2008 BMW Z4 3.0i/3.0SI OR Z4 M

SHEEDI · 03-27-2011, 08:13 PM

i am looking to upgrade my current z4 2.5 to new model, i found many but i am not sure what to get. what you guys think?
we have 3 option,... automatic 3.0 with M Button, 3.0SI+M Button or Z4M??? what year is best? how many milage?

what you guys think?

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

BlackMoupe · 03-27-2011, 10:56 PM

Z4M. Period.

Arxangel · 03-28-2011, 03:17 AM

Well the price difference isn't that big, although I paid 19 200 USD for my 3.0si Coupe with 17400 miles on it. If you have the money to buy the M, go for it. I chose the 3.0si because it was easily available and such cars are not very popular here and also because I wanted an automatic and the Ms do not have it. At the end of the day the M will the most thirsty one.

P.S.: Also, you will be able to FI the 3.0i and the M, but no the 3.0si.

SHEEDI · 03-28-2011, 07:18 AM

Thanks guys for response
Arxangel what do you mean by i will be able to FI the 3.0i and the M, but no the 3.0si?

3002 tii · 03-28-2011, 07:58 AM

Price aside, obviously M.

If not, 3.0i or 3.0si, not a big difference. Both have the N52 motor (which btw has VERY limited mod potential). The difference in hp results from the 3 stage intake manifold which others have successfully upgraded (that plus a tune - not exactly the same as oem spec but really close). So bet the two 3.0 motors, I'd say go with the manual - less drivetrain loss.

Or option 4, buy my facelift bumper for next to nothing, and spend the rest on a suspension/lsd/gearing. =)

(if your car is paid off, option 4 looks mighty good haha)

SHEEDI · 03-28-2011, 08:48 AM

lol @ dubbedown, ye i will buy your bumper

3002 tii · 03-28-2011, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soomro

lol @ dubbedown, ye i will buy your bumper

lol if you're serious, shoot me a PM. btw, that shop info I gave you last weekend, they do quality body work also. they'd probably cut you a nice package deal if you brought this in as well.

ps - those guys have done at least a dozen s54 swaps in e46's, and they always come by used motors. maybe thats an option? =P

dekaliber · 03-28-2011, 12:58 PM

Z4M is no doubt the "best" car but you may find the 3.0si perfectly adequate as well. It depends a lot on the kind of driving you do IMO. Have you driven both?

I had a lot of fun with the 3.0si. The gas mileage was great and it had plenty of torque down low for around town driving. The transmission also seemed a little less notchy than the M one, but that might have been the particular example I got. Passing power on the highway was always more than adequate in pretty much any gear.

The M is a car that's most at home on the track. It's a car that you really need to take close to redline on a regular basis to appreciate.

And definitely, a manual transmission regardless of which car you get.

txz4 · 03-28-2011, 01:30 PM

btw i think that the links you have posted are kind of high price wise. Si's go for around 26 for a very clean example with low miles (and thats the coupe) while the M roadster usually goes for 28 for an exeptional example. the price on these cars is very "in flux"

it also depends on if your looking for a coupe or a roadster and what transmission you are mainly wanting. you might want to expand your search as if you find a car you would like to ship, ive heard its about $1000 to ship across country

Arxangel · 03-28-2011, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soomro

Thanks guys for response
Arxangel what do you mean by i will be able to FI the 3.0i and the M, but no the 3.0si?

Well the 3.0i actually features the M54 engine, which has the aluminium engine block and the Z4M has the S54 iron block engine. Those engines could be turbo charged, if you decide to go this way. The 3.0si has the N52 engine, which has a magnesium-aluminium block and is more fragile, so you will not be able to put a turbo on it. Aside from that, I am perfectly happy with my 3.0si and would not exchange it for the M or the 3.0i.

Just some food for thought: the Z4M engine boasts 365Nm at 4900 RPM, which is pretty good for a NA engine, and the 3.0si boasts 315Nm at 2750RPM. There is a Swiss company called Digital Tuning that offer custom mapping for the 3.0si that cranks up the Nms up to 361 at 2610RPM (that's NOT including after market intake and exhaust), which is almost identical to the Z4M even at the lower bhp. A lot of people here (in Bulgaria) get that tune, and they've had no complaints so far (no errors, no overheating, etc.), I am tempted to pay them a visit soon if those numbers are correct.

