M coupe question

SMGrauer · 10-22-2008, 09:41 AM

Just joined the site. I've been back an forth between the M coupe and the Cayman S. Each car has their advantages, and much has been written comparing the two head to head. Having driven both, I think these observations are pretty spot on, and in my estimation, the Porsche is more the finese car (brakes, steering feel, trans) while the BMW has a rawer feel (maybe more mechanical), and I prefer the design. I did feel that I could push the limits more in the CS, but from what I've read, the MC is handicapped by the Continentals, and a suspension set up that is geared more towards understeer. Still given the economic realities of the day, the BMW clearly wins on price, particularly with the current 0.9% financing and the 4 year/50K mile maintenance plan. In addition, I've read on this message board that there is marketing support for the car totaling $7500, although the dealer claims this is actually $3500 (can anyone clarify?). I'm pretty sure I can get an '08 for around 48K, maybe less. I realize I am preaching to the choir, but for those of you who have cross shopped the CS and MC, are you satified you made the right choice?

Thanks.

Dammmittt · 10-22-2008, 09:45 AM

There's no way that the Cayman S is worth the extra cost over the MC in my not-so-humble opinion. It's a great car and wonderful to drive, but the MC is just as fun, if not more so!

MVF4Rrider · 10-22-2008, 10:02 AM

I considered both these cars as well. They're both top notch cars as you well explained, both exclusive, singular in purpose, etc. The Z4 M is also quite underappreciated which I like, as I plan to own mine for quite awhile and I like the fact it's rare to see them (even here in Germany). If both were side by side and the same price, I'd probably have the Cayman S in my garage, provided optioned the way I would have. However, I didn't buy the Z4 M as a poor man's Cayman S. It delivers high end fun and it's as great to behold as to drive, and is a true M car which says a lot. It can also be improved rather easily, yielding even more capability and excitement without sacrificing character, road manners, reliability, or your bank. I recently took delivery of my 08, and already have a few simple mods en route...one for the intake and the other to protect the lower front end, as well as a new CDV lock valve. For a bigger project, I'm trying to decide between the Euro exhaust system and a shorter final gear. That will have to wait until next year though...

Hope you find what you're looking for.

3002 tii · 10-22-2008, 10:05 AM

i think they cayman s is one of the worst looking cars in that price range, sorry.

that dealer incentive was 7k at one point but it migh thave come down since then. i know that was offered on leftover 07 models. i was offered a well-equipped m-coupe for 43k at the time.

thekurgan · 10-22-2008, 10:18 AM

For the insurance, at least here in Northern California, the Cayman was outrageous compared to the Z4MC. I didn't find the fit and finish on par with the BMW as well.

Hawkeye · 10-22-2008, 10:36 AM

The 7.5K trunk money was for '07 only. Right now on the '08 it is 3.5K. If you can find an '07 then you should be able to get the 7.5K and maybe a bit more.

MVF4Rrider... have pictures of ALL of your rides?

nmulax · 10-22-2008, 11:13 AM

+1 on what Hawk said.
Depending on what color you want, I know there are some new '07 M coupes in red in Cali. Could have it shipped home, or the drive back is a great way to get aquainted with your new car.

As for the M vs. P-car question. I think you answered your own questions. Both are great cars. The Cayman is more forgiving and an easier car to drive on the edge. The M is more aggressive and raw.
For me it came down to the fact that I got a loaded M car for less then I'd pay for the base Cayman S. Well, that and that I prefer the Bimmer's looks.

SMGrauer · 10-22-2008, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmulax

+1 on what Hawk said.
Depending on what color you want, I know there are some new '07 M coupes in red in Cali. Could have it shipped home, or the drive back is a great way to get aquainted with your new car.

As for the M vs. P-car question. I think you answered your own questions. Both are great cars. The Cayman is more forgiving and an easier car to drive on the edge. The M is more aggressive and raw.
For me it came down to the fact that I got a loaded M car for less then I'd pay for the base Cayman S. Well, that and that I prefer the Bimmer's looks.

