Getting to know the ///M . . . .

[Dave1971]

Paul, I also recently upgraded from a 3.0si (think there's a fair few of us in the last few months) and it has taken time to get used to the M. At first I missed the butter smoothness of the N52 as the S54 seemed almost rough in comparison. However, a few months down the line I absolutely love it.

The S54 has a character that the N52 doesn't, the steering is night and day better and the whole car just seems much more planted. I don't understand the comments about the Z4M (or E46 M3 for that matter) lacking torque - mine is noticeably more urgent than the N52, to the point where I've rarely felt the need to go over 5k rpm as there's already so much pace by that point. Perhaps mine is broken?

I'm with you ocrx8 - there is power aplenty at all revs and the torque is amazing mid range - no need to change down for an overtake and brilliant power (as you say) up to 5K revs (after that it is ballistic). I'm still having trouble coming to terms with the character of the ///M though and it's interesting to hear what you (and Criag3.2) have said about it taking time to get used to. Despite the steering and handling and ride (which is all I had hoped for and more - it's in a different league to the 3.0si) at the minute I'm finding it's not suiting my style of driving and I miss the use of that smooth revving N52 . . . .

Sadly I had to do the opposite and go from the ///M to a 3.0si. Whilst I do know that the si is a very capable car it feels a bit dull and lifeless after the ///M. The engine is too silky smooth, I've put a cold air intake on it to get a bit more of a growl out of it. I also find myself revving it harder than the ///M to " make progress ", the ///M rarely went above 5/6k.

The brakes although good are not a patch on the ///M and unless in sport mode the steering is not as tactile as I'd like.

I'm not knocking the si honest it is a good car but the ///M is a great one, stick with it Paul you'll get used to it.

 

[Dave1971]

I think the guy (Dean) is a former senior M mechanic from BMW, I might be getting wires crossed but I remember reading that somewhere. I get the same confidence from this guy as you do from your place, properly honest and good value too, his website is a bit naff but it gives you an idea of the various M stuff he does i.e. remaps etc. His garage is quite modest, typical unit in an industrial site, no branding or any fancy trinkets kicking about, but he knows exactly what he's doing which is good enough for me! £130 for a 10W60 oil service and a stamp in your book with ///M in print haha

I've used Dean a few times on this Z and my last one. He did an excellent job refurbishing the vanos on my ///M at a very good price, I always recommend him if I can

 

[paulgs1000]

I think the guy (Dean) is a former senior M mechanic from BMW, I might be getting wires crossed but I remember reading that somewhere. I get the same confidence from this guy as you do from your place, properly honest and good value too, his website is a bit naff but it gives you an idea of the various M stuff he does i.e. remaps etc. His garage is quite modest, typical unit in an industrial site, no branding or any fancy trinkets kicking about, but he knows exactly what he's doing which is good enough for me! £130 for a 10W60 oil service and a stamp in your book with ///M in print haha

I've used Dean a few times on this Z and my last one. He did an excellent job refurbishing the vanos on my ///M at a very good price, I always recommend him if I can

Good to know you two - thanks - I've written Dean down in my ///M journal

 

[paulgs1000]

Sadly I had to do the opposite and go from the ///M to a 3.0si. Whilst I do know that the si is a very capable car it feels a bit dull and lifeless after the ///M. The engine is too silky smooth, I've put a cold air intake on it to get a bit more of a growl out of it. I also find myself revving it harder than the ///M to " make progress ", the ///M rarely went above 5/6k.

The brakes although good are not a patch on the ///M and unless in sport mode the steering is not as tactile as I'd like.

I'm not knocking the si honest it is a good car but the ///M is a great one, stick with it Paul you'll get used to it.