ZStig · 03-28-2011, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dekaliber

The M is a car that's most at home on the track. It's a car that you really need to take close to redline on a regular basis to appreciate.

And definitely, a manual transmission regardless of which car you get.

great point. I know a lot of people who are too scared to rev a car anywhere near the redline, which negates the whole reasoning behind the s54 in the first place

NU arty boy · 03-28-2011, 03:33 PM

Just get the M. There were so little of them made that they will hold their resale value better than the non-M counterparts. Case in point just look at the average price of a 10 year old Z3 M (2001 and 2002 models had the S54 so it isn't exactly comparing apples to oranges) that are still going for 25k. The feel of the S54 pulling hard all the way to 8000 rpms can't be beat and the stopping power of the brakes is amazing for a factory car.

Arxangel · 03-28-2011, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NU arty boy

Just get the M. There were so little of them made that they will hold their resale value better than the non-M counterparts. Case in point just look at the average price of a 10 year old Z3 M (2001 and 2002 models had the S54 so it isn't exactly comparing apples to oranges) that are still going for 25k. The feel of the S54 pulling hard all the way to 8000 rpms can't be beat and the stopping power of the brakes is amazing for a factory car.

Very true. The Z4 in general is a very popular model in the US, however, my 3.0si is one of the two Z4 E86 Coupes in my country, so I am pretty happy about that.

dekaliber · 03-28-2011, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NU arty boy

There were so little of them made that they will hold their resale value better than the non-M counterparts. Case in point just look at the average price of a 10 year old Z3 M (2001 and 2002 models had the S54 so it isn't exactly comparing apples to oranges) that are still going for 25k.

Btw, there were fewer Z3 coupes than M coupes IIRC.

There aren't that many more 3.0si coupes than Z4 M coupes. I want to say around 3500. There are certainly many more Z4 roadsters in the various trims than Z4 M roadsters.

One thing that the M has going for it is aesthetics though. The styling changes to the front/rear bumpers and hood are subtle but really complete the car. And you can't go wrong with the quad exhaust.

fr8tdog · 03-29-2011, 12:26 AM

Z4M. SUPERCHARGE IT. REDLINE IT. PARK IT. DRINK A BEER

can't go wrong with the Z4M

Cheers and good luck with your new car.

fighting_fish · 03-29-2011, 02:21 AM

You're going to get more people pushing for the M on the forum, it's an enthusiasts car, and that's the kind of people that hang around in forums

I'd encourage you to test drive a 3.0 or 3.0si and see how you feel about it.

Having said that, I'm waiting on my M to get shipped from the other side of the country haha.

fr8tdog · 03-30-2011, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fighting_fish

You're going to get more people pushing for the M on the forum, it's an enthusiasts car, and that's the kind of people that hang around in forums

I'd encourage you to test drive a 3.0 or 3.0si and see how you feel about it.

Having said that, I'm waiting on my M to get shipped from the other side of the country haha.

