Z3M VS Z4M?

[Rob Slom]

Hi all,

Recently picked up a well cared-for Z3M (S50) and keen to hear how it compares to a Z4M Roadster.

I also have an E46 M3, so while I love the Z3M’s looks and character, I do find myself wanting a bit more—especially with a big European trip in mind.

I’m torn between hunting down an S54 Z3M as a sweet spot, or just moving to a Z4M.

Any thoughts from those who’ve driven or owned both?

Thanks.

[mmm-five]

Wasn't the S54-engined Z3M a lower-power 325hp version due to the space limitation for the exhaust manifold, space limitation for better air intake system, and lower rev limit to avoid both increased unner-bonnet temps and to avoid needing to recall them to upgrade the rod bearing shells (as they did in the M3)?

Although as the Z3M is lighter than an M3 or Z4M, it will not probably feel any slower...and may be more reliable due to the lower rev limit (7400 vs 8000).

I really wanted a Z3M coupe to replace my e34 M5, but I never found one with an interior I liked (wanted solid champage or imola interior, but they were all bi-colour or black), so went for a Z4M coupe instead.

[Rob Slom]

mmm-five said:

Wasn't the S54-engined Z3M a lower-power 325hp version due to the space limitation for the exhaust manifold, space limitation for better air intake system, and lower rev limit to avoid both increased unner-bonnet temps and to avoid needing to recall them to upgrade the rod bearing shells (as they did in the M3)?

Although as the Z3M is lighter than an M3 or Z4M, it will not probably feel any slower...and may be more reliable due to the lower rev limit (7400 vs 8000).

I really wanted a Z3M coupe to replace my e34 M5, but I never found one with an interior I liked (wanted solid champage or imola interior, but they were all bi-colour or black), so went for a Z4M coupe instead.

I know they did restrict performance on the S54 Z3's. I have found with the S50 in the roadster I have bought to be in great health but does feel more agricultural than the Z3 3.0i sport that I adored.

https://www.pistonheads.com/regulars/ph-fleet/bmw-...

I think if I found a roadster without a two tone interior, I would go down the route of CSL intake for some bark and urgency.

[VeeTenM]

Not owned both but my old Z3M Coupe had the Evolve/Macmotoren carbon airbox which took up half the engine bay, sounded amazing. They have released a hybrid one for the Z4M which I am now after since I want a S54 although not exactly cheap. Might be something half decent to hear with the top down since you want a roadster.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiRsSEMywV4

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by VeeTenM on Thursday 16th April 17:23

[Mr Tidy]

I've had my Z4M Coupe 6 years now and the S54 is an epic engine and sounds fantastic up near the redline!

I've no experience of a Z3M though, but if you prefer the looks of the Z3M maybe a late one of those with an S54 is the answer?

The Z4M does share some parts like the steering rack with the M3 CSL, although that means replacements are pricey, and all but a handful of early Z4M Roadsters are in the £790 a year band for Road Tax.

[Pereldh]

Z4M Coupe is supposed to be lots more grown-up than Z3M Coupe, but mine did get me in the end (on Eiskurve on Nurburgring) - after 9 years of ownership. Only driven the Z3M Coupe on the street, and its certainly very different. Really tiny but I suppose more "fun".
However the way I sit for long journeys I cannot fit in it, backrest hit the rear beam. In the Z4M Coupe I could just about recline to my angle!

Edited by Pereldh on Friday 17th April 09:37

[VeeTenM]

Here you go Rob, one Z4M, well looked after example...

Only £69,980

https://www.tieroneautomotive.co.uk/vehicle-detail...

[matty13]

Ive owned both in coupe form and honestly the z3m is a much better road car. A z3m with an s54 is the sweet spot. Id keep what you have and spend a bit on some up grades - airbox etc

[Rob Slom]

matty13 said:

Ive owned both in coupe form and honestly the z3m is a much better road car. A z3m with an s54 is the sweet spot. Id keep what you have and spend a bit on some up grades - airbox etc

That is super interesting to hear from owning both, I am finding it tricky to decide what to do.

I prefer the look of a Z3 and the size and previously said, the 3.0i sport I did a European jolly in was fantastic. I thought the road manners of that car were great, you could really press on. I just find with the M it feels much more nervous and less planted. I did uprate some of my bushes in my 3.0i to E36 M3 ones.

I am struggling to find options for a airbox for the S50... any advice?

[Rob Slom]

Mr Tidy said:

I've had my Z4M Coupe 6 years now and the S54 is an epic engine and sounds fantastic up near the redline!

I've no experience of a Z3M though, but if you prefer the looks of the Z3M maybe a late one of those with an S54 is the answer?

The Z4M does share some parts like the steering rack with the M3 CSL, although that means replacements are pricey, and all but a handful of early Z4M Roadsters are in the £790 a year band for Road Tax.

The road tax situation I do find highly depressing! Especially when my E46 M3 is an early car and is in the lower bracket.

[Cheburator mk2]

matty13 said:

Ive owned both in coupe form and honestly the z3m is a much better road car. A z3m with an s54 is the sweet spot. Id keep what you have and spend a bit on some up grades - airbox etc

I would totally disagree...

My brother owned a G-Power ZM Coupe with 500+ bhp while I owned from new a Z4MC for 5yrs... The Z4MC with proper tyres and not the Conti M3 factory fitted rubbish was miles ahead both on the street and track...

The ZM Coupe was more endearing, had a better quality cabin with some really neat retro touches and that was about it... We run them concurrently for about 4yrs. My brother's car was the better car, but that had been thoroughly re-worked by G-Power/ AC Schnitzer - engine, 6-spd box, forced cooling on the diff, AC Schnitzer custom dampers, springs and ARBs, Recaro buckets, Heigo cage, CF front wings and bonnet, three piece wheels, 993/996TT brakes etc.

We concluded that the standard ZM Coupe was way too soft and understeery, and totally unpredictable on the limit vs the standard Z4MC which was way too hard, understeery, but at least totally predictable once it started sliding on the limit.

P.S. The Z4MC DOES NOT share a steering rack with the CSL - it has its own unique rack, which is even quicker than the CSL one. The roadster also has its own unique rack, just like the dampers/springs, which are also uniquely calibrated for the roadster chassis, giving better ride than the coupe...

Edited by Cheburator mk2 on Thursday 23 April 10:57

[Pereldh]

Agree on the "hard & understeer" of the Z4M Coupe which can be noticed on your first testdrive round a roundabout. However, the understeer bit is VERY easily sorted - just undo both securing pins of the strut towers & push wishbones max in. Adjust toe.
Gives about -1.5deg camber and the handling balance they should've had from factory!