Which one to buy

M

monzon

Member
Hi all

I am new to the forum, I have read a few posts and thought it a good place to start.

Can you help? I am looking to purchase a Z4 (funny enough) but I cannot decide between the Z4M roadster or the 3.0si roadster....
I know that the M is expensive to run but I enjoy my driving and as purchase coasts are coming down it's a bargin. However, the 3.0 si will not only be cheaper to run but more comfortable (or so I have been told).

I guess my question is: what would you owners (of both) recommed and how different are they in "the real world"?

Thank you

Rob
 
Hi welcome to the forum!

Own a standard Z (2.5) which I love! Have owned for 3.5 years and still makes me smile. However, tested an M recently (couple actually).... awesome car! After about 3 years with run flats too it didn't seem that uncomfortable... in fact I was surprised how good the ride was. Steering is so much better and the engine is a monster... and new to it I loved the noise :thumbsup:

Driving them will quickly make your mind up!

There are a few on here who have owned the 3.0 (if not the si that now have the M) who will offer more useful comparisons,

Cheers
 
I've had a 2.5 roadster

an Alpina Roadster S

and now a ///M 8)

my small contribution would be that I would always pine after the bigger more powerful car - the ///M and Alpina are no more unconfortable than the 2.5 on runflats (which was f. awful)

Don't buy an ///M though if you are worried about tax, petrol and servicing costs...
Do buy an ///M if you want a real monster for < £20,000

That said, the 3.0si is still a v. nice car :driving:
 
oooo here we go again :D

where is breaker ???

Welcome to the forum :thumbsup:

I've got the 3.0i (not the si) and the ride is firm but Ive not riden or driven an M. Tyres make a huge difference with these cars though and the post facelift cars have had their suspension tuned better for the run flats than the pre-face lift ones. That said Different brands of Runflats tyres make a a big difference (Ive got Michelins and love em) and many here have gone to conventional tyres...

Either one is a great car :thumbsup:
 
:lol: Yep... and probably leave him more confused than when he started.

Probably in there somewhere, I heard two members recently say that they were in their 3.0s proudly giving it the full beans only to have an M breeze past! One of the Ms was Andy's on the Aebous meet... and that certainly wasn't dry as anyone there would testify! That steering and chassis though, great!

For the OP, clearly I've fallen in love with the M roadster, but don't get me wrong, the 3.0 is a great car too and for some people a better buy. Sort the tyres out and you'll have a blast!

Overall I think Mitch is pretty much on the money.

Go for a :driving: Where abouts are you? People might know the better dealers for a decent test drive.
 
monzon, welcome to the forum... :)
I previously had a 3.0si and it is a very nice car and I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with one ... :driving:
I currently have an ///M and it is no less comfortable and as other have mentioned it is a real monster... :driving: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
 
I know monzon's question wasn't about the 2.5l, but having read mitch's post, I need to defend it. The 2.5l (04reg) is very good. I test drove the 2.0, 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 before getting it. It has runflat tyres and the ride is very good.
 
Oakandacorns said:
I know monzon's question wasn't about the 2.5l, but having read mitch's post, I need to defend it. The 2.5l (04reg) is very good. I test drove the 2.0, 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 before getting it. It has runflat tyres and the ride is very good.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum :thumbsup:

Good to see some pics... maybe an intro in the Newbies section?

I'm a 2.5er too, and love it! I think Mitch's comment was about the run flats, not the 2.5, not to everyone's liking... mine for that matter. Although on 16s and then 17s they weren't that bad. Some people have no issue with them at all. After 3 years non-rfts were a revelation - may be worth getting a ride in a non-rft car before you due for new shoes.

The M is a step up again.

Actually, a good point for the OP, don't be put off if you find the ride a little lumpy on the 3.0 - if it has run flats there's an easy fix!
 
Thank you for all your help. Very useful. I am based in Gloucestershire, but will happily travel for the right car.

I haven't thought about a coupe (have always had them and wanted to try a convert' plus I want the maximum amount of engine noise :wink: )
it's very interesting about the run flats, it makes a lot of sence.

I guess now it's test drive time. :D
 
Welcome to the forum :thumbsup:

I'm quite a newbie here & to the world of sport car so I wont be able to add very much. Just on the cost though - I recently had a flat on my RFT with botched attempted repair and so had to replace the tire. The non RFT (which ///m has as standard) are cheaper, easier to repair & replace. Just on that cost alone you may already off set the majority of the percieved cost difference between ///m & 3.0si.

Having said that, as I use my Zed to commute (and cant afford to loose my license as I'll also loose my job) 3.0si gives me plenty of fun & joy. I can only go on a spirited run on week ends, and that is if the weather allows! Still makes me smile and lots of people ask me if it is my car :wink:

p.s. as mentioned, do consider coupe. I recon the rear of the car, especially the way the rear window slunts into the boots makes it look soooo gorgeous :fuelfire: Naught to do with the drive though!
 
Critical choice here is rag top or coupe? Both very different cars. I love the look of the coupe but also love open top motoring so went for the rag top which in effect gives me the best of both worlds. Buy a coupe and you have no choice. Then consider the engine choice unadulterated straight six or M series? (I know they do a 2L 4 cyl but if you considereing an M or 3L then this is not an obvious consideration). Running costs can have an impact as can insurance and maintenance. Do the sums here and see what is affordable for your budget. Easy...... :thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom