Decision: E92 M3 for price of new Z4. Z4 or M3?

[Ced]

Would this be a hard decision for you? Check out these sales. I think the Z4 is sexier; and for the street only driving, I think it would be hard to beat, but....

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/items/Ca...id=p4506.c0.m1

[JJ_Wonderboy]

Very hard decision.

I also think the Z4 looks better although, saying that, the M3 does have a certain presence in the flesh which the photos don't quite convey and I've obviously not seen the Z4 in person so could end up changing my mind.

On top of that, I've always been concerned with the M3's MPG. I know the Z4 isn't going to be great but still, the M3 is a real drinker.

So, combining the fresh look of the Z4, its performance which isn't going to be too far off the M3 (at least for road driving) and the fact that I don't really need rear seats (at least not just yet ). Throw in a folding metal roof and I'd have to side with the Z4... just.

Damn it! Could I have both please..?

[Ced]

Originally Posted by JJ_Wonderboy

Very hard decision.

I also think the Z4 looks better although, saying that, the M3 does have a certain presence in the flesh which the photos don't quite convey and I've obviously not seen the Z4 in person so could end up changing my mind.

On top of that, I've always been concerned with the M3's MPG. I know the Z4 isn't going to be great but still, the M3 is a real drinker.

So, combining the fresh look of the Z4, its performance which isn't going to be too far off the M3 (at least for road driving) and the fact that I don't really need rear seats (at least not just yet ). Throw in a folding metal roof and I'd have to side with the Z4... just.

Damn it! Could I have both please..?

haha. mpg for M3 is like 14/20. The Z4 should be the same as the 335 - 17/26

When i think Z4 in terms of engine performance I think turbo SW, only $1999 almost 400 hp 421 ft lb torque 126 ft lbs more torque than M3...

[PatsE92]

I have been toying with trading my E92 335 for an E92 M3 for the last couple of months but I have decided on the Z4 s35i.

I have been driving the 335 for 2 1/2 years and I consistently get 20/25 for mileage even in Houston traffic hell.....



Pat

[Ced]

Originally Posted by PatsE92

I have been toying with trading my E92 335 for an E92 M3 for the last couple of months but I have decided on the Z4 s35i.

I have been driving the 335 for 2 1/2 years and I consistently get 20/25 for mileage even in Houston traffic hell.....



Pat

What helped sway you? The Z4 to me, just looking at it, looks like a more personal toy / machine.; but I always a little roadster. It screams excitement. I know it will drive good because it's a BMW. I got a track M3, when I want to get really hardcore that's not even recommended doing at home .

[PNF]

2 totally different cars and I'd pick M3 in a heartbeat.

Also, if you're worried about MPG, then you probably should think twice about being able to afford a M3.. IMO.

[Ced]

Originally Posted by PNF

2 totally different cars and I'd pick M3 in a heartbeat.

Also, if you're worried about MPG, then you probably should think twice about being able to afford a M3.. IMO.

true. different cars and focus. However, the mpg does affect sales .. It's just a mental thing. If you can afford a BMW, mpg is not really an issue, just a deciding factor; trucks get less mpg than this car and everybody drives one.

[JJ_Wonderboy]

Originally Posted by PNF

2 totally different cars and I'd pick M3 in a heartbeat.

Also, if you're worried about MPG, then you probably should think twice about being able to afford a M3.. IMO.

I can certainly afford an M3 but the small, sensible part of my brain can often become a nag. It stayed surprisingly quiet when I went in and ordered the Z4.

[AndyE1976]

Having finally got to sit in an E92 M3 at the Philly auto show this week it really felt focused and fit my lanky frame a lot better than the 335i cab that was there. I've also seen a few pics now where people are sitting in the new Z4 and the top of the windscreen seems pretty low, which could be a deal breaker for me at 6'5".

The other thing that is making me think M3 is that I'd like to be able to do a few track days with BMW CCA and the Z4 just won't be eligible.

MPG isn't a concern as I don't do many miles a year and I'm used to paying $7 a gallon from living in the UK for years, so prices over here are a bargain.

Not making the final decision until I can sit in a Z4 though.

[JJ_Wonderboy]

Originally Posted by AndyE1976

Having finally got to sit in an E92 M3 at the Philly auto show this week it really felt focused and fit my lanky frame a lot better than the 335i cab that was there. I've also seen a few pics now where people are sitting in the new Z4 and the top of the windscreen seems pretty low, which could be a deal breaker for me at 6'5".

The other thing that is making me think M3 is that I'd like to be able to do a few track days with BMW CCA and the Z4 just won't be eligible.

MPG isn't a concern as I don't do many miles a year and I'm used to paying $7 a gallon from living in the UK for years, so prices over here are a bargain.

Not making the final decision until I can sit in a Z4 though.

Being 5'11" I shouldn't have the same problem (see, there are some advantages to being a short-ass ) but I agree, the M3 is good to sit behind (even my girlfriend liked it). I think, once I've got the roadster out of my blood and need a car with more seats, I'll be looking to the M3, probably the next model a few years down the line.

[PatsE92]

My reasoning for picking the Z4 over the M3 had nothing to do with price, MPG or track day ability. It is simply based on my own preference for roadsters over coupes. I am as was said before a "short-ass" at 5'10". I do not mind the wind in my hair as I still maintain the same "high and tight" haircut that I wore for 20 years in the Army (no muss, no fuss). My previous decision to purchase the 335i was born out of disgust at being nearly run over everyday for 2 years by cell phone using, Suburban/Tahoe driving soccer Mom's while I was driving my Honda S2000. I now realize that it does not matter what I drive as they are still out to kill me so I am going back to my first love, the roadster, so at least I will die happy.



Pat

[JJ_Wonderboy]

Originally Posted by PatsE92

My reasoning for picking the Z4 over the M3 had nothing to do with price, MPG or track day ability. It is simply based on my own preference for roadsters over coupes. I am as was said before a "short-ass" at 5'10". I do not mind the wind in my hair as I still maintain the same "high and tight" haircut that I wore for 20 years in the Army (no muss, no fuss). My previous decision to purchase the 335i was born out of disgust at being nearly run over everyday for 2 years by cell phone using, Suburban/Tahoe driving soccer Mom's while I was driving my Honda S2000. I now realize that it does not matter what I drive as they are still out to kill me so I am going back to my first love, the roadster, so at least I will die happy.

Pat

Pat, I like your reasoning.