MCoupe (Z3M) Vs. E46 M3
Discussion
pilchardthecat said:
Z4M, best of both worlds
I agree and disagree with that at the same time!I have owned both an e46 m3 (std and CSL) and a z3mcoupe and currently have a z4m.
The e46 m3 in standard guise is very capable all round but lacks 'soul'. It is a very good at being an all round car.
The CSL is more of a weapon and has soul but still has the practical aspect.
The Z3M and Z4M are so similar with the Z4M being more composed and reliable(!).
As a daily driver, I don't think I could be bothered with the Z4M and would revert to something else.
However, my Z4M is a weekend car, so I am content with the teeth chattering, spine clattering ride of the Z4M.
Rags said:
pilchardthecat said:
Z4M, best of both worlds
I agree and disagree with that at the same time!I have owned both an e46 m3 (std and CSL) and a z3mcoupe and currently have a z4m.
The e46 m3 in standard guise is very capable all round but lacks 'soul'. It is a very good at being an all round car.
The CSL is more of a weapon and has soul but still has the practical aspect.
The Z3M and Z4M are so similar with the Z4M being more composed and reliable(!).
As a daily driver, I don't think I could be bothered with the Z4M and would revert to something else.
However, my Z4M is a weekend car, so I am content with the teeth chattering, spine clattering ride of the Z4M.
I find it extremely comfortable, and have no problem at all with the ride. I would say it's a considerably less crashy ride than the 1 Series on runflats. I am constantly baffled and confused as i keep hearing about how awful it is :|
pilchardthecat said:
Rags said:
pilchardthecat said:
Z4M, best of both worlds
I agree and disagree with that at the same time!I have owned both an e46 m3 (std and CSL) and a z3mcoupe and currently have a z4m.
The e46 m3 in standard guise is very capable all round but lacks 'soul'. It is a very good at being an all round car.
The CSL is more of a weapon and has soul but still has the practical aspect.
The Z3M and Z4M are so similar with the Z4M being more composed and reliable(!).
As a daily driver, I don't think I could be bothered with the Z4M and would revert to something else.
However, my Z4M is a weekend car, so I am content with the teeth chattering, spine clattering ride of the Z4M.
I find it extremely comfortable, and have no problem at all with the ride. I would say it's a considerably less crashy ride than the 1 Series on runflats. I am constantly baffled and confused as i keep hearing about how awful it is :
Exciting car for the weekends though, which to be fair is what BMW intended it to be.
I'm approaching middle age with alacrity and am probably built more for comfort than speed hence the M6 is a much more suitable weapon.
For me the only E46 M3 I sat in was like sitting in a Whales' Mooey.
manand38 said:
For an involved drive, nothing beats a suspension sorted Z3M Coupe. I have one and love it. Rate it above the CSL!
For a daily driver, I would go for the E46 M3 as it is more refined.
+1For a daily driver, I would go for the E46 M3 as it is more refined.
I bought a S54 Z3M Coupe and after getting a full suspension refresh including Bilstein B6’s etc it handles superb.
Small, agile, fantastic engine, on a twisty B road they take some beating
Edited by donutskidmark on Wednesday 20th September 22:38
I had a Z4M which my dad still owns
He also has a Z4 M roadster (yes it makes no sense I agree!)
I also have a Z4 3.0si Coupe.
I did find the Z4MC ride uncomfortable, it's not so much that it bothered me, and it was absolutely fine for long journeys. It was more short journeys over speedbumps ans potholes where it could ne jarring.
It really wasn't that bad but when I got the 3.0si it was TOTALLY different and it really accentuated how firm the Z4MC was. The 3.0si feels SOOO much more chilled and comfortable
Oddly enough the Z4MR is also MUCH more comfortabl I can only imagine the weight of the hood changed the way the suspension was set up and the reduced rigidity if the car generally adds up to a nicer ride.
I live in London ans on occasion have considered taking the Z4MC off my dad's hands but would not be happy with dailying it in London.
If you live in the country on faster open roads, however, I would say the ride won't bother you that much
He also has a Z4 M roadster (yes it makes no sense I agree!)
I also have a Z4 3.0si Coupe.
I did find the Z4MC ride uncomfortable, it's not so much that it bothered me, and it was absolutely fine for long journeys. It was more short journeys over speedbumps ans potholes where it could ne jarring.
