Real alternatives to the Z4 ///M

[DPG]

I can't help but like the gt86 and now that you can get them for 15k and Cosworth have made a supercharge kit my ears are pricking up. Not been in one yet though.

I do like the GT86 and I think when I come to change from my Z4M it will be for something I have to work a little harder. Just not sure I like the GT86 interior

Boxster 2.7, GT86, MX-5 etc.

As for real alternatives to the Z4M - E89 35i/35is, TT S/RS, Boxster S, 370Z or SLK AMG.

 

[Ewazix]

OK so passions are running high on the Porker question, TBH I'm sure most Z4 owners and prospective ///M owners in particular must have wrestled with that one! Having had the ownership experience of dream cars completely destroyed by unreliability and financially crippling breakdowns in the past it certainly tilted me towards the Z4, six years on it's all been service items so far.

Sooo, the GT86 maybe with an engine boost, SLK AMG, TT-RS, TVR, Lotus Exige S and 911/Boxter S of course. All have + /- factors compared to an ///M at current market values but a reliable, bespoke 2 seat package with 300bhp + which can be used as a daily for say £13-20k is a narrow field.

 

[tjlazer]

Indeed it is. I gave up and bought another M! Just changing from an MR to an MC was enough for me the Audi was interesting partly because of the engine and tuning potential but RWD simplicity won out. Really the Jag F type is the best alternative but it ain't cheap...

 

[no fit state]

370Z

I had this as another option when looking for the Z4M.

Great looks and plenty of power, but going on 350z prices I thought that the deprecation on one would leave me far worse off come sale time than it would with a Z4M.

 

[-Tom-]

I can't help but like the gt86 and now that you can get them for 15k and Cosworth have made a supercharge kit my ears are pricking up. Not been in one yet though.

I do like the GT86 and I think when I come to change from my Z4M it will be for something I have to work a little harder. Just not sure I like the GT86 interior

Boxster 2.7, GT86, MX-5 etc.

As for real alternatives to the Z4M - E89 35i/35is, TT S/RS, Boxster S, 370Z or SLK AMG.

Price point wise , the above are about it I reckon. But I can rule out the 370z (nismo might add some fizz) but my brother had one, sold it as quickly as he could. There was nothing special about it , lost its way from the 350z, it was quiet, refined and totally a GT.

My friend has a Boxster S 986 facelift , I've driven it and on the road it doesn't feel anywhere near as raucus as the z, nor as special. Sure that's different on track, but I don't track. It has also been SO unreliable!

 

[LeeZ4MR]

I can't help but like the gt86 and now that you can get them for 15k and Cosworth have made a supercharge kit my ears are pricking up. Not been in one yet though.

I do like the GT86 and I think when I come to change from my Z4M it will be for something I have to work a little harder. Just not sure I like the GT86 interior

Boxster 2.7, GT86, MX-5 etc.

As for real alternatives to the Z4M - E89 35i/35is, TT S/RS, Boxster S, 370Z or SLK AMG.

I really like the idea of the GT86 but I think I would have to alter my expectations a little as usually I like a car with some performance but a super charger would do nicely 8)

Had both a Z4M and TTS and the Z4M is a far more engaging/involving drive for sure, I really like the 370Z but I worry it's weight could be an issue though.

If they did the E89 35is with a manual gearbox I would be so tempted because I love it's looks/performance and folding hard top flexibility, but the DCT does nothing for me.

I am sure the Boxster S is arguably the best of all of them in many ways but I like a car to turn heads and the Porsche is just plain and ugly to my eyes though, I would never ever look twice at one.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

I can't help but like the gt86 and now that you can get them for 15k and Cosworth have made a supercharge kit my ears are pricking up. Not been in one yet though.

I do like the GT86 and I think when I come to change from my Z4M it will be for something I have to work a little harder. Just not sure I like the GT86 interior

Boxster 2.7, GT86, MX-5 etc.

As for real alternatives to the Z4M - E89 35i/35is, TT S/RS, Boxster S, 370Z or SLK AMG.

I have an S2000 that I used as my daily driver for over a year. That certainly has all the raw thrills of my ///M and three quarters of the performance, but it needs far more work to see its full potential. You could buy one and fit a turbo for the price of an ///M and see 500bhp in a car weighing not much over 1200kg... :evil:

 

[Vanne]

Maybe a shitbox R8? Actually quite like them.

 

[bmwaddict]

Nobody mentioned a Cayman S if it not being a convertible isn't a factor. Just throwing it out there. I find the interior dull thought compared to the z, not half as luxurious feeling or special, and not as much bang for buck as as z4m

 

[buzyg]

370Z

I had this as another option when looking for the Z4M.

Great looks and plenty of power, but going on 350z prices I thought that the deprecation on one would leave me far worse off come sale time than it would with a Z4M.

You are bang on on the 370Z deprecation thing. It had not long come out when I bought my ///M and There was nothing in my price rage at the time 25k. Now I could trade in the ///M for a newer 370Z. Not about to though. Similar problem, though not as pronounced with the E89.

 

[Marlon]

I tend to agree with the OP: the only contenders are SLK 350 AMG for the Z4M, and while we’re at it the standard SLK 350 for the Z4 3.0si. I’m hooked on top down motoring so there’s very little else to choose from in the same price range (never liked the original Boxster lines). However, the SLK’s poor interior comfort and ‘girly’ persona will keep me in the Zed camp – not that I’m complaining