Swap 1M for a Z3 M Coupe?
Discussion
Stick with the 1M Coupe, fortunately the drive belies the fact it weighs waaay more than it should have done, and whilst the turbo lump might not be the revviest tool in the box, but it's perfectly suited for modern day motoring (where many drivers seem to think the new NSL is 40-50 mph ...)
I owned 2 Z3M Coupe’s when they were new, an original in Estoril Blue without traction control, and a later model in Silver with TC. More recently I had a black 1M Coupe. Loved all of them. Quick, raw and rare! I guess given the age of Z3M’s now, there are likely to be more potential purchase pitfalls, whereas the 1M is far newer so should be a safer bet in terms of running costs. The sound of the Z3M was epic.... 1M less so. Having said that it’s the 1M I’d go back to. Had to sell mine when I got divorced.... originally it was planned as a keeper. I know it’s a turbo, but it had a simplicity and focused way about it that is becoming rare to find these days. Either choice will give you a big grin, and should be easy on the long term wallet!
Just reading the thread and thought I would add some views.
Been lucky to have owned a few of the //M range, including
- E46 M3 (x3)
- M3 CSL
- 1M
- M2
- Z3M Coupe (or M coupe)
The M coupe is a 100% a BMW Icon, similar to the CSL but more unique (and rare in S54 guise).
I would agree with the comments made above about suspension: these cars are now ~20+ years old and even the low milers need work to keep them feeling like they were meant to be. I tested a number before buying one (a black S54), which I thought was lovely. Then got the bug to make the car “as new” as possible and commissioned a major overhaul. All the suspension components were replaced or refreshed, and I found the end result nothing short of spectacular. Sure all the modern stuff is faster, but I’ve realised that the sensation of speed is worth almost as much as speed itself (especially for those who want road cars).
Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that it isn’t cheap to overhaul them, if you want to do it properly. Had a similar experience with my last E46 M3, and my 993.
Anyway, I think it is simply BMW at its finest and i always had positive comments about the Z3M, whenever I went.
Sadly mine is going (currently on Collecting Cars) as I’ve run out of garage space but I would very much endorse the car for anyone wanting a really fun and special example of (IMHO) the golden era of analogue automotive (late 1990s, early 2000s).
Can’t think of much that touches them for character and driving fun!
Been lucky to have owned a few of the //M range, including
- E46 M3 (x3)
- M3 CSL
- 1M
- M2
- Z3M Coupe (or M coupe)
The M coupe is a 100% a BMW Icon, similar to the CSL but more unique (and rare in S54 guise).
I would agree with the comments made above about suspension: these cars are now ~20+ years old and even the low milers need work to keep them feeling like they were meant to be. I tested a number before buying one (a black S54), which I thought was lovely. Then got the bug to make the car “as new” as possible and commissioned a major overhaul. All the suspension components were replaced or refreshed, and I found the end result nothing short of spectacular. Sure all the modern stuff is faster, but I’ve realised that the sensation of speed is worth almost as much as speed itself (especially for those who want road cars).
Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that it isn’t cheap to overhaul them, if you want to do it properly. Had a similar experience with my last E46 M3, and my 993.
Anyway, I think it is simply BMW at its finest and i always had positive comments about the Z3M, whenever I went.
Sadly mine is going (currently on Collecting Cars) as I’ve run out of garage space but I would very much endorse the car for anyone wanting a really fun and special example of (IMHO) the golden era of analogue automotive (late 1990s, early 2000s).
Can’t think of much that touches them for character and driving fun!
Kananga said:
Unfortunately, I found out the hard way that it isn’t cheap to overhaul them, if you want to do it properly. Had a similar experience with my last E46 M3, and my 993.
That's what has always kept me away from older or higher mileage stuff, for all their merits.I always insist on a car driving / handling as close to how it did when new as possible, within reason.
What's the typical cost if refreshing the entire suspension of say a E46 M3? £2k?
nickfrog said:
What's the typical cost if refreshing the entire suspension of say a E46 M3? £2k?
I think more, suspect £3-4k, but it depends how far you go, and whether you end up having parts powder-coated and lacquered to keep them looking good! I had a bill from Scott’s/BMR for around £6k but admittedly it included a couple of other jobs (alloy refurb, etc). Majority was suspension/subframe refresh.
I try not to think about my Z3M bill but that was a major refresh.
Kananga said:
I think more, suspect £3-4k, but it depends how far you go, and whether you end up having parts powder-coated and lacquered to keep them looking good!
I had a bill from Scott’s/BMR for around £6k but admittedly it included a couple of other jobs (alloy refurb, etc). Majority was suspension/subframe refresh.
I try not to think about my Z3M bill but that was a major refresh.
I’d expect an exhaust for £6k!I had a bill from Scott’s/BMR for around £6k but admittedly it included a couple of other jobs (alloy refurb, etc). Majority was suspension/subframe refresh.
I try not to think about my Z3M bill but that was a major refresh.
dalecan said:
I've had both a Z3 and Z4 MCoupe (both S54) and loved them both. I'd go with the Z4 MC as it's a much better handling car (more like the E46 M3). If you do go down the Z3 MC path make sure the subframe is OK. Either car is a win for me.
Agreed. Had mine checked and re-checked before buying. Technically, the Z4M should be a be better car, given newer, better tech, etc. But I think the Z3M is more iconic, particularly in S54 guise!
Assume you want manual from the suggestions, otherwise I’d be looking at a CSL.
Also, does the Z3M have the same steering rack as the E36 M3 Evo? Great car but that was one slow rack. Smaller wheel and faster rack would have transformed it.
FWIW I see the Z3M Coupe as a design icon. Confident that it will go the way of the Z8 (has anybody noticed how much they sell for…).
Also, does the Z3M have the same steering rack as the E36 M3 Evo? Great car but that was one slow rack. Smaller wheel and faster rack would have transformed it.
FWIW I see the Z3M Coupe as a design icon. Confident that it will go the way of the Z8 (has anybody noticed how much they sell for…).
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