It really wasn't that bad but when I got the 3.0si it was TOTALLY different and it really accentuated how firm the Z4MC was. The 3.0si feels SOOO much more chilled and comfortable
Oddly enough the Z4MR is also MUCH more comfortabl I can only imagine the weight of the hood changed the way the suspension was set up and the reduced rigidity if the car generally adds up to a nicer ride.
I live in London ans on occasion have considered taking the Z4MC off my dad's hands but would not be happy with dailying it in London.
If you live in the country on faster open roads, however, I would say the ride won't bother you that much
I'd go for a Z4M Coupe with updated (more compliant) suspension. A bit newer than the E46, which are already climbing in price. Good looks - subjective, I know, but the side and rear profile look great IMO. Quick steering rack and CSL brakes. All for 20k makes it somewhat of a bargain. Shame they're 700 quid to tax!
Z4MCSL said:
I had a Z4M which my dad still owns
He also has a Z4 M roadster (yes it makes no sense I agree!)
I also have a Z4 3.0si Coupe.
I did find the Z4MC ride uncomfortable, it's not so much that it bothered me, and it was absolutely fine for long journeys. It was more short journeys over speedbumps ans potholes where it could ne jarring.
It really wasn't that bad but when I got the 3.0si it was TOTALLY different and it really accentuated how firm the Z4MC was. The 3.0si feels SOOO much more chilled and comfortable
Oddly enough the Z4MR is also MUCH more comfortable I can only imagine the weight of the hood changed the way the suspension was set up and the reduced rigidity if the car generally adds up to a nicer ride.
I live in London ans on occasion have considered taking the Z4MC off my dad's hands but would not be happy with dailying it in London.
If you live in the country on faster open roads, however, I would say the ride won't bother you that much
the z4mr was lighter than the z4m coupe, and still its stiffer than the e46 m3 COUPE. Designed always as a roadie from the off always helps! both are a fantastic platform that deserves so so so much more recognition. Some suspension tweaks and these things are EPIC. He also has a Z4 M roadster (yes it makes no sense I agree!)
I also have a Z4 3.0si Coupe.
I did find the Z4MC ride uncomfortable, it's not so much that it bothered me, and it was absolutely fine for long journeys. It was more short journeys over speedbumps ans potholes where it could ne jarring.
It really wasn't that bad but when I got the 3.0si it was TOTALLY different and it really accentuated how firm the Z4MC was. The 3.0si feels SOOO much more chilled and comfortable
Oddly enough the Z4MR is also MUCH more comfortable I can only imagine the weight of the hood changed the way the suspension was set up and the reduced rigidity if the car generally adds up to a nicer ride.
I live in London ans on occasion have considered taking the Z4MC off my dad's hands but would not be happy with dailying it in London.
If you live in the country on faster open roads, however, I would say the ride won't bother you that much
I may have some insight that is helpful.
I owned a Z3M Coupe (M Coupe S54, 2002) for 3 years from new. It left me with over 90K on the clock and I enjoyed almost every single mile. I also owned an E46 M3 (manual 2005) and kept that for around a year and c50K. This car was also new, so I can’t provide assurance regarding what they are like as second hand buys now, c20 years (for the Z3M) after I ran mine.
As cars, they are very different. One is very fast and reliable classic car, the other a rounded and very quick enjoyable modern car. Both are easy to use daily, and both consume super unleaded around the 20-25 mpg range. Servicing was similar on both and not wildly expensive as the intervals are reasonable. The 50K major service was a whopper and even at 2003 prices over £2K. I used both on road and covered long drives and daily commute. They were never used on track.
To drive I would best summarise both as fantastic cars. I never really felt the Z3M was a car to take liberties with, as it was not “on side”. The handling can be snappy and hitting deep standing water on a motorway provides a very quick reminder that the rear is much wider than the front.
To describe the traction control as moderately good would be generous! Anyone familiar with modern day performance cars will undoubtedly enjoy the performance, however, the handling is less than modern and was quite outdated even when it was new. If I recall correctly it was based on two generation old 3 series compact (others will no doubt verify this). As a “classic” car with a lot of performance, it is great.
Seating and in car infotainment. The Z3M has no sat nav although the system was perfectly fine at overcoming the road noise. The seats have restricted movement, so perhaps try one to clarify that you can be comfortable. The M3 is a major step forward, and felt generations ahead.
