Z4MC Vs Z4C opinions

[mattpullen64]

With the used prices of year old Z4's now looking extremely attractive, what are the extra running costs that you would incur going for a Z4MC over the 3.0si? Bell have quoted me only £200 more for insurance on the M version, so it looks like running costs will be the decider.

Is there anyone that has run both or has looked at this already? The key things that i don't know are the differences in service intervals on the two models (is the M about every 9k miles?) and the differences in service costs. Are there deals with the BMW warranties etc?

Cheers, Matt

[Vinny09]

Hi Matt,

Not sure of the 3.0, but to give you some idea on the M Coupe, I picked up a 7,500 mile 14 month old model earlier this year. It had already had the 1,000/1,500 mile running in service so not sure of costs for that but I have almost done 12k and just got the oil change service done - cost me 200 GBP.

Next service is not for 15k miles (Inspection 1). I am getting about 23-24mpg which seems to be fairly consistent with other users. For me, as a new buy I could never face the depreciation on the M, but as a used buy the differential in initial purchase cost cf the 3.0 is a lot less.

I've never driven the 3.0, which sounds pretty quick, but I love the M and it feels more exclusive as I've started to see more of the 3.0 Coupes around.

Hope this helps.

[taffyracer]

I would just get the M, but get the roadster, the one thing I found with my Z4MC was that it was not practical enough for me as a daily but not inpractical enough to warrant keeping as a 2nd car, just wished i'd got the roadster and had a bit more fun

[Nano2nd]

service interval is the similiar if you drive it similiar but costs are half as much..

my service interval was looking like 13-14000 miles in the Z4M Coupe

M cars higher:

tax
insurance
servicing
tyres
fuel
speed

IMO unless your doing BIG miles theres not a massive amount in it, i would of thought the M cars residuals would be better to offset the higher purchase price.

I drove them back to back, no 2 ways about it the M car is far superior... however it is a little less practical and more difficult to live with day to day (bl00dy clutch delay and harsh ride).

its swings and roundabouts really, try them both, then do the math, thats what i did...

i don't think you'll be disapointed with the 3.0, untill the day an M version rolls upto the traffic lights next to you LOL

[mattpullen64]

I've checked out tyre prices and there's hardly anything in it between the M and the 3.0, so will probably depend on driving style. are you lookign at a set of rears around every 12k?

For some reason i though the M had smaller service intervals, so it's good to hear they're coming up around 14k. All this is making the case for the M even more convincing...!


Taffy - I know the roadster gets good write-ups, but i still can't quite get on with the looks, personally i think the shape is much better with the lines of the coupe roof.

[carl_w]

FWIW my Z4MC has about 5,500 miles on the clock and the OBC is showing 7,500 to next service.

Currently averaging 22-23 mpg but good for 28 on a run.

[Nano2nd]

mattpullen64 said:

I've checked out tyre prices and there's hardly anything in it between the M and the 3.0, so will probably depend on driving style. are you lookign at a set of rears around every 12k?

For some reason i though the M had smaller service intervals, so it's good to hear they're coming up around 14k. All this is making the case for the M even more convincing...!


Taffy - I know the roadster gets good write-ups, but i still can't quite get on with the looks, personally i think the shape is much better with the lines of the coupe roof.

i think probably 10k for the rears if u take it easy, mine had done 9800 and the left rear was getting close.... i'm mostly motorway driving too

[djon]

The M has an LSD whereas 3.0is doesn't...not driven a 3.0is but been a passenger and it's still more than quick enough IMO, and still drifts well without the LSD - eh Tracky?

[Vinny09]

Nano2nd said:

its swings and roundabouts really, try them both, then do the math, thats what i did...

Yep, try them both on a few roundabouts and it will swing you in favour of the M....

[jezzaaa]

It really depends what your looking for. I have the Z4MC and another guy at the office has a Z4C si. Truth be told, the M one makes the SI look a bit flaccid (if I may use that expression) when they're side by side...and mine only has the standard wheels.

I had an SI on loan when mine was in for it's 1200 mile service...and it's a very nice car. But it doesn't have the chaos and bark of the M. The M is everything I love in a motor; aggressive, loud, un-PC, anti-social and is un-environmentally friendly. It's the nearest thing to a lairy TVR that I could find, but with build and technology that the Germans can provide. It's these things, and the thought that it's the sort of car that probably really irritates eco-mentalists...that's what makes it a no-contest win for the M. Had I bought the SI, I think I'd have always been wishing I'd spent the extra and bought the M.

[Greedydog]

I've had my Z4MC for about a month now after swapping my 993 for it and have to say it's fantastic! Far quicker than the Porsche, excellent handling, as said a German TVR. I drove a 3.0Si before I got the M and whilst it's a reasonably brisk car in it's own right it simply doesn't have the same level of performnance. Z4MC for me everytime! Now just to fit CSL wheels.......

Edited by Greedydog on Tuesday 3rd June 14:41

[M5Dave]

The biggest difference on running costs between the two will be insurance, road tax (extra £230 next year) and servicing, don't think there will be much in it with fuel consumption, tyres ect.

For Z4M sevicing, read E46 M3, that means £700+ for the Inspection 1, and £800+ for the Inspection 2 at main dealer recommended prices. That said, I've always found my local dealer willing to negotiate and price match on servicing costs, so you'll probably do a good bit better than that if you're prepared to spend a bit of time phoning round a few dealers.