2.8 Z3 or Z4?

Connor

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As a few of you are aware my 1.9 Z3 has recently had a bit of work done to it, and I've been wondering whether I should buy a 2.8. Those plans have been put on hold, but I'm starting to save.

But that got me thinking? Why wouldn't I buy a Z4?

Does anyone own both and can give me a rundown of advantages/disadvantages of the Z4 over a 2.8 Z3?

I'm thinking of keeping the car a good few years, Maybe 5 so I'm wondering whether the newer Z4 will be better if kept for longer.

Thanks.

Connor.
 
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bruce&kim

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Connor in my opinion the z3 looks better and the 2.8 is a real drivers car not as refined as a z4 and probably not as quick but it does feel like it.
 

Connor

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Connor in my opinion the z3 looks better and the 2.8 is a real drivers car not as refined as a z4 and probably not as quick but it does feel like it.
That's sort of where I'm at. I really like the way that Z3s look, but mine is lacking a few more modern features and the interior I think is a little dated.

I'm just so unsure. A test drive would be a good place to start though I would imagine.

Connor.
 

paul.s

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we have both my mrs has a 2.8 z3 I have a 2.5 z4 there quite different cars to drive the z3 feels not exactly faster certainly more torque midrange power the z4 feels a lot smoother and revs a lot quicker certainly feels more refined. the 3 has a more retro sports car interior the 4 is just like any other bmw from the mid 2000s .if your a largish chap like myself the 4 has acres more room in the cabin and has a larger boot space . id say the 3 is the sporty drivers choice but if I was to tour the south of France the 4 would be my choice without a doubt . the 4 feels a lot more modern to drive but I still enjoy a blast in the 3. basically there both cracking cars I wasent sure about the styling of the z4 but it has grown on me and I haven't regreted buying it once (but having 2 z3 would be silly and I didn't want another slk)

 

GazHyde

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After owning both I find it easy to summarise my thoughts as follows. Z4 for cruising on over distances, Z3 when I wanted some fun.
 

billz

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We had both the 3.0 Z3 and Z4. We sold the Z3 Last year. For day to day running around nice roads the Z3 wins hands down. But to do a long trip then the Z4 wins. They are completely different cars. The Z3 is a true drivers car the Z4 is too refined to be classed as one. Would i go back to a Z3 (you bet) The only reason we will keep on the Z4 route is because they stopped making the Z3. If they brought out a new Z3 based exactly on the Z3 as it is then i would never have a Z4 over it. But long term and if a daily driver then it has to be a Z4 just purely down to the age factor.
 

Connor

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We had both the 3.0 Z3 and Z4. We sold the Z3 Last year. For day to day running around nice roads the Z3 wins hands down. But to do a long trip then the Z4 wins. They are completely different cars. The Z3 is a true drivers car the Z4 is too refined to be classed as one. Would i go back to a Z3 (you bet) The only reason we will keep on the Z4 route is because they stopped making the Z3. If they brought out a new Z3 based exactly on the Z3 as it is then i would never have a Z4 over it. But long term and if a daily driver then it has to be a Z4 just purely down to the age factor.
It would be my only car, so comfort is important. Is the Z4 a lot quieter on the motorway with the roof up? It's probably the thing I dislike most about my Z3, the sound is not unbearable but it could definitely be better!

Connor.
 

paul.s

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it is connor especially as our z3 has an unlined roof but also the z4 has the leading edge of the softtop is a hard panel covered in the mohair
 

billz

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It would be my only car, so comfort is important. Is the Z4 a lot quieter on the motorway with the roof up? It's probably the thing I dislike most about my Z3, the sound is not unbearable but it could definitely be better!

Connor.
Yes Connor it is a little quieter
 

TaffZee

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With my Z3 starting to show signs of corrosion I have toyed with the idea of buying an Audi A4 softtop in October and re building the Z3 over the winter, but that would mean two largish cars in the family and I really dont have time to spend on the Z3, So been casting my eye over the Z4 3.0, I will be honest, I really am not a fan of the Z4:whistle: but I want a two seater and cant find anything else that I would be happy with, so come October I may get myself a Z4:grumpy:, but it has to be a 3 litre, and Shiny Black.
 

Grumps

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Did you say the "A" word Jim? Washing your mouth out with cow poo and bleach, rinse and repeat! :D
 

Grumps

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We have a 2.8 Z3 and love it. I would never part with it. It's a summer fair weather car so hopefully last us forever with a bit of tlc along the way. I was never a huge fan of the Z4 but of late has grown on me quite a bit.Jue has said once or twice about having a Z4 as a daily driver which is very appealing. My only concern would be taking the enjoyment of the Z3 away as it only comes out with the roof down on a sunny day which always makes me smile. The other concern with the Z3 is we take it abroad as we are in July and are starting to wonder now many more times we can do this without it giving us trouble. A lot to weight up I think. o_O
 

GazHyde

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I think where people go wrong is that they think the Z4 is the "Z3 Version 2.0", where it's best to think of it as just another 2 seater roadster/coupe that BMW make. It shares so little other than it has a Z in it's name.