CONGRATS! on the M

03-27-2011, 08:13 PM	#1
SHEEDI Banned 601 Rep 2,703 Posts Drives: 2009 335i - Sport PKG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i [8.50]	2008 BMW Z4 3.0i/3.0SI OR Z4 M i am looking to upgrade my current z4 2.5 to new model, i found many but i am not sure what to get. what you guys think? we have 3 option,... automatic 3.0 with M Button, 3.0SI+M Button or Z4M??? what year is best? how many milage? what you guys think? http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national
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03-27-2011, 10:56 PM	#2
BlackMoupe Mouper 113 Rep 1,064 Posts Drives: _____ Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: _____ iTrader: (1)	Z4M. Period.
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03-28-2011, 03:17 AM	#3
Arxangel Private First Class 16 Rep 176 Posts Drives: 2006 Z4 3.0si Coupe Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Bulgaria iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Z4 3.0si [8.50]	Well the price difference isn't that big, although I paid 19 200 USD for my 3.0si Coupe with 17400 miles on it. If you have the money to buy the M, go for it. I chose the 3.0si because it was easily available and such cars are not very popular here and also because I wanted an automatic and the Ms do not have it. At the end of the day the M will the most thirsty one. P.S.: Also, you will be able to FI the 3.0i and the M, but no the 3.0si.
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03-28-2011, 07:18 AM	#4
SHEEDI Banned 601 Rep 2,703 Posts Drives: 2009 335i - Sport PKG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i [8.50]	Thanks guys for response Arxangel what do you mean by i will be able to FI the 3.0i and the M, but no the 3.0si?
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03-28-2011, 07:58 AM	#5
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2280 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) [9.20]	Price aside, obviously M. If not, 3.0i or 3.0si, not a big difference. Both have the N52 motor (which btw has VERY limited mod potential). The difference in hp results from the 3 stage intake manifold which others have successfully upgraded (that plus a tune - not exactly the same as oem spec but really close). So bet the two 3.0 motors, I'd say go with the manual - less drivetrain loss. Or option 4, buy my facelift bumper for next to nothing, and spend the rest on a suspension/lsd/gearing. =) (if your car is paid off, option 4 looks mighty good haha) __________________ Follow for latest mods Last edited by 3002 tii; 03-28-2011 at 08:27 AM..
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03-28-2011, 08:48 AM	#6
SHEEDI Banned 601 Rep 2,703 Posts Drives: 2009 335i - Sport PKG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i [8.50]	lol @ dubbedown, ye i will buy your bumper
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03-28-2011, 12:58 PM	#8
dekaliber Major 74 Rep 1,143 Posts Drives: '07 Z4MC, '11 JCW, '18 Z06 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	Z4M is no doubt the "best" car but you may find the 3.0si perfectly adequate as well. It depends a lot on the kind of driving you do IMO. Have you driven both? I had a lot of fun with the 3.0si. The gas mileage was great and it had plenty of torque down low for around town driving. The transmission also seemed a little less notchy than the M one, but that might have been the particular example I got. Passing power on the highway was always more than adequate in pretty much any gear. The M is a car that's most at home on the track. It's a car that you really need to take close to redline on a regular basis to appreciate. And definitely, a manual transmission regardless of which car you get.
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03-28-2011, 01:30 PM	#9
txz4 Major 59 Rep 1,097 Posts Drives: 2006 M coupe Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: san antonio, texas iTrader: (3)	btw i think that the links you have posted are kind of high price wise. Si's go for around 26 for a very clean example with low miles (and thats the coupe) while the M roadster usually goes for 28 for an exeptional example. the price on these cars is very "in flux" it also depends on if your looking for a coupe or a roadster and what transmission you are mainly wanting. you might want to expand your search as if you find a car you would like to ship, ive heard its about $1000 to ship across country
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03-28-2011, 03:33 PM	#12
NU arty boy Fuck it! We'll do it live!!! 7 Rep 91 Posts Drives: 2008 ///M Coupe, 2008 335i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 335i [8.50] 2008 Z4 M Coupe [7.50]	Just get the M. There were so little of them made that they will hold their resale value better than the non-M counterparts. Case in point just look at the average price of a 10 year old Z3 M (2001 and 2002 models had the S54 so it isn't exactly comparing apples to oranges) that are still going for 25k. The feel of the S54 pulling hard all the way to 8000 rpms can't be beat and the stopping power of the brakes is amazing for a factory car. __________________ 2008 ///M Coupe 2008 335i
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03-29-2011, 12:26 AM	#15
fr8tdog International Bar Hopper 25 Rep 350 Posts Drives: 2006 Imola Red Z4 M Roadster Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Incline Village, Lake Tahoe iTrader: (0)	Z4M. SUPERCHARGE IT. REDLINE IT. PARK IT. DRINK A BEER can't go wrong with the Z4M Cheers and good luck with your new car. __________________ 2006 Imola Red Z4 M, ESS VT2-500 Supercharged, SS V2 step headers, AEM water/meth, Nitto NT555R Drag Radials, ESS VT3 coming
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03-29-2011, 02:21 AM	#16
fighting_fish Private First Class 6 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2.5i Z4 2004 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	You're going to get more people pushing for the M on the forum, it's an enthusiasts car, and that's the kind of people that hang around in forums I'd encourage you to test drive a 3.0 or 3.0si and see how you feel about it. Having said that, I'm waiting on my M to get shipped from the other side of the country haha.
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