E90 M3 or Z4M coupe?
Discussion
After some opinions please.
Having looked through the adverts you can get these two for a smilar price. What are people views on what would be more fun / entertaining for a weekend toy with occasional commuting.
Practicality isn't really an issue so there is no need for back seats or a massive boot.
Both manuals but different engines and characteristics.
Views?
Having looked through the adverts you can get these two for a smilar price. What are people views on what would be more fun / entertaining for a weekend toy with occasional commuting.
Practicality isn't really an issue so there is no need for back seats or a massive boot.
Both manuals but different engines and characteristics.
Views?
Owned both for extended periods, loved both, the M3 is clearly the more capable car, the Z4mc is flawed but lovable despite its flaws (mainly poor suspension). The Z4m feels slightly more special out of the box but release some noise in the M3 and the gap becomes much closer than you would think, when you can hear the S65 every drive becomes an event.
I would also buy the Roadster if I was having another Z4m, why have all that compromise without the ability to get the roof down. It's also cheaper, asking prices for a Z4m above £16k seem a little silly to me.
Drive both on a road you know well and I think most people who enjoy driving would take the M3.
I would also buy the Roadster if I was having another Z4m, why have all that compromise without the ability to get the roof down. It's also cheaper, asking prices for a Z4m above £16k seem a little silly to me.
Drive both on a road you know well and I think most people who enjoy driving would take the M3.
Had both a E92 M3(manual) and a Z4M Roadster and the Z4M does feel more special with the two seats and being sat fairly close to the rear wheels, but the E92 M3`s chassis wipes the floor with the Z4M`s chassis and the M3 is far more forgiving and adjustable and the M3`s ride is in a different league too.
However as an occasional car though the Z4M would win hands down for me.
However as an occasional car though the Z4M would win hands down for me.
My brother in law has a E93(convertible) V8 M3 as his occasional car and he loves it and you get to really enjoy that high rev V8 with the roof off so that could be another angle.
If you are adverse to convertibles then I would still go Z4M Coupe as they look special and are rare and my issue with a M3 is that when you open the garage door there wont be much to get the heart racing as its still only a 3 series that is based on a family car and it wont be something you will be itching to drive.
If you are adverse to convertibles then I would still go Z4M Coupe as they look special and are rare and my issue with a M3 is that when you open the garage door there wont be much to get the heart racing as its still only a 3 series that is based on a family car and it wont be something you will be itching to drive.
Drive both and you will probably know instantly. Z4mc ride is a lot firmer, feels a lot more dominated by the engine, sit low and feels more sporty, needs more concentration to drive fast or slow. E90 M3 has a lot more torque so easy to cruise in or drop a few gears and exercise the great v8. Not that much in it performance wise at road speeds but doesn't feel as fast as the speedometer reads as it is much smoother, better chassis, softer suspension, more 3 series cabin. For occasional use the Z4mc would feel more special if you can live with the slightly rough edged chassis.
Thanks for your replies.
I've driven a Z4M roadster and was very impressed. I've always like the look of the coupe but there is still something that I like about the thought of a manual RWD V8. I think they're the last of the breed as manuals are being increasing rare.
I think I'm leaning towards the Z4M as it's would be a weekend car but need to find out about a test drive of an M3.
Thanks again.
I've driven a Z4M roadster and was very impressed. I've always like the look of the coupe but there is still something that I like about the thought of a manual RWD V8. I think they're the last of the breed as manuals are being increasing rare.
I think I'm leaning towards the Z4M as it's would be a weekend car but need to find out about a test drive of an M3.
Thanks again.
Haven't had an e9x m3 but I have a Z4m and it's utterly intoxicating - even to drive slowly. Every journey feels like an event and the engine is a delight at any speed and dominates the experience. I had a 911 as well and sold it as I like the Z so much. I've no doubt the V8 in the M3 is special when you can it but the rest of the time from what I can gather it would feel more ordinary than the Z. If you got a V8 I'd get one with more low down torque such as an RS4. The M3 will depreciate and fall into that netherland before it appreciates again whereas the Z is at the bottom of the deprecation curve.
daz05 said:
Owned both for extended periods, loved both, the M3 is clearly the more capable car, the Z4mc is flawed but lovable despite its flaws (mainly poor suspension). The Z4m feels slightly more special out of the box but release some noise in the M3 and the gap becomes much closer than you would think, when you can hear the S65 every drive becomes an event.
I would also buy the Roadster if I was having another Z4m, why have all that compromise without the ability to get the roof down. It's also cheaper, asking prices for a Z4m above £16k seem a little silly to me.
Drive both on a road you know well and I think most people who enjoy driving would take the M3.
Having also owned a Z4MC and 2 e92 M3s, I'd agree with all this. If I was buying again, I'd take the M3.I would also buy the Roadster if I was having another Z4m, why have all that compromise without the ability to get the roof down. It's also cheaper, asking prices for a Z4m above £16k seem a little silly to me.
Drive both on a road you know well and I think most people who enjoy driving would take the M3.
Z4MC for 9 months and presently got an E93 M3.
Both cars are great, M3 does the real world stuff better, doesn't look anywhere near as good or feel as special in day to day driving. It's great with the roof off with the engine on song.
Wish I'd kept the Z4MC but do love the practicality of the M3
Both cars are great, M3 does the real world stuff better, doesn't look anywhere near as good or feel as special in day to day driving. It's great with the roof off with the engine on song.
Wish I'd kept the Z4MC but do love the practicality of the M3
I sold my E90 M3 and bought a Z4MC. For something that looks and feels special then the Z4MC wins hands down. The Z4 is not without its flaws though. The kangaroo jumps changing from first to second can been annoying but easily overcome. Its got a big nose and you are sat all the way at the back so pulling out of some junctions can be a bit of a lottery. The nav system looked ancient 5 years ago when I had mine so will feel prehistoric now, in fact if I was buying another I would look for one without the nav.
Running and maintenance costs will be similar I would have thought.
Running and maintenance costs will be similar I would have thought.
I pondered the e46 M3, Z4M & e92 M3 recently and whilst it was very good, i couldnt wrap my head around the ridiculous expense (depreciation) of the e92 compared to the other two. Yes, tax/warranty/mpg is also a bit worse, but the other two if bought correctly, pretty much pay you to drive them these days.
Ignoring money completely? I'd still probably buy the e46, plenty of time in the future to have an e90, 4 door, M3.
Ignoring money completely? I'd still probably buy the e46, plenty of time in the future to have an e90, 4 door, M3.
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