SI owners opinion
- Thread starter Mikenmass
- Start date
GP20 said:
No offense back to you GP20, but that is a very narrow perspective. There is no need to discredit the opinions of those who do not feel that Z4 without an ///M badge is no better than a Toyota.
I get the apeal of an ///M, but there are many of us who get just as much of an adrenaline rush from seeing our 'regular' Z4s parked in the driveway. Don't get me wrong, I think the Z4M is a wonderful car but for ME, the incremental performance did not justify the increased costs (purchase, fuel, and maintenance). Like you said, it's not about how fast you are going, it's about how your car makes you feel.
I'm with AY here... GP20, that is a ridiculously naive and narrowminded view.
It IS about the fuel costs and maintenance costs, and I'm actually quite annoyed with what you've said. The Si was the right car for me, as I also didn't feel the 'package' of the M was worth the extra £1000pa running costs. It just isn't. For others, it is.
Also, what's to say that someone's 'total package' as you've put it isn't smooth power, easy clutch, and slightly more reserved looks, with a beefy (rather than coarse) exhaust note?
I am so surprised to read such a narrowminded view.
Oh, and I think it's extremely funny that you HAD a 2.5 and a 3.0 previously!!.. Why not just get an M straight away?
It IS about the fuel costs and maintenance costs, and I'm actually quite annoyed with what you've said. The Si was the right car for me, as I also didn't feel the 'package' of the M was worth the extra £1000pa running costs. It just isn't. For others, it is.
Also, what's to say that someone's 'total package' as you've put it isn't smooth power, easy clutch, and slightly more reserved looks, with a beefy (rather than coarse) exhaust note?
I am so surprised to read such a narrowminded view.
Oh, and I think it's extremely funny that you HAD a 2.5 and a 3.0 previously!!.. Why not just get an M straight away?
ay8306 said:GP20 said:
No offense back to you GP20, but that is a very narrow perspective. There is no need to discredit the opinions of those who do not feel that Z4 without an ///M badge is no better than a Toyota.
I get the apeal of an ///M, but there are many of us who get just as much of an adrenaline rush from seeing our 'regular' Z4s parked in the driveway. Don't get me wrong, I think the Z4M is a wonderful car but for ME, the incremental performance did not justify the increased costs (purchase, fuel, and maintenance). Like you said, it's not about how fast you are going, it's about how your car makes you feel.
But that is what he is saying, it literally isn't about the performance. A 3.0i is plenty quick enough.
It's not about the quantative anymore, it's the qualitative. The sound alone might be worth it for some people, for the cost, before they even look at the slighter faster in-line performance.
Also, if you like track work, then the M car will be more enjoyable there too.
No one is saying the Si is no good, but the M car is ultimately more of a drivers car, is ultimately faster, and on a fun drive it will give you more smiles/mile/£
If you can afford it, and want to, buy it.
I'd certainly get an Si as a first Z4, but moving to one from a 3.0 just seems like a tiny jump because the power, costs and experience will be little different for the money!
The jump to an M will REALLY be noticeable however, in performance AND ethos!
Dave
IK. said:
Figured my comment was going to hurt one or two 3.0Si' owners' egos.
Oh, and I think it's extremely funny that you HAD a 2.5 and a 3.0 previously!!.. Why not just get an M straight away?
Probably because BMW didn't start making the M's until '06?
And that's exactly my point to the OP. Go straight to the M and save yourself money and time.ay8306 said:GP20 said:
No offense back to you GP20, but that is a very narrow perspective. There is no need to discredit the opinions of those who do not feel that Z4 without an ///M badge is no better than a Toyota.
I get the apeal of an ///M, but there are many of us who get just as much of an adrenaline rush from seeing our 'regular' Z4s parked in the driveway. Don't get me wrong, I think the Z4M is a wonderful car but for ME, the incremental performance did not justify the increased costs (purchase, fuel, and maintenance). Like you said, it's not about how fast you are going, it's about how your car makes you feel.
I wasn't saying the 3.0Si is rubbish. I'm saying that if the 3.0Si fits better for you, fine. If fuel costs and maitenance costs are deciding factors for you, fine and fair enough.
Just don't use the excuse of saying the 3.0Si is as quick as the M under normal daily driving to justify your purchase simply because you couldn't afford an M. Because like I said, it's not just about accelerations.
That's like saying a Hummer corners as well as the F430 as long as the freeway is straight and there are no turns.
Shipkiller
Veteran
Thanks for all the considered opinions. I'm leaning towards the M because its going to be a rare bird. I have a one shot deal to upgrade with the wifes approval. Quit smoking as part of the deal... That'll pay for the extra expense and I could be the first person who's life was saved by the M! Starting the search and already found a "perfect car". Cashing in some stock options that would have gone to my survivors. 
I've never owned a top of the line model so perhaps it's time to start. I need to have the rag top though and have seen some reviews suggesting it's less of an M than the coupe. I doubt I can notice the difference but would like to hear from some MR folks on their impressions.