Would you happen to have links to the '07s you mentioned...I've done a search on autotrader and haven't found these vehicles.

Steve

Black///Mamba · 10-22-2008, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

The 7.5K trunk money was for '07 only. Right now on the '08 it is 3.5K. If you can find an '07 then you should be able to get the 7.5K and maybe a bit more.

MVF4Rrider... have pictures of ALL of your rides?

including the hot german wife please...

nmulax · 10-22-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMGrauer

Would you happen to have links to the '07s you mentioned...I've done a search on autotrader and haven't found these vehicles.

Steve

Wow... you're right. When I bought mine less then 60 days ago, there were a few in NorCal. Guess people as picking up the remaining inventory. Keep your eyes peeled on eBay, Cars.com, Autotrader.com, and the BMW-CPO site.

If it helps you in negotiating a fair price. I purchased mine (2007 Z4 M coupe, 4.7k miles, premium package and navigation. at a BMW dealership - but not a CPO car) at the end of August for a price of $39k + tax.

2007 Imola Red

2007 Sapphire Black

2007 Interlagos Blue

Autotrader listing

Cars.com new

BMW CPO listing

MVF4Rrider · 10-22-2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black///M

including the hot german wife please...

Maybe I'll clean them all up this weekend and take some pics. Doubt anyone's interested in the daily driver.

BigLeo48 · 10-22-2008, 01:20 PM

I too considered both cars. At the time a slightly used one (3k miles) was $40k for the Z4MC and $55K for the Cayman S. Could not justify the extra cash for the Cayman and found the interior finish and the wheels to look cheap, no sports seats, etc. Even if they were at par, I would likely go for the Z4MC.

Last month my friend got a new Boxster Spyder S...it's nice, but he would not tell me what he paid for it no matter how much I tried...he knows what I paid for mine so I think he was embarassed...but then again he's buy a Lada if it has a Porsche logo on it

BigLeo

Black///Mamba · 10-22-2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVF4Rrider

Maybe I'll clean them all up this weekend and take some pics. Doubt anyone's interested in the daily driver.

just the wife for me

Hawkeye · 10-22-2008, 02:18 PM

Yeah, especially an '84 model wife... '84-'90 are the good years to get

Dammmittt · 10-22-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

Yeah, especially an '84 model wife... '84-'90 are the good years to get

Good lord. Y'all have NO SHAME!

Dammmittt · 10-22-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMGrauer

Would you happen to have links to the '07s you mentioned...I've done a search on autotrader and haven't found these vehicles.

Steve

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176735

izzy · 11-06-2008, 08:38 AM

BMW Z4 M Coupe vs Porsche Cayman S

Lap Times
Exclude "wet laps"
Track Z4 M Coupe Cayman S
Tsukuba 1:12.77 (very wet) 1:06.59
GingerMan Raceway 1:41.40 1:39.65
Hockenheim Short 1:17.2 1:15.5
Vairano Handling Course 1:23.670 1:23.448
Bedford Autodrome West Circuit (pre 06/2008) 1:27.10 1:26.85
Oschersleben 1:54.51 (wet) 1:47.90
Motovision handling course 19,22 19.73
Balocco 2:56.670 2:55.09
Serres Racing Circuit 1:36.20 1:35.25
Specs
Discipline Z4 M Coupe Cayman S
Max speed 155 m/h (250 km/h) 170.5 m/h (275 km/h)
0-100 km/h acceleration 5.2 5.1
0-160 km/h acceleration 11.8 11.7
0-200 km/h acceleration 18.9 18.8
0-300 km/h acceleration - -
Quarter mile time - 13.3
Power/weight ratio 0.17 0.15
Summary
Discipline Z4 M Coupe Cayman S
Track Performance 4 points 96 points
Straight line speed 149 points 151 points
Total 153 247
The Answer
Porsche Cayman S is noticeably faster.

