Z4 or M3

[AndyE1976]

It seems that the various configurators would put the price of the Z4 somewhere between the E92 and E93 335i, at my preferred spec of E93 that makes it just $5-7k less than an E92 M3.

Although these are different types of car they both have sporty pretentions and the M is a bit of a legend, so the question is this:

if your spec of Z4 was within $5-8k of your spec M3 would you still choose the Z4?

[Zirenz2006]

I've thought about the same thing. I was considering an E92 M3 to replace my 335i but when I saw the new Z4 I changed my mind.

I wouldn't even think about if you're going to spend this much money why not spend a little more and get something else.

It should just come down to what kind of car you want and what is going to give you the most pleasure for your money.

Right now I'm feeling like it's roadster time. I have always liked them but never seriously considered getting one until now. I might still get the M3 someday.

[AndyE1976]

Agree, if you play the argument that "i can save x by buying y" then you'll end up in a Chevy Aveo or worse!!

I wouldn't be disappointed by either a Z4 or M3, the Z4 looks slick, will be just as quick in the real world (slightly more torque so will feel about as quick) and has that convertible option if you want it.

The main strengths of the M3 though are that a) it's an M3, b) it can carry more people and stuff c) it has 414hp and a cracking V8 and d) it's an M3!!!

I think it's going to come down to the test drive, but I'm edging towards the Z4 at the moment.

[PIMP "E"]

ORRRR........ you can wait for the Z4 M to come out.

[Z4 Beemer]

Originally Posted by AndyE1976

The main strengths of the M3 though are that a) it's an M3, b) it can carry more people and stuff

I agree with Zirenz2006 - it should come down to what car you want, and for me also... at the moment I feel its roadster time! I don't want to be able to carry more people and stuff ... I like the idea of having a 2 seater roadster and not taxiing people around!

[Deda]

ouch...hard question....but i will go for M3!

[Ced]

Z4. With the turbo engine and just a sw upload it almost 400 hp and 421 ft lb of torque from Dinan - $1999; add in the bigger oil cooler for $1699.

[Ced]

Originally Posted by vonsazkin

man i'm confused. my lease on the almost fully loaded e92 328xi ends jan 2010 and yeah it's not super powerful or any thing but i've gotten so attached to it. i wanted to upgrade to the m3 but i also love the new z4 and i can't seem to get rid of the e92 328xi either. if only i could afford to get the z4 and keep the e92 as well...or get the m3 and keep the e92 too...or...

well look at it this way your current leases ends. The Z4 definitely will cost more. The Z4 has less room too, but can be more powerful than the M3 with force induction and perhaps 20K less money.

[AndyE1976]

Originally Posted by Ced

Z4. With the turbo engine and just a sw upload it almost 400 hp and 421 ft lb of torque from Dinan - $1999; add in the bigger oil cooler for $1699.

This is what I'm thinking too - run it through the warranty period with 300bhp and then fit a Procede or something similar. Might Dinan it before the warranty expires as they're dealer friendly.

Having had modded cars before I was looking for something that didn't need to be messed with though and honestly 300hp/300lbft is fine. An M would just be for the fact that it's an M.

[Ced]

Originally Posted by AndyE1976

This is what I'm thinking too - run it through the warranty period with 300bhp and then fit a Procede or something similar. Might Dinan it before the warranty expires as they're dealer friendly.

Having had modded cars before I was looking for something that didn't need to be messed with though and honestly 300hp/300lbft is fine. An M would just be for the fact that it's an M.

Here's a good comparo video, if you havent seen. The Dinan cars has all the goodies though from suspension to wheels; thus the mod price. You can go stiffer with the suspension with another brand though... Chk it out...

BTW, I like that the Z4 is not as close to a direct comparison to the M3, like the 335.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gGzq4Pyv8Q

[JJ_Wonderboy]

For me it has to be the Z4, but only just.

I was so close to ordering an M3 (and you can get pretty good deals on them at the moment in the UK). There I was sitting in one thinking, "should I?" I decided to wait until the Z4 was unveiled and then, once I saw it I just sided on the Z4 (being a new car design, having that great tt engine, a convertible hardtop and cheaper).

Can't wait until May...

[Ced]

Originally Posted by JJ_Wonderboy

For me it has to be the Z4, but only just.

I was so close to ordering an M3 (and you can get pretty good deals on them at the moment in the UK). There I was sitting in one thinking, "should I?" I decided to wait until the Z4 was unveiled and then, once I saw it I just sided on the Z4 (being a new car design, having that great tt engine, a convertible hardtop and cheaper).

