Should I buy: 98' Z3M or 06' Z4M ??

[DJKapeesh]

So I'm looking at selling my 1er after doing 2 months of warranty and personal maintenance / fixing leading up to when I got the car back 100% for 2 days to only end up getting rear ended on Halloween night.

Pictures attached of damage and no damage for comparison.

That being said I'm just looking to get rid of the car and payment at this point and downgrade to something cheaper I can pay off in about 6 months. Car is available if anyone is interested as of right now.

The main point:
I started looking for possible replacement vehicles and I came across 2 vehicles at a local broker.

1# 1998 S52 Z3M with 75k miles (asking $9000)
2# 2006 Z4M Roadster 120k miles (asking $11500)

My question here is which of these cars (if any) is better value and worth looking at? My requirements are something fun, under 12k (cheaper is better) and won't require excessive maintenance and repairs.

I have had a BMW 325ci 2004 w/ ASA ProCharger before and the maintenance was very reasonable (with the exception of the $2000 clutch replacement)

Any insight about these vehicles would be great.
Other cars I am entertaining are MR2 toyota, RX7 (I know, completely unreliable), S2000, G35, and some others.

[NickyC]

I've owned five versions of the Z3M (including S54 powered cars), and now two Z4M Roadsters. To me, there's no comparison as there's not a single thing that the Z3M does better in my opinion. Everything is better and more refined with the Z4M, the Z3M is a Frankenstein of E30 and E36 parts, while with the Z4M you get better everything. The Z4M roadster is as stiff as a Z3M coupe, there is no cowl shake.

I wouldn't even debate it honestly, Z4M all day and all night long. The only issue is, I know that car you are speaking of. It's beat to hell and $11.5k for a Z4M is insanely low, I wouldn't touch that car with a pole. The Z4M requires periodic maintenance such as valve adjustments, rotors/brakes are expensive, and at 120k miles you're definitely going to want to have the road bearings replaced which will cost you around $2k. It's not worth it.

You should find a nice Z4M example in the low $20k range, or forget the car altogether.

With that being said, for $9k the Z3M would be a great choice. It's still an incredible car, and I loved the ones I owned dearly. Just make sure before buying that you inspect the rear subframe/trunk area, as these are notoriously bad.

I will add however, the Z4M is the best car I've ever driven and I've had a ton of cool stuff. I believe it's the last of the "true" ///M cars, and I love every driving experience I have with it. It's a perfect car to me honestly. Here's a pic of mine, it's not stock.

[mfanatic325]

As a fellow 2004 325Ci owner, I recommend the upgrade to a Z4M coupe

[DJKapeesh]

Originally Posted by NickyC

I've owned five versions of the Z3M (including S54 powered cars), and now two Z4M Roadsters. To me, there's no comparison as there's not a single thing that the Z3M does better in my opinion. Everything is better and more refined with the Z4M, the Z3M is a Frankenstein of E30 and E36 parts, while with the Z4M you get better everything. The Z4M roadster is as stiff as a Z3M coupe, there is no cowl shake.

I wouldn't even debate it honestly, Z4M all day and all night long. The only issue is, I know that car you are speaking of. It's beat to hell and $11.5k for a Z4M is insanely low, I wouldn't touch that car with a pole. The Z4M requires periodic maintenance such as valve adjustments, rotors/brakes are expensive, and at 120k miles you're definitely going to want to have the road bearings replaced which will cost you around $2k. It's not worth it.

You should find a nice Z4M example in the low $20k range, or forget the car altogether.

With that being said, for $9k the Z3M would be a great choice. It's still an incredible car, and I loved the ones I owned dearly. Just make sure before buying that you inspect the rear subframe/trunk area, as these are notoriously bad.

I will add however, the Z4M is the best car I've ever driven and I've had a ton of cool stuff. I believe it's the last of the "true" ///M cars, and I love every driving experience I have with it. It's a perfect car to me honestly. Here's a pic of mine, it's not stock.

Can you expand on your information about this car? How do u know it?

[Twixboy]

Originally Posted by DJKapeesh

Can you expand on your information about this car? How do u know it?

That's Nicky's car, what do you mean how does he know it? He's an active member on the E85/86 forums. You should post your question over there to get more responses. Many current Z4 owners are former Z3 owners. Also FWIW, I bought a 2004 Z4 3.0i less than a year ago for $14k. I wouldn't touch any Z4M that's advertised for under $20k unless you want to deal with a headache/moneypit.

[lowbudgethero]

Of those two, I think I'd go with the lower mileage m roadster. It definitely feels a bit dated though, but it's a fun car.

[Twixboy]

Originally Posted by lowbudgethero

Of those two, I think I'd go with the lower mileage m roadster. It definitely feels a bit dated though, but it's a fun car.

