that's it, having shitty shit like that is forgivable, but not in a GT.

[MrH]

Yeah, I suppose that last 20% can be 90%, especially when you're talking about a performance car.  I mean, in a midsize sedan that's supposed to get you from work and back and that's it, having shitty shit like that is forgivable, but not in a GT.

I only drive GTs to work...

(we need a smiley that has sunglasses slowly fall into place and say deal with it.  White Kevin, I nominate you to make this happen).

[Raza]

I only drive GTs to work...

(we need a smiley that has sunglasses slowly fall into place and say deal with it.  White Kevin, I nominate you to make this happen).

Well, you know, a midsize sedan for most people. 

[GoCougs]

Nice, DramaSPIN comes to an end.

But you financed a 6-year-old car???

[MrH]

Nice, DramaSPIN comes to an end.

But you financed a 6-year-old car???

I was thinking the same thing.  Little downpayment on a 6 year old car?  Going to be upside down for pretty much the whole loan.  I'm guessing it's at least a 3 year loan.  Seems crazy not to own outright a car 9 years old.

But hey, he's a finance guy.  He understands this stuff better than me

[Raza]

Eh, good rate and I'll have it paid off in a year to 18 months.  I'm not worried.  And this car is a keeper.  When daily driver duties are done (holy alliteration, Batman!), it stays around for weekend work (again!).  This was a rough year financially, but 2013 will be better--even if I have to find another job.

[Rupert]

Alliteration, eh? What words would we want, when wandering wordage will woo?

...

[Raza]

Alliteration, eh? What words would we want, when wandering wordage will woo?

...

[Raza]

Oh, found this out.  Apparently, the key can be programmed to lower the top via the remote.  You can lower or raise the top using the key in the door lock though, without programming. 

[FlatBlackCaddy]

Finally got yourself a REAL german car, good for you.

[Raza]

Does the N52B30 use a timing belt or a timing chain?

[SVT666]

Shoestrings and rubber bands.

[2o6]

Does the N52B30 use a timing belt or a timing chain?

Neither. It uses a timing rope.

[Secret Chimp]

Why do people here forget the existence of das G?gels

https://www.google.com/search?q=N52B30+timing+chain&sugexp=chrome,mod=17&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[Raza]

Why do people here forget the existence of das G?gels

https://www.google.com/search?q=N52B30+timing+chain&sugexp=chrome,mod=17&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Oh, I Googled first.  But I found some conflicting data. 

[MX793]

Neither. It uses a timing rope.

Gear driven cams FTW

[r0tor]

Cams are overrated

[MX793]

Cams are overrated

Reed valves FTW!

[r0tor]

My girlfriend hasn't giving it up in three days. I'm going to cheat in another day or two.

Sound reasoning

[MexicoCityM3]

Go to this site: realoem.com
Input the last 7 digits of your VIN.
Browse the complete diagrams for every part in your Z4 to your heart's content.

[Raza]

Go to this site: realoem.com
Input the last 7 digits of your VIN.
Browse the complete diagrams for every part in your Z4 to your heart's content.

Awesome!  This is the kind of insight I was looking for.  If I listened to these guys, I'd think my engine used timing lollipops. 

[FlatBlackCaddy]

I miss realoem from when i had the 5er, that and pelican parts. Great sites, wish every automaker had sites like that.