Z4 Coupe 3.0?...

[Jim1985]

I’m currently driving an 05 STI and am looking for something a bit nicer inside and a bit nicer looking…
I did have my heart set on an E39 M5 but something is putting me off. I think it’s the actual size & weight of the car. I’ve started doing track days and whilst I’m not a mega hard driver, I think I’d prefer something a little lighter, and power may not be that much of an issue. I’d prefer more useable power and good handling.
What is the Z4 coupe 3.0si like? How would it cope with mild track use? As in, driving it like you drive on the road, but on a track. Not trying to set lap records.
Are they nice places to be inside? How are they as a fast-road car?
I’m presuming they come with an open diff. Is this an issue?
Z4M is out of my budget I’m afraid. Are the earlier 3.0 not worth looking at? I'd be looking at the E85 shape.

Thanks!

Jim

[Vroomer]

Z4C is a superb car and relatively rare. Possible future classic. More performance than you ever need on the road. Fine for the mild track use you propose.

[Jim1985]

Fantastic!

[Vroomer]

Early reviews here:

http://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/z4/6440/bmw-z4-30si-coupe

http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/cartestreports/2...

Edited by Vroomer on Wednesday 11th February 16:28

[billywhizzzzzz]

Not sure the coupe comes in anything other than the 265 hp engine (apart from the M of course) - ie you can't get it as a 3.0i, only a 3.0si. Plenty fast enough for track, and dynamically fine for casual track days. They're quick cars, and bullet proof. If you can stretch to the M though, do it. They're an extraordinary event to drive and much rawer than the non M.

[Jim1985]

Ah thats good to know about the engines. Unfortunately Z4M Coupes are coming in at about £15,000; whereas the Z4 3.0 coupes are kicking around at approx £8000+
Also M running costs are putting me off.

[Gruber]

I was never all that impressed by the cabin quality or seat comfort of the Z4. They're not bad, but for long distances they're not a patch on the e46 M3 (for example).

I owned a 3.0 and then the MC. The 3.0 is a lovely smooth free-revving engine, but the M unit is in a different league. The M also steered and braked better.

A 130i might also be worth a look. Brilliant little pocket rocket, but admittedly not much of a looker.

[Mr Tidy]

Gruber said:

I was never all that impressed by the cabin quality or seat comfort of the Z4. They're not bad, but for long distances they're not a patch on the e46 M3 (for example).

I owned a 3.0 and then the MC. The 3.0 is a lovely smooth free-revving engine, but the M unit is in a different league. The M also steered and braked better.

A 130i might also be worth a look. Brilliant little pocket rocket, but admittedly not much of a looker.

Well I moved from an LCI 1 series to a Z4C and frankly my Z4 cabin is way better than the 1 Series (but then so is my E46 325 Ti)!
Z4 Sport seats are brilliant IMHO - anyway good luck with the search!

[Jim1985]

Thanks! Looking forward to getting one. It makes more sense as a fast road/track car than an E39 M5 to me. And whilst they are vastly different cars, they are knocking about at the same prices.

[Flanders.]

I picked up a 2.5i 07 plate Spider yesterday. It's fantastic, I can only imagine what the 3.0 would be like!

[wilbo83]

I went from a 05 WRX PPP to my Z4 3.0 roadster and I love it, the engine is just superb, a great balance of performance and daily use. It is also a comfortable place to sit and much more modern than the plastic scooby. I do miss the burble noise but think I prefer the Z4 to drive (apart from on snowy days!). Good luck with your search.

[Jim1985]

Ah thats perfect to hear! Glad someone else has done the change. I spent a fair bit on the interior of my STI and I still feel a little disappointed getting into it from other cars (lots of BMWs at work!). And also, the performance is a great part of the car, but I'm a little bored of it now after 2 years and I cant really use all 330bhp when I'm picking my girlfriend up from work. Which leaves me plodding round with a rather ordinary, rough riding saloon. Doing 20mpg.

Hopefully the Z Vier will feel a little special.

[tonymor]

I've got a E 89 zed now but had E 85 roadsters previously 2.2 and 3.si they are great cars . Do watch for worn/ broken rear springs in your search as I had problems and it's known well as a " feature" . Enjoy the smooth engine etc .

[Shenanigans]

I went from a modified swift sport, enjoyed tinkering with it etc. Eventually sold it as I wanted more easier power for a Z4 3;tr si convertible.

Loved the engine noise, the build quality is much better and its a great experience. However I just can't help but think the swift had more character and feel it was far more special. I remember the day driving through Edinburgh and noticed a bunch of Japanese tourist gawking over taking pictures of my swift. Its a good feeling.

A year on, still feel the same. Will be selling up and returning to a hot hatch.

[Jim1985]

Interesting. Was there anything you disliked or did you just prefer your Swift?

[ZX10R NIN]

Jim1985 said:

I’m currently driving an 05 STI and am looking for something a bit nicer inside and a bit nicer looking…
I did have my heart set on an E39 M5 but something is putting me off. I think it’s the actual size & weight of the car. I’ve started doing track days and whilst I’m not a mega hard driver, I think I’d prefer something a little lighter, and power may not be that much of an issue. I’d prefer more useable power and good handling.
What is the Z4 coupe 3.0si like? How would it cope with mild track use? As in, driving it like you drive on the road, but on a track. Not trying to set lap records.
Are they nice places to be inside? How are they as a fast-road car?
I’m presuming they come with an open diff. Is this an issue?
Z4M is out of my budget I’m afraid. Are the earlier 3.0 not worth looking at? I'd be looking at the E85 shape.

Thanks!

Jim

I have a friend selling one if you're interested PM me

[Shenanigans]

Jim1985 said:

Interesting. Was there anything you disliked or did you just prefer your Swift?

Just felt the swift was alot more rare and special. I attend alot of the PH runs and enjoyed having fun with the clio sports and porsches when it came to the bends and small B roads. Tried it in the Z and found it difficult to enjoy myself. Always afraid of the small pot holes or damaging something.

Might come back to it once I get older and try out the M.

[Vroomer]

tonymor said:

I've got a E 89 zed now but had E 85 roadsters previously 2.2 and 3.si they are great cars . Do watch for worn/ broken rear springs in your search as I had problems and it's known well as a " feature" . Enjoy the smooth engine etc .

Rear springs seem to break at 40k, but can be replaced in a few minutes at an independent for about £150 the pair.

[Jim1985]

ZX10R NIN said:

I have a friend selling one if you're interested PM me

Sent an email mate. Any further info?

[Wills2]

The car is worth it for the engine alone plus the fact that it is the prettiest BMW made for years.