Agreed - for $12k the OP should definitely be looking at the Z3M not a high mileage beat up Z4M. That's not a bad price for a lower mileage Z3M assuming the pre-purchase inspection checks out.

[lowbudgethero]

Also, to reiterate what everyone else said, I would make sure the z3m has had the rear subframe fix documented

[dcaron9999]

I have driven a variation of both cars (Z3M roadster, and Z4M coupe), but done so years apart.

The E36/8 Z3M roadster and coupe chassis are outdated. Their short wheel base, makes them a little too "tail happy" too.



My vote goes to the later E85/E86 chassis, and the wonderful S54 8000RPM screaming engine. One must ensure maintenance records are spotless, and pre-purchase inspection passes with flying colors.

Are you set on a roadster, or would a lighter and stiffer 2006-2007-2008 MY Z4M coupe be an option for you?




Take a look at this thread, where a member is comparing the two chassis, and yearning to make his soggy Z3M behave like a Z4M ... LOL

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...ore-like-a-Z4M

[Twixboy]

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

I have driven a variation of both cars (Z3M roadster, and Z4M coupe), but done so years apart.

The E36/8 Z3M chassis is outdated and due to short wheel base, is a little too "tail happy".

My vote goes to the later E85/E86 chassis, and the wonderful S54 8000RPM screaming engine. Ensure maintenance records are spotless, and pre-purchase inspection passes with flying colors.

Are you set on a roadster, or would a lighter and stiffer 2006-2007-2008 MY Z4M coupe be an option for you?




Take a look at this thread, where a member is comparing the two chassis, and yearning to make his soggy Z3M behave like a Z4M ... LOL

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...ore-like-a-Z4M

For under $12k? Keep dreaming

[dcaron9999]

Originally Posted by Twixboy

For under $12k? Keep dreaming

Agreed. In Canada, the Z4M coupe's are a rarity, are sought after, and none can be had under $30,000CAD ...

The Z4M roadster go for $5,000-$10,000CAD lower, on average ...

[DJKapeesh]

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

Agreed. In Canada, the Z4M coupe's are a rarity, are sought after, and none can be had under $30,000CAD ...

The Z4M roadster go for $5,000-$10,000CAD lower, on average ...

It is a roadster

[pokeybritches]

Originally Posted by NickyC

I've owned five versions of the Z3M (including S54 powered cars), and now two Z4M Roadsters. To me, there's no comparison as there's not a single thing that the Z3M does better in my opinion. Everything is better and more refined with the Z4M, the Z3M is a Frankenstein of E30 and E36 parts, while with the Z4M you get better everything. The Z4M roadster is as stiff as a Z3M coupe, there is no cowl shake.

I wouldn't even debate it honestly, Z4M all day and all night long. The only issue is, I know that car you are speaking of. It's beat to hell and $11.5k for a Z4M is insanely low, I wouldn't touch that car with a pole. The Z4M requires periodic maintenance such as valve adjustments, rotors/brakes are expensive, and at 120k miles you're definitely going to want to have the road bearings replaced which will cost you around $2k. It's not worth it.

You should find a nice Z4M example in the low $20k range, or forget the car altogether.

With that being said, for $9k the Z3M would be a great choice. It's still an incredible car, and I loved the ones I owned dearly. Just make sure before buying that you inspect the rear subframe/trunk area, as these are notoriously bad.

I will add however, the Z4M is the best car I've ever driven and I've had a ton of cool stuff. I believe it's the last of the "true" ///M cars, and I love every driving experience I have with it. It's a perfect car to me honestly. Here's a pic of mine, it's not stock.

I couldn't have said it better.

OP, the Z4M can suddenly bite with several thousand dollar repair bills. It's happened a few times since I've owned my cars. If money is an issue, go for a 3.0i (any year) and enjoy the relative lack of maintenance costs. A 2006+ 3.0i can be upgraded to a 3.0si by retrofitting the upgraded intake manifold for a few hundred dollars. You can probably get 270-275 hp out of an intake manifold, headers, and tune combo.

I did almost nothing but fluid changes and basic general maintenance on my M54 3.0i up until about 100k miles. I've had to replace the oil filter housing gasket, bulbs, starter, and a few other items... but nothing came close to $1k (other than a supercharger rebuild, but that wouldn't be an issue on a stock car).

One of my M's needs about $3-4k in work between a Vanos rebuild and rod bearings. In the last year I've hardly put miles on it, but it's needed an alternator and fuel pump (which requires dropping the fuel tank to the tune of $$).

At $12k, and wanting to spend little on maintenance, I would get a nice non-M. Buy a nice M when you're ready.

