Cant make up my mind :( help!

[Havas]

I've got an M3 and I want to trade it in for a Z4 as I used to own an S2000 before I upgraded due to needing a larger car for the kid but I've upgraded the wife to a nice new X3 so it's time for me to go back to what I love most!

Now I love the sound of the M engine in the M3 but I've also gotten so used to the SMGII that I don't know if I can go back to manual so easily Sad it's so nice in Traffic and as I commute into London every day it's been a god send.

My question is if I was to get a 3.0i SE over the Z4M what mods and how much would it cost me to get that noise and to have a nicer looking back end. I really hate the exhaust layout on the Z4 3.0 I'm totally spoiled by the M3 lol. If only they did a Z4M with Semi auto Sad

The other car within my budget would be the new Z4 3.0 but based on all the reviews I've read I dont think I'll be too happy with it, it's gone from RAW to Cruiser Sad shame cos I love the new interior and I dont want to spend that much for the 35 cos I dont think it's worth it, the M is still better imo and can get amazing ones with bags of options for 25K compared to almost 40K for the new 35 one with the good options.

What would you do! What mods can I use to gain a little more power or much more and what exhaust and body kit for the bum?

Also how much difference are you likely to notice between both if most of your driving is on the motorway and London traffic?

Cheers

 

[GP20]

No exhaust will give you the S54 rasp. And short of force induction it won't come close to the S54. Sounds like you should just go with the Z4M, and learn to drive a stick. Or keep the M3.

 

[Havas]

Well sound does not have to be exactly like the M I personally prefer a good rumble rather than rasp I've heard the 3.0i and it's just not exciting to the ears. I'm a fairly spirited driver.

I dont want to keep the M3 it's to big for me and I always use the X3 when doing Family stuff. I want a Roadster cos it's what I love most.

 

[155MPH]

buy the new sDrive35i with the DCT

 

[Havas]

Is the 35 really worth that much money though? I would buy it if it were used seeing as it would depreciate like mad during the first year making it worth the money but a 40K tag I can defiantly get a much better car for that sort of money. My budget is 30K for this so the most I could afford is the Sdrive30 but I cant seem to find any reviews on that version. I think the new Z4 is one of those cars I'd rather let everyone else make the silly mistake of buying one at it's introductory price and I'll just upgrade a year down the line when it's lost like 10K off it's value lol.

But you have given me an idea, maybe I could get the 3.0i SI now and in a year I'll trade it in for the Sdrive35, I guess that could work.

 

[ksher]

Wait and try and sDrive3.0i. I will buy a sdrive23i and add Sports Seats, Adaptive M Sport Suspension, etc to £30k.

 

[Inuit]

I had the same dilemma. my previous drives where an SLK auto and an auto DSG TT, partner has a 350z which i had to drive regualry a few months back (when the DSG box had to be replaced in the TT :x ) and the manual gearbox in that is a nightmare, from reviews i thought the M would be a smiliar style and ride. I was really reclutant to go back to a manual.

Best advice is try them. I took the auto 2.5 out and it really did not do it for me. Was going to try the 3.0 with auto but could not find one that i liked in the right colour with the right spec. I made the fatal move of taking out a M roadster and loved it. The gearbox is really smooth, i have had some issues with the kangaroo experience with 1st to 2nd, but am getting the hang of it and you can always take the CDV off. I also sit in traffic, perhaps not much as you, but i have been pleasently surprised with the M to how nice it is to drive slowly. Only had mine two weeks, but I am really pleased with the manual. Only thing i would say is the fuel consumption, i am averaging just over 23 mpg and that includes blasting along the first part of the commute and sitting in traffic for the last 7 miles of it. Think you will get much better out of a 3.0 but spending money on the petrol consumption for me was not an issue, though working for a company that is hot on environment issues, think the carbon footprint increase is a little embrassing .

Ann

 

[Havas]

Petrol isnt a problem and I also spend like 7 miles in traffic, damn London!