The M3 is without doubt a better car and aside from straight line acceleration and top speed (my Z3M arrived with no speed limiter), the Z3M would not see which way it had gone. However, both a fantastic drivers cars but very, very different. The M3 handles superbly with a balance and far more advanced systems that allow fun, but can also be on side during that wet winter drive very late at night after a long flight. To pop down your favourite route, both will be fun, the M3 will be the quickest.
Interestingly, at least to my eye, both appear to have aged very well and retain their stance on the road. amongst current cars the Z3M does look tiny (super example parked at Bicester Heritage recently)!
As drivers cars, both are fabulous and I have no hesitation in recommending either. As an ownership proposition in 2023, I am not best placed to answer this as each is now advancing in year. There will be many more who can.
It probably comes down to finding the best example of either that is within budget. Regardless of the high miles covered, I was left stranded only once. The Porsche that followed scored 9 breakdowns in 9 months!
Issues:
Z3M (2002)
Clutch at 50K. replaced under warranty.
Persistent issue with the alarm – every time it was serviced, including the 600 mile running in service!
CD changer in boot replaced, warranty.
The washer fluid leaks out of the rear wiper under hard acceleration
Barely used any oil between services
M3 (2005)
The small wing badges on the side often left the wing during high speed autobahn runs.
No oil used between services
Finance director frequently quizzing about 10K from a set of tyres!
I hope this helps and good luck in finding the right car
I owned a Z3M Coupe (M Coupe S54, 2002) for 3 years from new. It left me with over 90K on the clock and I enjoyed almost every single mile. I also owned an E46 M3 (manual 2005) and kept that for around a year and c50K. This car was also new, so I can’t provide assurance regarding what they are like as second hand buys now, c20 years (for the Z3M) after I ran mine.
As cars, they are very different. One is very fast and reliable classic car, the other a rounded and very quick enjoyable modern car. Both are easy to use daily, and both consume super unleaded around the 20-25 mpg range. Servicing was similar on both and not wildly expensive as the intervals are reasonable. The 50K major service was a whopper and even at 2003 prices over £2K. I used both on road and covered long drives and daily commute. They were never used on track.
To drive I would best summarise both as fantastic cars. I never really felt the Z3M was a car to take liberties with, as it was not “on side”. The handling can be snappy and hitting deep standing water on a motorway provides a very quick reminder that the rear is much wider than the front.
To describe the traction control as moderately good would be generous! Anyone familiar with modern day performance cars will undoubtedly enjoy the performance, however, the handling is less than modern and was quite outdated even when it was new. If I recall correctly it was based on two generation old 3 series compact (others will no doubt verify this). As a “classic” car with a lot of performance, it is great.
Seating and in car infotainment. The Z3M has no sat nav although the system was perfectly fine at overcoming the road noise. The seats have restricted movement, so perhaps try one to clarify that you can be comfortable. The M3 is a major step forward, and felt generations ahead.
The M3 is without doubt a better car and aside from straight line acceleration and top speed (my Z3M arrived with no speed limiter), the Z3M would not see which way it had gone. However, both a fantastic drivers cars but very, very different. The M3 handles superbly with a balance and far more advanced systems that allow fun, but can also be on side during that wet winter drive very late at night after a long flight. To pop down your favourite route, both will be fun, the M3 will be the quickest.
Interestingly, at least to my eye, both appear to have aged very well and retain their stance on the road. amongst current cars the Z3M does look tiny (super example parked at Bicester Heritage recently)!
As drivers cars, both are fabulous and I have no hesitation in recommending either. As an ownership proposition in 2023, I am not best placed to answer this as each is now advancing in year. There will be many more who can.
It probably comes down to finding the best example of either that is within budget. Regardless of the high miles covered, I was left stranded only once. The Porsche that followed scored 9 breakdowns in 9 months!
Issues:
Z3M (2002)
Clutch at 50K. replaced under warranty.
Persistent issue with the alarm – every time it was serviced, including the 600 mile running in service!
CD changer in boot replaced, warranty.
The washer fluid leaks out of the rear wiper under hard acceleration
Barely used any oil between services
M3 (2005)
The small wing badges on the side often left the wing during high speed autobahn runs.
No oil used between services
Finance director frequently quizzing about 10K from a set of tyres!
I hope this helps and good luck in finding the right car
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