Z4 Coupe 3.0si or S5 v8?
Discussion
This is what my shortlist has come down to, which may not make a lot of sense to some people, but apparently I value looks quite highly!
My situation is, do not need the car for work at all any more, purely for weekend fun and whatever random trips I might need. Don't really need 4 seats but could prove useful every now and then.
I had originally been set on a z4 coupe for months (whilst considering many alternatives of course!), getting an average mileage one (70k ish) and keeping it for a few years whilst adding minimal mileage, and maybe even seeing it go up in value. I was also keen on getting a v8 whilst I have the chance, but there aren't many manual options that I like the look of for ~£10k.
Then I realised you can basically get a v8 S5 for a smidge over 10k, and I can't help but think you are getting a LOT more car for the money than the similar age/mileage z4 coupe. I know the better drivers car would be the 335i but the e92 is just too common for me, and I also like the idea of a car I can't tune too much (I just know I'd drop thousands into the 335i).
I had also considered an e46 m3, but currently coming from a 330ci wanted a bit more of a change (and again, the s5 seems like a lot more car for the same money!).
Thoughts?
My situation is, do not need the car for work at all any more, purely for weekend fun and whatever random trips I might need. Don't really need 4 seats but could prove useful every now and then.
I had originally been set on a z4 coupe for months (whilst considering many alternatives of course!), getting an average mileage one (70k ish) and keeping it for a few years whilst adding minimal mileage, and maybe even seeing it go up in value. I was also keen on getting a v8 whilst I have the chance, but there aren't many manual options that I like the look of for ~£10k.
Then I realised you can basically get a v8 S5 for a smidge over 10k, and I can't help but think you are getting a LOT more car for the money than the similar age/mileage z4 coupe. I know the better drivers car would be the 335i but the e92 is just too common for me, and I also like the idea of a car I can't tune too much (I just know I'd drop thousands into the 335i).
I had also considered an e46 m3, but currently coming from a 330ci wanted a bit more of a change (and again, the s5 seems like a lot more car for the same money!).
Thoughts?
It's very much personal choice. Typically the Audi is for people wanting discreet, comfortable, inert and swift transport and the Z4 Coupé has a much more taut sports car like feel, with classic FE/RWD handling.
In terms of my personal experience of the cars in question, regarding the M3, I owned a Z4C for about a year and in that time I test drove a low mileage (20k) late model E46 M3. The Z4C felt much more special than the M3, and driving at normal speeds the M3 felt much like my previously owned 330ci to be honest (thoughts echoed by a friend of mine who's owned both). However, the M3 was definitely the better drivers car above 8/10ths, with a better balance than the Z4C and a much better diff (nicely tuned LSD, vs open diff). I chose to stick with the Z4C and found that a fairly easy choice, even without taking into account the higher running costs of the M3. I did also compare with an RS4 at the same time, which I found competent but dull. The reason I sold the Z4C in the end was a combination of factors, mainly that I needed more practicality, but also because I found the laggy drive by wire throttle just wound me up too much. Audi don't seem to suffer from this issue, it's worth noting, although I've only tried the RS4, not the S5 you mentioned.
In terms of my personal experience of the cars in question, regarding the M3, I owned a Z4C for about a year and in that time I test drove a low mileage (20k) late model E46 M3. The Z4C felt much more special than the M3, and driving at normal speeds the M3 felt much like my previously owned 330ci to be honest (thoughts echoed by a friend of mine who's owned both). However, the M3 was definitely the better drivers car above 8/10ths, with a better balance than the Z4C and a much better diff (nicely tuned LSD, vs open diff). I chose to stick with the Z4C and found that a fairly easy choice, even without taking into account the higher running costs of the M3. I did also compare with an RS4 at the same time, which I found competent but dull. The reason I sold the Z4C in the end was a combination of factors, mainly that I needed more practicality, but also because I found the laggy drive by wire throttle just wound me up too much. Audi don't seem to suffer from this issue, it's worth noting, although I've only tried the RS4, not the S5 you mentioned.
Of those two I would personally much rather own the S5. I had the same V8 in an A6 and it is a tremendous engine, with a manual box and 2 doors I think it would be a very nice car indeed (in fact I've semi-seriously looked at buying one in the past), the BMW doesn't do much for me.
