Hello everyone!
Yesterday marked seven years since I picked up the Z4MR, which I can’t quite believe. This was pick up day.
These cars really do get under your skin. Including my first Z4MC, I’ve now owned Z4Ms for over 10 years - nearly a quarter of my life. I used to laugh at my uncle for owning multiple Capris into his mid life, and now I’m starting to understand him
Here is me back in 2011, 23 and dreaming. Really loved that car.
Picking up my Z4M by Tom Scott, on Flickr
Me and my BMW Z4M Coupe, Kirkston Pass, Cumbria by Tom Scott, on Flickr
BMW Z4M Roadster, Zedfest 2023 by Tom Scott, on Flickr
I’ve never properly documented this car, partly because it was my second Z4M and there’s some duplication, but mainly because life gets in the way. I’ll give a brief overview here, then hopefully use this thread to backfill some of the highlights and document the rest of my ownership.
I bought it with 64,000 miles and it has just ticked over 82,000, so I’ve covered around 18,000 miles in seven years.
It’s a very early car, built in April 2006 and originally registered to Williams BMW Liverpool, where it appears to have spent some time as a showroom and demonstrator car. It’s finished in launch-colour Imola Red over Imola Red — definitely a Marmite combination, but absolutely stunning in person. After BMW, it was owned by Sammyz and then Paulg, making me technically the fourth owner. Some of the older members will know these two as prolific members.
Honestly, I was never particularly interested in the Roadster. I thought the Coupé was the better-looking and better-driving car, and I loved mine, but eventually sold it to fund a trip around the world.
When I returned, I bought a cheap 987 Boxster S 3.2, but we never really clicked.
The Boxster and Z4M are complete chalk and cheese. The Porsche makes you feel like a driving god with very little effort, whereas the Z feels like an axe murderer constantly threatening to put you through a hedge backwards. It demands patience, skill which is something that takes time with these, but when you get it right, it’s incredibly rewarding. I think that's also why the Z4M is lukewarm in the car community that it does take some time to gel and a lot don't give it the time.
I then bought a 996 Carrera 4S project with my dad and absolutely loved it. A 911 is an experience everyone should have at some point. With the engine hanging out behind the rear axle, it shares some of the Z4M’s sense of occasion, although in a very different way. The 996 C4S remains one of my favourite cars and was a childhood pin-up alongside the Z4, but its M96 engine simply isn’t a patch on the S54.
Porsche 996 Carrera 4 S Convertible, Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria by Tom Scott, on Flickr
Porsche 996 Carrera 4 S Convertible, Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria by Tom Scott, on Flickr
Also not really afraid to use them Hartside Pass near Alston is up the road from my dad and is a great excuse to get out and swap half way. This was one Boxing Day run out.
That probably sounds quite negative about the Z4MR, but it’s actually the opposite.
What the Boxster and 911 taught me is how much having the roof down adds to the experience. As a former Z4MC owner, I’ll admit I had a slightly elitist view that the Coupé was simply better. I was wrong.
The Roadster is incredibly visceral. The induction noise, exhaust note and exposure to the elements make every drive feel special. I hadn’t realised how cocooned you are in the Coupé until I photographed one from another car and heard just how much noise it makes from the outside.
BMW Z4M Coupe, Silver Grey, CSL wheels by Tom Scott, on Flickr
The Coupé may have extra stiffness, a faster steering rack and those gorgeous looks, but for me none of that outweighs the top-down experience. It’s already a compromised two-seater, so you might as well have the version without a roof.
I also seem to be one of the few people who has gone technically “the wrong way” from Coupé to Roadster!
Best of all, Roadsters are still roughly £10,000 cheaper. It might be one of the best-kept secrets in motoring. Anyone umming and ahhing should take the saving and enjoy one while they still can!
Doing some digging on the I found out the car is 1-4 in this combo, and with only 614 Z4MRs in the UK I think roughly 5k world wide it is generally a pretty rare car. (Tonyz4c doesn’t seem to be working to check)
BMW Z4M Roadster Zedfest by Tom Scott, on Flickr
It’s a really well speced car only things missing are TV, Isofix and folding mirrors.
It has some nice OE+ elements added by previous owners and me
OE 19” BBS CSL 163M with Michelin PS4S
OE BMW strutbrace
M track mode DTC
Roof motor relocation to the boot
Stubby arial
Matt black grills
Valance F+R wrap - gloss black
Bosch aero windscreen wipers
RPI ram air scoop
BMW under bonnet roundel
Denison Gateway ICE GW100
Gaptech roof module
Leatherz centre arm rest/storage
It’s amazing how much life changes. This car has been with me though some of life's biggest, happiest and most challenging moments.
Back then Mrs Scott and I were footloose and fancy-free. We had our own little Salon Prive at our wedding with the Z4M and my dad's 991 CS and 981 Boxster GTS used as wedding cars.
