New Non-M Z4 vs Used M3 ? Which is the better buy ?

SupraSkylineSTI · 07-08-2008, 12:15 PM

Alright, so I figured I could get a Roadster/Coupe NON-M Facelifted Z4 for about as much as I can get a Coupe/Cabrio Used M3 for.

If you could buy your car all over again, which would you buy ?
Do the cars have the same handling ? I know that the M3 has more power, but is it that noticable ? The M3 is bigger, and the Z4 is smaller, so I assume the Z4 feels faster too ?

Any pros and cons on each of the cars are appreciated.
Thanks.

jlstyle · 07-08-2008, 12:39 PM

I would take nice used CPO M3.
I like my Z4 si, but we I can throw a dice again, I think I will go with m3.
Don't get me wrong, I like my car, but I'm just sick of roadster now, and want some coupe or 4 door.

Burt Reynolds · 07-08-2008, 12:45 PM

Any reason you are not considering a used Z4M?

epbrown · 07-08-2008, 12:58 PM

Or a used Z3M with S54?

Hawkeye · 07-08-2008, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlstyle

I would take nice used CPO M3.
I like my Z4 si, but we I can throw a dice again, I think I will go with m3.
Don't get me wrong, I like my car, but I'm just sick of roadster now, and want some coupe or 4 door.

That is why Coupes are amazing. I do not regret my 3.0si Coupe at all. These are different cars though.

If you need more space get the M3, more gas mileage with a good fun factor get the Z4 3.0si if you want the best feeling performance get a used Z4M.

SupraSkylineSTI · 07-08-2008, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlstyle

I would take nice used CPO M3.
I like my Z4 si, but we I can throw a dice again, I think I will go with m3.
Don't get me wrong, I like my car, but I'm just sick of roadster now, and want some coupe or 4 door.

Yeah, I was actually thinking of getting a 2003 - 2006 CPO, something around there. The prices are actually really similar to 3.0si's. I don't really mind having only two seats, if it means I enjoy the car more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Burt Reynolds

Any reason you are not considering a used Z4M?

Can't really afford it.

There are no cheap Z4M's in my area.

Quote:

Originally Posted by epbrown

Or a used Z3M with S54?

I was thinking of a used Z3M, but it seems to me they are a bit outdated now. The chassis seems old compared to the Z4, M3, and newer cars. I don't think the Z3 would be as high quality as a Z4 or E46 M3.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

That is why Coupes are amazing. I do not regret my 3.0si Coupe at all. These are different cars though.

If you need more space get the M3, more gas mileage with a good fun factor get the Z4 3.0si if you want the best feeling performance get a used Z4M.

I don't need more space, but I do need that fun factor you're talking about.

jamboMR · 07-08-2008, 03:42 PM

out of those two i think i'd go for the E46 coupe. i just love the s54 so much and the weight difference in moving to an E46 vert is 350lbs or something, so i'd stick with the M3 coupe :-) almost bought 1 or 2 of those before finding a Z4M just by chance in my state and couldnt pass it up

SupraSkylineSTI · 07-08-2008, 04:19 PM

Also, I wanted to ask, hows the noise when you're driving 80 - 90 mph on the highway in the roadster. Is it unbearable ? Or can you live with it ?

jamboMR · 07-08-2008, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SupraSkylineSTI

Also, I wanted to ask, hows the noise when you're driving 80 - 90 mph on the highway in the roadster. Is it unbearable ? Or can you live with it ?

It's totally fine. obviously louder than other things but i really dont notice it once some music is playing, and no funny wind noises either. but then again, i drive with the roof down and no wind deflector 90% of the time so that's what i'm comparing it to heh

Reach · 07-08-2008, 08:03 PM

OP, this is exactly the dilemma I went through when I bought my Z. I was originally on the market for an M3 coupe, in fact, I was searching for that perfect M3 for quite some time. I drove to several BMW dealers near and far, but after I drove a CPO M3 at a dealer that I wasn't impressed with (I mean that specific one, the M3 is great obviously) and the dealer sensed my displeasure, he tried to resurrect my interest by offering a Z4 test drive. I was originally not looking for a convertible, but I tried it. After 1 drive, honestly, I was hooked.

I did a lot more research and realized that for the same $ (then) I could either get a young, warranty and maintenance included used Z4, or an older, 60kish mileage, possibly abused M3. The convertible fun factor, excellent ride and handling (subjective, but Z4 wins in my book) and relative economic bonuses like maintenance included and much better mileage made me switch to the Z4 camp. It took a while for me to find the exact one I wanted, but I did (200 miles away), pounced on it when I found it, and have no regrets since.

Is the M3 faster and can you feel it? Most definitely. The other +s of the Z4 made me want it anyway. You have to decide where your priorities are.

