E46 M3 or E92 M3 or Z4 35is

[The Geographer]

Hi guys,

I'm trying to make my mind up with regards to my next car purchase and I thought it'd be wise the consult PH first.

In a nutshell I'm set to invest in a Z4 35is. It's been my "affordable" dream car for years and I'm absolutely in love with the looks and sound of the car. I appreciate it might not be a sharp sports car like my old MX5 or S2000, but I have been admiring the new Z4 since the day it came out.

I'm aware that for £20k, there are a wealth of options available that might make a lot more sense. My previous car was a 330ci (remap + quaife LSD) and I love the balance and feel of the E46. At the time, my boss had an E46 M3 which felt like everything I wanted my 330 to be. For £20k I could pick up a great example (manual coupe) that might even appreciate going forward (?).

There's also the E92 M3 and cars like the Cayman S and 370Z.

I'm past my "hooning" / "track day bro" days and the ideal car would be a comfortable cruiser with a sporty feel. Being able to kick the back end out on occasion is still a must though.

What would you go for on a £20k budget? There might be some cars I've completely forgotten!

Many thanks.

G

[ZX10R NIN]

My brother has an E90 M3 & loves it, it's a very good steer I would buy one of these over the Z4 35Is as a side bar I'd buy the saloon it's rarer sight & I think it's proportions are better than the coupe:

Alternatives:

Nissan 370Z Nismo these are a very good & underrated steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

TT RS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Cayman S

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[SB8999]

Lexus IS F
Bmw M2
Mercedes C63 AMG
Vauxhall VXR8
Ford Mustang
?

[survivalist]

Depends on your intended use and mileage. As you say the Z4 is more of a cruiser than an out and out sports car. So apart from the lack of rear seats very liveable day to day and reasonable running costs. I’ve driven a couple and to me they felt pretty similar to driving a 3 Series Coupe, so certainly not bad.

Think the Z4 used the N54 (same as the early E90 335i) engine right up until it was discontinued, so failing fuel pumps, injectors and turbos might be a consideration if you’re planning on keeping it for a while.

The E46 M3 is great and values certainly aren’t dropping, especially if you could get a CS for that - might be a long search for a good one though, I looked recently and couldn’t find one I was happy with from a condition/value point of view. Depending on the milegae you do and whether you will be keeping it in a garage, buying a minter and slapping 1000s of miles on it doesn’t make much financial sense.

E90 M3 - this would be my choice. Reasonable to buy but shouldn’t drop much more in value (relative to the miles you put on it), special engine and chassis. Also newer so less likely to be subject some of the E46 issues (arches rusting, subframe repair). Higher running costs than the Z4 but much more special despite the less ‘sportscar’ looks.

As other posters have said, plenty of other options. The only one I’d add if you want a 2 seater would be a Mercedes SLK with a V8 engine - I’m not really up on model/year/values but went out in one with a colleague and the V8 sound track was great, nice place to sit as well.