Z3 to Z4

[Firefox116]

Okay, I have been thinking what I thought was the unthinkable recently. I have a Z3 2.2 2001 and am considering changing to a Z4 ! Sorry. I would really love a Z4 Coupe but that aint going to happen due to cost. Anyway should I do it....change a Z3 to a Z4 ? Are they better ?

All thoughts opinions welcome.

 

[t-tony]

Don't know about better, certainly different. I love my Z4 it's great car but I did my Z3 too. You need to drive some and compare.

Tony.

 

[Firefox116]

I think the interior of the Z3 is more classic looking as I find the Z4 inside a bit bland ???

 

[t-tony]

You're probably right and I did find some of the switches were not quite as handy in the 4 but now after 2 years I don't any more. I've done some things inside the cabin which makes it more interesting anyway.

Tony.

 

[andyglym]

Not driven the Z4, however, the E85 is growing on me and I think the E89 is the best looking car around other than the Aston Martin DB9. Will never sell my Z3 though due to her classic and everlasting lines and shape, Oh, and she's a dream to drive.

Good luck though.

 

[oldcarman]

Personally prefer the Z3 over the Z4 I find the Z4 more refined and I like the raw feel and look of the Z3. My granddaughter, at eight years old was given the choice as the car is her once she graduates and she chose the Z3 stating that the Z4 looked to modern and big! So go with whatever YOU want no matter what others think, that is what really matters!! JIM

 

[Grumps]

It depends what you are wanting. The 4 is a much more refined ride, a better cruiser and daily ride. I have a 3 and wouldn't personally change it for a 4. I would happily have an E85 3.0 as well as my 3 tho.

 

[billz]

We went from a 3.0 Z3 to a 3.0si Z4 the difference is like chalk and cheese. The Z4 took a long time to bond with after leaving the Z3 and i just wish we had the room for both as then i would not of let the Z3 go. If you do decide to change then you have to look at it as though you are changing to a completely different car. There is no way you can compare them. If you go to a 3.0 then the extra power as well as comfort may make the change over better. Dont expect the Z4 to drive like an out and out roadster (well not for the first 2 years) then you may have forgotten how the Z3 drives

 

[Firefox116]

All very valid comments. It’s a toughy. I’m still not so sure of leaving my 3. I’ve spent over £1000 in the last year on body work and mechanical issues so feel I should hand on and emjoy at least one more summer

 

[Firefox116]

Summer ?

 

[Paul Rice]

I'm still unsure which way to go Z3 or Z4, similar to Firefox have spent over £1000 in last 12 months on the 3. Currently have a Z4 on the drive which is now taxed with the Z3 off the road. Do like the extra power, comfort and ride of the Z4, But does it have the feel good feeling of the Z3, that's my predicament. Yes the answer would be keep both but not really an option.

 

[Bumpa]

My brother-in-law has an early Z4 3.0 auto. It's a fine car in many ways but as someone else said the cabin and dash are bland to the point of anonymity. The ride on my Z3 2.2 Sport is pretty hard, but his Z4 is worse, probably due to run-flat tyres. I think the Z3 looks much nicer, and interestingly so does he. The power top on the Z4 is vastly superior to that on my Z3 and it has a glass rear window. It all depends what is important to you. They are very different cars, just as everyone else has said.

 

[GazHyde]

I think it's probably easier to think this way... You are thinking about changing from a car you love to drive, own and cherish, to a complete unknown. I have exactly the same thoughts about changing to another sports car, I'm pretty sure I'd enjoy some of the cars out there just as much.

That all said, I've switched from a Z3 to a Z4 twice now, and it's only this current Z4 which I've truly bonded with. Absolutely love it now, thought about going back to a Z3 (or Z3M) but I think I'm over it now. Took at while though!

 

[TaffZee]

I have to agree with Gary, had two Z3's a 1.9 and then a 2.8, loved them both but loved the 1.9 more that the 2.8. Had the Z4 3.0i for 18 months now, and am finally over my love affair with the Z3, Mind you I wanted a Z3 up to 3 months ago, as they say Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as for the cabin being bland see below, get one that's right for you is my only advise. I love the interior in my Z4.

 

[t-tony]

Absolutely agree Jim and leather dye is an option.

Tony.

 

[TaffZee]

And the added bonus of fantastic fuel consumption 36mpg on a daily basis.

 

[Firefox116]

Red leather is smashing and does brighten up the cabin. I do like the idea of a more comfortable ride though.

Although now is probably not a good time to sell a roadster !!

 

[Grumps]

I have to agree with Gary, had two Z3's a 1.9 and then a 2.8, loved them both but loved the 1.9 more that the 2.8. Had the Z4 3.0i for 18 months now, and am finally over my love affair with the Z3, Mind you I wanted a Z3 up to 3 months ago, as they say Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as for the cabin being bland see below, get one that's right for you is my only advise. I love the interior in my Z4.
View attachment 66468

Jim the leather and door cards certainly lifts yours above a standard Z4 trim. Looks alive, the dash layout is a little bland in my opinion but certainly wouldn't stop me having an E85 in the future.

 

[GazHyde]

Although now is probably not a good time to sell a roadster !!

The way prices go up and down on Z3's, I'm not sure there's ever a good time to sell a roadster...

 

[Nodzed]

I have had a few Z3s still got a couple and I love them, just a bought a Z4. Its not better but it is different, totally different, feels more of a cruiser than a sports car to me (don't start shouting at me all you Z4 drivers just my opinion ). Definitely go and drive a few before you commit, you may love it but you may not.