Dammmittt · 11-06-2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by izzy

BMW Z4 M Coupe vs Porsche Cayman S

Lap Times
Exclude "wet laps"
Track Z4 M Coupe Cayman S
Tsukuba 1:12.77 (very wet) 1:06.59
GingerMan Raceway 1:41.40 1:39.65
Hockenheim Short 1:17.2 1:15.5
Vairano Handling Course 1:23.670 1:23.448
Bedford Autodrome West Circuit (pre 06/2008) 1:27.10 1:26.85
Oschersleben 1:54.51 (wet) 1:47.90
Motovision handling course 19,22 19.73
Balocco 2:56.670 2:55.09
Serres Racing Circuit 1:36.20 1:35.25
Specs
Discipline Z4 M Coupe Cayman S
Max speed 155 m/h (250 km/h) 170.5 m/h (275 km/h)
0-100 km/h acceleration 5.2 5.1
0-160 km/h acceleration 11.8 11.7
0-200 km/h acceleration 18.9 18.8
0-300 km/h acceleration - -
Quarter mile time - 13.3
Power/weight ratio 0.17 0.15
Summary
Discipline Z4 M Coupe Cayman S
Track Performance 4 points 96 points
Straight line speed 149 points 151 points
Total 153 247
The Answer
Porsche Cayman S is noticeably faster.

You're an idiot

MVF4Rrider · 11-06-2008, 08:51 AM

At least bike mags put the same tires on the bikes when they want to see a real comparison. Anytime you test a Z4 M against a Porsche it's handicapped by the Continentals. Really the performance between the two is "too close to call." But there's an appreciable price difference and all you have to do is spend $3000 of the difference on a shorter final gear and you just put the CS in the weeds.

Incompatible · 11-06-2008, 08:53 AM

Maybe a simpler way to look at your choice: Which would you rather be seen in? Which is more fun to drive? Compare the numbers all you want, driver skill more then covers any mechanical difference in the cars. This is not a discussion about a dedicated track car, it's about getting the maximum "bang" in the fun department.

MVF4Rrider · 11-06-2008, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incompatible

Maybe a simpler way to look at your choice: Which would you rather be seen in? Which is more fun to drive? Compare the numbers all you want, driver skill more then covers any mechanical difference in the cars. This is not a discussion about a dedicated track car, it's about getting the maximum "bang" in the fun department.

This is what I subscribe to mostly, except the "be seen in" part. I'm no poser boy. Another part to me is the garage factor. Which looks cool just sitting in there? Both really, but I'll give the nod to the Z4 M in the cool factor. It is cool, raw and manly. Only reason to buy a CS is because you can't afford a 911. No one would opt for a CS if given the choice.

rc'Z · 11-06-2008, 11:54 AM

A Porsche is in a class of it's own, just ask their owners. Porsche owners realy don't care if your car looks better, is faster, cost more or what, it's not a Porsche and they don't care. Porsche repair$ part$ are unreal. No Z owner on this forum is going to say or admit a Porsche or Corvette is better than their Z. If you were really a car nut, after you drove the three of them, you would know which is for you. I've owned all three, all three are wonderful cars, all three are different. Go to the Porsche forum or Vette forum and you'll find out their cars are the best.

