Which BMW?

[Donnyboy]

Hi, I'm moving back to London in a few weeks and my foremost thought is, what kind of car should I buy? Forget the boring admin tasks that I should be thinking about when moving overseas, I'd rather pore over countless magazines and websites to find my ideal next drive. I've narrowed it down to an M3, M5 or Z4. I get a lot of enjoyment from driving (obviously, otherwise I wouldn't be a member here) but the car would need to tick other boxes as well, practicality, reasonable running costs and of course, not looking like a chav.
Admittedly, I'm swaying towards the Z4. I test drove an E39 M5 the other day and loved it but I'm worried about the running costs and potential bombshells, such as Vanos failing, that will put a huge hole in my wallet. If I do go down the Z4 path, which model is perceived to be the best?

Your thoughts are welcome.

[Eggle]

I would say Alpina, but then I am biased!
Z4 Alpinas are stupidly cheap, and give a broader smile than a standard Z4.

[B3pete]

Eggle said:

I would say Alpina, but then I am biased!
Z4 Alpinas are stupidly cheap, and give a broader smile than a standard Z4.

Surely you mean the "Alpina Roadster?" cough cough

[paoloh]

Budget?

[Vinny09]

You should test drive a Z4 M.

They do it in Roadster and Coupe form, both with different appeal.

[Donnyboy]

Sorry I should have mentioned my budget first before you start recommending a Veyron. I want to spend around 15k which will rule out Z4M's, E92 M3's and E60 M5's. Is the insurance for an Alpina on par with the M's?

Thanks,

Phil

[obscene]

Get an M5 then do the Vanos seals ? http://www.beisansystems.com/index.html

[Vinny09]

Sorry - I was going to suggest a Lamborghini Reventon but I guess it's out then?



Cheapest M Roadster on BMW approved is just under 18k so you're not a million miles away if you found the right private seller.

I'll hand you back to the Alpina folk now....

Good luck!

[paoloh]

Vinny09 said:

Sorry - I was going to suggest a Lamborghini Reventon but I guess it's out then?



Cheapest M Roadster on BMW approved is just under 18k so you're not a million miles away if you found the right private seller.

I'll hand you back to the Alpina folk now....

Good luck!

Has to be an M over an Alpina all day long!

[David111]

Running costs will be a bit high on an 'M' as will insurance but the power and sheer 'event' of driving them is amazing. E46 M3 should be in budget, z4m have gone up to 20k+ from authorised dealer, but so relatively rare that should hold onto their money in the long run! I'm biasedcas I hasd a z4mc, brillant car!!!!!

If the costs too high how about Z4 3.0 or 330, I got a main dealer e90 505 33k miles, leather and toys for £13.5k!

[ADM06]

Z3MC with money to spare.

[Eggle]

Alpina Insurance and running costs should be way lower than the M cars. I have never seen an Alpina Roadster in the flesh, but if they are as fun as mine, it should be cheap-ish fun

[Heathwood]

Z4M Coupe would get my hard earned.

[B10BRW]

paoloh said:

Has to be an M over an Alpina all day long!

Have you actually driven an Alpina Roadster ,if not try one you will be pleasantly surprised.

IMHO the Alpina is much better put together.
Is much more distinctive then an M, much rarer, only 167 rhd versions.
Much cheaper to run and insure
Has a much better ride, doesn't jar or knock your teeth out
I would have an Alpina over an M any day, but then I am slightly biased

[Matt UK]

e46 M3 CS within budget?