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      11-23-2015, 06:44 PM   #23
NickyC
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Quote:
Originally Posted by runnyeggsham View Post
I am looking at Z3Ms. The Z4s are just ugly to me. I think Bangle designed that one. I've heard all those good things about the Z4 but the looks arent just for me. But if you are a large guy, then the Z4 would be your better fit. Nothing worse than a big man in a small car, like many NA Miata owners I've seen. The last 2 years, 02-03, of the Z3M have more horsepower.
01-02, there was no Z3M in 2003. As well, I wouldn't touch an 01-02 unless it has had the rod bearings replaced or a new motor altogether. The motor blew in my 01 Z3M Coupe with around 44k miles on it (spun rod, luckily still under warranty). If you get a 01-02 Z3M, replacing the rod bearings would be the first thing I'd do immediately for peace of mind.

The Z3M just still makes zero sense compared to a Z4M. Besides aesthetics (if you happen to like the look of the Z3M better), there is no comparison between the two cars. The only way I'd even entertain the idea of a Z3M over a Z4M again is if the difference in car price was over $10k. (S54 vs S54, forget the S52 powered Z3Ms)

Last edited by NickyC; 11-23-2015 at 06:54 PM..
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      11-23-2015, 08:09 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DJKapeesh View Post
1# 1998 S52 Z3M with 75k miles (asking $9000)
2# 2006 Z4M Roadster 120k miles (asking $11500)


My question here is which of these cars (if any) is better value and worth looking at? My requirements are something fun, under 12k (cheaper is better) and won't require excessive maintenance and repairs.

I have had a BMW 325ci 2004 w/ ASA ProCharger before and the maintenance was very reasonable (with the exception of the $2000 clutch replacement)

Any insight about these vehicles would be great.
Other cars I am entertaining are MR2 toyota, RX7 (I know, completely unreliable), S2000, G35, and some others.
You are all over the place! You need to figure out what it is you actually want.
Is this an only car? If so you should immediately eliminate most of these cars in bold.

I had a Z4M. The Z3 guys are claiming their cars are raw, i wouldn't know. The Z4Ms are also quite raw, with stiff steering, clutch, and shifter. They are really fun, no rasp from the stock setup, but no way i could drive mine as a dd. My Z4M made me realize a roadster works for me only as a third car. The Z4MRs also seem to have an abundance of cheap and squeaky plastics
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Last edited by Sephiroth; 11-23-2015 at 08:15 PM..
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      11-24-2015, 10:15 AM   #25
Jamesons Viggen
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Quote:
Originally Posted by runnyeggsham View Post
I am looking at Z3Ms. The Z4s are just ugly to me. I think Bangle designed that one. I've heard all those good things about the Z4 but the looks arent just for me. But if you are a large guy, then the Z4 would be your better fit. Nothing worse than a big man in a small car, like many NA Miata owners I've seen. The last 2 years, 02-03, of the Z3M have more horsepower.
01-02 s54 cars have more hp yes. But the power difference is mainly top end and the cars are given 3.15 gears. So they are not much faster than 98-00 S52 cars. Now an s54 with 3.73 gears, those move out. If you wind up with an s52 bolt ons are cheap, the M50 manifold swap closes some of the s54 gap with 15whp on the top end for $100-200 bucks. My s52 had $500 in used NA bolt ons and was a high 12/low 13 second car. S54 bolt ons are coming down in price though.
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      11-26-2015, 11:06 PM   #26
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Having driven both this is a no brainier. get the Z4. Plastic rear window and all the other failing of the Z3 and the Z4 is like a million times better.
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      11-28-2015, 06:44 AM   #27
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I don't have the M version of either car but I do have a '97 Z3 roadster and a '08 Z4 Coupe. The Z4 is hands down the better car.
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      10-17-2019, 08:09 AM   #28
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I just wanted to update this story for anyone interested

Ended up buying and semi building a 350z for a couple months while keeping the 135i.

Sold the 350z after using it as a track toy and found an s2000
Great car, probably my favorite thus far.
Modified it but problem was it was very loud and semi uncomfortable as a DD (even with KW v3s)

Sold my 135i while driving the s2000
Kept the s2000 for 1 year but ended up finding a Z4M Coupe 400mi away from me for one hell of a deal. Of course it needed just about every maintenance item at 93k miles including rod bearings which I did at 103k.

Well Z4M coupe took over my only car spot when I sold the S2000.
Been driving the Z4M Coupe 2 years officially in November and only at 109k from the initial 95k I bought it at.

Love the car and been doing upgrades slowly. Next items will need to be some dent and paint fixes along with steering wheel and refinish my BBS RGRs.

You can see all the cars and mods here with pictures and details if anyone is interested:
https://wheelwell.com/jordon-hamel
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      10-17-2019, 12:15 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD View Post
Yeah love them, wouldn't mind a e39 m5 also someday
I traded my first Z4MC towards a super-clean E39 M5. Only kept it a year. It just didn't turn my crank. Missed my Z4MC immediately. Finally 3 years later, I found & bought another one, never parting with it.

Back to the original question - 2-part answer for me - Z4M as to the choice between the 2 options, but not one anywhere near that dirtball price, because it's gonna be a turd and just cost you more later. You're FAR better off finding a clean, properly maintained example up front and paying for it then. If that's out of your budget, I'd wait until it isn't, because going cheap on the front end will just cost you more later anyways.

Good luck!
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      10-17-2019, 04:50 PM   #30
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I chose the z4m because it's still mechanical and old school in spirit, but it's a more refined version of the formula. I believe the same engineer(s) made both with the same idea. The z4m has also peaked in value I think, whereas I think the z4m coupe will go up.
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