Z4MC v E46 M3

[damolong]

Hello all

I'm trying to decide between a Z4MC and E46 M3. I'm guessing a fair few Z4MC owners on here have previously owned E46 M3s.

Practicality, looks, no. of seats etc aside, from those who have experienced driving both, how do they compare, particularly handling, ride, steering?

 

[mmm-five]

Think of a Z4MC as closer to the CSL than the M3, a Z4MCS if you will

My choices were CSL or Z4MC (once I'd ruled out an e60 M5, e63 M6, Cayman S, etc.) and I plumped for the Z4MC as I wanted something that felt small and nippy and wouldn't be clobbered by the insurance companies.

 

[mikedav]

I used to have an E46 M3 SMG.

The Z4M is marginally quicker, the steering is noticeably sharper (CSL rack?) and the handling is slightly better - it feels more of a sports car than sports saloon, the lower centre of gravity helps. I've taken both to the 'Ring and the Z4M felt more planted to me. Despite virtually identical drive trains it's got a better exhaust note too, more gruff and less raspy than the E46. It loses for practicality obviously but is big enough for my needs most of the time. The ride can be a bit unsettled on bad surfaces and it does skip over bumps when pushing hard on a country road, but it's still better than a an Audi S Line (suspension made of solid concrete). The clutch can also get heavy in traffic but meh.

On balance, if you don't need back seats I'd go for the Z4M

 

[daz05]

I nearly bought an E46 M3 but went for the Zed instead, just more special really. Have never driven the E46 only my friends E36 Evo which was modded but that was great. I would like both in an idea world, E46 and E86 that is.

 

[davidch]

Mike has it bang on.

The Z4M is quicker only a tad. SMG on the M3 is lovely as it lets you have the best of both worlds. It really is down to you..Can you get away with only having 2 seats?

The Z4MC is also a better looking car, well so the birds at domino's tell me :?

 

[Kasteel]

Pro's E46 M3
- smg availible
- more space
- better getting in-out (practicality)
- feels like fucking special saloon

Pro's Z4M
- smallers
- more nibble
- better seat-position
- lower
- feels like it's really special

 

[chughes163]

Hi

I am just about to make the transition from an E46 M3 SMG to a Z4MC so will let you know how I get on!

 

[damolong]

Thanks for the replies. We have a newborn, so although my wife has a nice 5 seater we would normally use when out all together it would be good to have another option with 4 seats.

But...I'll be coming from an Elise and would prefer something a bit rarer and more 'special' than a 3-series!

Heart says Z4MC, head says M3! I guess I also need to consider that I could get a decent M3 for 5k less then a Z4MC.

 

[outrun]

Dude, it's a z4 forum. We all love z4mcs and believe that not only are they more beautiful, faster and more exclusive than m3s, they are also cheaper to insure and definitly going to increase in value dramatically over the next couple of years - contradicting everything in the world markets.

In fact, they are so perfect that what you should be doing is buying a z4mc, intending to keep it forever and selling your wife's car for a nice m3.

Job's a good 'un.

 

[mmm-five]

Thanks for the replies. We have a newborn, so although my wife has a nice 5 seater we would normally use when out all together it would be good to have another option with 4 seats.

But...I'll be coming from an Elise and would prefer something a bit rarer and more 'special' than a 3-series!

Heart says Z4MC, head says M3! I guess I also need to consider that I could get a decent M3 for 5k less then a Z4MC.

I know it's still a 3-series, and an M3 but how about an M3 CS? The CS will be about the same price as a Z4MC and not as all-out as a CSL.

 

[duckson]

Thanks for the replies. We have a newborn, so although my wife has a nice 5 seater we would normally use when out all together it would be good to have another option with 4 seats.

But...I'll be coming from an Elise and would prefer something a bit rarer and more 'special' than a 3-series!

Heart says Z4MC, head says M3! I guess I also need to consider that I could get a decent M3 for 5k less then a Z4MC.

I've just bought a Z4MR and have 3 kids 4yrs and under.....just do it!!!

 

[damolong]

Thanks for the replies. We have a newborn, so although my wife has a nice 5 seater we would normally use when out all together it would be good to have another option with 4 seats.

But...I'll be coming from an Elise and would prefer something a bit rarer and more 'special' than a 3-series!

Heart says Z4MC, head says M3! I guess I also need to consider that I could get a decent M3 for 5k less then a Z4MC.

I know it's still a 3-series, and an M3 but how about an M3 CS? The CS will be about the same price as a Z4MC and not as all-out as a CSL.

Hmm, good suggestion. Will have to investigate more. From memory the changes over a standard M3 were quicker rack, alloys?

 

[damolong]

Thanks for the replies. We have a newborn, so although my wife has a nice 5 seater we would normally use when out all together it would be good to have another option with 4 seats.

But...I'll be coming from an Elise and would prefer something a bit rarer and more 'special' than a 3-series!

Heart says Z4MC, head says M3! I guess I also need to consider that I could get a decent M3 for 5k less then a Z4MC.

I've just bought a Z4MR and have 3 kids 4yrs and under.....just do it!!!

You obviously have an understanding wife! Off topic I grew up in Preston: Walton-le-Dale.

 

[mikedav]

Hmm, good suggestion. Will have to investigate more. From memory the changes over a standard M3 were quicker rack, alloys?

DAMN good car...includes

- CSL Style Alloys
- Quicker Rack
- Alcantara wheel with no Steering wheel controls, just M Track Mode button
- Revised Springs

I think it has the DSC software from a CSL too (Hence M Track Mode). And they are giving them away these days because of the E92