E46 M3 or Z3MC

[e46acs]

So I want/need a large (comfy) estate to be a family wagon, no worries there.

But.....

I currently have an E46 M3 as my daily runner, which I love (its my 5th E46 M3) so this will become my weekend (& occasional daily) toy. However, I have an itch that is the Z3MC that I have never scratched.... Now as the "M" will become my 2nd car, I can afford to worry less about being able to get the kids in, so a 2 seater will be ok.

So, what would you have as your 2nd car (technically 3rd as SWMBO has her own car)? It would be weekend blasts, occasional mid-week use, occasional track day and a yearly road trip with to Europe with a Spa track day or day at the 'Ring.

E46 M3 or Z3MC?

[oxam]

I had a supercharged z3mc for 4 years and now I am on my third e46 m3. It really depends how much are you ready to sacrifise. The z3m is less practical, slower, handles awful in stock form (coilovers or least springs and arb are a must if you want to track it) costs more...but on the other hand is a really fun little thing to drive. It's more raw and driving it at the limit will be much more engaging/rewarding (well they also tend to snap really quickly, the m3 is much more predictable and refined). Also looks really cool and different and people will give you thumbs up. Given that it's becoming a classic it will hold it's value much better.

I would say go for a test drive and visit the z3mcoupe.com, great community and some really nice and helpful guys there.

btw, have you thought about z4m coupe? It's much better than thr e46 m3 and is still different?

[e46acs]

The Z4M just doesn't do it for me.

Is the Z3 really slower? I would have thought the power/weight would at least have them on a par?

As this would be my toy, happy to modify to improve and the lack of seats/space won't be an issue.

Have read a lot on z3mcoupe.com and it is really useful.