BMW Z4M Coupe.....

[stu]

I had a Z4 Coupe before the RS4 - the 3.0si so can't comment on the dynamic side of things. Driving it always felt special - you're low down, cocooned inside that tidy cabin, almost on the rear axle. The seats aren't great - very poor lumbar support in the M seats which will the same as the ones in the Z4M. Looks absolutely stunning from most angles especially in blue. It won many more admirers than my big grey avant does these days!

[vestax32]

I had a Z4 Coupe before the RS4 - the 3.0si so can't comment on the dynamic side of things. Driving it always felt special - you're low down, cocooned inside that tidy cabin, almost on the rear axle. The seats aren't great - very poor lumbar support in the M seats which will the same as the ones in the Z4M. Looks absolutely stunning from most angles especially in blue. It won many more admirers than my big grey avant does these days!

Yes, unless you're a person in the know, most people don't even know what the RS is! Not that I care about that. Lots of love for the z4.....

[vestax32]

What are the standard brakes like on the z4m? Up to the job, occasional track use?

[Wallachie]

Wallachie, love the z3m in black, batmobile...

Thanks vestax32, it was a fine machine, I actually made money on it too, even though my missus at the time battered every wheel, scratched the bumpers and ripped the sump guard off! Ha!

Those bm's might drive ok but they remind me of my mums neighbours car and she's an air hostess, maybe slightly Audi tt hairdresser stylie

Some people care less about perception, and more about the thrill of driving though. Both the BM's are definitely marmite cars!

[RIV]

Some people care less about perception, and more about the thrill of driving though. Both the BM's are definitely marmite cars!

bit like having an ugly girlfriend who's good in bed, I'd go for a Porsche boxster better car

[Spaceman_RS4]

Booster looks like a axe wound and so do the drivers unless it's the latest model.

[adsgreen]

I agree boxster looks terrible... But no denying a great sports car.

[vestax32]

Booster looks like a axe wound and so do the drivers unless it's the latest model.

+1, really can't stomach the Boxster.

[coupe_bloke]

me too - can't believe anyone would view a Z3 or Z4 Coupe (roadster different kettle entirely!) as more hairdresser stylie than a Boxster (tho latest looks so much better). People who have no idea about cars can happily buy a Boxster as a status symbol (or indeed a Z3 or Z4 roadster). Those in the know understand there are interesting alternative steers available.

vestax - I was surprised at how good the Z4MC's brakes were for occasional track work. Clearly not designed for it, but compared to the Z3MC they were a massive step forward. I'm sure a Boxster would be better again in this regard... but I've made my views clear on that subject!

[Graeme4130]

[]
bit like having an ugly girlfriend who's good in bed

Like a moped - good fun to ride initially, but you wouldn't want your mates to see you on it

[RIV]

Like a moped - good fun to ride initially, but you wouldn't want your mates to see you on it

At least the helmet would cover your face, unlike your helmet covering the ugly birds face

[Graeme4130]

Am toying with the idea of selling the RS in the next few months. The mrs needs a new car and I would like something that would be a bit more fun on track but also usable as my everyday car. So I am considering an e61 5 series for the mrs (not important) and the above for myself (important!). I am drawn to this for the following reasons;

Have had two e36 M3's and two e46 M'3s, and have always loved the screaming straight six M engines.
Although only two seats, still has room for the dog (cocker spaniel) and a weekends worth of luggage in the boot.
Still very fast, comparable on paper to the RS (in the dry only though i suspect!)
Im thinking would be more fun as a track car, smaller, sportier, lighter, rear wheel drive. Thoughts please?!
Considerably cheaper to run than the RS, better MPG, cheaper consumables etc...
Can get one with 80k for around £12,000

I have also considered the Z3M Coupe as I have wanted one since they came out, but am wondering if they are a bit old and long in the tooth now and also not much cheaper than the Z4 which is 7 years newer give or take. Having said that I think they are becoming a true classic which I don't think the Z4 will.

Your thoughts would very interesting, especially if you have owned either.

Also check out the below vid, saw this years ago but recently remembered how bonkers it is;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTzvIfPz8iU

I had loan of one for a few months (long story, but mate had one, but worked away a few months at a time, so lent it to me to use in exchange for a dry spot)
Anyway, fun car for fast road work and awesome car for perfecting long sideways drifts out of corners, but set up for fast road. Therefore on the track, it's tendency to want to go sideways just slows you down and makes for frustrating progress
Great engine and nice clunky shift with well spaced pedals, but initial brake bite on track was a bit vague and a few laps of a braking circuit would mean they faded early. Steering really good as with all bm's and you never feel like you need a slightly quicker rack like in many pretend sports cars
His had a sports exhaust and the CSL wheels, and it looked and sounded fantastic, but if you're looking for a 'scalpel' for the track, the Z4MC is more of a butchers knife.

For the road though, it's as fast as a B7 RS4 (as I had at the time), but miles more fun and actually surprisingly spacious if you're packing soft bags. Lovely cabin, as with all BMW's, and decent positioning of everything for sporty driving
Get the engine checked though as I hear they have a lot of valve system failures
There's bound to be a million BMW forums that'll contain a wealth of knowledge too, so you'll never need to go into the purchase with your eyes closed

As a slight curved ball, if you're thinking BMW, why don't you combine your wife's and yours budget and go late E92 M3. Great cruiser and decent track toy too with space for the dog you mentioned also ?

Graeme

[Graeme4130]

Like a moped - good fun to ride initially, but you wouldn't want your mates to see you on it

At least the helmet would cover your face, unlike your helmet covering the ugly birds face [/quote]

There's a few 'face covering' jokes in there

[stu]

I agree - the boot is excellent. Fits a full size 164 snowboard plus a mountain of gear inside! Roomy enough for a welsh cocker spaniel too for trips to the beach - he looked just as comfortable as in the boot of a golf, believe it or not.

I sold my 3.0 after two bad winters and a yearning for more power.

[Wallachie]

Some people care less about perception, and more about the thrill of driving though. Both the BM's are definitely marmite cars!

bit like having an ugly girlfriend who's good in bed, I'd go for a Porsche boxster better car

It's not a better car IMO, I replaced my Z4MC with a Cayman S which turned out to be a mistake, the Z4MC is a much more fun car.