The 3.0si certainly does feel a bit lacklustre after the ///M - absolutely agree.
You and your intake noise :lol: I know you (and many others) love that noise but it's not my cup of tea - maybe because I remember being so knocked out by the amazing Honda and Kawasaki straight fours of the 70's. I've always loved the sound of a smooth high revving motorcycle engine (whistling cams on a straight four is my preferred noise (Once traded a VFR V4 for a Bandit straight four as I couldn't get on with the fabulous Honda engine - imagine! )
Brakes are much better on the ///M yep - especially when used hard though I find the si pedal response a little more reassuring at the start of the pedal movement. Steering is much more positive and connected - the si steering is something you have to accept as part of the deal :lol: .
There's no comparison between the 3.0si and the ///M (it's in a different league) and maybe that's the reason I'm finding it hard to adapt.
Really appreciate the input Laine - many thanks

 

[john-e89]

Hi Paul, great looking M you've got there.

I too went si to M and truth be told I never did get used to it, it's a special car indeed, and as has been said in lots of ways it outstrips the si but I just never got 100% comfortable with it and not too sure why, i can't put my finger on it. Be it the rawness or the urgency I don't know but I found I wanted to rag it all the time to get the enjoyment out of it, it just did'nt feel happy pottering along and sometimes I don't want to be 'spirited', my job is very physical and lots of times I just want to cruise, and the M felt like a dog straining at the leash, it was'nt smooth enough, it did'nt feel relaxed cruising. The 35is I have now is both, it'll stiffen up and be ballistic but it's also very smooth and chilled and I think that's the answer.

I guess what I'm trying to say is they don't suit everyone, if I went back to an E85 I'd go Alpina, I'm not suggesting for a minute you're struggling to adapt to it but if you don't gel with it fully in time you would'nt be the only one. They have this aura about them that they're the ultimate and they are certainly a magical car but not everyone can live with them as shown by the number of owners a lot of them have.

Well I'm probably talking nonsense and way off the mark but I thought a different view to most might be of interest.

 

[paulgs1000]

Hi Paul, great looking M you've got there.

I too went si to M and truth be told I never did get used to it, it's a special car indeed, and as has been said in lots of ways it outstrips the si but I just never got 100% comfortable with it and not too sure why, i can't put my finger on it. Be it the rawness or the urgency I don't know but I found I wanted to rag it all the time to get the enjoyment out of it, it just did'nt feel happy pottering along and sometimes I don't want to be 'spirited', my job is very physical and lots of times I just want to cruise, and the M felt like a dog straining at the leash, it was'nt smooth enough, it did'nt feel relaxed cruising. The 35is I have now is both, it'll stiffen up and be ballistic but it's also very smooth and chilled and I think that's the answer.

I guess what I'm trying to say is they don't suit everyone, if I went back to an E85 I'd go Alpina, I'm not suggesting for a minute you're struggling to adapt to it but if you don't gel with it fully in time you would'nt be the only one. They have this aura about them that they're the ultimate and they are certainly a magical car but not everyone can live with them as shown by the number of owners a lot of them have.

Well I'm probably talking nonsense and way off the mark but I thought a different view to most might be of interest.

You're not talking nonsense at all john-e89 and I don't mind being open about how I'm finding the experience. You've got it exactly on the nose and that's what I'm grappling with. At the minute I'm finding it doesn't suit my driving style and needs but quite a few have encouraged me to give it more time to appreciate the obvious abilities and I don't have to rush. It's interesting to read what you have to say about the 35is as well.
The ///M is indeed a special Zed (Steph likes it very much) - better ride, handling, performance is amazing, quality seems much better and I want to make the right decision so I'll continue for a time yet and see if we do indeed gel. The problem is I have so much fun in my 3.0si I was hoping for simply more of the same. I'm having to get used to using lower revs and am reluctant to use the revs due to the raw nature of the engine. Hey ho! We shall see . . . . .
Appreciate the 'other' view (and I too am a fan of the Alpina - though I would like an LSD)

 

[srhutch]

In some ways keeping your 3.0si is causing you a problem. If you were to get rid you woul soon forget about it, but keep driving it just brings back the differences.

Trust Steph, she knows what she is talking about 8)

 

[paulgs1000]

In some ways keeping your 3.0si is causing you a problem. If you were to get rid you woul soon forget about it, but keep driving it just brings back the differences.

