Z4MR or M5

TopDown · 12-22-2008, 08:35 PM

Last week my SA called to offer a deal; 2008 M5, 5K miles, every option except HUD; 24-month lease at half the payment you would expect to make on this car new; and he'll pay off my current lease on Z4MR. Put a deposit on it, but retracted the next day after talking it over with the wife (she knows I have my heart set on the new Z4).

Question: Turned the M5 down - did I do the right thing?

GP20 · 12-22-2008, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TopDown

Last week my SA called to offer a deal; 2008 M5, 5K miles, every option except HUD; 24-month lease at half the payment you would expect to make on this car new; and he'll pay off my current lease on Z4MR. Put a deposit on it, but retracted the next day after talking it over with the wife (she knows I have my heart set on the new Z4).

Question: Turned the M5 down - did I do the right thing?

Keep the Z4M. Lease a regular 5er if you need a large sedan.

enfield · 12-22-2008, 09:05 PM

Very different cars.... What are you looking for in a car? Do you want a sedan or a 2-seater rag top?

Dammmittt · 12-22-2008, 09:33 PM

M5 is too big to have as a fun car. That said, it's a hell of highway cruiser/DD.

However, if he's offering such a deal on it, it's probably because its been sitting there for a while, it could be a rust bucket. I don't think you made a poor choice.

TopDown · 12-22-2008, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enfield

Very different cars.... What are you looking for in a car? Do you want a sedan or a 2-seater rag top?

That was my dilemma. Love the 2-seater rag top, and especially love the Z4MR. Don't need a 4-door sedan, but I could not stop thinking - how many times in my life will I have the opportunity to have some fun with a 500+hp V-10?

quickfast · 12-22-2008, 11:20 PM

You made a bad call, day to day, M5 is more fun hands down. The Z4Ms abilities can rarely be used on the streets..

The current M5 is an absolute monster.

Maybe next time.

Mikewarlover · 12-22-2008, 11:27 PM

Haha i was in the same boat as u a few month ago. I could spend more money on a used M5 or a ZMR and i was struggling very hard between the two. I took couple of test drive on the M5 and for some reason i thought it wasn't very exciting at all. Its too big and to heavy to be entertaining. Most importantly the smg III was not something i wanted to live with. On the other hand the ZMR is so much more fun and enjoyable. I am 6 feet 3 and little over 200lbs but everytime in sit in the ZMR i get this extremely cozy feeling with the thick steering wheel and the manual 6 spd right next to it. Not only that after my first top down experience with the Zmr i was sure that the M5 is no where near half as fun. U ve made a good choice and u probably ended up saving a lot of money too especially in this economy.

pmeloche · 12-22-2008, 11:46 PM

Right off the bat I would say that you made a bad choice passing up an opportunity to get a monster car like the M5 but the question is exactly what you need in a car? If you prefer the ragtop two-seater then I guess should take the Z4MR. I have found myself using the Z4MC as a cruiser mostly so far and for that it is very competent but lacking in comfort for my taste. I find that you have to drive the Z4M like a madman to truly use it as it should be.

In your position I would have taken the M5 because it fits more my needs.

Cheers.

GP20 · 12-23-2008, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quickfast

You made a bad call, day to day, M5 is more fun hands down. The Z4Ms abilities can rarely be used on the streets..

The current M5 is an absolute monster.

Maybe next time.

You're contradicting yourself. If the Z4M's 330HP can rarely be used in the streets, an extra +170HP helps how?

SunnyD · 12-23-2008, 01:05 AM

If you plan on tracking your car regularly I'd say keep the Z4 M. I'm considering the same swap as I have an e36 m3 that I wanna track and the M5 would make a sweet DD

marcus1701 · 12-23-2008, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GP20

You're contradicting yourself. If the Z4M's 330HP can rarely be used in the streets, an extra +170HP helps how?

I don't think he means HP but ride quality and the fact that you get 2 extra doors. Also the Z4 shines on the track....well you would think so...

Deda · 12-23-2008, 04:31 AM

M5 is beauty!

GP20 · 12-23-2008, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcus1701

I don't think he means HP but ride quality and the fact that you get 2 extra doors. Also the Z4 shines on the track....well you would think so...

