HOLY $HITE I'm in love!!!

[esqu1re]

Originally Posted by DNDN_M3

I just can't believe how rare the car is...Why such a low asking price on used cars that are only 2 years old?

Anything I'm missing in terms of reliability? Or just like any other BMW?

Only the 08's are 2 years old. There are some 06s and 07s around. The price is "low" because the M coupe didn't sell as well as BMW had anticipated. The 06s were immensely popular and BMW overcompensated with the production of the 07s---so much so that some people were purchasing their in 07s for low 40k's (or so i've heard).

Also, the cars are coming off lease. There are a bunch of reasons why the prices are low in comparison to say, a comparable e46 m3, but I won't go into that. I don't know about many catastrophic failures, but there are some problems that, with some mechanical know-how and elbow greese, can be easily remedied or mitigated (engine mount bolts, sway bar mount bolts, 2nd gear grind, etc...)

All in all, don't let the above problems dissuade you. As for the price being relatively low, count that as a blessing if you're in the market for one!

[wildag]

Originally Posted by Nhopkins1394

I stand corrected. What did they come with? Continentals?

Yes, they came with Continentals contact sports.

[DNDN_M3]

Originally Posted by esqu1re

Only the 08's are 2 years old. There are some 06s and 07s around. The price is "low" because the M coupe didn't sell as well as BMW had anticipated. The 06s were immensely popular and BMW overcompensated with the production of the 07s---so much so that some people were purchasing their in 07s for low 40k's (or so i've heard).

Also, the cars are coming off lease. There are a bunch of reasons why the prices are low in comparison to say, a comparable e46 m3, but I won't go into that. I don't know about many catastrophic failures, but there are some problems that, with some mechanical know-how and elbow greese, can be easily remedied or mitigated (engine mount bolts, sway bar mount bolts, 2nd gear grind, etc...)

All in all, don't let the above problems dissuade you. As for the price being relatively low, count that as a blessing if you're in the market for one!

Thanks Esquire...I appreciate the detailed response...

The autotrader search in my area "within 100 miles" comes up with only 2....

I have no issues going further...But like others have said...Perhaps its not a bad time to start looking as they are rather difficult to find...

[DNDN_M3]

Originally Posted by Crimson92

you bastards are making me miss mine even more

Crimson...Any chance you can comment a bit on the differences...Likes, dislikes between your Z4M and your E92?

I love the E92...But for the money I'm finding it difficult to look past the Z4M coupe...

Any commentary from you would be great...

Thanks

[DNDN_M3]

Originally Posted by boydgti

Everthing U want to know about the car, and u will love it http://billswebspace.com/bmwmc.htm

Awesome...Thanks! I'll start reading...

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by DNDN_M3

Crimson...Any chance you can comment a bit on the differences...Likes, dislikes between your Z4M and your E92?

I love the E92...But for the money I'm finding it difficult to look past the Z4M coupe...

Any commentary from you would be great...

Thanks

I know you didn't ask me, but I'll comment anyway. And folks, remember the words below are subjective options and not stated as facts! And mind you, we're talking about comparing a some of the best cars out there, so keep that in mind too.

I had an E92 M3 with DCT and after I drove a Z4M (which my wife bought for herself) the love for the E92 was gone. In fact, I ended up selling the E92 for a Cayman S. The point here is that the Z4M was dramatically more fun to drive for me driving it killed my love for the M3. So much so that my wife got tired of me driving the Z4M and leaving the M3 in the garage she more or less took away the keys to the Z4M. (To give you an idea of how much she loves the Z4M, I'd note that I've had the Cayman for over 2 months and she hasn't bothered to drive it yet..."meh" is all I get when I offer the keys.) I came so close to buying my own Z4M but thought it would be nice to have two very fun cars to choose from. I still borrow the Z4M keys now and then--it's too much fun to drive not to!

The main difference between the E92 M3 and the Z4M, aside from storage space and practicality is weight. The E92, depending on how it's optioned, weighs about 500 pounds more than the Z4M and it feels like it weighs more too. The car just isn't as nimble and easy to toss around. It does go faster in a straight line, and in matter of fact probably goes faster around the corners as well. But it's not as much fun--you feel the weight, and to me it makes driving less enjoyable. "Faster" isn't always more fun....

The M3 is also a much more forgiving car while the Z4M takes work to master and control. You have to adjust your driving style to the car. But it's also more rewarding in the feedback and fun it supplies. The steering feel on the Z4M is better (M3 is a bit dead in comparison, not bad, but not as good), and you can "feel" more through seat in the Z4M vs. the M3 (which is more luxury rather than sport oriented in its current incarnation).

