Alpina and Z4M

[ray_von]

What are the main differences between the alpina and Z4M roadsters?
sounds like the start of a joke

[Cheburator mk2]

ray_von said:

What are the main differences between the alpina and Z4M roadsters?
sounds like the start of a joke

You can start with the engine - the Alpina uses a stroked and bored (somebody please correct me if I am wrong) S50 engine out of the E36 M3. Also the Z4M uses the CSL floating rotors, which the Alpina does not. The Alpina does not have the M diff, but instead has a conventional LSD. The suspension is different - the Alpina is more compliant...

[sharkfan]

AFAIK the chassis is the same and main differences are the engine, suspension and interior. The Alpina uses its own engine (based on the E36 M3) which is entirely different to the Z4M's (which has the same engine as the E46 M3). The suspension and wheel set-up is also bespoke to Alpina, you get 19" wheels on the Alpina and 18" on the Z4M. One thing the Z4M does have which the Alpina doesn't is an LSD

Inside, assuming you've got a Lux spec model, the Alpina pretty much gives you every toy from the spec sheet - leather bucket seats which are heated with memory, prof sat nav, 6cd changer, PDC, auto-dimming mirrors, climate control, wind-deflector etc. etc. They also all come with the Alpina touchs such as Alpina blue dials, green/blue stitching, badges etc. On the Z4M, it's the usual approach of each car being specced differently and finding one with the toys you want.

From the quotes I was given, Alpinas are cheaper to insure and based on the published figures, cheaper to run. I get over 30mpg driving to work (a 45 minute drive on A roads and M-way). Not so hot around town, but really not bad given it's a 3.4L lump giving 300bhp.

In the end it will be what you fancy. I choose one over a Z4M as I'm using it every day and wanted the comforts, it was also cheaper to buy (bear in mind though that all Alpina's are based on the first gen Z4 and all Z4M's are face-lift models) and on the road I'm not sure you'd feel any performance difference.

[ray_von]

Oh dear, S50,E36,E46, first generation, facelift???? Looks like I'm going to have to do a lot of searching.
Richard, I see on your profile it says a handful in the wet. What are they like, bearing in mind I'm coming (possibly) from a 5litre TVR?
ETA would extra 40bhp not make a difference

Edited by ray_von on Friday 5th October 11:34

[DoctorD]

ray, I did the article in EVO nearly 18 months ago now, where we drove the Alpina Roadster (plus TVR Tuscan and Boxster S) over to the 'ring to compare with the newly launched Z4M Roadster.

You may remember seeing this pic in the mag..



It was a fascinating test, but it led me (eventually) to buying a Z4M Coupe when they were released later that year. The Alpina is a great car and overall many of us preferred it to the Boxster S, it feels a little like a refined TVR Tuscan in nature.

But the Z4M Roadster edged ahead on a number of fronts;

- Steering (the Alpina uses an upgraded version of the Z4s EPS, whereas the Z4M's is traditional hydraulic system and all the better for it)

- Ride (the Alpina rides more softly but then rolls more, when you upgrade it as I had done with stiffer front and rear roll-bars, then the ride goes. The Z4M gets is closer to ideal from the start)

- Performance (about on a par with each other and it boils down to personal preference)

There are pros and cons for both, the Alpina is a bespoke car but the price is set by Sytners, however the Z4M has not fared well in terms of residuals from new so maybe that evens it all out.

[shunt]

I recently swapped my Alpina for a Z4MC, IMO the only thing the Alpina is missing is the LSD. Birds offer a replacement for circa £1200. The Alpina will be a few K cheaper but also a bit older with more miles. I enjoyed the Alpina and never spotted another one on the road. The M returns around 22mpg whereas the Alp will average 27mpg. The Alpina sounds great but I now think the M sounds better.

Tough choice, but I really did miss the LSD on the Alp.

[flattotheboards]

DoctorD said:

ray, I did the article in EVO nearly 18 months ago now, where we drove the Alpina Roadster (plus TVR Tuscan and Boxster S) over to the 'ring to compare with the newly launched Z4M Roadster.

You may remember seeing this pic in the mag..



It was a fascinating test, but it led me (eventually) to buying a Z4M Coupe when they were released later that year. The Alpina is a great car and overall many of us preferred it to the Boxster S, it feels a little like a refined TVR Tuscan in nature.

But the Z4M Roadster edged ahead on a number of fronts;

- Steering (the Alpina uses an upgraded version of the Z4s EPS, whereas the Z4M's is traditional hydraulic system and all the better for it)

- Ride (the Alpina rides more softly but then rolls more, when you upgrade it as I had done with stiffer front and rear roll-bars, then the ride goes. The Z4M gets is closer to ideal from the start)

- Performance (about on a par with each other and it boils down to personal preference)

There are pros and cons for both, the Alpina is a bespoke car but the price is set by Sytners, however the Z4M has not fared well in terms of residuals from new so maybe that evens it all out.

which issure was this?

[ray_von]

Thanks for that Steve. Can anyone tell me the differences between original and face lifted models? Not strictly an m related question but hey ho

[shunt]

The main visible changes are the lights, the ugly orange indicators have been made clear in the front lights and the rears have been changed completley. Other than that not a great deal more. The choice would really depend on what you want from the car, and how you drive, I'd say the M is a bit more of a drivers car which will cost you more at the pumps. The Alpina is a great alternative with all the toys and more exclusive. Happy hunting.

[ray_von]

Cheers mate

[sharkfan]

ray_von said:

Oh dear, S50,E36,E46, first generation, facelift???? Looks like I'm going to have to do a lot of searching.
Richard, I see on your profile it says a handful in the wet. What are they like, bearing in mind I'm coming (possibly) from a 5litre TVR?
ETA would extra 40bhp not make a difference

Edited by ray_von on Friday 5th October 11:34

Sorry, been out and about for a couple of days. It's playful in the wet rather than dangerous. A combination of rwd, 300bhp and no LSD means you just have to be gentle with the throttle otherwise the traction control thinks it's Christmas come early. The tyres may be a factor too though, see the Evo article from this month where the Michelins didn't do too well in the wet.

I would listen to DoctorD's comments (a man who knows what he is talking about). I use my Alpina for commuting more than hooning. If it was the other way round then I would think about getting the Z4M as it seems to be the more focussed drive. In the end it will come down to what you fancy - I like the fact I haven't seen another Alpina Roadster since I got mine - so drive them both and see which you like more. Try Luca at Sytner High Wycombe, a genuinely nice bloke who can probably sort you out a drive in both.