Z3M - how does it compare?
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 55
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From: Essex/East London
Had a Z3M, definately don't bother. Tried the Z4 3.0 (latest 265bhp version) and was decent.
The only Z4 to go for is the Alpina Roadster. standard 3 litre is good but just feels a little normal next to s2000. It's basically like a toned down. less energetic version - fine if you want something more relaxed and safe.
M-cars are horrendous to serivce. Looking at
The only Z4 to go for is the Alpina Roadster. standard 3 litre is good but just feels a little normal next to s2000. It's basically like a toned down. less energetic version - fine if you want something more relaxed and safe.
M-cars are horrendous to serivce. Looking at
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Chelmsford
I owned a 1998 S50 Z3M/MR a few years ago, was considerably quicker in a straight line than the S2k but then it should with 321bhp. The 2002 model you mention will be one of the 70ish S54 engined cars with the later E46 M3 engine and 325bhp.
IMO they handle much the same as the S2k, improved by a strut brace.
The earlier S50 engined cars can suffer from Vanos failure, mine was on its 3rd when I sold it and bear in mind they're circa
IMO they handle much the same as the S2k, improved by a strut brace.
The earlier S50 engined cars can suffer from Vanos failure, mine was on its 3rd when I sold it and bear in mind they're circa
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2008
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hi guys.
alex - thats a nice looking car mate! and yes the z3m is at s20004u.
i have given up on the Z3M - can get a Z4 for the same money so there seems little point in comparing.
also, am really worried about the vanos problems - you seem to know your stuff - any issues withe Z4 vanos? any other reliability issues with them?
i am only looking at the 3 litre Z4's - the smaller ones dont take my fancy.
looked at and got driven in (but not me driving) a Z4 today.
very nice i have to say. very smooth. power all the way through, not just above 6k, and felt really stable. huge boot as well. i am tempted...they also seem to be cheaper than the S's...which i am amazed at.
alex - thats a nice looking car mate! and yes the z3m is at s20004u.
i have given up on the Z3M - can get a Z4 for the same money so there seems little point in comparing.
also, am really worried about the vanos problems - you seem to know your stuff - any issues withe Z4 vanos? any other reliability issues with them?
i am only looking at the 3 litre Z4's - the smaller ones dont take my fancy.
looked at and got driven in (but not me driving) a Z4 today.
very nice i have to say. very smooth. power all the way through, not just above 6k, and felt really stable. huge boot as well. i am tempted...they also seem to be cheaper than the S's...which i am amazed at.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: The further north, the better
Originally Posted by GREGSTERWIZ,Sep 20 2008, 11:28 PM
The only (recent) exception has been the BMW Z4 M Roadster and Coupe.
They are still the M Roadster & M Coupe (see my sig)
Z4, pah.................. I wouldn't been seen dead in one
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Joined: Jul 2007
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What with the prices crashing im not suprised you can buy a Z4.
Theres not much to look out for except cracked rear springs. The rest is pretty bullet proof and the only let down is that the interiors do have a few squeeks.
The torquey engine makes a lovely in-between progress kind of car which makes it a really great roadcar/tourer. You have to mess with it a bit to get track-like attributes out of it.
As with most BMWs its all down to the options lists, they go on and on. My recomendations would be the M sport suspension and sports seats (seats are rare and expensive).
The Vanos unit likes to have new seals fitted after 50k or so. You can buy the kit yourself and if your brave enough follow the DIY guides. It just makes the car smoother. Independant garages will service cheap enough. I had an inspection done for 280.
Theres not much to look out for except cracked rear springs. The rest is pretty bullet proof and the only let down is that the interiors do have a few squeeks.
The torquey engine makes a lovely in-between progress kind of car which makes it a really great roadcar/tourer. You have to mess with it a bit to get track-like attributes out of it.
As with most BMWs its all down to the options lists, they go on and on. My recomendations would be the M sport suspension and sports seats (seats are rare and expensive).
The Vanos unit likes to have new seals fitted after 50k or so. You can buy the kit yourself and if your brave enough follow the DIY guides. It just makes the car smoother. Independant garages will service cheap enough. I had an inspection done for 280.