Might go for a z3m for missus rather than m3 for me
Might go for a z3m for missus rather than m3 for me
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Discussion

torqueofthedevil

Original Poster:

2,088 posts

203 months

Saturday 28th July 2012
quotequote all
Just having a look, I was going to get an e46 m3 soon but I don't really drive my car much and I'm happy with the 330d I have which due to high milage will be worth nowt.

She likes convertibles and an m3 might be too big for her - had a look and z3m's look good value.

How does the driving experience compare to an m3? I will drive it at weekends so needs to be good. Surely the main thing with these cars is the engine so both should be great?

falkster

4,258 posts

229 months

Saturday 28th July 2012
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I found mine a bit too raw for the wife!



Personally I thought it was very easy to lose the rear end, didn't feel stable at high speeds and is very cramped inside.

shantybeater

1,202 posts

195 months

Sunday 29th July 2012
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great cars, bundles of character but as above they are quite a handful! They are far more old school in the handling department so in terms of lap times an m3 would destroy it round a track. Also bare in mind other than the 73 limited edition S54 versions none have any form of traction control. An m3 is a far more predictable, precise ride, but the zed is ten times more fun.

Mine has recently become a weekend toy only and its far more suited for the purpose, a real event every time i get in it and it never disappoints!

Edited by shantybeater on Sunday 29th July 16:54

torqueofthedevil

Original Poster:

2,088 posts

203 months

Friday 10th August 2012
quotequote all
Really liking the idea of the z3m now despite the pic above! When pol say handling is old school - comparable to an mx5? Sounds like the s50 may be more enjoyable than s54 too? More Torqey? Please convince me!

ady702

376 posts

173 months

Friday 10th August 2012
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The S50 is abit more raw, specially with a Macmotoren box like I had, but the S54 will have traction control as the S50s didnt and it is tail happy but brilliant lol

torqueofthedevil

Original Poster:

2,088 posts

203 months

Saturday 11th August 2012
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Just watched a few old top gears on YouTube and the z3m's handling seems to be highly regarded!

Plainview23

318 posts

238 months

Saturday 11th August 2012
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I didn't go for one a few years ago because I couldn't let my girlfriend drive it if the roads were at all wet.
It's fantastic fun but I really think you have to be a pretty good driver -not a Schumacher of course- but rather understand RWD well to keep it on the black stuff when it rains heavily.

shantybeater

1,202 posts

195 months

Saturday 11th August 2012
quotequote all
torqueofthedevil said:
Really liking the idea of the z3m now despite the pic above! When pol say handling is old school - comparable to an mx5? Sounds like the s50 may be more enjoyable than s54 too? More Torqey? Please convince me!
s54 has more torque low down and is a bit quicker. The s50 I had first definately felt more raw, probably because of the lack of TC and less sound proofing but I have no regrets upgrading to the s54. Both really are a very involving drive. Go test drive one and make the decision for yourself



Edited by shantybeater on Saturday 11th August 20:44

UberMeister

312 posts

178 months

Saturday 11th August 2012
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I had one for around 6 months - used daily in all weathers.

I can't say I ever thought it was that much of a handful but I did have Uniroyal Rainsports fitted which may have helped some what.

Like any car, if you drive it like a tool then it will bite but I certainly wouldn't be put off owning one for fear of crashing it...




manand38

2,026 posts

232 months

Monday 13th August 2012
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think the convertable suffers from the same basic suspension issues as the coupe.

In standard form, the susp is far too soft, so if you want good handling, you'll need to change that for Schnitzer or KW.

boobles

15,251 posts

241 months

Monday 13th August 2012
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UberMeister said:
I had one for around 6 months - used daily in all weathers.

I can't say I ever thought it was that much of a handful but I did have Uniroyal Rainsports fitted which may have helped some what.

Like any car, if you drive it like a tool then it will bite but I certainly wouldn't be put off owning one for fear of crashing it...

Thats a stunner you had there!











It was previously mine. biggrin

UberMeister

312 posts

178 months

Monday 13th August 2012
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boobles said:
Thats a stunner you had there!











It was previously mine. biggrin
Certainly was one of the better ones...no idea where it is now. I kept the plate so it'll be on it's original reg now.

Been a few good summer days where I've really missed it. weeping




BuzyG

787 posts

237 months

Wednesday 15th August 2012
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Have you considered a Z4MR.

As for the other two the M3 will be easier for the Mrs to drive. It's much more like driving a normal car, than the Z3MR or a Z4MR for that matter.

It's also much less of a event as a result. Just my humble opinion.

boobles

15,251 posts

241 months

Wednesday 15th August 2012
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The Z4M is a stunning car but also alot more expensive to buy compared to a Z3M.

Akeme

7 posts

246 months

Tuesday 21st August 2012
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I bought a Z3MR in April this year and its been the most enjoyable car i have owned for a long time.

I was a bit cautious about the handling at first as i had heard stories that they were a handful but i feel its a bit over exaggerated, in the dry you have to be really savage in 2nd gear to provoke any reaction.

In the wet i drive as cautiously as i would in any car, but making quick progress in the rain is straight forward enough, i have had hot hatches that feel less surefooted than the 3.

Edited by Akeme on Tuesday 21st August 15:19

Pig Skill

1,368 posts

229 months

Tuesday 21st August 2012
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buy a z3m

epic cars, so long as you don't expect M car handling, more a relaxed GT. That said turn in quite sharp.

The S50 engine is a GEM!