Current Z3 contemplating Z4M

[Sajk]

I have a hankering to own something with the mighty s54 in it. Ideally this would be a z3 roadster but we did not get the roadster M version of the 3 in South Africa. I have started looking and drove my first Z4M this morning. Though I would share my views in case anyone is interested.

1. More cramped than the Z3. Strangely feels smaller inside roof up and roof down. Probably because you sit lower in the car. Personally I don't find the seats as comfortable.

2. Sounds glorious. I think it's the stock exhaust.

3. Harder to drive smoothly but I have been driving the z3 for 22 years and I know it backwards.

4. Lovely gearbox. I don't find it as slick as the one in the Z3 but it's nice.

5. Drives well. In spite of reading that the suspension is over hard I did not find it so.

6. What a monster that s54 is. Makes the 2.8 feel like a toy.

7. I want one. Something has to go though. Ideally I would keep the z3 but I am not sure that I will ever drive it given the addictive sound and feel of the s54.

 

[Althulas]

Nice problem to have

 

[Sajk]

I seem to be over my fascination with Wranglers so unfortunately that will have to go. I will miss it. There is lots of my knuckle skin attached to the various mods it has.

 

[Ianmc]

S54 is indeed a fantastic engine. Drove a 2001 MC over 200K miles with one, no problems.

 

[GazHyde]

Recent Z4M owner here and would recommend them to anyone! If you are indeed considering one, or in fact anything with an S54 then make sure you do your homework on the common issues - bearing shells done straight off the bat on purchase. Mine is now on 127,000 miles and 4,000 of those are mine in the last 8 months. Feels like it has many more left in it, albeit with some proactive stuff in the near future schedule.

They are all now 15/16 years old so you will be looking at bushes etc. Mine underwent a full rear end rebuild and I've got all the bits ready for the front end next. Once I've had the VANOS and next inspection 2 service I can start making her look pretty.

If you haven't read my build thread it's got some useful stuff in there (or I think there is!), link in my signature. Shout if you have any specific questions.

 

[beanie]

I think the only aspect of my girlfriends Z3 that I prefer over my Z4MC is the feeling of solidity when you close the door/boot, everything else is slower-witted and less precise, which is to be expected. It also makes a far better daily and if you’re more in to relaxed cruising it might be the better bet.

I’ve never driven a Z3M but it must be absolutely bonkers having all that power in the older chassis!

 

[Sajk]

One of the things I don't like vs the 3 is the dash with that giant slab of brushed aluminium. I see some photos where it's leather covered. Was this a factory option or aftermarket.

My 3 had extended leather and I like the interior much better than he 4. It is also definitely a better daily driver although it's not supposed to be but I do use it a lot.

But 4 sure the 4 is sharper. I can't imagine having s54 in the z3 platform but the reviews of the day were kind about the m roadster handling

 

[GazHyde]

is the dash with that giant slab of brushed aluminium

I know all UK Z4M's have the black leather carbon effect dash and centre console panels as standard. You do occasionally find a Z4 with extended leather, it was fitted as an option on my 3.0si roadster but I never saw many other Z4's with it though.

 

[Sajk]

That looks much better. Had a Google. Do you know if it's available from the aftermarket at all?

 

[GazHyde]

Very rarely you'll find one come up from a breakers, aftermarket I'm sure you could find an upholsterer who would have a go. I've seen various bits on eBay over the year but as to how good they fit I couldn't tell you. I have vinyl wrapped a brushed aluminium dash panel to reasonable effect before, a professional wrapper could do a very good job though.

 

[Sajk]

So I did it. Hopefully collect Saturday. 35,000 mile car. Great condition. FSH. Rod bearings being done at dealers cost. Not sure it's needed but probably a good idea.

What do they go for where you guys are? Excited.

 

[andyglym]

So I did it. Hopefully collect Saturday. 35,000 mile car. Great condition. FSH. Rod bearings being done at dealers cost. Not sure it's needed but probably a good idea.

What do they go for where you guys are? Excited.

Very nice mate

 

[GazHyde]

Prices are all over the place here £12k to £20k+ depending on mileage and condition. Looks like you’ve got a good one there

 

[beanie]

Good choice, I don’t think you’ll regret it!

As for prices in Italy, the last time I looked they were anywhere from €35-70k! Extremely rare cars out here thanks to punitive tax and insurance costs, in fact I’ve only ever seen one other on the road in 9 years.

 

[bertiejaffa]

I recently bought Z4MC - Vanos needed doing (£1400) and Bearing Shells (£1200)... Also Air leak, Exhaust leak, Aircon, and new brakes all 4 corners.... Not a lot of change from £5k !! But it drives amazing...!!

(Still love the S50 Z3M as well)

 

[Sajk]

So it seems from my research that only 921 RHD e85 m roadsters ever made. Rare car. Collect Friday. Excited but bitter sweet. My Wrangler was a real project car. I added a blower, an intercooler, lower differential gears, lockers, dual rate sway bars and a bunch of other stuff. Loved it to death for 10 years. Did most of my own maintenance and work etc.. but it's time. Now I have my own z shed with the z3 2.8 and this. Addicted...

 

[Sajk]

It came home last night. They are just so different to Z3's. As I said if I could I think an S54 powered Z3 would be my ideal Z but that is not to be.

Now that I have both the "which is better" conversation seems irrelevant. They are both glorious at what they do.

But boy do I find the M seats uncomfortable. I hope I get used to it. And that e46 computer and radio........ Clunky does not begin to describe it.

Have a great weekend Z guys & gals.