Help concerning Z4M purchase

[Congoman775]

Im 19, and i am in the market for a car in the 30-40k price range... i found a nice 07' 650i online for 41k, but i also found an 06' Z4M for mid 30s.. which do you think would be a better buy?

i honestly know very little about the Z4's, ive always been a big M3 guy, but i think i may end up pursuing the Z4M... Any thoughts from those in the know?

[pmeloche]

Two different cars. What are you looking for? A race car (Z4M) or a cruiser (650i)?

[Congoman775]

in a perfect world, both.

i like the sportyness of the M but the comfort of the 6

[apexstrafer]

Then get an M3 (E46). But then again, I'm not so sure a rwd car with over 300hp is a smart choice for a 19 yr old...

[jamboMR]

Originally Posted by Congoman775

in a perfect world, both.

i like the sportyness of the M but the comfort of the 6

Definitely an E46 M3 then. You'll get a nice 05/06 with good options for your price range. It'll probably be a safer more predictable car for a younger driver too.

The ride on the Z4M is not for everybody everyday, but if you want the ultimate seat of the pants feel in a modern day BMW and something pretty exclusive and rare, then it wins without competition

[nmulax]

+1 on E46 M3.

The 6er is a big heavy car. Great for cruising in, but not as engaging of a drive.
The Z4M is a car at 110%. A great sports car, but probably not the best introduction to that kind of power.

[Mikewarlover]

If you want a true sports car that will thrill you every morning drive to school then the M is the ideal car for you. While many others find the M to have a not too comfy ride, personally i think its alright not much worse than my previous E92. Don't get the 6 its for people over 30 at least. Also in addition to the oldness of the 6 it isn't exactly much more practical than the Coupe either. Yes its got two more seats and a big boot, but the seats in the back are smaller than those in the 3 series coupe and do u really need a mega sized boot. Putting everything into consideration especially your age (I am almost same age as u) you should really go for the M. Get it and keep it if you can, I promise you won't be disappointed.

[enfield]

650i is for people who want to cruise along just as pointed out.

If you want a car with an "edge" then it has to be the Z4M Coupe.

[AWM3]

I vote for low miles pristine 2005 or 2006 E46 M3. The 650 is an old guy's car, and the Z4M is a weekend car. And girls don't like cramped little rocketship cars that make them carsick and are hard to get out of. Ask my wife.

[PKL]

M Coupe

[torv]

I think the reason you mentioned your age is that so we can give you an opinion re: suitability and possibly insurance cost?

Z4 M is going to be higher in insurance cost (probably not that much more than the 650)
Suitability wise, I think you have to go with Z4 M, since it's more suited to younger crowd.

But yeah...19 and you're looking into these cars? You must be doing something right.

[CaymanS]

Originally Posted by torv

I think the reason you mentioned your age is that so we can give you an opinion re: suitability and possibly insurance cost?

Z4 M is going to be higher in insurance cost (probably not that much more than the 650)
Suitability wise, I think you have to go with Z4 M, since it's more suited to younger crowd.

But yeah...19 and you're looking into these cars? You must be doing something right.

speaking of insurances...here in europe a 19 year old person will never get these cars insured. never ever. risk is way too high.

[Congoman775]

thanks for all your imput, i ruled out the 6 series and now am having a hard time between an 06' M3, 335i, and the M coupe...Ugh...

[marcus1701]

why not just get a 335i...or 535i, I think it's reasonable, safe, fun, and you will have the more updated look. What was your last car?

[Congoman775]

Originally Posted by marcus1701

why not just get a 335i...or 535i, I think it's reasonable, safe, fun, and you will have the more updated look. What was your last car?

im currently in a 350z, but had an 06' GTO before that

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by apexstrafer

Then get an M3 (E46). But then again, I'm not so sure a rwd car with over 300hp is a smart choice for a 19 yr old...

When I was 16 (30 years ago), I had a 1975 Kawasaki H2 750 (3 cylinder two stroke street bike with a demon of an engine) and lived to tell about it. That bike held the SS 1/4 mile record for 9 years (was only in production for 4 years). Among the worst handling bikes of all time, but a freakin' rocket. The bike also had a reputation for being a widow-maker. If you ride/drive within your limits you'll be fine. Back then people seemed to have more respect for things than today though. But I agree with above. 19 and 300 hp is not an ideal mix.

[The__J__Factor]

Originally Posted by car62

I vote for low miles pristine 2005 or 2006 E46 M3. The 650 is an old guy's car, and the Z4M is a weekend car. And girls don't like cramped little rocketship cars that make them carsick and are hard to get out of. Ask my wife.

Your wifes too old.
j/k
my gf loves my car and driving it, she is 18.

OP id take the Z4M over the other choices in a sec. e46 m3 is begging to look sorta dated and the 6 series is way too big.
The new Z4 seems to compliment the current Z4 so much that you know e85 wont look dated for for a long long time.

[nmulax]

Originally Posted by Congoman775

thanks for all your imput, i ruled out the 6 series and now am having a hard time between an 06' M3, 335i, and the M coupe...Ugh...

Good call on dropping the 6.
Since you're coming from a 350Z, you've already proven that you can do a 2 seater (IMO, this is the biggest knock against the Z4 if it's your only car).

The first thing you should do is test drive the cars. Try out a 335i, a used E46 M3, and a Z4 coupe (even if it's not an M). That should help your decision making. None are bad cars by any stretch - it just depends what your priorities are.