To M or not to M??

D

drjay9051

New member
Ready for my first Z4. A bit confused. From what I have read the M has the iron block engine and is no longer made. I know it puts out about 320 HP but aside from the engine block does anything else such as suspension, wheels,ECU make the M an M? I am asking because I believe the newer 2009 Z4 has a twin turbo also putting out about the same HP ass the no longer produced M. So is the M a better performer? I have been told by a BMW mechanic that since the M has an iron block the front is too heavy and although it is powerful it will NOT handle as well as an aluminum block Z4. Any thoughts are appreciated. Also coupe handling vs roadster. Is the roadster lacking in rigidity resulting in poor performance or is this only an issue on the track?

Thank you

J
 
drjay9051, welcome to the forum... :thumbsup:
The S54 engine is no longer made and was discontinued with the end of Z4M production in August of 2008.
All Z4's including the "M" versions have a near perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
I have had 3 Z4's. 2003 3.0i, 2006 3.0si and 2007 M Roadster and the M version is by far the best handling.
I think most here would agree that to realize the stiffer frame of the coupe you would need to go to the track.
I am sure you will get a lot more info from other members of this board.
For a little more info about the S54 engine see this link.
http://www.eastpazscca.org/s54.html
 
agree with WLH.

If you're considering a new Z4 SDrive 35i, fair enough it's a very different car, it's not really about the engine.

Id buy the new one if ride quality was mega important, the interior is exquisite too, with all upgraded electrics / nav.

But I don't, I want a screaming monster of a car that scares me whenever I test it, and feels incredibly raw. That's why I have a Z4MR :D
 
Andy said:
I want a screaming monster of a car that scares me whenever I test it, and feels incredibly raw
Click to expand...

you forgot : that starts every day and doesnt need a new engine every 10K miles, thats why I ignored TVR's and got a Z4M :)
 
Having driven the new 35i it is a completely different animal to the Z4M. It's a two seater 335i and drives in a very similar way. It's fast, refined but lacks a little 'edge' when you push it on. It will also cost a lot more to buy than a Z4M!
 
To M is the answer. raw power, superb in every aspect, bit harsher on the ride but sticks to the road and has massive grip.
 
I just bought an M in July. I traded my 03 in for it. It is an 06 and only had 60 miles on it. What a difference in an M compared to my 03. It is like night and day. I think the M is a better built car than the new ones. Of course the wife and I learning stick shift all over again. So far we like it. Just my 2 cents
 
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