The E92 M3's S65 is a better engine IMO. Pulls harder to the redline and keeps on coming while the S54 tends to run out of wind as you get towards redline (in comparison to the S65). I won't deny that going WOT with the DCT is a thrill. But not one you can really enjoy in day to day driving. And don't get me wrong, the S54 is a brilliant engine and one of the best out there. Now the Z4M with an S65 transplant--that would be just about heaven.

Lastly, the Z4M is a car that is just as much fun to drive at 25 MPH as at much higher speeds (same with the Cayman) while the M3 is rather boring to drive at street legal speeds. To really get fun and a thrill out of the M3 you either need to be at the track or breaking the law (and if not oughtright breaking it, driving in a manner that will "get you noticed").

I'd love to see how others who have owned both compare these two....

[DNDN_M3]

Finne - I appreciate your comparison and I hope others can chime in...I've driven an E46 M3 as well as an E92...The E92 was scary fast, but it's fascinating to know that your love for the car had gone after driving the Z4M...

I'm yet to get my hands on the keys of a Z4M but I can understand your description of the differences...

I was also considering a Cayman S...Do you find them to be equals? I know the Porsche maintenance costs and purchase price would be much more significant...But that aside, what do you think about it compared to the Z4M?

Thanks

[esqu1re]

Finnegan can put up the link (I don't know where it is), but there's a thread where he compares the Cayman S to the M coupe.

Edit, here it is : http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=444077

[dekaliber]

Originally Posted by DNDN_M3

Thanks Esquire...I appreciate the detailed response...

The autotrader search in my area "within 100 miles" comes up with only 2....

I have no issues going further...But like others have said...Perhaps its not a bad time to start looking as they are rather difficult to find...

Definitely prepare to travel to find the right car -- many people on this forum have. I live in Chicago and the number of cars within 100 miles in my area was generally the same. I was fortunate enough to find one that I wanted locally since I was limited by my need to trade. In general, you're better off with finding a car from California, Texas, or any of the other southern states anyway, since they've generally seen less precipitation. When I was getting a pretech for a track day, everyone commented on how the bottom of the car, now almost 4 years after its production date, still looked pretty much new.

[Finnegan]

You're in luck. I started a comparison thread on the Z4M vs. the Cayman S about a month ago....I touch on this in the thread, but mod wise it's much cheaper with the Z4M. Want more front camber in the Z4M? Washers for 30 bucks and an alignment. Want more on a Cayman? GT3 LCAs or camber plates plus install labor and alignment. I'm having camber plates installed on Friday on the Cayman--can't stand -.6 (max stock w/o PASM) up front and I'm killing my tires.

If you're going to track your car I'd strongly recommend the Gen II Cayman....which means it's going to cost more (reason is touched on in the comparo).

Yes, the E92 is scary fast! The Z4M is no slouch either, just not as fast. Like I said, faster isn't always more fun--at least in my case! But then again like anyting it's all about what your goals/needs are with the car. No one right answer and different cars fill different niches.

[Crimson92]

Originally Posted by DNDN_M3

Crimson...Any chance you can comment a bit on the differences...Likes, dislikes between your Z4M and your E92?

I love the E92...But for the money I'm finding it difficult to look past the Z4M coupe...

Any commentary from you would be great...

Thanks

dont have it yet, but ill let you know once i get it.

[ZStig]

Originally Posted by DNDN_M3

Ok...I dont know whether to be embarrased or thrilled...I'm an avid car lover...Have admired BMW's for a very long time...Was all about purchasing a used E46 M3 or possibly a used E92 M3...I'm coming off of my current lease in 6 months and I change my mind are cars daily!!!

And then it happened...For the first time in my life I saw a BMW Z4 M coupe...HOLY SHIT!!! Why is this vehicle so intoxicating? I can't believe that with how much I know about cars (literally anyone I associate with contacts me with questions) that i had NO idea about the Z4 M coupe...

Now I'm convinced I have to have this car...Tell me the wait will be worth it?

I need it as a daily driver (commute is only 15 miles to work)...

I love the exclusivity of it...I honestly have only seen 1 (and I live in an area with plenty of high class cars)....

I love the way the E46 M3 pulls so I imagine this is even a bigger thrill with it being lighter...

Anyways, just wanted to say hi and tell you that i envy you all...Anyone who can comment on the Z4 M coupe in comparison to other vehicles it would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks

was it a blue one you saw? i ran into the driver before, nice guy, but doesn't drive it enough.

If I get my trim finished this week, since I'm near philly, maybe I'll show you the more fun version of the z4m coupe (the roadster)

[bucko521]

Pure magic.... worth the view!

[DNDN_M3]

Originally Posted by Roffle Waffle

was it a blue one you saw? i ran into the driver before, nice guy, but doesn't drive it enough.

