Z3M or Z3.0l

[Sajk]

If you want a slice of the best NA I inline 6s Bmw ever made than its an M of either variety but s54 is the best in my book.

If that's not important to you buy a 3.0 z3. I have a slightly modded m52tu 2.8 with refreshed suspension and it's a lovely car.

Like I said. Buy the best car you can afford that makes you happy. Does not really matter what anyone else thinks. Good luck and have fun.

 

[DrWong]

In a lot of cases, getting the model just below the highest seems to offer the best bang for buck. That's how I looked at it when buying mine, i.e. 80% of the fun for half the price. Or viewed another way, if I wanted an M I would've had to pay the same again for an extra 25% over what the 3 litre offered. I couldn't afford an M so the question was academic but fair play to those who have them, because they are amazing tbf

Also agree on the comments about the auto, there are occasions when I think it would be nice to have one (e.g. in traffic) and would suit the engine really well. Autos were also cheaper too, when I was looking.

 

[Eddie-S]

I have a Z3 3.0 and very impressed, you can do some basic remapping and although not a big increase in power it does increase the driveability and fun factor and scares the poo out of the other half! Would I have an Z3M, not anymore, I don't think the extra expense and running costs is worth it. However, what a very cool car.

 

[Markolambo]

I think you have answered your own question and prefer a 3.0. So go for it, it's a.great car.

I am on my 2nd M coupe, I love it, its a pleasure car really. I had a budget of 30k and wanted a usable classic not a garage queen. I paid 22500 and the car was in good condition but needs a few jobs to get it to where I want to be with it, so I will.spend approx 5k in the next year.

Re prices most owners are solvent and long standing so no matter what the state of the economy would have no need to sell so prices will be stable gentley rising over time.

Don't buy an M if you are looking to maintain it on a shoestring, this applies to any older sports car. Don't buy an older sports car if you want speed, get an electric car.
Do buy an M if you want people to stop you and want to talk about either what is it or how they have always wanted one.

Regards

 

[BuxtonZ3Guy]

If you get a 3.0i I am willing to bet you will get just as many people coming up to you to talk as you would with an M. I get a LOT of attention with my 3.0i. Get one with sports seats and a funky interior. Winner, winner, chicken dinner. They are a cracking car!

 

[Pete2]

Thanks
It won't be looked after on the cheap, fortunately, now retired kids gone and mostly independent so moneys is now mostly all mine....and wife's of course..
It won't be stored doing a few hundred miles a year either. My wife likes the one we have at the moment. She wouldn't go out in the Westfield we used to have and the bikes........never.

 

[Ade33]

Thanks for all your replies. I test drove one last week. When started it ran as though it was missing on one cylinder. Blip the throttle and it then ran fine. It did this every time it was started. When I floored it on a duel carriageway, it did not accelerate particularly quick. In fact it was a little disappointing. So either I was expecting more and this is good as it got, or there was something not quite right with it. I ride bikes as well and it's hard to match their acceleration!
SAJK, I have not seen a roadster for sale with an S54 engine. They are all the S50 so owners are keeping them I guess. You have apoint about the Z4M though. Cheaper, better refined, better ride, etc etc but doesn't match the Z3 looks IMO. Jury's out ATM, but am going to look at a 3.0l sometime soon.

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I saw that 3.0 for sale and was going to look at it until I looked at the MOT history and to me read like a Little Shop OF Horrors with all the advisories.

The other issue is that I have no idea what these cars are ACTUALLY worth and are SELLING for..Dont really want to loose 4 or 5 grand if I decide in a years time to sell on...I learned a little tip the other day about Autotrader..If you are on on a computer and click on a car that is listed and look at the www. list you can work out the date when the car was originally listed...This has meant I've been able to work out some of those 3.0 Z3's have been there in the 8 - 12K bracket up for sale since April/May of this year!!!

 

[Richard29]

Generally If you dont pay more than what its worth to you you will be happy. I probably paid over the odds for my one as its quite plain, low mileage but the same z3 i let go 7 years earlier which i regretted selling.

 

[Andyboy]

It's probably heresy here, but for some of the fantasy prices being asked for 3.0i cars, I'd just buy a Boxster S. As a drivers car they run rings around a Z3.