SupraSkylineSTI · 07-10-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reach

OP, this is exactly the dilemma I went through when I bought my Z. I was originally on the market for an M3 coupe, in fact, I was searching for that perfect M3 for quite some time. I drove to several BMW dealers near and far, but after I drove a CPO M3 at a dealer that I wasn't impressed with (I mean that specific one, the M3 is great obviously) and the dealer sensed my displeasure, he tried to resurrect my interest by offering a Z4 test drive. I was originally not looking for a convertible, but I tried it. After 1 drive, honestly, I was hooked.

I did a lot more research and realized that for the same $ (then) I could either get a young, warranty and maintenance included used Z4, or an older, 60kish mileage, possibly abused M3. The convertible fun factor, excellent ride and handling (subjective, but Z4 wins in my book) and relative economic bonuses like maintenance included and much better mileage made me switch to the Z4 camp. It took a while for me to find the exact one I wanted, but I did (200 miles away), pounced on it when I found it, and have no regrets since.

Is the M3 faster and can you feel it? Most definitely. The other +s of the Z4 made me want it anyway. You have to decide where your priorities are.

and yet you went with the standard 3.0 non si ?

Reach · 07-11-2008, 01:56 PM

In 2005 there was only 3.0i and 2.5i, M54 engine base.

In 2006+ there are 3.0i and 3.0si, N52 engine base.

I wanted the M54, and SMG which was only offered on the earlier cars, thus 2005 for me.

Even still, there isn't a huge difference between the 3.0i and 3.0si in the new cars, assuming both are equipped with the 6speed.

soeharyo · 07-11-2008, 03:54 PM

I too drive a 3.0i, M54, SMG.

What attracted you to the M54 engine, Reach?

Reach · 07-11-2008, 05:02 PM

It has a dipstick!

In all seriousness, the M54 is likely a last of breed engine for BMW. The reliability of the new N52/4 engines needs to be proven out over many years before I will be a believer, and the combination of strange noises they make (which are usually said to be within spec, or operating as designed) and the 100% reliance on electronic nanny systems for all maintenance issues seems ridiculous to me. The new hybrid alu / mag construction seems nice, but as with some new technologies I'm taking a wait and see approach. Originally I thought the M54 would be a much better bet if I chose to go FI down the road. Although there are some good kits out there, the N series is proving it can hold its own quite well with the highly modified *35's out there.

Now, in 5 years I could be eating my words and these could be rock solid systems, but the M54 has that tried and true experience already. Whats more, any project that I can't do on it, I know full well that BMW mechanics, both at the dealer and independents, have years of experience working on and fixing these engines.

All of this is just my opinion, and the ravings of a delusional z nut so take with a grain of salt. <sorry for the off topic>

mazzawi · 07-11-2008, 05:16 PM

save some money or wait more, and get an M Z4.
yes there is a lot of difference, I never want to drive a non M car again.

M3WC · 07-11-2008, 05:18 PM

I am having the same debate. But between used Z4M coupe vs. E46 M3.

I like the fact the Z4M coupe is more rare and design is unique. But I like the fact the M3 has rear seats, but I don't really need them.

SupraSkylineSTI · 07-16-2008, 08:49 PM

I really like the E46 M3, but I feel the Z4 is so much more beautiful.