10-22-2008, 09:41 AM	#1
SMGrauer SMG 1 Rep 2 Posts Drives: '04 WRX, '93 Miata Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (0)	M coupe question Just joined the site. I've been back an forth between the M coupe and the Cayman S. Each car has their advantages, and much has been written comparing the two head to head. Having driven both, I think these observations are pretty spot on, and in my estimation, the Porsche is more the finese car (brakes, steering feel, trans) while the BMW has a rawer feel (maybe more mechanical), and I prefer the design. I did feel that I could push the limits more in the CS, but from what I've read, the MC is handicapped by the Continentals, and a suspension set up that is geared more towards understeer. Still given the economic realities of the day, the BMW clearly wins on price, particularly with the current 0.9% financing and the 4 year/50K mile maintenance plan. In addition, I've read on this message board that there is marketing support for the car totaling $7500, although the dealer claims this is actually $3500 (can anyone clarify?). I'm pretty sure I can get an '08 for around 48K, maybe less. I realize I am preaching to the choir, but for those of you who have cross shopped the CS and MC, are you satified you made the right choice? Thanks.
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10-22-2008, 09:45 AM	#2
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 169 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	There's no way that the Cayman S is worth the extra cost over the MC in my not-so-humble opinion. It's a great car and wonderful to drive, but the MC is just as fun, if not more so! __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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10-22-2008, 10:02 AM	#3
MVF4Rrider PCA, BMWCCA 102 Rep 2,058 Posts Drives: 997S, MV Agusta F4, E46 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV iTrader: (0)	I considered both these cars as well. They're both top notch cars as you well explained, both exclusive, singular in purpose, etc. The Z4 M is also quite underappreciated which I like, as I plan to own mine for quite awhile and I like the fact it's rare to see them (even here in Germany). If both were side by side and the same price, I'd probably have the Cayman S in my garage, provided optioned the way I would have. However, I didn't buy the Z4 M as a poor man's Cayman S. It delivers high end fun and it's as great to behold as to drive, and is a true M car which says a lot. It can also be improved rather easily, yielding even more capability and excitement without sacrificing character, road manners, reliability, or your bank. I recently took delivery of my 08, and already have a few simple mods en route...one for the intake and the other to protect the lower front end, as well as a new CDV lock valve. For a bigger project, I'm trying to decide between the Euro exhaust system and a shorter final gear. That will have to wait until next year though... Hope you find what you're looking for. __________________ '08 Carrera S 6MT Guards Red/Black ext leather, Carbon fiber pkg, sport exh, sport chrono +, PASM, Nav, Bose, 19" forged turbos, red tranny tunnel '07 MV Agusta F4 1000 R 1+1, Corse Red/Silver, RG3 race pipes and factory race ECU
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10-22-2008, 10:05 AM	#4
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2282 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.24]	i think they cayman s is one of the worst looking cars in that price range, sorry. that dealer incentive was 7k at one point but it migh thave come down since then. i know that was offered on leftover 07 models. i was offered a well-equipped m-coupe for 43k at the time. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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10-22-2008, 10:18 AM	#5
thekurgan Bad Lieutenant 232 Rep 3,517 Posts Drives: E90M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Sacramento iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	For the insurance, at least here in Northern California, the Cayman was outrageous compared to the Z4MC. I didn't find the fit and finish on par with the BMW as well.
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10-22-2008, 10:36 AM	#6
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2070 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	The 7.5K trunk money was for '07 only. Right now on the '08 it is 3.5K. If you can find an '07 then you should be able to get the 7.5K and maybe a bit more. MVF4Rrider... have pictures of ALL of your rides? __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
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10-22-2008, 11:13 AM	#7
