Which Z3M coupe?

[brin1960]

I have narrowed my search down to two:
S54 silver/red with 114k miles, FBMWSH, loads of recent work inc brakes, suspension, diff mounts, ARP bolts, new shell bearings, strengthened boot floor etc. Etc.. Exc condition throughout
Or
s50 Estoril/blue/black 65k miles, 1 owner, FBMWSH, no major works, immaculate

Both totally original
Same price on both

Intend driving whenever it’s dry!! - around 5k per annum and keeping forever

Dilemma!!!

Edited by brin1960 on Sunday 19th May 13:47

[helix402]

S54.

[brin1960]

Any particular reason?

[Dr Nookie]

S54 has longer service intervals, and a slightly different driving experience - and traction control for one thing.
A few facelifted bits - headlamps, dials, badges(!) and different finish on the wheels.

Also notably rarer as there are only 168 in RHD, probably only 120 something in the UK I think.

Get yourself over to https://www.z3mcoupe.com/forum/index.php and you'll get all the info you need.

Personal preference of course, but I think silver is one of the less desirable colours - although the red interior is a good contrast.

Edited by Dr Nookie on Sunday 19th May 18:22

[helix402]

brin1960 said:

Any particular reason?

The S54 sounds like it has had the major common jobs done whilst the lower mileage car may need them in the future.

[brin1960]

That’s what I thought! Thanks for the advice much appreciated.

[pvogue]

Test drive both! S50 wont need shells changing etc but possible boot floor inspection.

[rapidude]

S50 one because its a 5 speed.

[rassi]

rapidude said:

S50 one because its a 5 speed.

Both are 5 speed

[dalecan]

I’d go S50 because of the lower miles. I’ve had both, and there’s not that much difference in the driving experience. The S50 is a little more raw with the lack of traction control (if memory serves correct). Plus the Escorial blue is beautiful (my old color). Make sure you check th boot floor on them. I wish I still had mine, but I couldn’t take it to the USA with me.

[rapidude]

rassi said:

rapidude said:

S50 one because its a 5 speed.

Both are 5 speed

Didn’t realise the S54 was a 5 speed too.

[SebringMan]

I thought rod bearings weren't unheard of going in an S50 either.

For me, it would be the S54 car as well .

[shalmaneser]

I've previously had an e36 M3 Evo (s50B32) and I'm currently in an e46 M3 (s54B32) and I know it's an unpopular opinion but I prefer the s50. I think it's due to the cable throttle, the response is so much more crisp. And I'm not in love with the e46 rasp... the s50 had a much nicer howl in my opinion.

difference in output is fairly negligible.

a good decision to have to make!