Late Z3 or early Z4

[uk_vette]

Hello all,
I am thinking of a 2 seater convertible for next summer.
In the running are the following.
MX5
one of the BMW Z3 or Z4
or the MR2

I kinda' like the BMW, and leaning in that direction, but should I look for an early Z4, or would a late Z3 be OK?
The Z4 looks a little bigger?
I am not even sure which engine to go for.
Would be manual.
It would just be used on summer days, so miles and consumption not a problem

vette

[kambites]

Early Z4, it's orders of magnitude better as a drivers' car, IMO. I wouldn't get either as a weekend car, though. They're far too... sensible.

[uk_vette]

Thanks,

So really hold out for an early Z4 ?
When did they start, and how much is a half decent one?

vette

[kambites]

2003, I think. I don't really know about prices, but I'd be surprised if you couldn't get one for something like 5-6k these days. Look in the classifieds.

[varsas]

Just try an MX-5 first. I know, I know, but just try it. You have nothing to lose.

S2000? (high insurance)
TVR Chimera? (will be a struggle for the budget)
Boxster? (In budget? they drive really well, again might be worth trying one)

Z3 is cheaper then a Z4, if you can live with the looks they look good value.

ETA: the 2.8 BMW engine is a peach, the 3 litre should be even better (the 3 litre is an improved, dual vanos, de-strangualted 2.8)

Edited by varsas on Wednesday 19th October 12:29

[steve_bmw]

I have a z3 and a z4, go for the z4 mate, lovely cars.
Dont bother with the smaller engines, you need 2.5 or 3.0.
Prices start around £6000 ish but you will be looking at bigger miles and not so tidy, buy on condition.
£7000 should get you into a 03/04 in good condition.
Options on my z4 include, a/c, heated leather memory seats, cruise control, electric folding up mirrors, hid lights.
I think you need these to be on the car you buy, the heated leather is realy nice

[Garvin]

Do not go for a Z3 - drove one once and, for a 'premium' car manufacturer I was truely stunned at how bad it was. I now have a Z4 - nuff said!

[mat205125]

If you can stretch to £7000 for a Z4 (as indicated above), then you should be able to find a good Z3 M Roadster too. They look fantastic in Estoril Blue.

[MrB.]

I've been fortunate enough to have owned 2 MX5s (MK1s), a Z3M Roadster and currently have a Z4 3.0i SE. The Z4 is a lovely cruiser, much better at long drives than my Z3M ever was. That said, it doesn't excite me like the M did (obviously). I suppose at the end of the day, the Z4 is a much more modern car (dreadful electronic steering though) with more kit. Agree with staying away from the 4 pot engines, and the 3.0 is a peach. Watch out for failing roof motors (had to replace mine) which aren't cheap, replace the tyres with non-runflats, and they have more rattles than Mothercare, but otherwise, its a good car.

[300bhp/ton]

uk_vette said:

Hello all,
I am thinking of a 2 seater convertible for next summer.
In the running are the following.
MX5
one of the BMW Z3 or Z4
or the MR2

I kinda' like the BMW, and leaning in that direction, but should I look for an early Z4, or would a late Z3 be OK?
The Z4 looks a little bigger?
I am not even sure which engine to go for.
Would be manual.
It would just be used on summer days, so miles and consumption not a problem

vette

Z4 has a much stiffer chassis, but that doesn't mean the Z3 can't be fun. Personally I prefer the Z3 visually.

[BoRED S2upid]

I was looking at Z4's this year as a summer / weekend car, it was a lot of money to be tied up in such a car instead I threw a couple of bags at an MX5 and made the foolish error of insuring it on a 3000 mile policy for £200 the miles ran out before the end of the summer.

[Hasbeen]

The S2000 blows them all into the weeds. At least try one.

[kambites]

Hasbeen said:

The S2000 blows them all into the weeds. At least try one.

An Elise blows an S2000 into the weeds and a Caterham blows an Elise into the weeds; that wasn't the question though.

Seriously it's a good point though. You're missing some very capable cars from that list. When I was looking for a sports car (which ended up being my Elise) I test drove about 50 different models before I made my mind up. There's a lot of good cars out there.

Edited by kambites on Wednesday 19th October 13:25

[Kevin VRs]

How about a Nissan 350Z, or an early Jag XK8?

[stropley]

MrB. said:

. . . they have more rattles than Mothercare

[a11y_m]

Early Z4 for sure.

I'm obviously biased, but it's a good compromise without being as hardcore as an Elise/VX. I initially set out looking at Elises/VXs 3 years ago but an extended test ride in a VX made me think again. I then looked at S2000s, Z4s and 350z's but was quickly sold on the Z4. As someone says earlier, go for the 3.0i - there's not much difference in consumption between the different engines, and IMO it's the 6-cyl's that make the car. M versions with the 3.2 didn't start until around 06-plate and asre still £13k+. There are some 3.4-engined Alpina's kicking around but not up to date on prices for those.

[MrB.]

[redacted]

[a11y_m]

stropley said:

MrB. said:

. . . they have more rattles than Mothercare

nice way of putting it.

Although to be fair mine is completely rattle-free. I get the occasional rattle from my wind deflector but mine's actually pretty solid soounding (apart from the doors which sound shocking when you close them).

[uk_vette]

Hello every one, andthanks for the many fantastic ideas and posts.
hats off to you all.

I must say I am leaning to the Z4, and the 6 pot motor.
Sure the MX5 is very good, and this was well in my mind from the outset.

I guess I will just have to take an MX5 and a similar priced Z4 out for a hoon.
I am guessing I can get a newer MX5 for the same money as I would spend on a Z4?

I must say the thought of the 2,8L or the 3,0L 6 pot, really excites me.

'vette

[anonymous-user]

I had a 3.0i Z4 and they are brilliant cars. I drove mine through the Alps and it was great fun. I had to sell mine due to buying a house and needing some extra cash

The only downside was the car was a bit ordinary if you get my drift. To replace it I bought a (cheaper) Alpina B3. Which is quicker and much rarer and in some ways I prefer it. Given the choice I'd have the Z4 back though (damn house buying, grumble....... )

edited to add - I did look at a Z3M but I'm quite tall (without goaty) and found in the Z3 you feel like you're sitting on the car instead of in it imo.