[nicknaz]

former '12 z435 owner here . i'd go for the e86 z4m if you can find one.

agree with the others on the possible $$ repair cost, but that's the way it goes for any m car. Seems like they are pretty durable if taken care of

With the benefit of hindsight, I feel that I shouldn't have been scared off by the possible repair bills and bought a used e86 z4m instead of leasing an e89 z435

[dcaron9999]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

former '12 z435 owner here . i'd go for the e86 z4m if you can find one.

agree with the others on the possible $$ repair cost, but that's the way it goes for any m car. Seems like they are pretty durable if taken care of

With the benefit of hindsight, I feel that I shouldn't have been scared off by the possible repair bills and bought a used e86 z4m instead of leasing an e89 z435

Had the oppurtunity to sit as a passenger in Z5 35i, while instructing at the local track. Wonderful car, powerful and predictable stock brakes, good power, excellent handling on stock tires (think they were RunFlats too) ...

Your N55 engine made more power and torque than the S54, but in a smaller RPM range (2000-5500RPM). Tougher to modulate the shorter torque band ...

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by NickyC

I've owned five versions of the Z3M (including S54 powered cars), and now two Z4M Roadsters. To me, there's no comparison as there's not a single thing that the Z3M does better in my opinion. Everything is better and more refined with the Z4M, the Z3M is a Frankenstein of E30 and E36 parts, while with the Z4M you get better everything. The Z4M roadster is as stiff as a Z3M coupe, there is no cowl shake.

I wouldn't even debate it honestly, Z4M all day and all night long. The only issue is, I know that car you are speaking of. It's beat to hell and $11.5k for a Z4M is insanely low, I wouldn't touch that car with a pole. The Z4M requires periodic maintenance such as valve adjustments, rotors/brakes are expensive, and at 120k miles you're definitely going to want to have the road bearings replaced which will cost you around $2k. It's not worth it.

You should find a nice Z4M example in the low $20k range, or forget the car altogether.

With that being said, for $9k the Z3M would be a great choice. It's still an incredible car, and I loved the ones I owned dearly. Just make sure before buying that you inspect the rear subframe/trunk area, as these are notoriously bad.

I will add however, the Z4M is the best car I've ever driven and I've had a ton of cool stuff. I believe it's the last of the "true" ///M cars, and I love every driving experience I have with it. It's a perfect car to me honestly. Here's a pic of mine, it's not stock.

Eh....depends on your priorities.

So many of the E36/8 Coupe owners have dabbled with E86s and wind up coming back to the E36/8. If you have noticed, often the S54 cars are now selling for MORE than E86s. Because they are special, something intangible.

The E85/86 is a far more modern car. The interior is far better.

But for feel, there is a rawness that the E36/7/8 has that makes it fun. The way the E36/7/8 smells, the steering feel, clutch weight, every input, its a bit old school, a bit heavy and enjoyable. Every generation of BMW since has become bit by bit more numb and civilized.

When it comes to aesthetics which is purely opinion(though I have the right background to state this), the E86M is a great looking car while the E36/8 is an acquired taste. But comparing Roadsters, the E36/7M is going down as a classic while the E85M is designed to a very specific time period and will likely not have the longevity.

Now the two cars being discussed? I have never seen an E85M for under $16k and that one was beat to hell. Most are $23-29k. This car being $11k I wonder about the title being clear, maintenance, etc. S52 E36/Ms require a bit less maintenance and are robust and shown to go many many miles. So a solid and clean S52 car is a better bet than a beat ass tired S54.

My boosted S52(cams, headers, full bolt ons, 11psi Vortech T-trim on pump gas, 16psi on E85) has been amazing and stupidly reliable. I don't think I would ever sell it or trade for any newer BMW.

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

Take a look at this thread, where a member is comparing the two chassis, and yearning to make his soggy Z3M behave like a Z4M ... LOL

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...ore-like-a-Z4M

The person in that thread ALSO owned An red E86M which he SOLD(though to be fair he also just sold his Pheonix yellow S54 E36/8). He owned E36/8 Coupes and found them more fun/special than the E86. His post was about getting some of the newer car into the older car. But the fact is he preferred the older car that is why he has had half a dozen of them.

[Nkc]

Z3 M's for me. Have a roadster and a coupe right now and can't be happier. Can't ever get past the styling of the e86. Had an e89 35I for a good 3 years and that didn't do it either.

[1MOREMOD]

I didn't know you could get a z4m that cheap even with a tree laying across the hood. Would love a coupe sometime.

[kprocivic]

I was in the market for a z4m maybe two years ago they were still around 30k US. I wouldn't mind owning one sometime in my life though.

[1MOREMOD]

Yeah love them, wouldn't mind a e39 m5 also someday

[runnyeggsham]

I am looking at Z3Ms. The Z4s are just ugly to me. I think Bangle designed that one. I've heard all those good things about the Z4 but the looks arent just for me. But if you are a large guy, then the Z4 would be your better fit. Nothing worse than a big man in a small car, like many NA Miata owners I've seen. The last 2 years, 02-03, of the Z3M have more horsepower.