I'll give the M a shot but I know I'll love it once I drive it, I'm just scared that I might hate it when I sit in traffic lol. I'll try to get my mits on a 3.0 to drive also I'll be getting an 08 of either so they will probably be in good nick. I've hear with a new Exhaust and rear end you can get a nice looking split exhaust system and a nice grumble on the 3.0 I'd be more than willing to live with that for a year until the Sdrive35 goes down a little then I'll buy a year old one of those and use the 3.0 as the trade in.

 

[Lucy]

I think you need to learn to live with a gearstick and clutch! I find manual cars more fun to drive, and i also spend time sitting in traffic sometimes and it's not as bad as you may think.

 

[Havas]

I've lived with Gear stick for a long time hehe, I used to drive an S2000 for quite some time and I do like the fun factor. I'm going to try and get both cars on a week trial from my Dealer and do a proper long term test drive and that will help me decide I think. I've bought so many BMW's from my local dealer now they all know my name lol. Damn you BMW!

 

[Wondermike]

Personally I'd wait and see how the prices of the s35i compare in a few months after launch, buying an 08 Z4 then chopping it in after a year just means you'll get hammered twice. M3 isnt a bad runaround in the short term.

 

[Mr Whippy]

3.0i Z4 SMG + ESS TS2 + twin exhaust conversion = £17,500

SMG
350bhp
4 exhausts and more noise


OK, it's not an M, it won't be worth £17,500 despite costing you that much, and it won't sound like an M, but it'll be fapping fast, have SMG/auto mode, and be pretty special/rare!

Dave

 

[Shipkiller]

Cars are only worth what you think they are.

You asked if the new Zed is worth it. Too me, it might not be worth the extra $ for it. Too you, it might...

I think you should stay with the M3. Or get a Z4M.

 

[Havas]

3.0i Z4 SMG + ESS TS2 + twin exhaust conversion = £17,500

SMG
350bhp
4 exhausts and more noise


OK, it's not an M, it won't be worth £17,500 despite costing you that much, and it won't sound like an M, but it'll be fapping fast, have SMG/auto mode, and be pretty special/rare!

Dave

Interesting, you wouldnt have a link to a website or video would you? As far as I know the 6.5 PSI upgrade is about £4.5 right and does not need any further work done to the car except if you go with the 8.5 PSI version then you'd need crank, brakes etc. right? Is there a company in the UK that would do the whole lot for me? I dont mind paying the little extra for that much BHP and Auto I'd be a happy bunny hehehe and it'd still cost a damn sight less than an Sdrive30 with all the options I'd want. I'd be inclined to go for a fully loaded 08 Z4 3.0 SI and supercharge the mofo if I can get it done easily enough.

 

[Mr Whippy]

Simpson in the UK will do the ESS kits to your car.

I'm not sure on cost now due to the exchange rate on the euro vs pound, or how that might effect things.

Youtube ESS Z4, there is lots of material on there.

The TS1/2 just bolt on, 2.5 (iirc) is just another 1.5psi and a cam. I guess by then you might be looking at a new clutch etc, so it could start to add up alot.

TS2 will get you a nice round 350bhp though I think.


The problem will be finding an SMG with M Sports seats, that is if you want M Sport seats, in that kinda nutty car I'd want some buckets to keep me in place!

Dave

 

[Breaker]

Well sound does not have to be exactly like the M I personally prefer a good rumble rather than rasp I've heard the 3.0i and it's just not exciting to the ears. I'm a fairly spirited driver.

I dont want to keep the M3 it's to big for me and I always use the X3 when doing Family stuff. I want a Roadster cos it's what I love most.

Have you heard a 3.0si from inside when driving hard? It does sound good with the sound generator adding to it. Stick the carbon diffuser on the rear of it and it looks better than the M in my opinion! :wink:

If you want new, how about the new Nissan 370Z?