Z3 2.8 vs E36 328 cab

[Wadeski]

Grüss Gott you Bavarian schnellers.

I'm considering my first foray into blue and white propeller ownership, coming from Japland.

My current steer is a bit to thirsty, loud, and hardcore for m-way cruising since i've modded it. I'm looking for something with a droptop, a torquey engine, and taller gearing. But it has to be at least pleasantly blatt-worthy for the occasional France trip and sunday morning PH run.

In my budget a minty example of the Z3 (2.8 or 3.0) or a really nice 328 cab are do-able, and seem to offer reasonable consumption (30+mpg at 70mph cruising) with a decent level of luxury.

But how differently do they drive? Is the 3er a barge, or does the soft-by-reputation Z3 not offer enough benefit in fun to make up for the cramped cabin and lack of rear seats?

Steep me in Munchenknowledge, please.

[StuB]

Can't comment on the E36 cab, but the 3.0 is the better Z of the 2 as it has DSC, rather than ASC, the poor handling issues reported can be sorted with bushes (M3 tca bushes), strut braces front and rear and decent tyres suited to the car. It's also marginally quicker than the 2.8 also, but as it's newer and more sought after will cost quite a bit more. Suggest you try and find one that's been enthusiast owned to show you what a sorted car can drive like. We have a 2.8 which is a sleeper and is pretty sorted now. No plans to get rid and I've managed to hand a supercharged Exige it's arse around Cadwell Park

HTH, Stu

Edited to add, the one thing you'll never get over is the prejudice and poorly informed comments about the car. "Clarkson spoke and it was known for evermore that the Z3 is a pup, so why did you buy one?".

Edited by StuB on Monday 3rd January 20:20