looking to buy and have a few questions

[04cbm3]

Pretty soon im going to sell my e46 325ci and upgrade to a z4. Im looking at the z4m coupe and z4 3.0 coupe. I was wandering if the m coupe was worth the little extra money or if i should just go with the regular coupe?? is the m coupe that much better than the 3.0? all insight will be reatly appreciated... thanks

[808six]

I WAS IN THE SAME BOAT AS YOU ..here are some helpful links that can help answer some of your concerns, i knowe it did mine

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=374781

http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=372877

[Thisisdudewhoru]

Depends what you're interested in. Define "better" for you. If you're looking for performance. Yes, the M is that much better.

[04cbm3]

808six thanks for the links when i get some timeill check those out.

Thisisdudewhoru: performance is part of it but is the m alot more expensive to maintain.

[99C2]

Lvlle:

M

99C2

[Huz-Z]

There is absolutely no doubt that the 330 hp Z4M (coupe or roadster) provides greater performance than a Z4 3.0si for example.

However, the 3.0si is no slouch either. The 2006 - 2008 3.0si is a 255 hp car, providing 40 more hp than the 2006-2008 3.0i. 2003 - 2005 3.0i cars were 225 hp machines.

Here is a review of a 3.0si:

http://www.auto123.com/en/bmw/z4/200...00&artid=90628

The review says this about performance:

3.0si power and performance
The "si" designation represents the install of BMW's latest I-6: the 3.0-litre N52, featuring a lightweight magnesium block and BMW's latest Valvetronic, variable valve timing technology. Not only is this engine considerably more powerful than the standard Z4 3.0-litre mill, it provides much better mid-range response while improving cornering by lightening the load bore by the front wheels.

The N52 generates 255-horsepower @ 6,600-rpm and 220 pound-feet of torque @ just 2,750-rpm. That's 40 horsepower and 35 pounds of torque more than dispensed by the standard 3.0-litre engine; and what a difference it makes. Having driven the less powerful Z4 and been quite content with its gusto, I was absolutely elated burying my foot into the 3.0si. This engine pulls ferociously- especially on the highway where passing power is frankly startling./

The engine displays strength throughout its broad powerband however north of 4,500-rpm is where the after-burner effect of BMW's Valvetronic technology is most felt. Keeping the engine above this threshold produces formidable performance, not to mention an exhaust note capable of terrifying owners of domestic muscle cars. This sort of motoring, while something the Z4 3.0si is engineered to excel at, isn't appropriate on anything less than a closed track. Typical automotive operation finds the Z4 3.0si well suited to city or highway demands whilst nary breaking a sweat to keep-up or pass.

Happily, the new powerplant is packaged with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed, paddle-shift-equipped autobox; both connected to the rear wheels. A sigh of delight was heard for miles as I climbed aboard my tester and allowed my hand to fall upon its manual stick. That may read like cheap trash but it's figuratively true. There's not much sweeter in the auto industry than BMW's six-to-six, that's six cylinders to six cogs.

The manual stick's throws are short. Each gate is clearly defined with movement that is precise, notchy and sufficiently resistive, making the Z4 a treat to administer for the purists who disdain manual-mode automatics, to which, count me in.

That should be more than adequate for any sane person. However, if its not enough, you may need the M!

[Hawkeye]

Yeah, the 3.0si is no slouch for sure and a wonderful car for the price! If you are someone who always wants the best of what is available get the M to start as you will just lust after it later if you don't get it first!

It is pretty much just an improvement in performance with a few visual improvements as well (no fog lights, more agressive bonnet, dual exaust)

[04cbm3]

thank for all the comments im still not sure but when i decide ill post lots of pics

[CalRick]

The Si hits something of a sweet spot in the Z4 lineup cost/efficiency-wise. All of the non-M Z's get pretty much the same mileage (EPA ratings at 20/30, give or take a point one way or the other) whether it be a 185hp 2.5i, a 255hp 3.0Si, or one of the 3.0i models in between; maintenance costs are pretty much the same - oil changes, brake jobs, etc. The extra hp of the M does cost on fuel consumption (4-6mpg less) and maintenance costs (figure an additional $600 or so for the valve adjustments in the Inspection services, oil for the M is $11-12/ltr vs. $6 for the standard synthetic used in the mainline BMW's, brake jobs are an additional $600 or so in parts). You may find an Si coupe without the sport package, in which case the tires will be a bit cheaper than the staggered sizes used in the Sport package and M (once you get past using the runflat tires that are standard on the mainline Z's) but beyond that tire costs are similar between the two. In short, beyond whatever difference there is in acquisition cost that you may find between different Z models, there is only a significant difference in operating costs between the M and the standard line Z's; whether that difference is significant is up to you. Most who have the M's find it a worthwhile tradeoff (though most are also not paying for the maintenance yet, either.)

Some who have had both find the Si to be a better street/touring car - not quite as edgy in its driving, more trunk space since the battery is tucked under the trunk floor, lower fuel consumption yields better range between fillups on the road - while there is no question that the M is the better track car (and can get you into trouble with the law faster, too). The Si will certainly be a step up in power and sportscar feel from your 325ci; whether the additional step beyond that is worthwhile is a personal decision, but you really can't go wrong with either.

[crfine88]

Test drive both versions of the 3.0 and the M extensively before you buy. It is much cheaper to buy the one you want the first time. I was on the fence too. After driving both, I knew the M was for me.

All versions of the Z4 are a lot of fun to drive, so enjoy

[dekaliber]

They're very different cars. Both engines are solid and well engineered, each having the distinction of being one of Ward's 10 Best Engines of the Year (the newer N52 used in the 3.0si in 2006-2007, the S54 used in the M in 2001-2004). The 3.0si's torque peaks under 3000 RPM, so it's a little more practical and usable in day to day driving. The M feels not too different under 4000 RPM, but above that it's a completely different beast. In my test drives the M definitely demands an extra measure of attention to your driving -- an attribute that is invigorating for some, but can be exhausting for others. I own the 3.0si and am looking to sell to upgrade to an M, but I also drive relatively few miles each year (~6000), so I don't expect to suffer a significant difference in operating costs.