Can't wait until May...

yeah the new Z4 seems to have everything going for it. exterior, interior, power, mpg, price, new technology, hard top cab

if you need a back sit.... I'm sorry

[JJ_Wonderboy]

Originally Posted by Ced

yeah the new Z4 seems to have everything going for it. exterior, interior, power, mpg, price, new technology, hard top cab

if you need a back sit.... I'm sorry

Totally agree. If I needed the extra back seats I'd be looking at either the 335i or the M3 but I'm at that time of the life where I can get away with just the two. Might as well take advantage of it whilst I can.

[Ced]

Originally Posted by JJ_Wonderboy

Totally agree. If I needed the extra back seats I'd be looking at either the 335i or the M3 but I'm at that time of the life where I can get away with just the two. Might as well take advantage of it whilst I can.

yeah man... I think the z4 will be more for a niche market, because a lot of people will want a backseat.

[AndyE1976]

I think I may have found one thing that will sway me to the M3. I sat in a 335i convertible today at the Philly Auto show and even at the lowest seat setting I was looking at the top of the windscreen.

At 6ft 5 I'm inclined to think that the new Z4 will have a similar problem. The M3 felt great in comparison and I even managed to find an Interlagos blue one there, which is just stunning.

Will still give the Z4 a test drive, but staring at the top of the windscreen is deifnitely not going to be a plus point.

[Ced]

Originally Posted by AndyE1976

I think I may have found one thing that will sway me to the M3. I sat in a 335i convertible today at the Philly Auto show and even at the lowest seat setting I was looking at the top of the windscreen.

At 6ft 5 I'm inclined to think that the new Z4 will have a similar problem. The M3 felt great in comparison and I even managed to find an Interlagos blue one there, which is just stunning.

Will still give the Z4 a test drive, but staring at the top of the windscreen is deifnitely not going to be a plus point.

oh noes. M6 then :-)

[AndyE1976]

Originally Posted by Ced

oh noes. M6 then :-)

Only used... I like BMW's but for $100k I'd be look at an Aston Martin or possibily the Maserati Gran Turismo.

Wandering around the show a couple of things struck me;
- the Z06 interior is a lot better quality now than I remember it
- the new camero has a trunk that looks smaller than an Elise's
- Porsche are snobs, they only had a Boxster open for people to look in - not even the Cayman or the base 911 was open.
- the C63 AMG has fantastic seats
- Audi's look good, but just don't quite feel 'right' to me
- the 370Z looks like a cartoon car
- the GTR is fantastic, but it's just a Nissan and it looks like it inside
- the Jag XK is nice, but not $80k nice

i got my short list to:
- E92 M3
- C63 AMG
- Z06 (used)
- Mini Cooper S

Sorry this is a bit OT.

[Ced]

Originally Posted by AndyE1976

Only used... I like BMW's but for $100k I'd be look at an Aston Martin or possibily the Maserati Gran Turismo.

Wandering around the show a couple of things struck me;
- the Z06 interior is a lot better quality now than I remember it
- the new camero has a trunk that looks smaller than an Elise's
- Porsche are snobs, they only had a Boxster open for people to look in - not even the Cayman or the base 911 was open.
- the C63 AMG has fantastic seats
- Audi's look good, but just don't quite feel 'right' to me
- the 370Z looks like a cartoon car
- the GTR is fantastic, but it's just a Nissan and it looks like it inside
- the Jag XK is nice, but not $80k nice

i got my short list to:
- E92 M3
- C63 AMG
- Z06 (used)
- Mini Cooper S

Sorry this is a bit OT.

The new Audis are nice looking. I like the S5 coupe, but hear it doesn't handle that good from what I read. Now, I need a fun car to drive and look good too .

When is the car show in Atlanta? April timeframe? I missed last year.

[AndyE1976]

Originally Posted by Ced

The new Audis are nice looking. I like the S4 coupe, but hear it doesn't handle that good from what I read. Now, I need a fun car to drive and look good too .

When is the car show in Atlanta? April timeframe? I missed last year.

I drove the S5 at Jim Ellis a year ago and honestly it didn't feel as good as the 335i, the E92 just felt more focused as a drivers car and higher quality.

I've seen a few A4's and they look the same as an S5, but with 2 more doors - I think that diminishes the attractiveness of a $60k car.

They had a TT-S at the show and it was kind of cramped and from inside you could have been in anything - there was really nothing special about it.

The Atlanta show is around the end of April I think, I think it coincided with my fiances birthday and the Ferrari Challenge race at Road Atlanta last year.

[Mu Mu]

Originally Posted by Z4 Beemer

I agree with Zirenz2006 - it should come down to what car you want, and for me also... at the moment I feel its roadster time! I don't want to be able to carry more people and stuff ... I like the idea of having a 2 seater roadster and not taxiing people around!

+48372047348304

[Year's_End]

m3

[Ced]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

m3

why why why