z4 M coupe vs Z4 3.0 and 3.0si

[ilikebmxbikes]

Hello Zpost,

I am hoping some of you can help me as I am less educated on your platform.

I know the obvious differences between the powerplant in the Z4 Mc and the Z4 3.0si, but can someone educate me on the suspension differences? I want to know if it is shocks, springs, bushings, control arm differences etc.

I am considering a new project and am looking into potentially dropping an S85 into a Z coupe and want to know if buying an M warrants the price difference between a non M as the motor will be pulled.

[3002 tii]

3.0 and 3.0si are pretty much same as e46 non-m. 3.0si front brakes are e46 330i, rear brakes are e46 325/328

M is e36 m3 front, e46 m3 rear

i think...

[VMRWheels]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

Hello Zpost,

I am hoping some of you can help me as I am less educated on your platform.

I know the obvious differences between the powerplant in the Z4 Mc and the Z4 3.0si, but can someone educate me on the suspension differences? I want to know if it is shocks, springs, bushings, control arm differences etc.

I am considering a new project and am looking into potentially dropping an S85 into a Z coupe and want to know if buying an M warrants the price difference between a non M as the motor will be pulled.

Oooh I see another epic build on the horizon

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

3.0 and 3.0si are pretty much same as e46 non-m. 3.0si front brakes are e46 330i, rear brakes are e46 325/328

M is e36 m3 front, e46 m3 rear

i think...

Are the control arms and bushings different?

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

Are the control arms and bushings different?

Yes, Z4M control arms I believe are E46 330ZHP based which gives more caster. The bushings are also offset and not centered like the non-M Z4 (which share same control arms & bushings as E46 325/328).

I know my statement regarding bushings are correct, control arms not entirely certain. I would check realoem.

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Yes, Z4M control arms I believe are E46 330ZHP based which gives more caster. The bushings are also offset and not centered like the non-M Z4 (which share same control arms & bushings as E46 325/328).

I know my statement regarding bushings are correct, control arms not entirely certain. I would check realoem.

thank you.

[chickdr]

This will help you:

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=23

[The HACK]

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

Are the control arms and bushings different?

Front control arms are the same. Both the non-M and M Z4s come with ZHP control arms. The M has offset bushings similar to E30 M3s.

It's quite the frankenstein's monster.

[ilikebmxbikes]

Originally Posted by chickdr

This will help you:

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=23

Thank you chickdr - this is exactly what i was looking for.

Originally Posted by The HACK

Front control arms are the same. Both the non-M and M Z4s come with ZHP control arms. The M has offset bushings similar to E30 M3s.

It's quite the frankenstein's monster.

Thank you for the info

[whatcubed]

Originally Posted by chickdr

This will help you:

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=23

Wow that's a great site.

[3002 tii]

Also FWIW even though the M suspension is compatible with E36 M3 struts, I think the shaft length is actually different so if you want a true Z4M application, using off the shelf E36 M3 parts isn't your best option.

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

Also FWIW even though the M suspension is compatible with E36 M3 struts, I think the shaft length is actually different so if you want a true Z4M application, using off the shelf E36 M3 parts isn't your best option.

You can use rear E36 type suspension that are perfect to throw in.

However, the fronts are E36 type that are about 1" shorter, which is where you throw the monkey wrench into the situation

Brakes are also E46M ZCP brakes. Free Floating rotors.

Also the M Variable diff will get you started, unless you want to replace it instantly.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

You can use rear E36 type suspension that are perfect to throw in.

However, the fronts are E36 type that are about 1" shorter, which is where you throw the monkey wrench into the situation

Brakes are also E46M ZCP brakes. Free Floating rotors.

Also the M Variable diff will get you started, unless you want to replace it instantly.

I thought Z4M rear was E46 M3 based

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

I thought Z4M rear was E46 M3 based

Not from what I was told. At least I thought the suspension was a direct swap E36

[The HACK]

E36 and E46 rear suspensions are similar enough that the shocks uses the same bolt-up points. For adjustable shocks, cars with E46 M rear end can use E36 M rear end suspension parts like shocks, and springs are the same inner diameter so customized springs can also work between E36 and E46 rears.

However stock components are not interchangeable because the springs are of different rate and length, and shocks aren't tuned to the other chassis' rates, obviously.