RE: Tell Me I'm Wrong: BMW Z4 M Coupe
Discussion
IMO at standard ride height I think the Roadster suits the 18s better than the CSLs but the Coupe suits CSLs better than the 18s. With the CSLs if you go with the 35/30 profile the suspension has to be lowered otherwise the gap looks stange on either car.
CSLs with good premium tyres are lighter though.
CSLs with good premium tyres are lighter though.
Just wanted to add I'm a big fan of the both the Z4MR and Z4MC, Z3MC is cool as you like but I'm really a bit confused by the whole "E46M is better, why bother?"
Don't get me wrong E46M was an incredible return to form for BMW M division after the E36, loved by the motoring press at the time (Autocar raved about it) but it's now got a crippling image problem (IMHO) and for similar or not much more cash you can get an E85 M.
If you're after a 2 seat roadster \ coupe but can't stretch to a Boxster \ Cayman than you haven't really got much in the way of choices anyway (if we're honest)
Reliable performance, relatively cheap and to my mind great looks. You could argue that a Elise, E46, MX5 insert other car here are better drives but most E85M\E86M owners still get a crazy grin every time they start theirs up.
In this world of forced induction and down sizing I consider my Z4MR a two fingered salute to those who'd dilute fun in the name of progress.
It might not be perfect but hey, neither am I
T1b
Don't get me wrong E46M was an incredible return to form for BMW M division after the E36, loved by the motoring press at the time (Autocar raved about it) but it's now got a crippling image problem (IMHO) and for similar or not much more cash you can get an E85 M.
If you're after a 2 seat roadster \ coupe but can't stretch to a Boxster \ Cayman than you haven't really got much in the way of choices anyway (if we're honest)
Reliable performance, relatively cheap and to my mind great looks. You could argue that a Elise, E46, MX5 insert other car here are better drives but most E85M\E86M owners still get a crazy grin every time they start theirs up.
In this world of forced induction and down sizing I consider my Z4MR a two fingered salute to those who'd dilute fun in the name of progress.
It might not be perfect but hey, neither am I
T1b
T1berious said:
I'm really a bit confused by the whole "E46M is better, why bother?"
As with so many things it comes down to how one likes one's automotive eggs.People who make choices on emotive grounds will talk about things like sense of occasion, image, grin factor, two-seat coupe vs saloon, etc. "Character" is everything, and flaws such as handling vices are easily overlooked or even form part of the appeal; cars without flaws can be boring.
For those who are primarily rational - objective criteria take priority. Flaws are not to be tolerated, and regardless of the car's perceived image, if it drives better, that's what counts. That the E46 M3, or a Cayman, is unequivocally a more highly-developed and better-resolved proposition far outweighs the E85's greater "character" and more rarified image.
Of course, it's never black and white and we all have our emotive and rational sides, but most people tend to skew one way or the other and it's usually pretty obvious where any individual's personal loyalties lie.
Thanks to Harris for igniting this debate - I've enjoyed the 12 pages so far - it's like a microcosm of PH in here.
It has been a very interesting debate and as I stated being in the market for the Z4MC mid 2013 one I have been keeping a close eye on
With regard to the E46 M3 question
I have wanted one for years, I love the shape the styling the noise, the trouble is IMO they have fallen into Subaru territory, people who love to Barry cars can now afford them, the servicing is often skipped and every time I see one it is being driven like a t
t with some leering chav behind the wheel
Rightly or wrongly it has put me right off them, whatever car I buy I need to use as a daily, I need to on occasion turn up to client meetings in, I cannot have that association with my car as it does make a bad impression
Shame really but I will now never own an E46 M3 unless I can one day afford a CSL and have it as a track toy
With regard to the E46 M3 question
I have wanted one for years, I love the shape the styling the noise, the trouble is IMO they have fallen into Subaru territory, people who love to Barry cars can now afford them, the servicing is often skipped and every time I see one it is being driven like a t
t with some leering chav behind the wheelRightly or wrongly it has put me right off them, whatever car I buy I need to use as a daily, I need to on occasion turn up to client meetings in, I cannot have that association with my car as it does make a bad impression
Shame really but I will now never own an E46 M3 unless I can one day afford a CSL and have it as a track toy
plenty said:
As with so many things it comes down to how one likes one's automotive eggs.
People who make choices on emotive grounds will talk about things like sense of occasion, image, grin factor, two-seat coupe vs saloon, etc. "Character" is everything, and flaws such as handling vices are easily overlooked or even form part of the appeal; cars without flaws can be boring.
For those who are primarily rational - objective criteria take priority. Flaws are not to be tolerated, and regardless of the car's perceived image, if it drives better, that's what counts. That the E46 M3, or a Cayman, is unequivocally a more highly-developed and better-resolved proposition far outweighs the E85's greater "character" and more rarified image.
Of course, it's never black and white and we all have our emotive and rational sides, but most people tend to skew one way or the other and it's usually pretty obvious where any individual's personal loyalties lie.
Thanks to Harris for igniting this debate - I've enjoyed the 12 pages so far - it's like a microcosm of PH in here.
Good, well written post. I'd be on the 'emotive' side personally !!People who make choices on emotive grounds will talk about things like sense of occasion, image, grin factor, two-seat coupe vs saloon, etc. "Character" is everything, and flaws such as handling vices are easily overlooked or even form part of the appeal; cars without flaws can be boring.
