z4 vs z4m

[ZStig]

who here has driven both? or better yet, owned both?

how do they compare? Ive heard that cornering speed is about the same...
about the engine, does it feel like the 3.0 but just revs further and harder? Is there a sport option to sharpen up the throttle to "instant"?

[BMW F22]

I test drove the Z4M and I felt that it lacked torque. It definitely didn't have that wow factor. Of course I didn't get a chance to test it in the twisties where it should shine brightly.

[MMMazing07]

ive driven both. trying not to sound bias here. the Z4 was a smooth ride with that extra punch when you want. the power was pretty similar to my old X5 3.0. pretty stiff for a non-M model IMO most likely due to the weight. the Z4M was a different car. wider power-band. crazy high redline. and the car felt more planted. the steering felt much better due to the lack of electronic assist IMO. some like the assist. the Z4M is for the raw version of the Z4. not for everyone. it really depends on what your looking for. Race car tuned for the streets or a classic BMW sports car.

[AtoB]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

who here has driven both? or better yet, owned both?

how do they compare? Ive heard that cornering speed is about the same...
about the engine, does it feel like the n54 but just revs further and harder? Is there a sport option to sharpen up the throttle to "instant"?

i have owned both.... 2004 3.0, great car... wonderful engine and handled great. but i always was wishing for more power at highway speeds. the M solved that, plenty of power... exactly what i was hoping for.

[ZStig]

yeah, I mean the 3.0 is enough until you get to about 70mph, and after that its.... meh

[Dammmittt]

I've driven both, although I don't have many fond things to say about the Z4, I'll give it a shot. The ride is definately smoother, and the power isn't as imediate or plenitful as the M. The M's ride can be harsh at times, but the high reving S54 always has ample power...a little more would be nice at times, but it definately gets the job done.

Aside from that they're about the same. If you want an auto you won't find it in the M.

[The HACK]

I have owned an '03 Z4 3.0i roadster for 3.5 years before my MZ4 Coupe and have taken both to the local tracks.

A couple of major differences:

1: Steering ratio and feel. The MZ4 has a rack-n-pinion servotronic steering instead of the electrically assisted steering with much quicker ratio, and the Coupe version has even a faster ratio than the roadster version of the M. The MZ4 steering has significantly more road feel than the Z4.

2: Suspension design. The MZ4 springs and shocks are stiffer and are designed and tuned for street tires. The front lower control arm is longer, resulting in more negative camber and slightly wider front stance. The rear track is wider.

3: Tires. MZ4 comes with Continental ContiSportsContact M3 formulation. While not the greatest tire in the world, it's more compliant than the Z4's run-flats.

4: Brakes. Pad formulation and the construct of the 2 piece rotors are both superior in the M.

As far as cornering speed, believe it or not you can push the MZ4 a lot harder in the corner than you can with the regular Z4. The Z4's suspension is more forgiving while the MZ4's suspension has much higher threshold. I took the Z4 to Buttonwillow and Willow Springs International Raceway a few times, and while the Z4 is BLAZING fast in the turns, the MZ4 is like the Z4 hyped up on steroids and caffeine.

Problem is you really have to push it for the MZ4 to shine. Drive at 6/10th they'll feel somewhat similar. Get up to 9/10th, watch the hell out with the MZ4.

[MTHEORY]

My first BMW was the 2004 Z4 2.5i Automatic I bought for my wife. Before then, I had been a Toyota guy, mainly Minivans and SUV's (we have 5 kids). The Z4 was so impressive, that I now own 4 BMW's. The Z4 is a smooth, well balanced, and very good looking car. The engine is flawless. For everyday driving it is very tame, and if you need a little action, it has a decent amount of horsepower.

Then I bought an M Coupe. I remember the test drive at the dealer. Compared to the Z4, the M felt as if it had a monster under the hood. The two cars are totally different. As proof, my wife loves to drive the Z4, but hates the M. She says it's a "violent" experience. The M is loud, rough, and begs to be manhandled (hey that reminds me of an old college girlfriend)-but anyway, I now call the Z4 our "electric car", because after experiencing the M, the Z4 feels like it has an electric motor.