07-08-2008, 12:15 PM	#1
SupraSkylineSTI Enlisted Member 6 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 2002 Saab 9-3 Viggen Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	New Non-M Z4 vs Used M3 ? Which is the better buy ? Alright, so I figured I could get a Roadster/Coupe NON-M Facelifted Z4 for about as much as I can get a Coupe/Cabrio Used M3 for. If you could buy your car all over again, which would you buy ? Do the cars have the same handling ? I know that the M3 has more power, but is it that noticable ? The M3 is bigger, and the Z4 is smaller, so I assume the Z4 feels faster too ? Any pros and cons on each of the cars are appreciated. Thanks.
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07-08-2008, 12:39 PM	#2
jlstyle Lieutenant Colonel 355 Rep 1,762 Posts Drives: Porsche Panamera Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Audi S7 [0.00] 2015 BMW X5 [0.00]	I would take nice used CPO M3. I like my Z4 si, but we I can throw a dice again, I think I will go with m3. Don't get me wrong, I like my car, but I'm just sick of roadster now, and want some coupe or 4 door.
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07-08-2008, 12:45 PM	#3
Burt Reynolds Captain 53 Rep 689 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Windy City iTrader: (0)	Any reason you are not considering a used Z4M? __________________ 2007 M Coupe w/NAV/Premium/Extended Leather, Clearbra, DICE, 4.10 BMW Motorsport Polished LSD, Active Autowerke Gen IV Headers, Supersprint Race Exhaust and X-Pipe, ESS Tuned DME, KWV3 Coilovers, Volk RE30, OEM Strut Tower Brace, Short Antenna, JL AMP, JL 10W7, Valentine V1.
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07-08-2008, 12:58 PM	#4
epbrown Colonel 60 Rep 2,128 Posts Drives: BMW M Coupe, Porsche Boxster S Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Or a used Z3M with S54?
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07-08-2008, 03:42 PM	#7
jamboMR Private First Class 9 Rep 192 Posts Drives: Z4MR sold sniff sniff Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: San Francisco / UK / Australia iTrader: (0)	out of those two i think i'd go for the E46 coupe. i just love the s54 so much and the weight difference in moving to an E46 vert is 350lbs or something, so i'd stick with the M3 coupe :-) almost bought 1 or 2 of those before finding a Z4M just by chance in my state and couldnt pass it up
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07-08-2008, 04:19 PM	#8
SupraSkylineSTI Enlisted Member 6 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 2002 Saab 9-3 Viggen Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Also, I wanted to ask, hows the noise when you're driving 80 - 90 mph on the highway in the roadster. Is it unbearable ? Or can you live with it ?
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07-08-2008, 08:03 PM	#10
Reach gone baby gone 382 Rep 1,052 Posts Drives: 2016 F80 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Location, Location. iTrader: (0)	OP, this is exactly the dilemma I went through when I bought my Z. I was originally on the market for an M3 coupe, in fact, I was searching for that perfect M3 for quite some time. I drove to several BMW dealers near and far, but after I drove a CPO M3 at a dealer that I wasn't impressed with (I mean that specific one, the M3 is great obviously) and the dealer sensed my displeasure, he tried to resurrect my interest by offering a Z4 test drive. I was originally not looking for a convertible, but I tried it. After 1 drive, honestly, I was hooked. I did a lot more research and realized that for the same $ (then) I could either get a young, warranty and maintenance included used Z4, or an older, 60kish mileage, possibly abused M3. The convertible fun factor, excellent ride and handling (subjective, but Z4 wins in my book) and relative economic bonuses like maintenance included and much better mileage made me switch to the Z4 camp. It took a while for me to find the exact one I wanted, but I did (200 miles away), pounced on it when I found it, and have no regrets since. Is the M3 faster and can you feel it? Most definitely. The other +s of the Z4 made me want it anyway. You have to decide where your priorities are.
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07-11-2008, 01:56 PM	#12
Reach gone baby gone 382 Rep 1,052 Posts Drives: 2016 F80 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Location, Location. iTrader: (0)	In 2005 there was only 3.0i and 2.5i, M54 engine base. In 2006+ there are 3.0i and 3.0si, N52 engine base. I wanted the M54, and SMG which was only offered on the earlier cars, thus 2005 for me. Even still, there isn't a huge difference between the 3.0i and 3.0si in the new cars, assuming both are equipped with the 6speed.
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07-11-2008, 03:54 PM	#13
soeharyo lettuce 18 Rep 201 Posts Drives: 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ann Arbor, MI iTrader: (0)	I too drive a 3.0i, M54, SMG. What attracted you to the M54 engine, Reach?
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07-11-2008, 05:02 PM	#14
Reach gone baby gone 382 Rep 1,052 Posts Drives: 2016 F80 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Location, Location. iTrader: (0)	It has a dipstick! In all seriousness, the M54 is likely a last of breed engine for BMW. The reliability of the new N52/4 engines needs to be proven out over many years before I will be a believer, and the combination of strange noises they make (which are usually said to be within spec, or operating as designed) and the 100% reliance on electronic nanny systems for all maintenance issues seems ridiculous to me. The new hybrid alu / mag construction seems nice, but as with some new technologies I'm taking a wait and see approach. Originally I thought the M54 would be a much better bet if I chose to go FI down the road. Although there are some good kits out there, the N series is proving it can hold its own quite well with the highly modified *35's out there. Now, in 5 years I could be eating my words and these could be rock solid systems, but the M54 has that tried and true experience already. Whats more, any project that I can't do on it, I know full well that BMW mechanics, both at the dealer and independents, have years of experience working on and fixing these engines. All of this is just my opinion, and the ravings of a delusional z nut so take with a grain of salt. <sorry for the off topic>
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07-11-2008, 05:16 PM	#15
mazzawi Private First Class 4 Rep 140 Posts Drives: before 05 Z4 2.5 now 08 MRdstr Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Z4 [5.00]	save some money or wait more, and get an M Z4. yes there is a lot of difference, I never want to drive a non M car again.
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07-11-2008, 05:18 PM	#16
M3WC Brigadier General 3645 Rep 3,244 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: ...location...location iTrader: (0)	I am having the same debate. But between used Z4M coupe vs. E46 M3. I like the fact the Z4M coupe is more rare and design is unique. But I like the fact the M3 has rear seats, but I don't really need them.
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07-16-2008, 08:49 PM	#17
SupraSkylineSTI Enlisted Member 6 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 2002 Saab 9-3 Viggen Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I really like the E46 M3, but I feel the Z4 is so much more beautiful.
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