Z4MC / 3 series selling dilemma .... Help ???

[tomscott]

Thing is what ever you buy will be a compromise on both fronts.

You have the best of both worlds, what about just swapping the tourer for something with a bigger engine? The 335s are rapid and are funish to drive, I found the 335i not tourer very similar to drive as the 35 E89 :| what that says about the E89 or 3… When you have a Z4M to compare it to… The bigger all round cars don't feel as focused but are very quick. The Z4M is more difficult to drive than the modern counterparts but that IMO is a benefit.

A car that does everything doesn't really exist if you have quite a tight criteria. Will always be 2 cars for me.

 

[griffnut]

Hi,

From a personal point of view, I would keep the 3 series Touring as the everyday commuter since you know the car so well. Sell the Z4MC and buy a car with raw performance credentials plus cult status - preferably a V8 (my choice would be a well sorted 1998 -2000 TVR Griffith).

Having previously owned both Z3M Roadster and a Griffith, the Griffith won hands down in sheer exhilaration/comfort plus the undeniable soundtrack of the V8. I currently have a Z4 3.0 si Auto roadster due to OAP left foot problems, but give me a TVR any day.

Regards,

Bill

 

[stevo///m3]

Alpina D3 or B3 TT...

 

[Rattler]

That's cleared that up then thanks for the responses.

For context, I went to the Z4m from a late SL55 which was awesome but had such high running costs it was becoming a bit of a liability. I ran the SL alongside a Lexus RX and in a way i didn't expect or want the RX to be performant, because it was a "big" car, whereas perhaps I'm expecting too much of the 3 tourer?

I've only recently bought the 3 tourer too (from a member on here ) and it does a lot right, but just not quite enough I feel otherwise I wouldn't be considering any change I suppose.

But Based upon feedback here and having thought some more, I'm likely to upgrade the 3 tourer, and will look for a better "workhorse" car. There's an RS itch that needs scratching I feel. But will look at an X5 ( I had one a while back) and others.

I really appreciate the comments.

Thanks
Tim

 

[Porthoz4]

I will probably get slated for this but having coming come from a golf R I can totally recommend this car ,and what is even better for you is they now do the estate . The performance is better than most of the cars mentioned it's 4 wheel drive and has a great carrying capacity . The problem being is you don't get the thrill of open top motoring which I always longed for hence my change .
I know that if I needed a performance car with practical ability I would definitely look at the golf R estate. My view your choice , just have a look you might be pleasantly surprised.

 

[mr wilks]

I ran a very similar combo a couple of years back although 3.0Si Coupe + 330d E91 (remapped )
Jmo but i wouldn't switch the current 3 tourer for a more powerful one & expect to be happy
I just don't think you will be , the 330d mapped was a fast car but no sportscar like your M & tbh the E90s now look & feel dated inside & rather uninvolving to drive , but that's what they are , a useful tool that look prestige wherever you go but won't ever set you on fire from behind the wheel
I wouldn't chop the ///M in for 1 car that you hope will do all , even if its a M3

 

[LeeZ4MR]

I know that if I needed a performance car with practical ability I would definitely look at the golf R estate.

You could have picked my jaw off the floor when I read a fairly recent review in Autocar magazine pitting the Golf R Estate against the current V8 RS4 Avant and the golf won!!!

So the suggestion you make is a very valid one for sure

 

[LeeZ4MR]

I ran a very similar combo a couple of years back although 3.0Si Coupe + 330d E91 (remapped )
Jmo but i wouldn't switch the current 3 tourer for a more powerful one & expect to be happy
I just don't think you will be , the 330d mapped was a fast car but no sportscar like your M & tbh the E90s now look & feel dated inside & rather uninvolving to drive , but that's what they are , a useful tool that look prestige wherever you go but won't ever set you on fire from behind the wheel
I wouldn't chop the ///M in for 1 car that you hope will do all , even if its a M3

Time just seems to fly and it doesn't seem that long ago to me...you owning those two

I think that's a nice two car combo 8)

A pacey daily and a nice rare two seat weekender.

