Those of you who have gone from Z4 to E46 M3 thoughts please

B

bmwaddict

Senior member
 West Herts/East Bucks
After years of owning many BMW coupes and a serious itch for M power for a very very long time, I don't think I can resist for much longer, thinking of swapping my z4 3.0si coupe for an E46 M3 coupe, it will be my daily driver as I have a van also and can't justify 3 cars, financially or space wise, and can't afford a Z4MC and a separate daily runner, although that's what I'd do if I could, and not really a convertible guy which is why I'm not considering a Z4MR. I'll miss my zed as I love pretty much everything about it apart from the lack of more power.

As there are a few on here who have gone from z4 to m3 I was hoping for some views from direct experience of this swap, and what they're like to daily drive on a long term basis. Depreciation doesn't really bother me, I've been researching the s54 rod bearing issues etc and will factor that in financially to do immediately if it's not been done to any potential purchase.

Any views or direct experience much appreciated

Daniel.
 
I went from a 3.0i Z4 to an E46 M3, not by choice at first as my z4 was written off but by god was it a blessing in disguise.

They are totally different cars and the M3 is a lot more special that's for sure.

Be careful when buying though and don't rush, there is a lot of dogs about and they can be money pits as parts and servicing are over double in some applications. Few rough prices below for some common bits to be done.

A set of front wishbones and lollipops are over £400
Inspection 2 Service is around £700-£900
Brake disc's are expensive
Bearings are around £800 to do and I would do them for piece of mind
Cracked boot floor repair is anything from £800-£3000 depending on where you go, they all crack don't believe anything that tells you otherwise, if you are buying one that's not been done budget for it!
Watch for rust as some of them rust badly (wings, arches, sills mainly)

Even with the faults, I would not be without it now its the best car I have ever owned and I don't see myself ever selling it. The S54 engine is a peach and the noise is intoxicating to me (no all agree and some hate the rasp)

If you are ever in surrey I can take you for a spin if you wish.

If you have nay questions write back on here and I can respond :)
 
Thanks for the comprehensive reply hopz, I'm going in with my eyes open and am very aware of the M tax on parts servicing etc. I know what you mean about there being a lot of dogs about, that's an understatement! Also a lot of high mileage cars at dealers for silly prices. I'm in no rush to find a good one and will make sure brakes and suspension have been refreshed or factor it into purchase costs, as with rod bearings which I will get done immediately, if you or anyone has any recommendations where to do this around the Herts/Bucks/Beds area please let me know.
 
A thought provoking thread :wink: I'll continue to watch with interest.
I presume we're taking about the e46 M3? As the new e92 M3's will be around the Z4MC price range?
 
I went from a 2003 3.0 Z4 to E46 M3 SMG.

It felt like a beast with the extra power and higher rev range, coupled with the SMG box that enabled you change gears without lifting the accelerator pedal :driving: ...but after a while it just made me want a Z4M more, as I preferred the smaller more agile feeling of driving a 2 seater, (the E46 felt massive compared to it) just now I wanted one with the grin inducing power of the S54 engine in it :D

As a daily driver it was better than the Z4M with a more refined ride, though probably worse the 3.0 Z4 due to to it's extra running costs.
 
Thanks for your input.

I always loved the S54 and planned on buying an E46 M3 at some stage, but now have fallen in love with the z4, as you say it feels much smaller and more nimble than a 3 series, and as I said I'd be getting a Z4MC if I can, but I don't have a spare £20k plus for a nice one.
 
I can understand your want to try out the M3, so maybe the only thing to do is go test drive one.

If it were me and I didn't have my car and had the choice of yours or the M3, I'd pick yours. Though I have scratched the itch already so my opinion really doesn't reflect your needs right now.
 
Went from z4 to M3(two of them) and back to z4 , enjoyed driving especially on the track, however for me z4 more fun and much easier to drive fast, in my 3.0 I do better times at brands hatch and the ring.
 
I thought about the E46 M3, as I love the E46 generally. I test drove the M3 and the 3 litre Z4C and bought a Z4C. As Marius said, an easier car to live with.
 
NickDE said:
I thought about the E46 M3, as I love the E46 generally. I test drove the M3 and the 3 litre Z4C and bought a Z4C. As Marius said, an easier car to live with.
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Interesting, you did exactly the reverse of the swap I'm contemplating! I have owned more e36s than e46s but I love the e46 m3. Thanks to all for your input.
 
bmwaddict said:
NickDE said:
I thought about the E46 M3, as I love the E46 generally. I test drove the M3 and the 3 litre Z4C and bought a Z4C. As Marius said, an easier car to live with.
Click to expand...

Interesting, you did exactly the reverse of the swap I'm contemplating! I have owned more e36s than e46s but I love the e46 m3. Thanks to all for your input.
Click to expand...

They are all good cars. It comes down to personal preference and budget. As long as you buy a good one you can't go wrong.
 
I had a Z4 3.0 in 2004 and went to a CSL...a massive difference in performance, ride, build quality and as a daily driver. I think the chavs have now passed them by and when you see a nice one now they turn your head like they did back in the early 2000s....great cars and I'd have another any day! Life's short, go for it!
 
Haha thanks Angelus! Wish I had the funds for a CSL, that's one car I'd compromise my manual transmission only rule for!
 
bmwaddict said:
Haha thanks Angelus! Wish I had the funds for a CSL, that's one car I'd compromise my manual transmission only rule for!
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I wouldn't - I'd look for a manual Z4MC instead if I was going to spend that much on my toy! But it's good we all have different views/desires. :thumbsup:
 
I'd go and drive one and see what you think that's the only way you will make up your mind.

There is Pro's and Con's for each car but for the biggest Pro for me was the S54 and I had to have one whilst I still could.

Ideally I wanted a Z4MC but at the time they were out of budget for me so I went with the M3.

Looking back I didn't buy the right car at the time, I bought a car from a dealer that I thought was a good reputable specialist and paid a premium for it, which is why I say be careful and don't rush into it and don't be put off by mileage mine has 107k now and it drives better than some sub 40k cars I have driven!

I dread to think what I have spent over the last year of motoring but I expect to be in excess of £4k! New suspension, brakes, bushes, wishbones Boot floor reinforcement, the list goes on.

But other than the body work (found rust this week) the car is perfect and it drives amazingly well, it also hasn't lost a penny in cash (other than what I have spent) and I think a good manual or special edition will hold value pretty well going forward.

I drove mine into work today after not driving it for a few weeks and I arrived at work with a massive grin on my face totally different to the Micra daily driver I have. The M3 feels special every time I get behind the wheel :)
 
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