Z3m roadster vs z4m roadster
- Thread starter Markcoopers
- Start date
If you were in love with the Z3M and wanted one to keep long term then I would say buy it as you would tolerate its shortcomings. I am determined to own a Z3MC one day and I accept the boot floor issues, the need for suspension upgrades to make it handle the power delivered, the risk of bearing shell failure with the early S54 engines, potential rust problems etc. However, I get the impression you want a reliable and fast car that handles well and shouldn't cost a fortune to buy and maintain, in which case the Z4M is the car for you.
mad4slalom
Senior member
First things first, where is that lake? , i am in waterski heaven!! Sold a z3m roadster to move up to the z4 m coupe, the 3 looked and felt a bit more classic old school sports car , had it 5 years and felt the need to either fit kw v3 and keep it for ever or go newer and a little bit more poweful with the z 4 , there were a few angles where the 3 didnt look as special the 4m coupe holds its own better in more exclusive company 911 c4 and the like. I love both, the 3m r in a few more years will start going up a bit , i prefer the 4 coupe tho as it really looks good from every angle, they broke the mold with this one , a classic imo.
a340driver
Member
Woots said:Dangerous-Dave said:
For a bit of drizzle? Not me
Me neither!!
Markcoopers
Member
THe Lake is Rutland water, entered from Empingham car park.....just drive over the grass down to the shore through the trees quietly...as you are not supposed to. I am not sure waterskis are allowed, i see sailing boats and canoes and cyclists here but never a waterski.
BMWZ4MC...I think you have me sussed there. I see a westfield in your signature and i think i recognise that pic from the WSCC forum? I've had 6 west fields and 1 other kit car over the years, and eventually sold the last one 2 years ago as quite frankly i was fed up with the hassle of it. The reliability was not an issue, no, it was well built and engineered with good components and well set up. No it was the dressing like a rambler every time you waned to go out, and wearing a crash helmet was a must.....but kind of knackered the "open air" element. I simply tiered of walking into a pub with friends with TVR's, Morgans etc and yet i looked silly carrying a bum bag for phones and wallets etc, a crash helmet and a steering wheel (it's only security feature). Too much hassle. I debated long and hard about putting the screen and sides on again, and even adding carpets and padded seats but finally realised it was worth more to someone else and i have out grown it.
Ferrari was again very reliable and my slice of 80's cool (OK it was a 1993, but designed in 80's), it too was reliable, but the thrill of driving whilst there was perhaps only 7/10. It went well and was a good steer, great sound and fantastic feedback, but was not perhaps that fast. That in itself was not an issue, but every drive out felt like a game of Ferrari roulette, in that you worried about the rain, were you would park it, if that new rattle was expensive or just more character. Eventually this diluted the +ves so that i no longer wanted to drive it and simply preferred to stare at it instead. Well that is not what a car is for, so sold it on.
So yes, reliability and ease of use is important. The Z3m appeals as it is "old school" and a bit of an underdog, but finding one with a good floor, good engine or no Vanos issues is an S50 etc is getting harder. There seems to be at least £2-3K gap between the two which is important (building an extension), but recon that gap is actually a lot less when you factor preventative maintenance and running cost in over time. I see myself in either car for about 4years/20K miles......Z4MR is looking a lot more attractive
BMWZ4MC...I think you have me sussed there. I see a westfield in your signature and i think i recognise that pic from the WSCC forum? I've had 6 west fields and 1 other kit car over the years, and eventually sold the last one 2 years ago as quite frankly i was fed up with the hassle of it. The reliability was not an issue, no, it was well built and engineered with good components and well set up. No it was the dressing like a rambler every time you waned to go out, and wearing a crash helmet was a must.....but kind of knackered the "open air" element. I simply tiered of walking into a pub with friends with TVR's, Morgans etc and yet i looked silly carrying a bum bag for phones and wallets etc, a crash helmet and a steering wheel (it's only security feature). Too much hassle. I debated long and hard about putting the screen and sides on again, and even adding carpets and padded seats but finally realised it was worth more to someone else and i have out grown it.
