DILEMMA: E85 Z4 3.0i or 986 Boxster S??

[basuni90]

Hi all,

I'm in a dilemma right now trying to choose between an e85 z4 3.0i (2006 and newer) and a 986 porsche boxster S (2001 and newer). I'm sure some of you guys have had similar thoughts while choosing your zed's, so I thought I'd ask for some input.

Now before gets on my case about using the search feature, I know that there was another thread going around about these two cars but they mostly compared it with the Z4 M, which doesn't help since it's a little out of my budget So if you guys could stick to comparing it to the 3.0i, I'd greatly appreciate it



Below are the factors for my considerations (both prices are relatively the same):

Z4 3.0i (2006 and newer)
PROS - newer, nicer interior and exterior, I own an e46 right so am somewhat more familiar with mechanics/maintenance work
CONS - not as fast (but fast enough), no premium sound, not as much luggage room

Boxster S (2001 and newer)
PROS - it's a Porsche, faster/bigger engine, premium bose sound, this is the S (or in BMW terms "M") version, has more luggage room
CONS - older, interior looks outdated, no cup holders (!), more difficult/pricey to maintain, never owned a porsche so not too familiar with typical symptoms

Thanks in advance!

[SD ///M4]

Z4 3.0i
Pro: You can hang out here with the rest of the Z4 crowd

Boxster S
Con: You won't be able to hang out here (well you could, but what would be the point?)

I'm kind of wondering why you're not considering a newer non-S Boxster, which would be more apples to apples with the Z4 3.0i. What is your budget?

[pokeybritches]

Google "Porsche IMS engine failure".

The post-facelift non-M Z4 is a very solid car with few common, major issues.

[basuni90]

Originally Posted by SD Z4MR

Z4 3.0i
Pro: You can hang out here with the rest of the Z4 crowd

Boxster S
Con: You won't be able to hang out here (well you could, but what would be the point?)

I'm kind of wondering why you're not considering a newer non-S Boxster, which would be more apples to apples with the Z4 3.0i. What is your budget?

$10-$15k. Don't think any of the newer non-S Boxster falls in this range, but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

[basuni90]

Originally Posted by pokeybritches

Google "Porsche IMS engine failure".

The post-facelift non-M Z4 is a very solid car with few common, major issues.

Yes, I've looked into this. I've read, however, this infamous 'IMS bearing failure' only happens during low-mileaged boxsters. It's caused by owners who drive it like their grandmas would and as a result end up 'lugging' the transmission which causes the IMS to fail. According to other boxster owners, if this issue doesn't come up during it's early lifetime, there's a big chance it won't come up later on when it's at a higher mileage.

Nonetheless, issues like these are one of the reasons why I am hesitating on choosing the boxster. Fixing those are priiiicaayyyyy

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by basuni90

$10-$15k. Don't think any of the newer non-S Boxster falls in this range, but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I have no idea what the used Boxster market is like, but it just stands to reason that if you're looking at a 5 year older Boxster S with a 5 year newer non-M Z4 why not compare a 4-5 year newer non-S Boxster with the same age non-M Z4? They're not in the same price range?

I think that you're comparing apples and oranges, comparing a Boxster S to a non-M Z4.

[donoman]

Aside from both being 2 seater drop-tops, they are totally different cars. Have you driven both? I personally like how the Boxster handles better than the Z4 but couldn't stomach the look.

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by pokeybritches

Google "Porsche IMS engine failure".

The post-facelift non-M Z4 is a very solid car with few common, major issues.

Post facelift 3.0i is N52. Still valve tick chance. Not serious, but a bit annoying.

Not as serious as the ims bearing.....(which is NOT caused by grandma style driving.... It's a worn ball bearing!)

Also the boxster engine can suffer from cracked blocks (like the 996). That is a major disaster ofcourse.

Compared to the bmw engines, the porsche engines have major problems.

But I can't see how to compare the boxster-s to a z4 3.0i (even an 3.0si)
The z4 is much newer/lower mileage or much cheaper.

[Huz-Z]

Get a Z4 3.0si or a Z4M and be done with it. The Boxster is a mighty fine car but I would not sleep nights for worry of an IMS failure.

And I think some Z4's came with a decent enough stereo. Mine can certainly belt it out, let me tell you.

[gas-can]

Can't speak for the S, but the boxster is a very precise handling car while the z is a bit more wild - it's not going to be as sharp as the boxster but it's a huge amount of fun around the twisties.

