Z4M bargains

[cragswinter]

Coupe or cabs, they're a hell of a car for the money no?

Still look modern, epic motor, all the toys & well under 15k. I kind of remember that evo & the like didn't rate them that highly but anyone with real ownership experience out there?

[cragswinter]

Thing is, on a motorway run (including continental runs) my old csl used to do 30+ mpg, Shirley with its better shape the coupe can at least equal this?

+1 about roadsters, how good is that straight 6 going to sound with the roof down

[cragswinter]

mmm-five said:

14mpg on the 'Ring.

Was it particularly bad weather

Seriously, what was it like on track? Usual brake woes?

[cragswinter]

Cheburator mk2 said:

and lap the Ring in 8:12...

The same as a megane?! I don't know why but I thought it would be quicker?

[cragswinter]

Cheburator mk2 said:

Agree - the Megane is on track rubber though and the Z4MC is on ContiSports, which were dreadful when they came out in 2000 (on the E46 M3) and even worse when put as factory fit on the Z.

Strap a set of Pilot Cups and the Z4MC is easily a very high 7min car...

I'd actually agree with you if it did have the right tyres & geo, but the megane trophy was on bridgestones for its record run.

The r26.r was on track 888's but it only managed a 8:17, though this perhaps just shows how good the trophy is & not how poor the M is.

[cragswinter]

Interesting points pulse, thanks for bringing another perspective to the table.

I too found my m3csl didn't like short journeys, lurched on a closed throttle when cold, m diff was a pain when parking etc

But for me it was worth the hassle just for that induction noise

Now, a couple of questions....

People have already mentioned about the 360bhp version, how do you tell which is which?

Is this engine the same as the csl (but without the trick air box)?

[cragswinter]

daz4m said:

There is no 360 version.

Just the 338bhp? Not as if that ain't enough mind!

essayer said:

wait, what?

Low speed locking, not really the worlds biggest problem but in terms of day to day bimbling around its a pain.

[cragswinter]

Another interesting point is the service schedule computer on my csl, it did seem to have the wagging finger!

750 mile schlep to the ring , maybe lowered the service indicates by 100 miles. one full day of lapping in a track day there didn't half knock it down though!

I'd imagine my short journey commute would destroy this as well, anyone else find this?

[cragswinter]

danyeates said:

I think it's based on fuel consumption so it's directly linked to how hard it's driven. Mine is dropping quickly!

Makes sense, pretty clever though, I mean if all you're doing is short, stop start journeys you should be servicing it more often I guess...

[cragswinter]

Not many about though is there? Actively looking now, just trying to decide the best colour combo-they seem to look much better in the darker shades but after my mettalic black csl I swore I wouldn't go there again!

[cragswinter]

carl_w said:

cragswinter said:

Not many about though is there? Actively looking now, just trying to decide the best colour combo-they seem to look much better in the darker shades but after my mettalic black csl I swore I wouldn't go there again!

They didn't make that many, and I think they struggled to sell the last of them.

wouldn't want to be common though would we?

any tips on must have options? heated seats would keep the misses happy, i quite fancy a light interior just for a change but anything else?

extended storage? what's all that about?

the upgraded stereo- is this the type with the subwoofers behind the fornt seats?


not really sure there's much else to choose from?

[cragswinter]

danyeates said:

cragswinter said:

Not many about though is there? Actively looking now, just trying to decide the best colour combo-they seem to look much better in the darker shades but after my mettalic black csl I swore I wouldn't go there again!

I might be selling mine if all goes well with this new house. I do have someone that wants first refusal and has test driven it, but if they've now bought another one, then mine may become available in the next couple of weeks.

thanks for the heads up dan, but i've got my heart set on a coupe really

[cragswinter]

Great Pretender said:

pilchardthecat said:

You think £160/year difference in tax makes a difference?

I spend that in 2 weeks on petrol, it doesn't even register

Indeed, but it's a stinger for some people who may buy the car later on in it's life. Over the course of a year, it's nothing, but up front, £450 is a mortgage payment for someone.

Either way, it won't help residuals.

this is an important factor, not to myself but almost everyone "in the trade" who i've spoke to reguarding these cars does the same through the teath whistle before mentioning road tax.


in what i'd spend on petrol it is pretty insignificant but as GP says, to someone buying who's further down the ladder (i really don't want this to sound condecending) it will be a big thing.

so, back on topic, any other little hints or tips on my next purchase

[cragswinter]

Induction kit you say?! Now I'd be very happy if there was a reasonable way to recreate the csl sound for a reasonable price

[cragswinter]

daz4m said:

Youtube z4m induction,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk1uU0XgFW4

Cheaper option is the AFE and the pricier option is the Gruppe M. Both run by owners on the forum with no reported problems with MAF etc despite some of the internet rumours you may hear.

Oh I miss that sound

I always said if I could have had the csl's engine with a manual box I'd have been happy, so the z4m may just hit the spot

Do you have any links to the install of the air box, prices etc (I've signed up to the z4 forum now), cheers

[cragswinter]

ooh i'm so going to buy one of these

why does every one that i like the look of never have sat nav?

[cragswinter]

Bungleaio said:

The nav in the latest z4 is guff so I dread to think how bad it is in the the previous generation.

When I start looking for a car the nav option wouldn't put me off but it's not something that I would pay extra for.

Edited by Bungleaio on Saturday 7th January 20:23

It's not something I'd pay a lot extra for either really, but, I can't stand wires faffing around a premium car (yes I know you can hard wire them) & having sucker marks everywhere.

The system in the z4 isn't perfect but with the latest maps & updates is more than capable I'm told

[cragswinter]

Yeah I think it needs to have the nav for me, the black with red interior doesn't half look good though my csl was sapphire black & I swore never again but it just looks so good on the flame surfaced Z4

[cragswinter]

Urban Sports said:

Do people not know where they are going?

In Europe, with swmbo holding the map?
Quite frankly, no

[cragswinter]

Hartge210 said:

Mrs H went in to our local BMW garge to test drive/buy a 3.0 Z4 last year, she didn't really like it as much as the E46 M3 cab she had previously, test drove a Z4MC & fell in love with it. Had no probs so far in 18k miles.

I even get to drive it occasionally (after I've cleaned it), great car.

oh dear that's aweful! you should sell it immediatly