Z4 3.0i vs z4m...

[Bigpow]

I came from a boxster s to my mr. This was also my choice over a 3.6 996. Mine at first tramlined and skipped about, but once the toe was corrected it was awesome. I was expecting precision like the Porsche but it's more like a woman with pmt.. There's no calmness just grip the wheel and hold on tight. The sport button is like swapping to match of the day when she's watching east Enders...

Running costs, find one that's been loved and a good spanner man that looks after m3's...

Depreciation look at it as a driving asset as the prices click up...

 

[Mr Tidy]

Thanks so much ShaunKC and mangozac - really helpful views from members who have owned both.

I guess like most of life you get what you pay for - 3.0Si is a great car, but an M is just that bit greater so if you want (and can afford) it that is the way to go!

In a previous work situation we tended to work to an 80/20 rule! Because I need something my 94 year old mother can get in and out of I can't just have a Z4C (and sadly an M is out of budget!) so I also have a 325ti Sport Compact for "nonagenarian duties". My 325ti was about 20% of the cost of my Z4C, but probably provides 80% of the fun factor and sound-track! But on the right occasions, like a blat down to Sussex this weekend, that extra 20% from the Z4C feels like a good investment! :lol:

 

[Vanne]

Same issues you would get with any engine.

I've known of some bullit proof s54 and some that have had heads redone, and other issues all with a mix of low and high miles.
In fact the s54 doesn't like being sat around so don't be afraid by high miles either

I wouldn't be so concerned mate.

There seems to be a fair few M owners who have been unfortunate to have bearing shell problems with the S54 engine, that's pretty major-threads on here about it
Rob

Bearing shells isn't that big a deal really mate, unless you don't catch it in time, then it becomes a much bigger deal.

I did mine at 200k kilometres (roughly 130k miles) and yeah they had some wear and tear, but could have probably gone for another 30k.. From memory, it was 300US for the shells, another 350 US for the install.. Pretty cheap.. much cheaper than a service on my 2012 JKU.

 

[BMWZ4MC]

Bearing shell failure was more of an issue in early S54 engines (Z3MC / pre-2003 E46 M3). Premature cam and follower wear seems to be far more prevalent in the Z4MC than does bearing shell failure.

 

[GuidoK]

Imho every s54 will show the distinct wear spots on the shells at 50k miles or more.
Zpost is full of pictures with those. Dozens of examples and all show wear.

 

[Beedub]

I have just swopped from a 3.0si Coupe to a ///M Coupe, I realise that you are talking about a roadster, so I hope you don't mind my waffle below, please feel free to not read any of it!

I swapped from a 3.0si roadster to an M roadster 1 week ago and I agree with everything Shaun has said. Mine is a daily driver too. The 3.0si is definitely easier to drive and impressively fuel efficient, so probably the more sensible choice as a daily driver. But to me the difference between the two could not be larger. Performance is obviously the main factor, but put side by side the M looks far better too (the cited bonnet creases are also my favourite part). I do a lot of DIY maintenance, but I'd definitely be more wary of the M running costs if I didn't.

The comment about the 10% difference between the two cars is interesting. I feel that it's a 10% difference on individual aspects of the car, however it results in a car that is 100% different. To me there is no comparison between the two. That's not to say that I would tell everybody to forego a 3.0si, but if you want to really drive a car then the M is for you

yeah i agree awesome package the 3.0si is. its not in the same league for driving experience , feel, specialness, etc etc it requires a certain type of owner who's not scared to really dig deep into the driving experience such a wonderful car, but the cars couldnt be more different, 10% just doesnt begin to cut it.

 

[pHilli0]

As above, just get the M. And then mod it to your personal taste and love life.

 

[goon]

I've had my M coupe nearly 5 years now,was looking at the 3 litre model but found it was no faster than my old Focus,then I drove the M and the howling,snarling acceleration clinched it.

 

[NavZ]

Bearing shell failure was more of an issue in early S54 engines (Z3MC / pre-2003 E46 M3). Premature cam and follower wear seems to be far more prevalent in the Z4MC than does bearing shell failure.

+1… Having my cams/followers replaced now. Parts on order from Germany :headband:
Oh & the ///M is only on 70k KM.

