BMW Z4M Coupe | Spotted
As E46 M3s continue to appreciate, is now the time to think about a Z4M?
This likely isn’t news to anyone, but the days of cheap E46 M3s are long gone - and not likely to return, either. Cheap and good, that is; you could probably shell out not much initially then spend a lot sorting stuff out. It’s all great news for owners, who have seen values of their seminal M car boom in not much time at all, and rather less encouraging for those of us who want to buy an M3. Because we now live in a time where even a CS can command almost £40k. And that’s not really the ‘vaguely affordable modern classic M car’ we imagined E46s would remain.
However, there is a glimmer of hope. Because there’s a contemporary of the M3, powered by the same engine, that was manual only, rarer, arguably more stylish and doesn’t seem to have appreciated at quite such a ferocious rate. We’re talking, of course, about the Z4M Coupe.
Now, there’s a good reason why the Z4 isn’t quite as revered as the M3; it’s commonly accepted that, in best BMW tradition, the saloon-derived coupe is better to drive than the actual sports car coupe. And the Z4 doesn’t have an M3 badge. That said, if you want character, a wild side that maybe put off new customers but now will excite on a sunny Sunday, then here’s your car. With one of the best six-cylinder engines ever made. Plus, if the Z4 remains just a tad too lairy, there must be a host of aftermarket bits now to quell some of the waywardness.
Once upon a time, nobody really liked how the Z4M Coupe looked, it being not as wantonly weird as the Z3M that had preceded it nor as classically handsome as the M3. Nowadays, though - and while this remains pretty subjective - we seem to be in a real sweet spot for the Z4. What was weird and futuristic still seems modern. Certainly more distinctive than yet another two-door 3 Series, and more cohesive than the Z3M - however lovable the old clown shoe is. There’s not even a set of CSL replica wheels on this Z4, which are apparently mandatory given their popularity, and it remains a real looker.
The only bad news, really, is that Z4Ms have gone up in value as well, albeit not quite like the M3. This 2007 car has 60,000 miles, a manual gearbox (there was never an SMG option, as part of the traditionalist approach) and is being offered by the dealer that sold it last time around in 2020. While it’s had a lot of owners (eight), all the required maintenance has been carried out. “Still the excellent Z4MC that left our showroom two years ago”, reads the advert appraisal. Certainly scrubs up nicely, inside and out, for the pics.
An asking price of £22,995 leads us back to our original point. Yes, it’s more than it will have been in recent history, but not my much; in 2019, a 2006 car with a few more miles was £20k. Crucially, too, an M3 for this money is going to be older, higher mileage, or with the SMG - £21,995 buys an E46 CS with almost twice the miles. This isn’t the sort of money anyone would call a bargain, unfortunately, but the M3’s ascendancy arguably makes the quirky Z4 more appealing than ever.
SPECIFICATION | BMW Z4 M COUPE
Engine: 3,246cc, straight-six
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 343@7,900rpm
Torque (lb ft): 269@4,900rpm
MPG: 23
CO2: 292g/km
First registered: 2007
Mileage: 59,800
Price new: £42,245
Price now: £22,995
From researching these the concensus seems to be that the M just isn't quite right and is unruly but not in a good way.
The si does seem like the more sensible purchase!
From researching these the concensus seems to be that the M just isn't quite right and is unruly but not in a good way.
The si does seem like the more sensible purchase!
That graph is also wrong, the Z4M makes around 340bhp, whereas there it shows under 300.
I think they do look different enough to the 3.0, with specific bonnet, front bumper, rear bumper, exhaust, wheels and ride height. Performance may not be too dissimilar, but that S54 engine is so special and revving it out never gets old.
Handling wise they were criticised when new, but that could be easily improved with more modern tyres and subsequently with geo tweaks if you wanted to go further.
I would certainly consider one again as 2nd/3rd car; they are an event to drive and pretty rare.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M54
The 3.0 is over 100BHP down on the M. However it is still a fast car, and for a daily I would say the better bet, but when you hit that little bit of clear straight then the caravan you've been sat behind for 10 mins is history in the M where the 3.0 would still be waiting.
I can't put my finger on it but I guess it was the whole combination of a very poor / crashy ride quality (I was forever looking out for potholes), odd handling behaviour, the even odder lack of charisma from the supposed fabled M3 engine (it worked great in the E46 of course but somehow not in the Z4M to me), strange power delivery etc. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad car at all just not what you'd expect from those fantastic looks, great engine & M-engineers. The interior was a lovely place to be though.
I went scurrying back to the safe hands of an Alfa GTV 3.0 V6 24v after i sold it - a far more charismatic, soulful & likeable car which actually felt quicker & more responsive than the Z4M Coupe even though the figures don't say so. And such a nicer noise as well.
I think they do look different enough to the 3.0, with specific bonnet, front bumper, rear bumper, exhaust, wheels and ride height. Performance may not be too dissimilar, but that S54 engine is so special and revving it out never gets old.
Handling wise they were criticised when new, but that could be easily improved with more modern tyres and subsequently with geo tweaks if you wanted to go further.
I would certainly consider one again as 2nd/3rd car; they are an event to drive and pretty rare.
I can't compare performance but the Z4MR could be a real event to drive. Scary at times, but often memorable and certainly got the heartbeat going. Being honest it probably scared / excited me more than any car I've ever owned (slightly ahead of my current M2) but I'm sure there must be some after-market suspension kits that could sort that out (which I intend to do for my M2).
As above, perfect for a second car and to be fair, I found it absolutely fine as a daily driver at the time (in my relative youth).
3.0Si comfortable & nice, a bit boulevard maybe and I did not like the el.steering. Certainly not the exciting lairy monster the Z4M Coupe is..
Z4M of course had std ('non-runflat') tires and hydraulic quick steering from the M3 CSL (in Z4M Coupe).
To me, my M was a bit too hard riding and too much road noise. Both has since been fixed tho, by Eibach Pro springs (now KWV3) and some noise cancelling in the otherwise empty doors. Of course, CSL-wheels are a great addition too!
Now its both a great GT and a great track car.
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