Still don't see how better ride comfort and 2 extra doors (and the back seats) make the M5 more fun to drive in the streets than the Z4M. If that's the case, then do like I suggested earlier, keep the Z4M & get a regular 5er.

Hawkeye · 12-23-2008, 02:17 PM

I dislike sedans. I would have done the same thing

Good choice!

quickfast · 12-24-2008, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GP20

You're contradicting yourself. If the Z4M's 330HP can rarely be used in the streets, an extra +170HP helps how?

Id say unless you commute to work in via Deals Gap, the Z4Ms driving dynamics are flat out wasted. The M5 is more fitted for our big lofty roads..where the 170HP is nice to have.

Of course, opinions differ. Anyone can make a track out of their route.

AtoB · 12-24-2008, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

I dislike sedans. I would have done the same thing

Good choice!

X2... however the i love the M5, but i'm a roadster kind of guy.

britaway · 12-24-2008, 12:02 PM

I currently have a 2007 of both cars. My simple answer is if i can put the top down then its the z4m every time. If its rainy or too hot or I have passengers I'll take the M5. Given where you live I'd say you probably made the right decision. M5 is undoubtedly faster and rides far nicer, that being said the z4m feels nearly as fast and is just a more fun drive.

BimmerZealot · 12-26-2008, 10:27 PM

E60 M5s make me drool every time I see one. And I need new pants every time one guns it near me. That being said, i would've taken the M5 =D

TopDown · 12-27-2008, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GatorBlue371

Id have gone M5 without a second thought. have you ever driven one????

No. The car was to arrive at the dealership within 2 or 3 days of the first phone call, and when it came in that would have been my first M5 test drive.

Rick Hunter · 12-27-2008, 12:47 AM

The M5 would have been a nice ride. It's more of a sleeper car vs. the Z4M. Sometimes I wish I hadn't gotten such a screamer of a car. But then again, for the price that's paid for a BMW, I'm fine being noticed.

Maximum performance can never be reached with either car on the streets. You're essentially paying for an image.

Brucewonder · 12-27-2008, 12:57 AM

I wouldve jumped on the M5 deal. With the current Z4MC/R market prices you can anyways get a used/CPO one for cheap.

izzy · 12-27-2008, 11:17 AM

It is your choice.

I love the M5 but it does not meet my requirements now. When it does then I will get one.

So does the M5 meet ur needs now?