I use mine as a daily (except in snow) and also in autocross and the Z 3.0 is great in both. Winding the N52 up like spooling up a jet engine- extremely smooth. The Z is more of a handful in autocross and I'm just learning to control it now, but it's a lot of fun. It's nice to be able to oversteer with the push of the throttle!

Plus the people on this forum are awesome.

Drive both and pick the one you like best!
-gc

[Lark]

I would buy a 3.0si. The Porsche and Z4 are very different cars. I was in your boat about 4 years ago and opted for the BMW Z43.0si. It was a great car and great fun. I since have been able to afford the 981 Porsche and between the 981 and current Z4, at the risk of getting flamed, the 981 Porsche is the most fun you can have with your pants on.

[intoflatlines]

Have you driven the Boxster S?

I have, and REALLY disliked it. Steering/handling might be "precise" but power is not impressive, the shifter and clutch are absurdly terrible, and the interior does not age well.

[Lark]

Originally Posted by intoflatlines

Have you driven the Boxster S?

I have, and REALLY disliked it. Steering/handling might be "precise" but power is not impressive, the shifter and clutch are absurdly terrible, and the interior does not age well.

I assume you are talking about the 986 because I have to respectfully disagree with respect to 981. That is why I recommended the Z4 for the age and price of vehicle the OP is focusing on.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Lark

I would buy a 3.0si. The Porsche and Z4 are very different cars. I was in your boat about 4 years ago and opted for the BMW Z43.0si. It was a great car and great fun. I since have been able to afford the 981 Porsche and between the 981 and current Z4, at the risk of getting flamed, the 981 Porsche is the most fun you can have with your pants on.

Absolutely no flaming whatsoever from me. 981 is best looking Boxster IMO.

Between 987 Spyder and 981 S, it's a toss up for me. Add few options to the 981 and the used Spyder will be far cheaper though.

[dubsesd]

i would go for a z4. there is a red supercharged z4m roadtser for sale here for 24k i beileve. that will blow your pants off. look up user nekky

[The HACK]

Boxster S hands down for me.

I'm waiting for either 991 GT3 or 991 Turbo to come down enough in price to pick one up. Which means in about 10 years or so I'll be rocking a Porsche...Just in time for my daughter to go to college.

[dubsesd]

My friends 986 boxster s is in the shop for ims issues and coolant mixing with his oil issues. Also a pain to work on. Literally can't see the motor without taking the car apart. 911 is a different story. My future dream is a 997.2 turbo or gt3 hopefully

[Lark]

Originally Posted by dubsesd

My friends 986 boxster s is in the shop for ims issues and coolant mixing with his oil issues. Also a pain to work on. Literally can't see the motor without taking the car apart. 911 is a different story. My future dream is a 997.2 turbo or gt3 hopefully

This is also one of the reasons I opted for the Z4. If you go with a Boxster you need to go 2009 or newer to avoid those issues.

It is bizarre having a car which you cannot see any part of the engine from above. You get some funny looks from people as you load things into the trunk and frunk with no engine in sight.

[intoflatlines]

Originally Posted by Lark

I assume you are talking about the 986 because I have to respectfully disagree with respect to 981. That is why I recommended the Z4 for the age and price of vehicle the OP is focusing on.

Correct, I've never driven the 981. The 987 and 986 Boxsters/Caymans along with the 996 Carrerras that I've driven have all shared the same characteristics that I don't like... Maybe I'm just not a Porsche guy.

[Lark]

Originally Posted by intoflatlines

Correct, I've never driven the 981. The 987 and 986 Boxsters/Caymans along with the 996 Carrerras that I've driven have all shared the same characteristics that I don't like... Maybe I'm just not a Porsche guy.

Maybe not and that's fair. Different strokes for different folks. If we all liked the same thing there would only be 1 car manufacturer and 1 car. But before you completely write Porsche off, drive the 981.

[chickdr]

I had a 2002 986 2.7. Amazing car. The handling was superior to the Z4M I drive now, but the overall experience is made up for by the S54 power plant. I don't care for the electric steering on the non M Z4's.

[GuidoK]

Originally Posted by dubsesd

My friends 986 boxster s is in the shop for coolant mixing with his oil issues.

That can be a faulty head gasket but also a cracked block/cilinder head, which is a known issue for these engines and very $$$$