Thinking about it!!

N

nfarmer

Active member
 Worcestershire
An M that is. Have been running a 3.0i roaster for a couple of years and am contemplating replacing with a newer/lower mileage (mine is up to 115,000 and going strong) M, probably a Coupe and ideally an auto. Obviously I am aware of issues relating to the non M Z4 but are there any issues specific to the M.

I have noticed there are at least two engine fitted, S54 and N52. Can any one clarify the differences please (and good and bad points). And are there any other engine types fitted.

I believe its a given that a full service history either Dealer or Specialist Independent is essential.

Thanks Folks

Norman
 
The N52 is in the facelift cars, non-M. The M has the S54. And as hinted at above, the M only comes in manual.
 
An ///m isn't really the ideal car if you want relaxed lazy driving....
You get out what you put in
 
If you want more performance but with a more relaxed feel it might be worth looking at Alpina Roadsters. As Woots says the M isn't really a car for half measures. I'm sure Markeg, Stuart or Perry could advise on Alpinas as they have a lot of years of ownership experience between them and Stuart has done Alpina and M.
 
original guvnor said:
If you want more performance but with a more relaxed feel it might be worth looking at Alpina Roadsters. As Woots says the M isn't really a car for half measures. I'm sure Markeg, Stuart or Perry could advise on Alpinas as they have a lot of years of ownership experience between them and Stuart has done Alpina and M.
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How difficult/expensive are Alpinas to use, it would be an everyday car
 
Probably cheaper than an M in all respects, although I think the well-cared for examples are fetching similar money to equivalent M's. They would be easier to use everyday and they are cheaper to service and maintain too.
 
From what you've written I wouldn't go for the ///M. They aren't the most comfortable cars for everyday use (especially if you prefer an auto). Sat in traffic switching between 1st and 2nd would be a bit of a ball ache after a while (and an achey left leg also).

I think your best options are the Alpina Roadster S as mentioned, or a newer post-facelift (2006-2008) 3.0Ssi Sport in auto. Still plenty of performance on offer, but a more useable version of the ///M.

If my Z was for everyday use, I'd have gone for the 3.0si Sport Coupé.
 
Woots said:
An ///m isn't really the ideal car if you want relaxed lazy driving....
You get out what you put in
Click to expand...
Plus one that's a very good sum up, a 3.0 Auto is a totally different proposition some love the laid back set up of an auto though.
 
StevenH72 said:
From what you've written I wouldn't go for the ///M. They aren't the most comfortable cars for everyday use (especially if you prefer an auto). Sat in traffic switching between 1st and 2nd would be a bit of a ball ache after a while (and an achey left leg also).
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Very true. You should test drive one and see what you think. Also will this be your only car or do you have a daily drive?
 
Sounds like a 3.0si Coupe with auto box might be better suited to your needs.

An M isn't really the best car for a daily driver. As mentioned above it has a characterful 1st to 2nd gear shift, which I can't imagine would be great in traffic.

That said, if you can tame the beast I'm sure you'd have fun :D


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Has to be said, I mirror the thoughts said here.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Z4MR however as a daily driver it would soon become expensive and painful. Plus you can't get a M as an auto in E85 / E86 land.

We have a leggy 330i (115k) and it still pulls like a train and is crazy comfy for a daily commute or even European (took it to Granada a few years back and it was sublime) trek.

Auto 3.0is Coupe sounds like it would be your better bet. Just ditch the run flats :)

I hope this helps.

T1b

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I'm going to put the cat among the pidgeons here and say ( If you have the funds)
:bag:
Maybe an E89 with one of the more powerful engines might be worth considering.
 
As OG mentioned, I've owned an Alpina Roadster for a few years (since 2009). When sourcing a convertible two-seater, I test drove a lot of cars, and when looking at Z4s, looked at both //M and Alpina before deciding that the Alpina was for me - my main requirements were that it should be comfortable enough to be a daily drive but still allow spirited driving when needed.

Over the past 5 years I have used #108 as a daily drive over a number of periods - probably why it now stands at 105k miles. They are great cars, I would wholly recommend one.
 
I have the 3.0Si Coupe which is a daily driver and it's perfectly useable and plenty powerful. If anything I can't get to use all the power in our road conditions unless going for a blast. I doubt the auto is any slouch...I read somewhere the auto is fractionally quicker than the manual.
 
nfarmer said:
Adamski said:
it has a characterful 1st to 2nd gear shift,
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Can you explain whats characterful about it please
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it can just be a bit notchy and kangaroos a bit if you are driving like a zombie in and out of traffic - can be a bit embarrassing. but apart from that it isn't an especially tiring drive, just a LOT more skittish than my previous 3.0si which was not obviously not a million miles off the pace, and thus seems to take more concentration in the wet or damp.

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