Get both

12-22-2008, 08:35 PM	#1
TopDown Captain 90 Rep 615 Posts Drives: 2017 G30 540i M Sport Join Date: May 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 BMW Z3 Roadster [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i Coupe [0.00] 2012 BMW 335i Sedan [0.00] 2006 BMW M Roadster [0.00] 2017 BMW 540i [0.00] 2015 BMW 428 Gran C ... [0.00]	Z4MR or M5 Last week my SA called to offer a deal; 2008 M5, 5K miles, every option except HUD; 24-month lease at half the payment you would expect to make on this car new; and he'll pay off my current lease on Z4MR. Put a deposit on it, but retracted the next day after talking it over with the wife (she knows I have my heart set on the new Z4). Question: Turned the M5 down - did I do the right thing? __________________ Mine G30 540i M Sport Hers F36 440i Gran Coupe
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12-22-2008, 09:05 PM	#3
enfield Civilian 79 Rep 970 Posts Drives: Jaguar F-Type V8 S Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Very different cars.... What are you looking for in a car? Do you want a sedan or a 2-seater rag top?
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12-22-2008, 09:33 PM	#4
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 169 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	M5 is too big to have as a fun car. That said, it's a hell of highway cruiser/DD. However, if he's offering such a deal on it, it's probably because its been sitting there for a while, it could be a rust bucket. I don't think you made a poor choice. __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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12-22-2008, 11:20 PM	#6
quickfast Private First Class 7 Rep 160 Posts Drives: quickfast Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Brooklyn iTrader: (0)	You made a bad call, day to day, M5 is more fun hands down. The Z4Ms abilities can rarely be used on the streets.. The current M5 is an absolute monster. Maybe next time.
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12-22-2008, 11:27 PM	#7
Mikewarlover Major 40 Rep 1,165 Posts Drives: white Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Richmond BC iTrader: (0)	Haha i was in the same boat as u a few month ago. I could spend more money on a used M5 or a ZMR and i was struggling very hard between the two. I took couple of test drive on the M5 and for some reason i thought it wasn't very exciting at all. Its too big and to heavy to be entertaining. Most importantly the smg III was not something i wanted to live with. On the other hand the ZMR is so much more fun and enjoyable. I am 6 feet 3 and little over 200lbs but everytime in sit in the ZMR i get this extremely cozy feeling with the thick steering wheel and the manual 6 spd right next to it. Not only that after my first top down experience with the Zmr i was sure that the M5 is no where near half as fun. U ve made a good choice and u probably ended up saving a lot of money too especially in this economy.
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12-22-2008, 11:46 PM	#8
pmeloche Lieutenant Colonel 24 Rep 1,604 Posts Drives: 2013 F25 X3 xDrive35i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Montréal, Canada iTrader: (0)	Right off the bat I would say that you made a bad choice passing up an opportunity to get a monster car like the M5 but the question is exactly what you need in a car? If you prefer the ragtop two-seater then I guess should take the Z4MR. I have found myself using the Z4MC as a cruiser mostly so far and for that it is very competent but lacking in comfort for my taste. I find that you have to drive the Z4M like a madman to truly use it as it should be. In your position I would have taken the M5 because it fits more my needs. Cheers. __________________ Patrice 2013 F25 X3 xDrive35i Vermillion Red
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12-23-2008, 01:05 AM	#10
SunnyD Major 452 Rep 1,289 Posts Drives: M4 GTS Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Long Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	If you plan on tracking your car regularly I'd say keep the Z4 M. I'm considering the same swap as I have an e36 m3 that I wanna track and the M5 would make a sweet DD __________________ '16 ///M4 GTS '11.75 ///E90 M3 ZCP \| DCT '06 ///M5 \| SMG - Gone '98 ///M3 \| 5MT - Gone '07 ///M Coupe \| 6MT - Gone
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12-23-2008, 04:31 AM	#12
Deda Major General 564 Rep 7,034 Posts Drives: BMW M5 comp Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Croatia iTrader: (0)	M5 is beauty!
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12-23-2008, 02:17 PM	#14
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2070 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	I dislike sedans. I would have done the same thing Good choice! __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
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12-24-2008, 12:02 PM	#17
britaway New Member 0 Rep 6 Posts Drives: 2007 M Roadster, 2007 M5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: naples fl iTrader: (0)	I currently have a 2007 of both cars. My simple answer is if i can put the top down then its the z4m every time. If its rainy or too hot or I have passengers I'll take the M5. Given where you live I'd say you probably made the right decision. M5 is undoubtedly faster and rides far nicer, that being said the z4m feels nearly as fast and is just a more fun drive.
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12-26-2008, 10:27 PM	#18
BimmerZealot Major 61 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Diego, California iTrader: (2)	E60 M5s make me drool every time I see one. And I need new pants every time one guns it near me. That being said, i would've taken the M5 =D
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12-27-2008, 12:47 AM	#20
Rick Hunter Skull Squadron Leader 306 Rep 2,031 Posts Drives: '07 M Coupé & '16 435xi GCoupé Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Emerald City iTrader: (20)	The M5 would have been a nice ride. It's more of a sleeper car vs. the Z4M. Sometimes I wish I hadn't gotten such a screamer of a car. But then again, for the price that's paid for a BMW, I'm fine being noticed. Maximum performance can never be reached with either car on the streets. You're essentially paying for an image. __________________
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12-27-2008, 12:57 AM	#21
Brucewonder Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,541 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 yea boi Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Socal iTrader: (4)	I wouldve jumped on the M5 deal. With the current Z4MC/R market prices you can anyways get a used/CPO one for cheap. __________________ 2011.5 E92 ///M3 SSII/FR
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12-27-2008, 11:17 AM	#22
izzy Private First Class 13 Rep 109 Posts Drives: ///M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Johannesburg iTrader: (0)	It is your choice. I love the M5 but it does not meet my requirements now. When it does then I will get one. So does the M5 meet ur needs now? Get both
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