Trust Steph, she knows what she is talking about 8)

Ha - she's not even driven it yet hutch :lol: She does like it though . . . .

 

[mr wilks]

Ive had 2 x 3.0 Si & 1 x ///M & my thoughts are the Si is a competent tool that has few weaknesses , & compared with its competitors of Slk , Boxster & TT is ahead in performance ,economy , build , ,service , parts , reliability & price :wink:

In direct comparison to its 3.2 Z rival the ///M doesn't knock the Si out with any one punch , its more a combination of grip , steering , noise , poise ,style (the bonnet lines & quad pipes in particular wowed me) that wins the bout

Fortunately for me my 7000miles were all pleasure that were driven as a treat between family hack or van & i'm pretty sure my memories would not have been so good if they were day to day commuter miles , for that the Si is the journeyman that always produces something without having anything particular to really shout about :?

Guess what i'm trying to say is once under the Z spell then its the obvious step to try a M but don't be afraid to then step back as the Si offers so much for so little ( £6k upwards) & whilst its easy to waffle about the merits there are also many negatives to M ownership that have to be considered :wink:

 

[paulgs1000]

Ive had 2 x 3.0 Si & 1 x ///M & my thoughts are the Si is a competent tool that has few weaknesses , & compared with its competitors of Slk , Boxster & TT is ahead in performance ,economy , build , ,service , parts , reliability & price :wink:

In direct comparison to its 3.2 Z rival the ///M doesn't knock the Si out with any one punch , its more a combination of grip , steering , noise , poise ,style (the bonnet lines & quad pipes in particular wowed me) that wins the bout

Fortunately for me my 7000miles were all pleasure that were driven as a treat between family hack or van & i'm pretty sure my memories would not have been so good if they were day to day commuter miles , for that the Si is the journeyman that always produces something without having anything particular to really shout about :?

Guess what i'm trying to say is once under the Z spell then its the obvious step to try a M but don't be afraid to then step back as the Si offers so much for so little ( £6k upwards) & whilst its easy to waffle about the merits there are also many negatives to M ownership that have to be considered :wink:

As always - spot on the money mr wilks

 

[Chezsherman]

cant wait to catch up and see this ///M, and how much harder am going to have to work to stay on your tail

 

[Guiseley]

Interesting to hear your thoughts on the swap Paul. Although I want to 'upgrade' the Cayman to something sexier, I'm struggling with the concept of parting, wondering if the replacement will tick all of the same boxes. If you can keep both for a while then I would do that - only you know what suits you best, and there's not too much difference between the two in the real world.

 

[john-e89]

In some ways keeping your 3.0si is causing you a problem. If you were to get rid you woul soon forget about it, but keep driving it just brings back the differences.

Trust Steph, she knows what she is talking about 8)

You can't force someone into marriage though, if it's not right it's not right. Keep the si tucked away covered up ready for the split if it comes, a known and reliable si is hard to replace. No looking through the classifieds night after night looking for the right one, trawling country wide to be disappointed, just pull the sheet off and jump into your old buddy.

Anyway I probably should'nt comment, I hav'nt got one anymore. :roll:

 

[paulgs1000]

cant wait to catch up and see this ///M, and how much harder am going to have to work to stay on your tail

Hope to be out with you on the run Tuesday Craig - looks like I'll have to wash and clean it again after, as the weather looks iffy!

Interesting to hear your thoughts on the swap Paul. Although I want to 'upgrade' the Cayman to something sexier, I'm struggling with the concept of parting, wondering if the replacement will tick all of the same boxes. If you can keep both for a while then I would do that - only you know what suits you best, and there's not too much difference between the two in the real world.

It is a far more capable Zed though and achingly beautiful with a known provenance - won't get another chance at such a lovely ///M so I'll give it more time.

In some ways keeping your 3.0si is causing you a problem. If you were to get rid you woul soon forget about it, but keep driving it just brings back the differences.