For those who are primarily rational - objective criteria take priority. Flaws are not to be tolerated, and regardless of the car's perceived image, if it drives better, that's what counts. That the E46 M3, or a Cayman, is unequivocally a more highly-developed and better-resolved proposition far outweighs the E85's greater "character" and more rarified image.
Of course, it's never black and white and we all have our emotive and rational sides, but most people tend to skew one way or the other and it's usually pretty obvious where any individual's personal loyalties lie.
Thanks to Harris for igniting this debate - I've enjoyed the 12 pages so far - it's like a microcosm of PH in here.
original guvnor said:
plenty said:
As with so many things it comes down to how one likes one's automotive eggs.
People who make choices on emotive grounds will talk about things like sense of occasion, image, grin factor, two-seat coupe vs saloon, etc. "Character" is everything, and flaws such as handling vices are easily overlooked or even form part of the appeal; cars without flaws can be boring.
For those who are primarily rational - objective criteria take priority. Flaws are not to be tolerated, and regardless of the car's perceived image, if it drives better, that's what counts. That the E46 M3, or a Cayman, is unequivocally a more highly-developed and better-resolved proposition far outweighs the E85's greater "character" and more rarified image.
Of course, it's never black and white and we all have our emotive and rational sides, but most people tend to skew one way or the other and it's usually pretty obvious where any individual's personal loyalties lie.
Thanks to Harris for igniting this debate - I've enjoyed the 12 pages so far - it's like a microcosm of PH in here.
Good, well written post. I'd be on the 'emotive' side personally !!People who make choices on emotive grounds will talk about things like sense of occasion, image, grin factor, two-seat coupe vs saloon, etc. "Character" is everything, and flaws such as handling vices are easily overlooked or even form part of the appeal; cars without flaws can be boring.
For those who are primarily rational - objective criteria take priority. Flaws are not to be tolerated, and regardless of the car's perceived image, if it drives better, that's what counts. That the E46 M3, or a Cayman, is unequivocally a more highly-developed and better-resolved proposition far outweighs the E85's greater "character" and more rarified image.
Of course, it's never black and white and we all have our emotive and rational sides, but most people tend to skew one way or the other and it's usually pretty obvious where any individual's personal loyalties lie.
Thanks to Harris for igniting this debate - I've enjoyed the 12 pages so far - it's like a microcosm of PH in here.
I'd love a go at trying out an E85.
Chris said of the looks:
" Well, I don't think it was as good to drive, which leaves us with the only other reason why you might make such a choice - the way it looks. Which brings me back to the point about the original Z3 M breadvan being cooler than an Eskimo's spuds, and this one appearing rather too conventional."
In his latest Panamera Diesel video he says:
"It's not for me to judge the way anything looks, look at the way I present myself, I just don't care..."
Interesting?
" Well, I don't think it was as good to drive, which leaves us with the only other reason why you might make such a choice - the way it looks. Which brings me back to the point about the original Z3 M breadvan being cooler than an Eskimo's spuds, and this one appearing rather too conventional."
In his latest Panamera Diesel video he says:
"It's not for me to judge the way anything looks, look at the way I present myself, I just don't care..."
Interesting?
pilchardthecat said:
Of the M variety there were about 600 or each (coupe and roadster) sold in the UK
According to M Registry: http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=24ECE (LHD): 1,714 produced from 4/06 through 7/08
ECE (RHD): 1,052 produced from 4/06 through 6/08
NA (LHD): 1,815 produced from 4/06 through 8/08
That's M Coupe numbers.
M Roadster:
ECE (LHD): 1,425 produced from 1/06 through 7/08
ECE (RHD): 921 produced 1/06 through 7/08
NA (LHD): 3,041 produced 2/06 through 8/08
Mr Whippy said:
...anyone buying a car like this who cares WILL change that stuff - so it's silly to judge these cars as they came from the factory when considering them as a car for a car nut to buy/own/enjoy...
You'd think so although just reading through the forums here shows there is a fairly large proportion of people on here who proclaim a car 'molested', 'ruined' etc if even so much as a set of lowering springs find their way onto the vehicle; I think also when these cars are newer people are also wary of tweaks and modifications as the car is either technically still not theirs (Credit/HP etc) or there's always an eye on depreciation since they're intending to sell it on after 18 months anyway. Personally the Coupe vs Roadster arguement is the same as with the Z3M; the Coupe wins every time and for me as if they are two completely different cars. The roadster doesn't pull off the CSLs either.
I like them both [Z4MC and (Z3) M Coupe] - have had my M Coupe for about 7 years now, the looks always divide opinion but I like it!
I like them both [Z4MC and (Z3) M Coupe] - have had my M Coupe for about 7 years now, the looks always divide opinion but I like it!
Edited by c_w on Friday 14th September 12:10
TameRacingDriver said:
In most cases I prefer coupes, but unless it was ridiculously compromised, I'd always have the convertible. Can't beat top down motoring!
I agree i have always prefered coupes, but my z4 m is my first soft top & i have to say it adds another dimension to the driving experience, you just have to put up with the slight flexing of the body, but it does make the straight six sound good though! I prefer the look of the coupe better though from the side & rear, i am really not that keen on mine from the front, it just doesnt look right, not purposeful or agressive, i dont know what chris bangle was thinking, he must have been hungover!!
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