3.0 vs 3.0si vs M - help me decide

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by belcom

Meant to say "same/similar size". 325x25mm (330i/Z4 3.0si) vs non-comp M3 @ 325x28mm which are thicker. But now I wonder, are the rotor hat offsets the same...? Could one put the thicker 325mm m3 rotor on the Si with a different brembo caliper for example? hmm

m3 zcp though? 345mm or 348mm? Don't think I've seen a 348mm disc.

Sorry meant 345x28 but came out as 348mm

[carcar123454321]

Thanks all! Excellent feedback and I learned a ton. I’m hoping to get to drive both the si and the M.

[maupineda]

Get the M if you can afford. the feel is very different to the Si.

[Huz-Z]

Anudder plug for the SI:

http://www.moto123.com/imprimer_article.spy?artid=90628


Best of luck and whatever car you buy, congrats in advance and post pics!!

[328skidpad]

the steering and LSD is awesome in the M, I had a 2015 porsche boxster GTS before my M roadster, M car is more fun and is a pure drivers car no mods other than exhaust. the porsche was too clinical and I hated the fact that I would hit 78 MPH in second gear

as for non m, very good daily driver, if you cant afford the M, dont drive one..

[baege]

lots of good perspectives shared already

I had a manual e86 Si for 5 years and have driven the S54 E86 quite a few times

here a couple points that may or may not matter to you that I don't think have been touched on:

engine smoothness: the N52 is a much smoother engine in feel than the S54 which is raspier, if you prefer a smooth engine, you will prefer the N52, it's probably my favourite engine out of the 20 cars I have ever owned, buttery smooth with good low end torque

Ride quality: once you switch to non fun flats the Si will feel a little more compliant than the M

like you plan to, drive both and you will know

[griebel]

I have had both. For a daily drive pick something other than the M. If you are using it as a second car just on nice day nothing beat the M.

[carcar123454321]

Thanks again for all the input. I definitely want to drive the si and then the M for myself. I've driven the 328i (I6), 335i N55, 135i N55, but haven't driven any of the Z4 models yet. I'm a manual person so definitely want a stick.

[Aloyouis2]

Originally Posted by carcar123454321

Thanks again for all the input. I definitely want to drive the si and then the M for myself. I've driven the 328i (I6), 335i N55, 135i N55, but haven't driven any of the Z4 models yet. I'm a manual person so definitely want a stick.

What did you buy?

[carcar123454321]

Sorry I never posted, but humorously I ended up with a manual 135i. I found an absolute steal and realized for now with one kid still not old enough to drive, I just wanted a little extra room.

One day when all the kids are out of the house, I'd like to get an M just for the heck of it.

[wdb]

That should be a fun driver. Watch out for the maintenance gotchas on those turbo motors though...

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by wdb

That should be a fun driver. Watch out for the maintenance gotchas on those turbo motors though...

I recall that the N54 engine had issues with the high pressure fuel pumps but it’s possible that many of those cars had the problem addressed under warranty.

And congrats on the new ride!

[carcar123454321]

I hear you. It's an N55 so hoping it may be a little less maintenance with only 1 turbo.

I've had lots of turbo cars...they do add to the maintenance but man, they're a blast. I've had a Subaru, a Pontiac Solstice (amazing HP for a 2.0L engine...I could make 300+ easily) and now a 135i. Nothing like the low end torque and turbo punch. They can cost you though (and have cost me in the past ;-0).

I do always tell people if you get an older inline 6 with no turbo, you probably have one of the most reliable engines around.

[HTM101]

I owned a 3.0 Si coupe for a short while in 2018. I liked it but sold it to finance another project. I always missed it.

In November 2023 I bought a Z4 M coupe. I like it more than the Si. The 30% greater hp is very real. I haven't had a chance to wring it out yet as we're in the cold weather and some snow season. This one is a keeper, it's a fun ride.

[carcar123454321]

Nice! Like the color. I'm also a big LSD fan...M has that but Si doesn't correct?

[pungo]

Originally Posted by carcar123454321

I'm also a big LSD fan...M has that but Si doesn't correct?

Correct
M=LSD
si=open diff

Having owned both, when pushing the si hard in turns, the inside wheel breaks loose easily, and if traction control is enabled, it zaps the power, so best to disable the nannies when drive the car hard.
On the other hand, enabling track mode on the M provided a little extra assistance without being too intrusive.

[Piper1]

Originally Posted by carcar123454321

Nice! Like the color. I'm also a big LSD fan...M has that but Si doesn't correct?

Factory all Non M have open diff. When I added the ess s/c I also dropped in a LSD into my 03 and plan to in my 07 coupe so it’s not like you can’t if you want to in a Non M.