I wouldn't say that one car is "better" than the other, they are totally different. Some guys like plain jane wallflower types and some like Carmen Electra. It's all about taste.

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

who here has driven both? or better yet, owned both?

I think most of the people with Z4Ms started with the original roadsters.

[Starscream]

Originally Posted by epbrown

I think most of the people with Z4Ms started with the original roadsters.

Yup +1 here too,

had an 06 Z4 and traded it in for my current M,
night and day, took me a while to get used to the M, I think i'm one of the only people who thinks the Z4 handled better than the M on the streets, I guess the only thing I could come up with as a reason would be the lighter engine block of the Z4,

Now as far as power we all know who takes that trophy home,


But now I made the switch I don't regret it at all

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by Starscream

I think i'm one of the only people who thinks the Z4 handled better than the M on the streets, I guess the only thing I could come up with as a reason would be the lighter engine block of the Z4,

Yeah, you started with the lighter N-series engine. My 2003 had an M54, which I don't think was much lighter than the S54 I've got now.

[Rick Hunter]

Originally Posted by epbrown

I think most of the people with Z4Ms started with the original roadsters.

Nope... not me. Coupé from the start.

[ZEEFOUR]

Driven both extensivley, for normal driving the ///M may be a bit over the top since you cant drive it the way its meant to be driven, and i based my decision on that since i use mine as a commuter. But for weekend and track use the ///M is in its element...

[MTHEORY]

The only caveat re: Z4M track use is that you have to upgrade the stock brakes. At the very least you have to change out the front stock pads for racing pads. At my last BMWCCA driving school I fried my brakes. The rotors turned blue and the brakes began to squeal like a garbage truck. When I ended my session, they were smoking.

Oh, and don't forget the tires. Those conti's are lame.

[Hawkeye]

Oh yea... well I get 30+ MPG.... so there!

[mazzawi]

I had a 05 2.5i Roadster before. then got this M Roadster.

Z4 gets better gas mileage.

The first thing I noticed when I got the M is that the sound the engine makes is so much sweeter.
The steering wheel is thick and meaty which I thought I wouldn't like but now I love.
The car is a monster it has lots of power and begs you to unleash it.
In my old Z4 I often felt like I needed more power. now I'm satisfied


ever time I visit this forum I get an urge to leave work and go driving

[ZStig]

well, I have sparco seats and the M steering wheel!

oh, I took it in for an oil change today, and I need a $1000 inspection 2, thermostat $350, power top needs some panel ($450), and rear shock mounts ($500)


I shat myself

[rabman5]

Originally Posted by epbrown

I think most of the people with Z4Ms started with the original roadsters.

Same here. i had an 04 3.0 for almost 3 years. The M is definitely more of a handful to drive, but once you get accustomed to it, it can be a pleasure.

[Dammmittt]

Originally Posted by epbrown

I think most of the people with Z4Ms started with the original roadsters.

I'm with Rick (never owned a roadie)...test drove a roadster...my wife hated it. Got the coupe without ever driving it, my wife loves it tho...glad it all worked out.

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by Dammmittt

I'm with Rick (never owned a roadie)

There was a poll on Z4um, nothing scientific, but over 60% of Z4M buyers had moved from either the Z4 or Z3M, iirc. Part of why sales were so bad, I think - BMW cannibalized their own sales instead of stealing customers from Porsche (Boxster/Cayman), Audi (TT) or Mercedes (SLK).

[Dammmittt]

Originally Posted by epbrown

There was a poll on Z4um, nothing scientific, but over 60% of Z4M buyers had moved from either the Z4 or Z3M, iirc. Part of why sales were so bad, I think - BMW cannibalized their own sales instead of stealing customers from Porsche (Boxster/Cayman), Audi (TT) or Mercedes (SLK).

That' pretty interesting. I got mine cuz they stopped making M3s...and there it was. There are probably a few others out there that were in the same boat as me.

[Starscream]

Originally Posted by Dammmittt

That' pretty interesting. I got mine cuz they stopped making M3s...and there it was. There are probably a few others out there that were in the same boat as me.

+1

I would have bought a new E46 M3 but they stopped in 06 and when I bought my Z4M the new M3 wasn't released,

Plus I'm not sold on the new M3 look anyway