Help choosing between S54 Z3M and Z4M please

[alexwagner]

Hello,

I have owned two Z4M Roadsters in the past and loved them to bits. Amazing engine, great handling, no scuttle shake at all...

Now, I'm considering trying a Z3M Roadster (I live in Provence in the South of France, so drop-top is a must).

Why a Z3M?
- I think the Z3M look is maturing nicely into a timeless and classic design.

- I suspect the Z3M is more of a brutish old-school hot rod than the more polished and accomplished Z4M. I like it rough and I like an engaging and challenging car (I'm used to old air-cooled 911's), so the Z3M appeals. Is that what they're like compared to the Z4M?

- I get the impression I might make some money on resale. I've bought many sports cars before, nearly always losing money, and it would make a nice change to get some apreciation. It would certainly help the WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) no end! :-)

And now the eternal S50 vs S54 question:

- I really fancy a last-of-the-line S54, because it's a more sophisticated engine, and one that I loved it the Z4M and would enjoy getting to know again in a different chassis.

- The S54, produced in only 283 examples in Europe (versus over 3500 in S50 guise), seems like a cast-iron no-brain apreciating investment, especially as it's the last-of-line ///M straight-6, before the modern turbo era...

Your thoughts please?
On how the Z3M Roadster drives compared to the Z4M Roaster
On the apreciation upside of a Z3M Roadster, especially in S54 guise (so I can present my wife with some clever man maths!)

Thanks,

Alex

PS: I'm considering this one-owner F-BMW-SH, S54 car, in Germany (I live in France):
http://achat-occasion.automobile.fr/voiture-annonc...

[alexwagner]

Thanks, that's useful.

[alexwagner]

doclip]OK so I've had both [ie S54 variants said:

and agree the Z3M looks just great
BUT as a drivers car the Z3M is awful which is why I sold it
If you like driving quick especially on twisty back roads then chances are you'll end up in a ditch

I am definitely looking for a driver's car, but just to make sure we have the same definition:

I've owned air-cooled 911's from the 70's to 90's. They are the kinds of cars many might describe with "you'll end up in a ditch". But I found them very engaging playful drivers' cars. Sure, you need to be on your game but if you know the rules of the game, then they're predicatable cars that you can really lean on in the twisties (hence great rally success I might add).

So is a Z3M like that?

Or is it unpredicatable and treaturous?

Thanks,