Fast forward to today and we have two kids, two dogs, and six months ago we moved into our dream home. I always wanted a separate double garage and very lucky that this is now the Zs new home.
These days the family, house and garden take up most of my time, and priorities have naturally shifted. The Z only sees around 2,000 miles a year. I don’t often get the chance to head out on my own, and Im not keen on taking it on short journeys.
I've taken it to all sorts of events and was so chuffed to win car of the show at ZFest when there were a lot of stunning cars there.
ZEDFest North West 2024 by Tom Scott, on Flickr
ZEDFest North West 2024 by Tom Scott, on Flickr
I’ve had plenty of moments where I’ve thought about selling it and trying something different, but every time I get close, I just can’t bring myself to do it.
My eldest son who is 3 thinks it’s Lightning McQueen. Just last night we were in the garage and he looked at it and said, “Daddy, I love this car. Teddy and Daddy’s car?”
Unfortunately it doesn’t have ISOFIX or passenger airbag deactivation, so he still hasn’t been out in it. I’ve got the retrofit kit ready to go, but I want it to look completely OEM and I’m struggling to find anyone willing to drill the carbon leather trim.
A few weeks ago it was use as a wedding car for a friend of mine along with dads 911 and the grooms dad has a 355 and 458. I gave it a bit of attention beforehand, I spent the best part of a week of evenings giving it a full three-stage correction. It probably deserves some paintwork, but it still cleans up incredibly well, and I’d rather enjoy driving it than worry about keeping it perfect. It certainly didn’t look out of place alongside the other cars.
It’s settled into its new home now. The double garage gives me the space work on it (when we finally get all the junk out of there) and fit all the parts I’ve collected over the years, extended leather, aero skirts and a few other bits. Maybe one day I’ll actually get around to installing them.
I’ve definitely had the itch for something else. Originally the Z was only ever meant to be a stepping stone to a Gen 2 997 Carrera 4S, and the real dream was a manual Ferrari 360 Spider.
Those urges have faded quite a bit now. Realistically they’d end up in exactly the same situation as the Z with being too compromised to be worth the outlay.
My ideal would add something alongside that I could take the whole family along and special enough to take to shows. An RS6 makes a lot of sense but I think I would prefer a left-field choice like an E61 M5 Touring with a manual conversion. Can dream!
For now though, I can’t see the Z going anywhere. It’s worth far more to me than the current market value.
Some cars become part of the family, and this one definitely has.
Yesterday marked seven years since I picked up the Z4MR, which I can’t quite believe. This was pick up day.
These cars really do get under your skin. Including my first Z4MC, I’ve now owned Z4Ms for over 10 years - nearly a quarter of my life. I used to laugh at my uncle for owning multiple Capris into his mid life, and now I’m starting to understand him
Here is me back in 2011, 23 and dreaming. Really loved that car.
Picking up my Z4M by Tom Scott, on FlickrMe and my BMW Z4M Coupe, Kirkston Pass, Cumbria by Tom Scott, on FlickrBMW Z4M Roadster, Zedfest 2023 by Tom Scott, on FlickrI’ve never properly documented this car, partly because it was my second Z4M and there’s some duplication, but mainly because life gets in the way. I’ll give a brief overview here, then hopefully use this thread to backfill some of the highlights and document the rest of my ownership.
I bought it with 64,000 miles and it has just ticked over 82,000, so I’ve covered around 18,000 miles in seven years.
It’s a very early car, built in April 2006 and originally registered to Williams BMW Liverpool, where it appears to have spent some time as a showroom and demonstrator car. It’s finished in launch-colour Imola Red over Imola Red — definitely a Marmite combination, but absolutely stunning in person. After BMW, it was owned by Sammyz and then Paulg, making me technically the fourth owner. Some of the older members will know these two as prolific members.
Honestly, I was never particularly interested in the Roadster. I thought the Coupé was the better-looking and better-driving car, and I loved mine, but eventually sold it to fund a trip around the world.
When I returned, I bought a cheap 987 Boxster S 3.2, but we never really clicked.
The Boxster and Z4M are complete chalk and cheese. The Porsche makes you feel like a driving god with very little effort, whereas the Z feels like an axe murderer constantly threatening to put you through a hedge backwards. It demands patience, skill which is something that takes time with these, but when you get it right, it’s incredibly rewarding. I think that's also why the Z4M is lukewarm in the car community that it does take some time to gel and a lot don't give it the time.
I then bought a 996 Carrera 4S project with my dad and absolutely loved it. A 911 is an experience everyone should have at some point. With the engine hanging out behind the rear axle, it shares some of the Z4M’s sense of occasion, although in a very different way. The 996 C4S remains one of my favourite cars and was a childhood pin-up alongside the Z4, but its M96 engine simply isn’t a patch on the S54.