If I get my trim finished this week, since I'm near philly, maybe I'll show you the more fun version of the z4m coupe (the roadster)

That would be fantastic! I'm currently living in the King of Prussia area...And my family is from Bucks County...

[Shipkiller]

Originally Posted by DNDN_M3

Ok...I dont know whether to be embarrased or thrilled...I'm an avid car lover...Have admired BMW's for a very long time...Was all about purchasing a used E46 M3 or possibly a used E92 M3...I'm coming off of my current lease in 6 months and I change my mind are cars daily!!!

And then it happened...For the first time in my life I saw a BMW Z4 M coupe...HOLY SHIT!!! Why is this vehicle so intoxicating? I can't believe that with how much I know about cars (literally anyone I associate with contacts me with questions) that i had NO idea about the Z4 M coupe...

Now I'm convinced I have to have this car...Tell me the wait will be worth it?

I need it as a daily driver (commute is only 15 miles to work)...

I love the exclusivity of it...I honestly have only seen 1 (and I live in an area with plenty of high class cars)....

I love the way the E46 M3 pulls so I imagine this is even a bigger thrill with it being lighter...

Anyways, just wanted to say hi and tell you that i envy you all...Anyone who can comment on the Z4 M coupe in comparison to other vehicles it would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks

Take your time to find the right one.

It took me almost six months to get the right car with the options I wanted. I like The HACK bought the car with out ever driving it.

It is the most fun car I have ever owned. Every day

[onebluemcm]

I think it's been kind of mentioned before, but you may have to weigh holding out for the perfect car for you versus the almost certain decreasing numbers coming for sale. In 06, they only made 380, 07 was the big year with 1187 made, and '08 they only made 248. Yes, they are coming off lease, but there weren't too many leases that went more than 36 months on cars like this. There will only really be about one more year of 07s potentially coming off lease and with so few 08s around, there just aren't going to be too many of them.

I, as everyone else, recommends being choosy about it, you just may as well be aware that we are on the downward slope of number of M coupes coming up for sale. With a car like this, once the leases are turned in, and we get just a few years out from the end of production, most will be in the hands of people intending to keep 'em for a good long while. Just playing the odds....

[KevinC]

This ought to give you a chubby.. hit "activate search mode" after it spools up, and crank up your speakers.

http://www.bmw.ie/ie/en/newvehicles/...xperience.html

[r4gs]

^very sound reasoning that.

i drove an e92 335i for about 4 months in colorado, and i had a blast with it nonetheless. the m coupe feels more tightly wound, stays planted a lot better and is in one word - visceral. whereas the 335i had all the techno wizardry and fancy twin turbos (hpfp notwithstanding), the z4m's are as back-to-basics as recent generations of bmws go. no idrive, no electric steering, no run flats, no fancy gearboxes, no superfluous luxuries or conveniences. driving the 335i was about stylish power and comfort with the bros or the family. driving the m coupe is like make-pretend speedracer sans the make-pretend part.

[crfine88]

4th S54 powered M car I have owned and by far the most fun. This is the only car I have ever owned that I did not want to trade-in after the first year of ownership. My wife is shocked that after two years I still have no intension of letting the M coupe go.

There really isn't anything else out there for the money. Like everyone else, I will advise that you should wait for the right one and be willing to travel.

Good Luck on your Hunt.

[DNDN_M3]

Originally Posted by crfine88

4th S54 powered M car I have owned and by far the most fun. This is the only car I have ever owned that I did not want to trade-in after the first year of ownership. My wife is shocked that after two years I still have no intension of letting the M coupe go.

There really isn't anything else out there for the money. Like everyone else, I will advise that you should wait for the right one and be willing to travel.

Good Luck on your Hunt.

Which brings up a great question...What is the "right" one? Aside from Color preferences...Is there anything everyone is looking for with regards to options, year or mileage that I should be aware of?

[mhughett]

Originally Posted by DNDN_M3

Which brings up a great question...What is the "right" one? Aside from Color preferences...Is there anything everyone is looking for with regards to options, year or mileage that I should be aware of?

Other than interior and exterior color, the biggest option to look for (or avoid) is the Nav. Some like it but I was glad the one I found didn't have it. Almost all M's came with the premium package that includes the upgraded stereo, power seats and xenon lights. The one option I looked for (and got) was heated seats. I've seen quite a few that don't have this and once you've had BMW heated seats, it's hard to get used to not having them. Extended leather is another option that probably less than 25% have but most people look at this as a bonus and don't specifically look for a car that has it. Good luck.

[esqu1re]

Premium package also comes with cruise control, I think. I was surprised that they even offered BMWs w/o cruise! Anyway, it might be important if you subconsciously drive faster than you'd like on highways.