 

[Smartbear]

I've had my M coupe nearly 5 years now,was looking at the 3 litre model but found it was no faster than my old Focus,then I drove the M and the howling,snarling acceleration clinched it.

Wow, what Ford Focus does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds?
I never realised they were that fast!

 

[Mr Tidy]

I've had my M coupe nearly 5 years now,was looking at the 3 litre model but found it was no faster than my old Focus,then I drove the M and the howling,snarling acceleration clinched it.

Wow, what Ford Focus does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds?
I never realised they were that fast!

I was thinking exactly the same - the only Focus that quick as standard is the latest RS, but I'm not sure if anyone actually has one yet! :roll:

 

[GuidoK]

Ford focus RS500 does 0-62 in 5.4 sec, so 0-60 probably a very low 5 sec.
Was for sale in 2010
Then again that has a 2.5L 5cyl turbo engine (volvo based block) with 345HP (fwd but with quaife LSD) and was build in a limited production run of 500 pcs. So that is a pretty special car, probably worth a lot more than a z4m as it's very rare.
So trading in that rs500 for a z4 3.0i is something only a moron would do...

The normal focus RS of that generation (305bhp) also was pretty fast.

 

[Smartbear]

Ford focus RS500 does 0-62 in 5.4 sec, so 0-60 probably a very low 5 sec.
Was for sale in 2010
Then again that has a 2.5L 5cyl turbo engine (volvo based block) with 345HP (fwd but with quaife LSD) and was build in a limited production run of 500 pcs. So that is a pretty special car, probably worth a lot more than a z4m as it's very rare.
So trading in that rs500 for a z4 3.0i is something only a moron would do...

The normal focus RS of that generation (305bhp) also was pretty fast.

Hmm, cant have been that beast as that would make it near as dammit as fast as his z4M :roll:
Rob

 

[Vanne]

Lol its still a focus..

 

[goon]

280 bhp Focus st 2.5 it was quicker than 3 litre z4.

 

[stevo///m3]

Lol its still a focus..

It's been mentioned a few times but some of those Fords are fairly rapid and handle well. I was out with a Mk2 RS Focus last night - pretty tasty and if crackles and pops are your thing...
Stevo

 

[Mr Tidy]

Lol its still a focus..

It's been mentioned a few times but some of those Fords are fairly rapid and handle well. I was out with a Mk2 RS Focus last night - pretty tasty and if crackles and pops are your thing...
Stevo

Yes crackles and pops are great, but only if they are real as opposed to sounds that are generated to come out of the speakers..........might as well be a f**king diesel in that case!

 

[Mr Tidy]

280 bhp Focus st 2.5 it was quicker than 3 litre z4.

But would it be quicker than a 3.0Si with 265bhp and RWD - no probably not!

And anyway when did Ford ever make a Focus ST with 280bhp? Standard 5 cylinder ST was about 225bhp IIRC so with FWD that isn't going to trouble any 3 litre Z4 is it!

Remap, chip or boost as much as you like, but it's still a poxy Focus at the end of the day!

 

[stevo///m3]

Lol its still a focus..

It's been mentioned a few times but some of those Fords are fairly rapid and handle well. I was out with a Mk2 RS Focus last night - pretty tasty and if crackles and pops are your thing...
Stevo

Yes crackles and pops are great, but only if they are real as opposed to sounds that are generated to come out of the speakers..........might as well be a f**king diesel in that case!

Pretty sure they were "real" - I was following a couple of cars back from him, couldn't hear his stereo from where I was!
Stevo

 

[dannytheduck1985]

My view when I was looking at Z's was the 3.0i and especially the 3.0Si is something like 90% of the car for 50-70% of the cost up front and 50% ongoing running costs (figures guesstimated for example)

For me, this time, the M was worth it. I wanted the engine, seats, 4 exhausts, hydraulic steering, bumpers etc. Individually those things aren't particularly grand (bar the engine) but all together they made the 10% worth he money.

No doubt the running costs are much higher for servicing an M.

I also think the M should depreciate fairly slowly so am hopeful to get a decent chunk of capital back when I sell. Not sure how the 3.0 cars will hold out.

Conversely you don't sound like you enjoyed the S54 or your M3 so maybe a waste of money upgrading to get the bug bears again? The Z4M is less resolved than an E46 M3.

The ///M will NEVER depreciate. Limited numbers and short production run only = sound investment.