Porsche 996 Carrera 4 S Convertible, Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria by Tom Scott, on FlickrPorsche 996 Carrera 4 S Convertible, Lowther Castle, Penrith, Cumbria by Tom Scott, on FlickrAlso not really afraid to use them Hartside Pass near Alston is up the road from my dad and is a great excuse to get out and swap half way. This was one Boxing Day run out.
That probably sounds quite negative about the Z4MR, but it’s actually the opposite.
What the Boxster and 911 taught me is how much having the roof down adds to the experience. As a former Z4MC owner, I’ll admit I had a slightly elitist view that the Coupé was simply better. I was wrong.
The Roadster is incredibly visceral. The induction noise, exhaust note and exposure to the elements make every drive feel special. I hadn’t realised how cocooned you are in the Coupé until I photographed one from another car and heard just how much noise it makes from the outside.
BMW Z4M Coupe, Silver Grey, CSL wheels by Tom Scott, on FlickrThe Coupé may have extra stiffness, a faster steering rack and those gorgeous looks, but for me none of that outweighs the top-down experience. It’s already a compromised two-seater, so you might as well have the version without a roof.
I also seem to be one of the few people who has gone technically “the wrong way” from Coupé to Roadster!
Best of all, Roadsters are still roughly £10,000 cheaper. It might be one of the best-kept secrets in motoring. Anyone umming and ahhing should take the saving and enjoy one while they still can!
Doing some digging on the I found out the car is 1-4 in this combo, and with only 614 Z4MRs in the UK I think roughly 5k world wide it is generally a pretty rare car. (Tonyz4c doesn’t seem to be working to check)
BMW Z4M Roadster Zedfest by Tom Scott, on FlickrIt’s a really well speced car only things missing are TV, Isofix and folding mirrors.
It has some nice OE+ elements added by previous owners and me
OE 19” BBS CSL 163M with Michelin PS4S
OE BMW strutbrace
M track mode DTC
Roof motor relocation to the boot
Stubby arial
Matt black grills
Valance F+R wrap - gloss black
Bosch aero windscreen wipers
RPI ram air scoop
BMW under bonnet roundel
Denison Gateway ICE GW100
Gaptech roof module
Leatherz centre arm rest/storage
It’s amazing how much life changes. This car has been with me though some of life's biggest, happiest and most challenging moments.
Back then Mrs Scott and I were footloose and fancy-free. We had our own little Salon Prive at our wedding with the Z4M and my dad's 991 CS and 981 Boxster GTS used as wedding cars.
Fast forward to today and we have two kids, two dogs, and six months ago we moved into our dream home. I always wanted a separate double garage and very lucky that this is now the Zs new home.
These days the family, house and garden take up most of my time, and priorities have naturally shifted. The Z only sees around 2,000 miles a year. I don’t often get the chance to head out on my own, and Im not keen on taking it on short journeys.
I've taken it to all sorts of events and was so chuffed to win car of the show at ZFest when there were a lot of stunning cars there.
ZEDFest North West 2024 by Tom Scott, on FlickrZEDFest North West 2024 by Tom Scott, on FlickrI’ve had plenty of moments where I’ve thought about selling it and trying something different, but every time I get close, I just can’t bring myself to do it.
My eldest son who is 3 thinks it’s Lightning McQueen. Just last night we were in the garage and he looked at it and said, “Daddy, I love this car. Teddy and Daddy’s car?”
Unfortunately it doesn’t have ISOFIX or passenger airbag deactivation, so he still hasn’t been out in it. I’ve got the retrofit kit ready to go, but I want it to look completely OEM and I’m struggling to find anyone willing to drill the carbon leather trim.
A few weeks ago it was use as a wedding car for a friend of mine along with dads 911 and the grooms dad has a 355 and 458. I gave it a bit of attention beforehand, I spent the best part of a week of evenings giving it a full three-stage correction. It probably deserves some paintwork, but it still cleans up incredibly well, and I’d rather enjoy driving it than worry about keeping it perfect. It certainly didn’t look out of place alongside the other cars.
It’s settled into its new home now. The double garage gives me the space work on it (when we finally get all the junk out of there) and fit all the parts I’ve collected over the years, extended leather, aero skirts and a few other bits. Maybe one day I’ll actually get around to installing them.
I’ve definitely had the itch for something else. Originally the Z was only ever meant to be a stepping stone to a Gen 2 997 Carrera 4S, and the real dream was a manual Ferrari 360 Spider.
Those urges have faded quite a bit now. Realistically they’d end up in exactly the same situation as the Z with being too compromised to be worth the outlay.
My ideal would add something alongside that I could take the whole family along and special enough to take to shows. An RS6 makes a lot of sense but I think I would prefer a left-field choice like an E61 M5 Touring with a manual conversion. Can dream!
For now though, I can’t see the Z going anywhere. It’s worth far more to me than the current market value.
Some cars become part of the family, and this one definitely has.
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North West Surrey
south yorkshire
