Hi, I just joined 10 minutes ago and don't own a crossfire yet. Couldn't think of a better place to do some research. From reading posts here I know there's a lot of owners of older/different roadsters. I own a BMW Z3 that I love driving but as I get older and my lower back pain gets worse, I find that the Z is a lot harder to get in and out of than it used to be. Any former Z3 owners on here that care to offer any insight on significant differences between the two? The Z3 2.5 is about 40 hp less but 300 lbs lighter so I'm guessing the base crossfire would be a little quicker than my Z3 and it's more than fast enough for me.

FWIW, don't plan on vinyl or bling bling wheels as I love the look of the crossfire stock. (And no, I don't live with my mother! )

Not trying to start any Z3/crossfire competition, just looking for any help I can get. I'm leaving snowy central new york for vacation in florida in a week and I'm bringing the title to the Z3 with me just in case I can come back in a crossfire.

Thanks for the help.

 

Welcome to the forum. Have you driven a Crossfire yet? I would think that would be the best way to compare the seating of the 2 cars. I have never driven a Z3, so I couldn't tell you, but I know I am in my mid 50's and the Crossfire isn't the easiest car to get out of, but driving it makes that small inconvenience worthwhile.
Good luck with your search, that are some good deals out there.

 

I would second Inot2old's recommendation to drive one. That's really the only way to check out the seating and seat/steering wheel/pedal relationships. The most I have driven is about 350 miles in a day and I found it comfortable enough. Any minor problems getting in and out magically disappear on a nice day with the top down.
Also, the prices are laughable for what you are getting!

 

Curt, welcome to the forum. Getting in and out of the Crossfire, and how comfortable you are once you get there, depends mostly on age, hight, and weight.
I've never had the pleasure of driving a Z3, so I can't help you make a comparison. If you're tall, there's not much room to tilt the seat back. I'm 6'2", 210 lbs. so I had to get use to driving in a more upright position than I was normally accustomed to. But I adapted to it very quickly, and soon found it to be more comfortable and less strain on my neck.
Like you've been advised, driving one is all you need to do to be sure. If you fit, it's a very addictive place to be. Good Luck

 

I looked at the Z4 before I bought my Crossfire and never took it for a test drive...the price alone drove me away. The XF has standard what BMW charged for optionally.

Agree you have to drive one. It's a low 2-seater and getting in and out of those is never easy. My wife has hip problems and it is very painful for her. I'm a spry 50-something and have no issues. I've driven 800 miles in a day without any unusual discomfort other than sitting in one place for 11 hours.

 

I am way into my sixties with all the aches and pains that brings. What you have to watch and this goes for all the younger drivers as well, is not to rub your backside across the seat back as you get in. It will not take long for the seat back and stitching to wear. With the seat back falling apart, you will not be to happy.

 

I've got a few of those aches and pains myself ... I keep telling MrsS that life's not fair as evidenced by the fact that I've got an old man's knees on my otherwise young body ... she just laughs at me and says "in your dreams" ...

Getting into the car is easier for me than getting out, because my right knee is reluctant to bend far enough to let my doggone size 11 foot out the door, but it's not enough of a problem to diminish my zest for driving my car ...

 

Welcome !!
My father has a coupe, and is 80 years old.
He loves the car !! My mom says its a little hard to get out,
but getting in is easy.
Yes, test drive one you will really enjoy it.

 

6' 1", 195 lbs.
Same as others here, had to do some adjusting to get the right fit but I fit.
I actually posted a "how to" on getting into the car.

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...57&postcount=7

That will help you get in. Someone else can post a get out post!
So what are your dimensions? That'll help us with your fit question.

Oh yeah! Welcome to the forum! Bunch of great folks here waiting to help ya when you need it.
"See" ya on the forum!

 

Thanks for all the replies. I'm 6' 1" 210-220 depending on the time of the year. (Heading up!)

The Z3 is extremely low to the ground but I have no problem sliding into it. The problem comes from trying to get up off the ground while trying to get out and I have a habit of occasionally twisting my lower back when I rush my exit. It's never bothered me though because the drive makes it all worthwhile. (Sound familiar?) It's pretty close to the feeling of actually sitting on the floor and then pulling yourslf up. The crossfire looks like it sits considerably higher. I have my eye on one if it's still there when I get down south. My wife has already given her seal of approval so that usually means I'll get it if for no other reason another toy has been pre-approved! Then I can drive them both for awhile and take my time deciding if I have to.

Thanks again!