Trust Steph, she knows what she is talking about 8)

You can't force someone into marriage though, if it's not right it's not right. Keep the si tucked away covered up ready for the split if it comes, a known and reliable si is hard to replace. No looking through the classifieds night after night looking for the right one, trawling country wide to be disappointed, just pull the sheet off and jump into your old buddy.

Anyway I probably should'nt comment, I hav'nt got one anymore. :roll:

Not prepared to let the si go just yet for that very reason - we shall see . . . .

 

[Marlon]

Just caught up with this thread - fascinating feedback from Paul, John, Andy, srhutch and others. What a great bunch of Zed connoisseurs; I've not tasted them all, but have a feeling the 3.0si is rich enough for my palate

 

[Smartbear]

Just caught up with this thread - fascinating feedback from Paul, John, Andy, srhutch and others. What a great bunch of Zed connoisseurs; I've not tasted them all, but have a feeling the 3.0si is rich enough for my palate

Snap, as good as the M must be I suspect that a decent si is a sweet spot in the zed range with more than enough performance for the road & half price road tax/servicing costs. I suspect there comes a point where diminishing returns apply.
Rob

 

[ZermattV]

Interesting thred - if I had to get one of the two back tomorrow it would be the M . I preferred the ride and the brakes and it felt more special but it was a high days and holidays car for me . my wife was the same Paul preffering the M over the 3.0.

I test drove an Alpina as I loved the idea of one but for me it felt to much like a GT car rather than a Sunday morning out for a few hours car which the M excels at.

The head scratcher for the M was the range in forum run in Scotland it was the need to look for petrol much earlier than the 3.0 boys.

The big caveat for me though is I drove about 6k in 2 years I the M a figure I have smashed in the 997 having done more like 11k in 2 years.

Hope you get the right weather over the next couple of weeks to continue with your choice.

 

[LeeZ4MR]

Good thread and I've enjoyed reading the comparisons

 

[AndyBeech]

Interesting thred - if I had to get one of the two back tomorrow it would be the M . I preferred the ride and the brakes and it felt more special but it was a high days and holidays car for me . my wife was the same Paul preffering the M over the 3.0.

I test drove an Alpina as I loved the idea of one but for me it felt to much like a GT car rather than a Sunday morning out for a few hours car which the M excels at.

The head scratcher for the M was the range in forum run in Scotland it was the need to look for petrol much earlier than the 3.0 boys.

The big caveat for me though is I drove about 6k in 2 years I the M a figure I have smashed in the 997 having done more like 11k in 2 years.

Hope you get the right weather over the next couple of weeks to continue with your choice.

Agreed. Also agree at the 3.0si being the sweet spot, never used to think twice about taking that out for a blast, whereas I find with the M I only tend to use it on 'perfect' days now, so as not to increase the mileage too much and having to stick £50 in the tank only to see it deplete at a rate of knots! On those occasions where it does come out though, it feels so much more special than the 3.0si as good as that engine is also.
The S54 is one of those engines that everyone should have a blast in, there's literally nothing quite like it, the noise, banzai acceleration that chucks you back in the seat and keeps on going, and buckets of grip to complement it. It's (IMHO) the ultimate Z4 package and the reason why it's holding value so well now, it's so much car for the money.

I'm glad to have owned one and has certainly fulfilled a massive tick on the car bucket list. Will be gutted when I sell, probably sooner rather than later too

 

[tomscott]

The SI is a great car but the M is just a better car in all respects driving wise. It takes a while to get used to because it a little more of a pain to drive in comparison to the easy going of the SI.

I had my M 3 years and put 30k on it I used it for everything never got bored. I test drove the SI and the M back to back and the M is the pure car of the two and has the special feeing that the SI lacks. But I completely understand what you mean.

Just a case of getting used to it!

Enjoy it and don't worry about it so much !

I'm looking the complete opposite way now I want a fast daily that is more of a cruiser so the 35i is where I'm headed I think with a few tasteful mods.