Z4C delivers more than Z4MC for lower price...
Discussion
Completely agree that the 3.0si will suit their reader, but they might as well tell everyone to get a 2.0 as it'll do 99% of what the 3.0si does. From my experience of 20+ Z4s of different spec driving through Wales there's not a lot inbetween any of them unless you're going hell for leather, or doing traffic light grand prix. Same with the e60 M5 vs a e60 550 Sport, e46 M3 and e46 330D M-Sport (chipped), etc.
You'll also probably see that while the Z4MC was about £10k more new, the difference now is only a couple of grand - so who's going to pass up the opportunity to have an ///M Coupé for a couple of grand extra?
Although I get much more out of my Z4MC than Autocar because IAADG* and they're only journalists
* I Am A Driving God
You'll also probably see that while the Z4MC was about £10k more new, the difference now is only a couple of grand - so who's going to pass up the opportunity to have an ///M Coupé for a couple of grand extra?
Although I get much more out of my Z4MC than Autocar because IAADG* and they're only journalists
* I Am A Driving God
Edited by mmm-five on Thursday 10th June 13:42
Seriously though, the 2.0 is a completely different beast to the 3.0.
Also, I think that the small difference in cost secondhand Z4MC vs Z4C is a reflection of a big difference in running costs for a small gain in performance (which may be less usable anyway).
Rightly or wrongly, the Z4M never gained the cachet of the M3.
Edited by Vroomer on Thursday 10th June 14:19
Vroomer said:
Rightly or wrongly, the Z4M never gained the cachet of the M3.
Not sure I agree entirely with that.The Breadvan has attained cult status and Z4MC has it's fair share of admirers already; prices certainly seem to be reasonably stable anyway. The problem with the Z4M is that it's not hardcore enough, but neither is it a puka, continent-destroying GT.
The best way to look at it is as a cheaper, faster alternative to the Cayman s. That's certainly what I compared it too and I think I made the right choice in that regard.
It certainly doesn't have the cachet of the CSL, but I'd argue that the M3 is so ubiquitous, that any kudos has been significantly diluted. The Z4M's saving grace is its relative scarcity on UK roads.
Don't think the e46 M3 or e9x M3 has any cachet at all.
If you were talking about an e46 M3 CSL, or e9x GTS then I'd be the first to bite your hand off for either, but the bog standard e46 or e9x are just too dull (and I've driven both and chose the Z4MC over them).
It's not just the relatively huge number of these that are around, but also the fact that they're - dare I say it - 'chavvy'. Or to put it in a more politically correct way, certain people have bought them for the name & badge, not for what they can do.
If BMW keep diluting the ///M brand by offering M-Sport kit on everything from a 116D to a 550 and then sticking an ///M on a soft-roader, then the Z4MC will be the most modern ///M car I'll consider buying.
The same argument was around when BMW in certain countries offered both an M5 and an M540i 6-speed manual. The press said that the M540i did everything the M5 did in 99% of the cases, but for that 1% you'll really miss having the M5.
If you were talking about an e46 M3 CSL, or e9x GTS then I'd be the first to bite your hand off for either, but the bog standard e46 or e9x are just too dull (and I've driven both and chose the Z4MC over them).
It's not just the relatively huge number of these that are around, but also the fact that they're - dare I say it - 'chavvy'. Or to put it in a more politically correct way, certain people have bought them for the name & badge, not for what they can do.
If BMW keep diluting the ///M brand by offering M-Sport kit on everything from a 116D to a 550 and then sticking an ///M on a soft-roader, then the Z4MC will be the most modern ///M car I'll consider buying.
The same argument was around when BMW in certain countries offered both an M5 and an M540i 6-speed manual. The press said that the M540i did everything the M5 did in 99% of the cases, but for that 1% you'll really miss having the M5.
Edited by mmm-five on Thursday 10th June 15:20
Vroomer said:
Page 92 of this week's Autocar:
Sweetspot Z4: While the old Z4M Coupe was a bit of a disappointment, the lesser 3.0Si delivers more for a lower price.
I'd agree, but I suspect such a statement will wind up a few here!
Your obviously a raging homosexual.Sweetspot Z4: While the old Z4M Coupe was a bit of a disappointment, the lesser 3.0Si delivers more for a lower price.
I'd agree, but I suspect such a statement will wind up a few here!
If you read the Z4-forum there is a long post on there from a few who have made the change from the 3.0 to the M. Have a read.
BMW perhaps should have made it more akin to the CSL but they didn't which is a shame. The ride is overly harsh compared to the 3.0 but overall it's a quicker car and it looks far better. The 3.0 looks a bit odd with the standard BMW wheels.
I bought mine over the M3 because it feels far closer to actually being a sports car and has a rarity the M3 will never have.
It's a similar story to the E36 3.0 M3 and the 328 sport I guess.
Edited by daz4m on Thursday 10th June 16:07
My previous car was an E46 M3 and tbh the Z4M is by far more of a sports car. I just didn't get a lot of road feedback when driving the E46. Certainly doesn't feel as tight/rigid as the Z4m coupe. With the CSL I'd doubt I'd notice much difference with what I have at the mo.
Edited by KENZ on Friday 11th June 09:25
whythem said:
Just how much more expensive is it to run an M car Vs a 3.0ltr. Petrol wise there seems to be a 7-8mpg difference. Is the servicing THAT much more expensive. Sory for the hijack
Depends very much on individual circumstances. I'm looking at the Z4C and keep drifting towards wanting an M, but a quick calc on my circumstances suggests an extra £3k pa or more before depreciation.That to me is a decent wedge, regardless of how much nicer the M might be & being able to use the extra performance 10% of the time can't quite make up for it. Shame, but there you go.
My wife has a Z4 3.0i Cpe as her everyday car, I have a Z4MC as a a weekend car. We have got it right for us...
If I was choosing an everyday car it would be the Z4C - running costs, comfort, easier to drive in all traffic conditions, and its performance more accessible on the public roads.
For a weekend car it would be the Z4M - In a weekend car I want thrills, drama, excitement. I want to drive it hard and be rewarded for doing so, the M delivers that in spades, but you do have to be in the mood.
It really does depend on what you want from the car....
If I was choosing an everyday car it would be the Z4C - running costs, comfort, easier to drive in all traffic conditions, and its performance more accessible on the public roads.
For a weekend car it would be the Z4M - In a weekend car I want thrills, drama, excitement. I want to drive it hard and be rewarded for doing so, the M delivers that in spades, but you do have to be in the mood.
It really does depend on what you want from the car....
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