 

[Eddie-S]

As you have found, there is a lot of over priced cars out there, I think around the £7-8k should get a well sorted car sub100k car, however as people keep saying the prices are going up and will possibly get to the £10k+asking prices in a year or two.
If you are close enough and want to have a go in mine to see how they go, no problem. It's not for sale though!

 

[Nodzed]

It's probably heresy here, but for some of the fantasy prices being asked for 3.0i cars, I'd just buy a Boxster S. As a drivers car they run rings around a Z3.

I would say that's a very individual conclusion, having hooned both cars I wouldn't agree other than the Porsche sounded better, but as said, its a personal thing.

 

[Pete2]

As you have found, there is a lot of over priced cars out there, I think around the £7-8k should get a well sorted car sub100k car, however as people keep saying the prices are going up and will possibly get to the £10k+asking prices in a year or two.
If you are close enough and want to have a go in mine to see how they go, no problem. It's not for sale though!

That's very good of you. I'm in North Yorkshire near York.

 

[Eddie-S]

No probs, I'm North Derbyshire, Chesterfield. Can meet in the middle somewhere if you want? As long as it's dry!

 

[Pete2]

Thanks, I'll let you know. I'm still browsing the market and deciding which to go for. ATM it's which one I can find a good example of and a deal where I can px mine.

 

[Ade33]

Pm me some details of your 2.2 there is a possibility I may be interested as and when if its the right car thanks

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

I have a Z3 3.0 and very impressed, you can do some basic remapping and although not a big increase in power it does increase the driveability and fun factor and scares the poo out of the other half! Would I have an Z3M, not anymore, I don't think the extra expense and running costs is worth it. However, what a very cool car.

Can you expound on this a bit?

 

[Hwk-I-St8]

I would say that's a very individual conclusion, having hooned both cars I wouldn't agree other than the Porsche sounded better, but as said, it a personal thing.

I'm loving the Magnaflow catback I put in my 3.0 a month or so ago. It really makes it sound glorious without being excessively loud. Mostly just deeper, throatier sound, but also is a bit louder. Not sure my wife loves it so much, but I'm really enjoying it.

 

[Eddie-S]

Can you expound on this a bit?

The remap is from a local BMW specialist but most tuners can do it. Only adds about 10hp and a little more in Torque. I looked at it after reading Mike Fishwick's article. Low and mid range is more responsive and supposed to increase MPG at 50-60 but mine hasn't changed. You do lose some of the 'endless build of torque from before and no idea about top speed cos I'm not bothered.

 

[bertiejaffa]

Like a few people who have commented, I have an M - the S50. There were just over 900 of them in the UK and 73 of the S54. So less than 1000 in total and less than half remain so they are getting rarer. The M is amazing but it does require “driving”. Your disappointment is probably owed to the fact that to really perform it needs to be at 2500-3000 RPM in most gears to start to pin you to your seat. You learn to do this as you own it.

As also mentioned the M has additional costs for parts, servicing (even if it hasn’t run) and insurance, tax and fuel.

But also remember, the M has not got the safety features of the other models. It is you and you right foot that keep it pointing forward. If you do something wrong there is no electronic control that will take over and stop your mistake - it is a pure raw driving machine.

The 3.0l is a great car and for 99.9% of the driving you will do it will be more than enough, cheaper to buy and cheaper to run and maintain.

 

[Eddie-S]

Like a few people who have commented, I have an M - the S50. There were just over 900 of them in the UK and 73 of the S54. So less than 1000 in total and less than half remain so they are getting rarer. The M is amazing but it does require “driving”. Your disappointment is probably owed to the fact that to really perform it needs to be at 2500-3000 RPM in most gears to start to pin you to your seat. You learn to do this as you own it.

As also mentioned the M has additional costs for parts, servicing (even if it hasn’t run) and insurance, tax and fuel.

But also remember, the M has not got the safety features of the other models. It is you and you right foot that keep it pointing forward. If you do something wrong there is no electronic control that will take over and stop your mistake - it is a pure raw driving machine.

The 3.0l is a great car and for 99.9% of the driving you will do it will be more than enough, cheaper to buy and cheaper to run and maintain.

I think that sums it up perfectly. Very well said Bertiejaffa