SE or Sport

Author
Discussion

Z4MCSL

Original Poster:

544 posts

83 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
So dilemma time.

I just test drove a Z4 Coupe 3.0si and I loved it

However I have now found out that it was an SE and am looking at the Sport options.

The only thing that really bothers me is that the suspension is different and I am worried I will regret not getting a Sport version. However what are peoples opinions of the real difference on a non-track basis. Has anyopne experienced both?

I also have a Z4M coupe as an investment that doesnt get driven much so to some extent I will always find the 3.0si lacking in some degree in power or handling (although i was genuinely impressed with how similar it felt behind the wheel) but is the Sport spec a must have?

The idea behind this car is as a practical and cheaper to maintain daily driver, I'm wondering whether in fact the SE suspension makes more sense than the sport in London anyway. If I want to crash about and piss of the girlfriend I can drive the Z4M Coupe.


Also any general advice on buying tips MASSSIVELY appreciated.

Thanks

Gruber

6,313 posts

214 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
FWIW, I chose my 3.0 Z4C in SE spec. It was marginally softer than Sport spec and did feel a touch more compliant over bumpy roads, which suited me fine. Like you, I was living in London at the time. It didn't seem to cause any issues when I came to sell.

Either way, you'll want to get rid of the runflats if it has them fitted.

I'm not sure I understand why you'd want two such similar cars, but your choice. Would the same 3.0 lump in a 1er or 3er not make for more variety?

Smuler

2,286 posts

139 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
If you only found out afterwards, it was SE, is it possible that you're still to find out that it hasn't got SE suspension?
Just a thought, but maybe some prior owner changed the suspension?

I'd say don't buy one, try and drive the Z4M a little more and enjoy it, should still appreciate. Get something different as a daily.

I'm speaking as a E46 M3 owner who bought a "ordinary" sport E46 as a daily and it felt very inferior to the M3 and that did spoil, after a while, the daily drive experience. I knew I was driving, a second best car. frown




soad

32,896 posts

176 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
Some say, the Sport is reported to have a rather unforgiving suspension, which may or may not suit you...

Z4MCSL

Original Poster:

544 posts

83 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
cheers guys..

appreciate it seems a bit boring to buy such a similar car (my dad has gone and bought a Z4M roadster so we are looking to end up with a funny car collection between us) but I just dont get excited by the one series, I dont want the an M3 due to running costs and issues, and I just love the shape.

The z4M lives 2 hours away so I cant drive it very often anyway.

Also I am convinced these will hold their value.

Interesting to hear another londoner happy to have bought an SE. I am leaning towards thinking softer suspension is not a problem at all.

LordGrover

33,543 posts

212 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
Sorry, acn't advise as I have no experience of the E85/6.

However, a light-hearted note seen on facebook earlier:


Fox-

13,238 posts

246 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
Are you sure there is a difference?

On the pre-facelift Roadster at least you had no choice on the 3.0 - they all had the M Sport suspension as standard fit.

Which is a shame because it made the ride awful.

Z4MCSL

Original Poster:

544 posts

83 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
fantastic news, having now tacked down the original spec from the VIn number the garage have it wrong and it is a Sport spec car with M Sport Seats and M Sport suspension so happy days!

Getting close to throwing my deposit down smile

Gruber

6,313 posts

214 months

Monday 24th July 2017
quotequote all
Fox- said:
Are you sure there is a difference?

On the pre-facelift Roadster at least you had no choice on the 3.0 - they all had the M Sport suspension as standard fit.

Which is a shame because it made the ride awful.
You could spec an SE with Sport suspension, but as standard it came with a slightly softer set up.

Brochure here:

http://www.sunriseleasing.co.uk/brochures/CARS/BMW...