The other concern with the Z3 is we take it abroad as we are in July and are starting to wonder now many more times we can do this without it giving us trouble.
As long as you keep on top of the maintenance I don't see why it should ever give you trouble. A newer car is as likely to break down as an older one from personal experience.

There are a lot of advantages to the Z4 though.
  • The handling is superb in comparison.
  • The gearing is better for cruising, particularly on the 6 speed boxes - none of this 80mph/4,000rpm rubbish we put up with.
  • There is less wind turbulence (haha) in the cabin with the roof down, so you can hold a less shouty (should you choose to do so) conversation with your passenger.
  • The Sport seats are about the best seats I've experienced in any car I've driven - go for these rather than the standard if you can.
  • The heaters & heated seats are superb. I've driven motorway speeds at minus 3.5 degrees outside and been toasty warm. I've tried similar in the Z3, and with 2 fleeces and a beanie and not been able to hear the radio for my teeth chattering.
  • The boot is large enough to put things in, without having to have a degree in Tetris.
 

Grumps

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Totally agree with you Gaz, they are two different cars built by the same manufacturer. Moz showed me the boot size when I saw him last and was very impressed and it would make trips abroad much easier. That said if you read Mike Fishwicks thread on camping with a z3 he makes it look so easy. That bloke can get a 10 man tent stowed away between the engine and radiator!
Seat wise, a comfier seat would be lovely in the 3. Mine are standard and I'm going to buy a lumbar support for going to France as I will be very uncomfortable after a fulls days driving down. I looked last year at changing to sports seats but there not cheap so at the moment isn't an option. :(
 

TaffZee

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I love my Z3, with a passion, but she is getting old, the thought of giving her away (current prices) will P*** me off, but she needs attention to the bodywork to get her back in good condition, and if I do take her off the road I am worried that I wont have the time to give her the attention she deserves, and she will just stand in the garage waiting for me to do something with her, I have had a Z3 for 6 years now, first one for 18 months a 1.9, and my current 2.8 I have owned for 2 and a half years, I want to do a euro cruise again, but the though of taking the old girl again fills me with dread (she has done 2 totalling around 7,000 miles) I bought her with 52,000 on the clock, now just under 100,000. its not just about the car getting old its me as well, starting to ache when I climb out of her after a short journey, so want something a bit more comfy. Still love driving here though, she goes like a train and handles fantastic, and the sound she gives off with her sports exhaust is sublime.

Something like this will be my goal, could live (Just About) with this one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-BMW-...838?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f4ba60fae
 
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Rudyrov

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Have you guys ever heard of the Z3 seat tilt mod? This mod raises the front of the seat off the floor about an inch and a half. This adds a bit of recline to the cushion and that makes the seat feel completely different, more secure and certainly your butt more planted.
I highly recommend this to anybody that hasn't done it and is complaining about Z3 seats.
http://thayermotorsports.com/products/z3-seat-mod-kit
 
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Grumps

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I love my Z3, with a passion, but she is getting old, the thought of giving her away (current prices) will P*** me off, but she needs attention to the bodywork to get her back in good condition, and if I do take her off the road I am worried that I wont have the time to give her the attention she deserves, and she will just stand in the garage waiting for me to do something with her, I have had a Z3 for 6 years now, first one for 18 months a 1.9, and my current 2.8 I have owned for 2 and a half years, I want to do a euro cruise again, but the though of taking the old girl again fills me with dread (she has done 2 totalling around 7,000 miles) I bought her with 52,000 on the clock, now just under 100,000. its not just about the car getting old its me as well, starting to ache when I climb out of her after a short journey, so want something a bit more comfy. Still love driving here though, she goes like a train and handles fantastic, and the sound she gives off with her sports exhaust is sublime.

Something like this will be my goal, could live (Just About) with this one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-BMW-...838?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f4ba60fae
Oh mate we really love our old zed's eh! The zed you've added the link for looks beautiful. That would do me great. Like you say with ours being worth so little it's just not worth parting with. Is it so bad popping it in the garage and looking at do bits to it over a few years? One day you'd be able to pull it out with still under 100k on it and enjoy it again. :)
 

andyglym

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Not had the pleasure of driving the Z4, however, now that I have my 2.8 Z3 Roadster I'm hooked. I'd crawl a thousand miles on broken glass in a typhoon to keep Bella on the road for MANY more years of driving. Great car and by far the best car I've evrr had, stupid grin on my face whenever I drive her.:rally::scorecard::racecar:
 
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