Next car: V8 M3, 35i E89 Z4 or Z4M?

[Evil_elvis]

As per the title, I have the dealer sourcing cars for test drives, but if also like some first hand feedback from people as I'm sure some of you will have driven these.

Currently I have a 3.0si sport Manual Coupe, which I love, but I want something more impressive (newer or M).
I want another manual sport or M car

The obvious upgrade is the new shape 35i for a small cost. Better interior and a bit faster, and bonus drop top. I'd be interested what people thing of the change (speed, handling).

Or go to a cab/coupe manual M3 with 8 cylinders, why are they so cheap now?

Or switch to a Z4M pref cab - obviously I've read all the comparisons here

I love the fact my car has held its value and I want my next one to do the same.
Practicality is not a consideration at all.

Thanks!!!!

 

[Yorkie Z]

I can't help but I can say two things.....

1. I'd have the V8
2. Practicality is not a consideration at all. That's awesome

 

[Evil_elvis]

My wife drives an MR2 Roadster which is the most impractical car ever devised.
By comparison the Z4 is a Camper Van

F*ck practicality!
Live the dream

I know what you mean about a V8, just for the noise (sports exhaust).
But I've read the Z4M coupe was faster when Autocar reviewed it.

 

[mmm-five]

I' biased, but would have the Z4M every time, as it's more direct than the other two which feel more like autobahn cruisers than sports cars.

If you go for the M3, then be prepared to use double the fuel you do now in your Z.

For the short time I had an e92 M3, the only car I could care it to was my e34 M5. Similar power delivery, similar delay in steering, similar need to let the suspension settle in a turn before pushing on again, and similar soaking up of bumps on rougher roads.

I assume they're at such a low price because they're not exactly a rare car, and 2nd/3rd owners have maybe found out how expensive they can be to maintain.

 

[Evil_elvis]

Thanks mmm-five, that's pretty much music to my ears
I love the involvement from my coupe, and I'd hate to move to a saloon car with big engine and end up with a bit of floaty-wallow in the bends.
Not for me.

Z4M is back to the top of the list

I wonder if anyone wants to swap one for mine :/
Plus cash of course

 

[Havard]

Running costs of the E92 scared me way. Unless you are loaded and like filling up with fuel. You will spend money like an epileptic at an auction.

H.

 

[Z4M-2006]

Why not drive an E9x M3 and see what you think..

Didn't impress me at all and I walked away...seem to be a fair few engine maladies too

I loved my M cars, they Are awesome... Expensive at the moment though, but buy wisely with lowish and you will be ok for resale..

E89 35i... Totally different..more space and better manners than the M car..and obviously newer..

Why not a 35is? Bit quicker than the M and has all the toys?

 

[LeeZ4MR]

Why not drive an E9x M3 and see what you think..

Didn't impress me at all and I walked away...seem to be a fair few engine maladies too

I had a manual E92 M3 for 10 months and did 10k miles in it and I didn't rate it much at all either, however my brother in law has the E93(convertible) M3 DCT and he loves his(used as a weekend motor) so I agree its worth trying one to see what you think.

For me it was just too heavy and didn't sound anything like a V8 as standard and only felt fast at 6k revs plus and it didn't have any meaningful low end torque either and it is wasted as a daily driver, the brakes wilted even in hard road use and the interior bar seats and dials is just standard 3 series, the chassis/LSD deserve praise though and I would have loved to have experienced that high rev V8 in a much lighter package as it is a really good power plant...its just in the wrong car.

Range and thirst for fuel isn't great either.

 

[Evil_elvis]

Thanks for all the feedback, some great input!
I think the m3 will be too hefty, I don't need such a car, so why suffer the weigh ...

I have an M3 / 35i E89 on order at the dealer to test drive, so I won't make any decisions until I drive one