"Another surprise was with our brace of BMWs. On paper, the Z4 M coupe is the more sporting of the two, with a low-profile, two-seat body that weighs 54 fewer pounds than the four-seat 335i coupe. Plus, the M coupe has a lusty naturally aspirated 330-hp inline six-cylinder engine rather than the twin-turbocharged 300-hp six of the 335i..."

But still got spanked by 335...they noted understeer-turn-in and oversteer on exiting corners were the culprit. Hmmmm....

Surprised? Not surprised? Any thoughts?

 

The Z4M coupe and vert will go down in BMW history as the redheaded stepchild of the brand.

While the other Bimmers are best in class for RWD sports coupes and sedans, the Z4 doesn't do anything particularly well.

It might be better with the 335 engine in it, but I think the upcoming 135 vert might be a better option for less cost.

 

they are only ~50 pounds weight difference??

holy $hit.

 

Z coupe weighs 300 lbs (?) more than a Cayman S

 

I haven't read the article yet, but the 3-Series' wheelbase is 10 inches longer than the Z4 M's, which will make the onset of any kind of slide easier to handle in the 3-Series than the Z4.

Again, I haven't read the article, but the Z4's supposed to be over 300 lbs. lighter than 335i -- not sure what's up with that.

 

Alignment and tires probably make the difference.

 

One of the few disappointing aspects of this car

 

Agreed.

As I've said in other threads, I _wanted_ to like the Z4M coupe. S54 engine in a smaller body than the E46 M3... it's bound to rock, right?

IMHO, nope. I test drove two of them. The E46 M3 is so much, well, more. Not to mention the Cayman S... there's no comparison.

--michael