nmulax Brigadier General 378 Rep 4,320 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: May 2006 Location: Metro-Detroit iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 Z4M Coupé [7.66]	+1 on what Hawk said. Depending on what color you want, I know there are some new '07 M coupes in red in Cali. Could have it shipped home, or the drive back is a great way to get aquainted with your new car. As for the M vs. P-car question. I think you answered your own questions. Both are great cars. The Cayman is more forgiving and an easier car to drive on the edge. The M is more aggressive and raw. For me it came down to the fact that I got a loaded M car for less then I'd pay for the base Cayman S. Well, that and that I prefer the Bimmer's looks. __________________
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10-22-2008, 01:20 PM	#12
BigLeo48 Private First Class 6 Rep 142 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	I too considered both cars. At the time a slightly used one (3k miles) was $40k for the Z4MC and $55K for the Cayman S. Could not justify the extra cash for the Cayman and found the interior finish and the wheels to look cheap, no sports seats, etc. Even if they were at par, I would likely go for the Z4MC. Last month my friend got a new Boxster Spyder S...it's nice, but he would not tell me what he paid for it no matter how much I tried...he knows what I paid for mine so I think he was embarassed...but then again he's buy a Lada if it has a Porsche logo on it BigLeo __________________ Z4MC Canada
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10-22-2008, 02:18 PM	#14
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2070 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	Yeah, especially an '84 model wife... '84-'90 are the good years to get __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
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11-06-2008, 08:38 AM	#17
izzy Private First Class 13 Rep 109 Posts Drives: ///M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Johannesburg iTrader: (0)	BMW Z4 M Coupe vs Porsche Cayman S Lap Times Exclude "wet laps" Track Z4 M Coupe Cayman S Tsukuba 1:12.77 (very wet) 1:06.59 GingerMan Raceway 1:41.40 1:39.65 Hockenheim Short 1:17.2 1:15.5 Vairano Handling Course 1:23.670 1:23.448 Bedford Autodrome West Circuit (pre 06/2008) 1:27.10 1:26.85 Oschersleben 1:54.51 (wet) 1:47.90 Motovision handling course 19,22 19.73 Balocco 2:56.670 2:55.09 Serres Racing Circuit 1:36.20 1:35.25 Specs Discipline Z4 M Coupe Cayman S Max speed 155 m/h (250 km/h) 170.5 m/h (275 km/h) 0-100 km/h acceleration 5.2 5.1 0-160 km/h acceleration 11.8 11.7 0-200 km/h acceleration 18.9 18.8 0-300 km/h acceleration - - Quarter mile time - 13.3 Power/weight ratio 0.17 0.15 Summary Discipline Z4 M Coupe Cayman S Track Performance 4 points 96 points Straight line speed 149 points 151 points Total 153 247 The Answer Porsche Cayman S is noticeably faster.
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11-06-2008, 08:51 AM	#19
MVF4Rrider PCA, BMWCCA 102 Rep 2,058 Posts Drives: 997S, MV Agusta F4, E46 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Las Vegas NV iTrader: (0)	At least bike mags put the same tires on the bikes when they want to see a real comparison. Anytime you test a Z4 M against a Porsche it's handicapped by the Continentals. Really the performance between the two is "too close to call." But there's an appreciable price difference and all you have to do is spend $3000 of the difference on a shorter final gear and you just put the CS in the weeds. __________________ '08 Carrera S 6MT Guards Red/Black ext leather, Carbon fiber pkg, sport exh, sport chrono +, PASM, Nav, Bose, 19" forged turbos, red tranny tunnel '07 MV Agusta F4 1000 R 1+1, Corse Red/Silver, RG3 race pipes and factory race ECU
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11-06-2008, 08:53 AM	#20
Incompatible Major 55 Rep 1,224 Posts Drives: 07 AW Z4C 3.0Si Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	Maybe a simpler way to look at your choice: Which would you rather be seen in? Which is more fun to drive? Compare the numbers all you want, driver skill more then covers any mechanical difference in the cars. This is not a discussion about a dedicated track car, it's about getting the maximum "bang" in the fun department. __________________ If you can't take the time to teach a kid something good, someone will take the time to teach them something bad.
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11-06-2008, 11:54 AM	#22
rc'Z Captain 13 Rep 821 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Convertible Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	A Porsche is in a class of it's own, just ask their owners. Porsche owners realy don't care if your car looks better, is faster, cost more or what, it's not a Porsche and they don't care. Porsche repair$ part$ are unreal. No Z owner on this forum is going to say or admit a Porsche or Corvette is better than their Z. If you were really a car nut, after you drove the three of them, you would know which is for you. I've owned all three, all three are wonderful cars, all three are different. Go to the Porsche forum or Vette forum and you'll find out their cars are the best.
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