Z4M v M3 CS v 135i
Discussion
Great Pretender said:
1. Z4M (assuming coupe)
2. CS
3. 135
Quickest and best handling first; 135 last.
I disagree sir 2. CS
3. 135
Quickest and best handling first; 135 last.
, haven driven all three (well standard E46 M3) 135i is the quickest in a straight line and that's before a 385bhp remap. Most magazines are finding they do 0-60 in abotu 4.7 to 4.8 seconds. Huge amount of torque. Handling is another story of course. The 135i also has the best brakes, 6 pots as standard, but lacks the character of any ///M powered car. I would take:
1- Z4M (easy one)
2- 135i
3- M3
Edited by scz4 on Tuesday 6th April 14:42
Great Pretender said:
1. Z4M (assuming coupe)
2. CS
3. 135
Quickest and best handling first; 135 last.
+1.2. CS
3. 135
Quickest and best handling first; 135 last.
The CS is a great M3, and in time will be revered but will often be confused with the bog standard M3 and seen as wannabee to the ultimate driving focused E46 - the M3 CSL.
The Z4M will suffer no such confusion, it is an intense car (designed with gutsy driving in mind) and therefore not be as user friendly as the CS.
Have one of each

The 135i can be remapped to 400ps, but there is a sense that it is "synthetic" power.
Edited by Mermaid on Tuesday 6th April 14:43
Mermaid said:
The 135i can be remapped to 400ps, but there is a sense that it is "synthetic" power.
That is a brilliant term, and one I may steal for the future. I know exactly what you mean.It's the kind of power that AMG Mercs and RS Audis produce .... Power that gives you that initial "wow, thats fast", quickly followed by a shrug and a "hmmm, so what?" .... Its the curse of forced induction primarily IMO, and it will be interesting to see (hear and feel) how successful BMW are with the next M5.
scz4 said:
Great Pretender said:
1. Z4M (assuming coupe)
2. CS
3. 135
Quickest and best handling first; 135 last.
I disagree sir 2. CS
3. 135
Quickest and best handling first; 135 last.
, haven driven all three (well standard E46 M3) 135i is the quickest in a straight line and that's before a 385bhp remap. Most magazines are finding they do 0-60 in abotu 4.7 to 4.8 seconds. Huge amount of torque. Handling is another story of course. The 135i also has the best brakes, 6 pots as standard, but lacks the character of any ///M powered car. I would take:
1- Z4M (easy one)
2- 135i
3- M3
Edited by scz4 on Tuesday 6th April 14:42

Great Pretender said:
Bah! You and your bloody forced induction obsession 

I've converted back. The supercharged Z4 was way quicker than my M3 in every scenario, but not nearly as entertaining or as rewarding. Now a supercharged S54, that's the best of both worlds! 
That said I believe my ECU has arrived at the house... will let you know how I get on.
Edited by scz4 on Tuesday 6th April 14:56
Having owned a Z4MC and a M3CS, I would really struggle to rank them. Really depends on priorities.
The Z4MC is more fun in the twisties and (arguably) looks better. It is rarer (compared to an M3, but not the CS) and surprisingly practical for a 2 seater. Lighter and firmer than the M3 - noticeable on a country road blast.
The M3CS was an incredibly competent long distance cruiser, has the benefits of 4 seats and a large boot and (to my ears) sounded a little better. Very comfortable way to travel quickly across long distances! Looks brilliant in Interlagos blue.
Both were epic and I would gladly own either again.
Can't comment on the 135i.
The Z4MC is more fun in the twisties and (arguably) looks better. It is rarer (compared to an M3, but not the CS) and surprisingly practical for a 2 seater. Lighter and firmer than the M3 - noticeable on a country road blast.
The M3CS was an incredibly competent long distance cruiser, has the benefits of 4 seats and a large boot and (to my ears) sounded a little better. Very comfortable way to travel quickly across long distances! Looks brilliant in Interlagos blue.
Both were epic and I would gladly own either again.
Can't comment on the 135i.
Edited by wrighty78 on Tuesday 6th April 15:23
mat205125 said:
That is a brilliant term, and one I may steal for the future. I know exactly what you mean.
It's the kind of power that AMG Mercs and RS Audis produce .... Power that gives you that initial "wow, thats fast", quickly followed by a shrug and a "hmmm, so what?" .... Its the curse of forced induction primarily IMO, and it will be interesting to see (hear and feel) how successful BMW are with the next M5.
No need to steal, you may borrow for free and forever It's the kind of power that AMG Mercs and RS Audis produce .... Power that gives you that initial "wow, thats fast", quickly followed by a shrug and a "hmmm, so what?" .... Its the curse of forced induction primarily IMO, and it will be interesting to see (hear and feel) how successful BMW are with the next M5.

The RS2 produced 143ps per litre, but drive a 90ps per litre E30 M3 (ditto 190E 16V Merc) and the drive felt for real. And of course the RS & GT3 Porsches.
The RS6 is incredibly efficient, like the TGV and all that entails. The latest RS4 (B7?) is better for it is the only NA RS Audi, shortly to be joined by the RS5 that promises a lot.
Do real PH's drive AMG Mercs?

scz4 said:
Great Pretender said:
Bah! You and your bloody forced induction obsession 

I've converted back. The supercharged Z4 was way quicker than my M3 in every scenario, but not nearly as entertaining or as rewarding. Now a supercharged S54, that's the best of both worlds! 
That said I believe my ECU has arrived at the house... will let you know how I get on.
Edited by scz4 on Tuesday 6th April 14:56

not in any special criteria but if i were to buy one
1. M3CS
2. Z4M
3. 135i
i think no matter what, the 135i will be at the bottom or a different prospect in the sense that its a compromised car no matter how fast in a straight line or how much bhp and torque its got. and also, its not an ///M.
1. M3CS
2. Z4M
3. 135i
i think no matter what, the 135i will be at the bottom or a different prospect in the sense that its a compromised car no matter how fast in a straight line or how much bhp and torque its got. and also, its not an ///M.
custardkid said:
ask your self one question:
are you ever going to walk a way from the 'ugly baby' that is the 1 series and look over your shoulder and smile?
what about for this:

my work here is done

custard
No doubt it's a beautiful car....but I reckon you've ruined it by adding that ridiculously large spoiler.....are you ever going to walk a way from the 'ugly baby' that is the 1 series and look over your shoulder and smile?
what about for this:

my work here is done

custard

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