BTW, It seems like a 7-8 k premium over the SI does that sound right? First find below. 31k miles 35,500 price CPO
I've never owned a top of the line model so perhaps it's time to start. I need to have the rag top though and have seen some reviews suggesting it's less of an M than the coupe. I doubt I can notice the difference but would like to hear from some MR folks on their impressions. BTW, It seems like a 7-8 k premium over the SI does that sound right? First find below. 31k miles 35,500 price CPO
ay8306 said:
I don't think you understand his point. Not that z "Z4 without an ///M badge is no better than a Toyota" but that if based on economics, there are many cars that would be a better choice than a 3.0 Z4.
IK. said:
It's funny to me how when simple performance comparisons arise, some people like to include "running costs" and maintenance casts. Of course the M costs more in these regards. But there are definite, distinguishable performance differences. Cheers to all.
GP20, I never said the M wasn't a better car though, did I? I said I didn't feel the package was worth the extra £1000pa. No hurt ego here, as I quite simply didn't want an M, when all was said and done. I'm not sat here longing for the M, wishing I could afford one. I can afford one, but just don't want to pay that extra £1000pa, which I feel is unjustified (for me) in the M. However, it is nice to see that new members are made so welcome on the forum.
Rabman, I never compared simple performance, did I? I said the 'package' of the M, which includes everything. I have never once said it was purely about performance, as it isn't. I didn't feel the M offered me enough over the Si to justify the extra costs.
Rabman, I never compared simple performance, did I? I said the 'package' of the M, which includes everything. I have never once said it was purely about performance, as it isn't. I didn't feel the M offered me enough over the Si to justify the extra costs.
Shipkiller
Veteran
This is a pretty civilized discussion that is going on here.
Everyone has a different viewpoint, and each viewpoint is based on their own wants or needs....
MUCH more civilized than on other boards...
Everyone has a different viewpoint, and each viewpoint is based on their own wants or needs....
MUCH more civilized than on other boards...
I'll sell you my 07Si Coupe (w/ 8,900 miles) and all the goodies (minus nav). I'll even throw in the de-bedaging, clear reflectors, ZHP and stubby. :wink:
That said, as others have noted, the "bump" to the Si likely isn't worth the cost. And any increase in performance will be more psychosomatic than anything... you'll think you notice a bigger difference than real world numbers would state. The M would be a different story and perhaps a better goal.
So buy mine so I can get an M!
That said, as others have noted, the "bump" to the Si likely isn't worth the cost. And any increase in performance will be more psychosomatic than anything... you'll think you notice a bigger difference than real world numbers would state. The M would be a different story and perhaps a better goal.
So buy mine so I can get an M!
One thing to remember when reading this forum is that it looks like it costs way more to own an M in the UK than it does in the USA because of our emission dependant road tax (and insurance rip off!) and also most insurers these days want a tracker fitted to M cars so that's around another £125 a year for that, so to say the cost doesn't come into it doesn't cut it in the UK.
Mikenmass, it would be interesting to state the difference, cost wise, in ownership between the two in the USA.
My advise to anyone in the UK looking at getting a 3.0si or an M is they should really test drive both then do the maths. For instance, I can insure and tax my 3.0si for LESS than it costs to tax an M!
Don't go on what they are to buy now as they are quite close. If you think the M is worth the extra, go for it!
I test drove both and am well pleased with my choice.
PS. If you do get the 3.0si, budget for the rear carbon diffuser as that looks way way cool. Looks better than the rear of the M!.........in my opinion of course!
Mind you (going back to the first post), after saying all that Mikenmass, if I was in your position and you want another Z4, I'd go for the M for something different. If you lived in the UK, I'd say keep what you have. :wink:
Mikenmass, it would be interesting to state the difference, cost wise, in ownership between the two in the USA.
My advise to anyone in the UK looking at getting a 3.0si or an M is they should really test drive both then do the maths. For instance, I can insure and tax my 3.0si for LESS than it costs to tax an M!
Don't go on what they are to buy now as they are quite close. If you think the M is worth the extra, go for it!
I test drove both and am well pleased with my choice.
PS. If you do get the 3.0si, budget for the rear carbon diffuser as that looks way way cool. Looks better than the rear of the M!.........in my opinion of course!
Mind you (going back to the first post), after saying all that Mikenmass, if I was in your position and you want another Z4, I'd go for the M for something different. If you lived in the UK, I'd say keep what you have. :wink:
Breaker said:Mr Whippy said:Breaker said:
Really?
Your insurance on the Si is about £250 tops?
Thats nice
More like £170 fully comp! Almost £300 for the M! I am getting older though! :wink:
£210 road tax, £400 for the M.
Thats as much as I pay for 2 months 
You must be so old they think you've fossilised and can't move The ONLY good thing about reaching 50 (apart from still having my looks!)!
Joking aside, this is why I said anyone wanting to buy an M or a 3.0si should base it on their circumstances, not others, because for me the difference between the two in costs v performance wasn't worth the extra for the M (unless I was just doing track days). Having the 3.0si also means I can run a large motorbike as well for cheaper than owning an M.
Joking aside, this is why I said anyone wanting to buy an M or a 3.0si should base it on their circumstances, not others, because for me the difference between the two in costs v performance wasn't worth the extra for the M (unless I was just doing track days). Having the 3.0si also means I can run a large motorbike as well for cheaper than owning an M.