Ferrari was again very reliable and my slice of 80's cool (OK it was a 1993, but designed in 80's), it too was reliable, but the thrill of driving whilst there was perhaps only 7/10. It went well and was a good steer, great sound and fantastic feedback, but was not perhaps that fast. That in itself was not an issue, but every drive out felt like a game of Ferrari roulette, in that you worried about the rain, were you would park it, if that new rattle was expensive or just more character. Eventually this diluted the +ves so that i no longer wanted to drive it and simply preferred to stare at it instead. Well that is not what a car is for, so sold it on.
So yes, reliability and ease of use is important. The Z3m appeals as it is "old school" and a bit of an underdog, but finding one with a good floor, good engine or no Vanos issues is an S50 etc is getting harder. There seems to be at least £2-3K gap between the two which is important (building an extension), but recon that gap is actually a lot less when you factor preventative maintenance and running cost in over time. I see myself in either car for about 4years/20K miles......Z4MR is looking a lot more attractive
Matt at offyormarks detailing has the nicest Z3M roadster i have ever seen.
Its in concourse condition,im not sure if he would consider selling it but if he does and your after one,that is the ONE to own...
Plenty of Z4MR's to choose from at the moment...They seem to becoming a bargain now the weather is turning.if you do choose the Z4MR i can guarantee that you will have a complete blast....Sun out,fast A road at full chat im sure there isnt a better car for the money..
I go out for "spirited" drives with some guys,one has a Megabusa and another has a Locost with a 2.0 Vauxhall with sidedraughts on and the Z4M holds its own in most places..
Within the group there is Z3 2.8 who does really well with it....I have seen him with his elbows flailing trying to keep it in line many times
Its in concourse condition,im not sure if he would consider selling it but if he does and your after one,that is the ONE to own...
Plenty of Z4MR's to choose from at the moment...They seem to becoming a bargain now the weather is turning.if you do choose the Z4MR i can guarantee that you will have a complete blast....Sun out,fast A road at full chat im sure there isnt a better car for the money..
I go out for "spirited" drives with some guys,one has a Megabusa and another has a Locost with a 2.0 Vauxhall with sidedraughts on and the Z4M holds its own in most places..
Within the group there is Z3 2.8 who does really well with it....I have seen him with his elbows flailing trying to keep it in line many times
Ive taken the pair out for a good drive, quick vid for you....
http://vimeo.com/69946210
The Z3M is a lot rawer. The two compare exactly how you would imagine them to really
http://vimeo.com/69946210
The Z3M is a lot rawer. The two compare exactly how you would imagine them to really
pilchardthecat
Active member
Hard top is completely unnecessary - the rag roof is perfectly adequate - even with 8" of snow on topDangerous-Dave said:
z4mroadster
Member
I've driven the z3m a few times when I owned my s2000, I preferred the s2000 for performance, the z3m was a disappointment, I sold the s2000 and purchased my z4m roadster and I've got to say there's no comparison between the 3 cars. z4m roadster all day long
Personally…if we are talking about the Z3M; I would only consider the Z3M coupe… Really lovely car on the way it looks and drives. I also love the look of the Z3M roadster. The Z3M has less refinement but a more genuine sports car feel to it. It's also nice that the car has a smaller footprint then the bigger Z4M. The look is more timeless and more classic then a Z4M roadster. I have driven the Z3M roadster and IMO the car has to much body flex and does not feel as nice and nimble to drive as the Z4M roadster. Maybe a Z3M roadster has more future classic potential…but IMO the Z4M roadster is the better driving car, that's also faster. The Z4 chassis is the stiffest that BMW has ever made. But some people also say that the Z3M Coupe was one of the best handling cars ever made as long as you keep the nose ahead of the tail.