That said for just fun driving I wouldn't get either of them, I think I'd have more fun in either a small convertible sports car (MX-5, MR2 etc) or a more focused tin top like an Impreza STI. It's a completely personal subjective choice though, try some cars and see which you like most.
That said for just fun driving I wouldn't get either of them, I think I'd have more fun in either a small convertible sports car (MX-5, MR2 etc) or a more focused tin top like an Impreza STI. It's a completely personal subjective choice though, try some cars and see which you like most.
Thanks Rob, that's some good info.
I should have probably mentioned I would be adding some Eagle F1s to the z4 as soon as I bought it, and probably a Bilstein B12 kit to either car (assuming the suspension would be getting tired at ~70k anyway).
Did you remove the RFT's or play with the suspension on yours? I can't help but wonder how many of the negative reviews online are just because they were driving the car as it came, it really sounds like a car that can transformed with a few tweaks.
I should have probably mentioned I would be adding some Eagle F1s to the z4 as soon as I bought it, and probably a Bilstein B12 kit to either car (assuming the suspension would be getting tired at ~70k anyway).
Did you remove the RFT's or play with the suspension on yours? I can't help but wonder how many of the negative reviews online are just because they were driving the car as it came, it really sounds like a car that can transformed with a few tweaks.
Thanks for the responses. Z4m coupe is way out of budget unfortunately!
And I hear your comments about a more focused fun car, I guess I'm trying to cover a few bases at once, and having something I like the look of is ranking quite highly.
It seems the z4 coupe is a bit of a marmite car, but I really like the way it looks (and the fact its pretty rare!).
And I hear your comments about a more focused fun car, I guess I'm trying to cover a few bases at once, and having something I like the look of is ranking quite highly.
It seems the z4 coupe is a bit of a marmite car, but I really like the way it looks (and the fact its pretty rare!).
motco said:
Why not a Z4 M Coupé?
Budget I guess. I would prefer the Z4C as a toy as it just seems to be more about the driving, but the S5 V8 will undoubtedly be a far more complete car. The technology alone will be a generation ahead and the sound would be great. Maybe it would suit be a daily driver better than a toy, so for that reason I've gone full circle and would suggest going for the Z4C.
I really enjoyed having a go in one when my brother in law briefly owned one.
Two very different cars there, so it all comes down to what kind of driving experience you're wanting.
For me, personally, it would be the S5 all day long. I think they're a bargain for what you can get them for now, especially in N/A V8 form. I've never been that interested in the supercharged V6 that replaced it.
For me, personally, it would be the S5 all day long. I think they're a bargain for what you can get them for now, especially in N/A V8 form. I've never been that interested in the supercharged V6 that replaced it.
I ran a Z4C for a while and really enjoyed it without ever feeling like I really bonded with it. Having said that, if I could have another, I would. There are a couple of S5 V8s in my neck of the woods and they sound predictably fabulous. Given how much space in the driver's footwell is taken away by the transmission bell-housing, I would rather the auto. Also, having traveled as a passenger in an a5, it is not a four seater as much as a car with four seats. Good luck with the search.
Charlie88 said:
Thanks Rob, that's some good info.
I should have probably mentioned I would be adding some Eagle F1s to the z4 as soon as I bought it, and probably a Bilstein B12 kit to either car (assuming the suspension would be getting tired at ~70k anyway).
Did you remove the RFT's or play with the suspension on yours? I can't help but wonder how many of the negative reviews online are just because they were driving the car as it came, it really sounds like a car that can transformed with a few tweaks.
Suspension: I didn't think of fiddling with it, no. Any criticisms of the handling were only really apparent at speeds I rarely reached on public roads, so it wasn't of great concern. I had no great complaints regarding the handling to be honest. The M3 is just a very high benchmark to compare with.I should have probably mentioned I would be adding some Eagle F1s to the z4 as soon as I bought it, and probably a Bilstein B12 kit to either car (assuming the suspension would be getting tired at ~70k anyway).
Did you remove the RFT's or play with the suspension on yours? I can't help but wonder how many of the negative reviews online are just because they were driving the car as it came, it really sounds like a car that can transformed with a few tweaks.
RFTs: I've tried cars with and without RFTs and generally prefer the tyres the car was designed and engineered on, so stuck with the RFTs.
A few related issues:
Clutch delay valve: I was on the verge of getting this removed - there are details online for how to do this.
Throttle response: I spent a lot of money failing to fix my 330ci, so decided it wasn't worth it for the Z4C. Eventually I got fed up and sold it.
I should probably close by saying mine was an immaculate 10k mile 18 month old example. I don't know how well they've aged. Mine felt like new.
Charlie88 said:
Thanks culpz, it's the VFM argument that's really drawing me towards them at the moment. The Z4C is more the TYPE of car I want, but I can't get over just how much more I'd be getting for the same money with the S5. I also do quite fancy a v8 too, so that's another plus!
The issue i've heard with the Z4, i've not driven one myself but this is the general consensus on here, is that it's not that great a thing to go hooning in. It can feel big, heavy and not particularly sporty. It's more of just a low-seated cruiser, if anything.So, with that in mind, you may aswell go for the S5, as it will be a similar experience but with a proper V8 soundtrack, better practicality and comfort. Some people seem to love the BMW but it does not appear to be all it's cracked up to be.
culpz said:
The issue i've heard with the Z4, i've not driven one myself but this is the general consensus on here, is that it's not that great a thing to go hooning in. It can feel big, heavy and not particularly sporty. It's more of just a low-seated cruiser, if anything.
I'm guessing that must be the newer gen surely? The old coupe at circa 1300kg is about as light as you could expect a car of this sort to be in this day and age!I test drove a Z4 coupe a few years ago and the suspension had me bracing for impact at the sight of man hole covers. bizarrely I ended up buying a Z4M roadster, which should probably have been less compliant but I guess when they design a car from the ground up without a roof, then they decide to add a roof, they ruin said car.
I sold the Z4 after 6 months. Never really bonded with it or enjoyed anything about it that much. The S5 isn't massively appealing but i'd pick that.
I sold the Z4 after 6 months. Never really bonded with it or enjoyed anything about it that much. The S5 isn't massively appealing but i'd pick that.
Charlie88 said:
culpz said:
The issue i've heard with the Z4, i've not driven one myself but this is the general consensus on here, is that it's not that great a thing to go hooning in. It can feel big, heavy and not particularly sporty. It's more of just a low-seated cruiser, if anything.
I'm guessing that must be the newer gen surely? The old coupe at circa 1300kg is about as light as you could expect a car of this sort to be in this day and age!It may not be the case though and i have no first-hand experience myself with one either.
culpz said:
I said can feel heavy, not that it actually is. I'm only echoing comments i've heard on here, which i don't really like doing, if i'm honest. I could be completely wrong but i'm sure many said that it felt heavier than it actually is. Or maybe just not particularly nimble and light on it's toes.
It may not be the case though and i have no first-hand experience myself with one either.
Not sure about feeling heavy. It felt well built which i guess some could equate to meaning heavy. The engine is designed to be stuck in a saloon car to skip along the autobahn at warp factor 9. So although it's very good, its not a sporty engine. The fact you practically sit on the rear axle also plays a part in making the car feel bigger than it is in my opinion.It may not be the case though and i have no first-hand experience myself with one either.
For me Z4 all day long especially as it's not a daily car you are looking for. A friend owned a S5 when i had my Z4M and it felt and drove like a semi powerful coupe, it's most definitely not a sports car or a car to drive just for the fun of it.
Having said that, they are nice enough and would make a good daily, just not special enough for a fun car.
Best thing to do would be to drive them back to back and make your own mind up.
Having said that, they are nice enough and would make a good daily, just not special enough for a fun car.
Best thing to do would be to drive them back to back and make your own mind up.
Charlie88 said:
Thanks Mike.
That's one thing I've noticed about owners of the Z4C, they don't seem to keep them!
So many of the examples online are 5+ owners, maybe it's just that type of car?
Nah, it's just people like Mr Tidy who buy one, sell it, instantly regret it and then buy another That's one thing I've noticed about owners of the Z4C, they don't seem to keep them!
So many of the examples online are 5+ owners, maybe it's just that type of car?
These are usually a second or third car, so people either chop and change them quickly, as it's a luxury item and they "fancy a change" or they are kept a long time.
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