 

[pdk42]

A tourer or saloon is never going to match the fun of a 2 seater. My main car is a 335i tourer which is fast, practical, refined - and fun when the roads are right. I've also got a fairly old Z4 3.0i which doesn't get used a lot, but it's relatively cheap to run and is there for high days and holidays. The Z4MC is a hell of a car, but it's a lot of cash to have tied up in something that's not used a lot. I'd say trade the tourer up for one with a better engine and the Z4MC down to something older and cheaper.

 

[ronk]

There isnt really one car that will do everything - there's always a compromise on some aspect !

 

[Paulwirral]

I'm liking my 340i msport touring , adaptive suspension is great , 4 pot brakes are very strong and it's deceptively quick , it sounds good too .

 

[LeeZ4MR]

There isnt really one car that will do everything - there's always a compromise on some aspect !

This

 

[LeeZ4MR]

I'm liking my 340i msport touring , adaptive suspension is great , 4 pot brakes are very strong and it's deceptively quick , it sounds good too .

I was looking at those on BMW AUC last night and they do look like a tasty bit of kit

 

[Paulwirral]

I'm liking my 340i msport touring , adaptive suspension is great , 4 pot brakes are very strong and it's deceptively quick , it sounds good too .

I was looking at those on BMW AUC last night and they do look like a tasty bit of kit

The wife's car allowance dictated what she could buy from an approved list , 3series was the smallest car on there and it has to be 4 doors , the touring isn't any bigger than a saloon but a lot handier .
And I'll have it in a few years time as there's room for improvement in the engine , that's why I ordered the sport plus pack , it should only be a down pipe and exhaust , intercooler and re map away from an easy 400 plus bhp

 

[LeeZ4MR]

I'm liking my 340i msport touring , adaptive suspension is great , 4 pot brakes are very strong and it's deceptively quick , it sounds good too .

I was looking at those on BMW AUC last night and they do look like a tasty bit of kit

The wife's car allowance dictated what she could buy from an approved list , 3series was the smallest car on there and it has to be 4 doors , the touring isn't any bigger than a saloon but a lot handier .
And I'll have it in a few years time as there's room for improvement in the engine , that's why I ordered the sport plus pack , it should only be a down pipe and exhaust , intercooler and re map away from an easy 400 plus bhp

Good stuff

 

[T1berious]

I'm going to ask whats the budget and what are you're criteria? (driver involvement? Performance?)

Me and the Mrs tested the 430d as a 330i replacement, I found the electric steering lifeless and arcade game like while she loved the zero effort driving. quicker than the 330i and I'd like to go xDrive. However if I was chopping in both (shivers) the only thing that I can think of that covers the practical and performance would be an RS4 B7 or current 335d. They are at opposite sides of the price spectrum though. E60 M5 Tourer was a good shout though.

 

[LeeZ4MR]

I found the electric steering lifeless and arcade game like while she loved the zero effort driving.

This mirrors our thoughts exactly and I like the hydraulic system on the 330i but I don't like the electric system on the 640d, yet my mrs finds the steering on the 330i too heavy and unresponsive whereas she likes the fact that the electric system on the 640d is a doddle to use.

 

[ESP]

Im for ever on the same journey. Its a dilemma that never ends.
Since buying my Z4 E85 (less than 5 years ago) iv have also owned a 911, VW Tiguan, Audi A3, mini cooper, and currently a Audi A1 TFSI 140. I Think in hindsight ideally a large convertible saloon would be the perfect compromise, possibly a BMW 4 Series Convertible (having test drove one in summer)


There is no right or wrong answer i'm afraid. I would say avoid the Audi S5, the RS5 is soo much better.

 

[ESP]

Im for ever on the same journey. Its a dilemma that never ends.
Since buying my Z4 E85 (less than 5 years ago) iv have also owned a 911, VW Tiguan, Audi A3, mini cooper, and currently a Audi A1 TFSI 140. I Think in hindsight ideally a large convertible saloon would be the perfect compromise, possibly a BMW 4 Series Convertible (having test drove one in summer)

There is no right or wrong answer i'm afraid. I would say avoid the Audi S5, the RS5 is soo much better.