Coming from a TT - looking at a 3.0 Z3 or Z3M
Discussion
Hi there,
Having owned 3 TTs in the past (2 Coupes & a roadster) I am looking into the possibility of getting either a 3.0 Litre Z3 or a Z3M.
I have heard some horror stories about the chassis not being up to the job & cars spinning out etc, etc. I was wondering if people who drive either of these cars could give me an honest opinion before I dive in with my hard earned.. this isn't a wind up, or trying to spark a 'which is better' debate, I'd just like some feedback other than from a BM salesman.
Also, I am 6' 3" which was never a problem in the TT, how will I fare in the Z?
cheers,
Martin.
Having owned 3 TTs in the past (2 Coupes & a roadster) I am looking into the possibility of getting either a 3.0 Litre Z3 or a Z3M.
I have heard some horror stories about the chassis not being up to the job & cars spinning out etc, etc. I was wondering if people who drive either of these cars could give me an honest opinion before I dive in with my hard earned.. this isn't a wind up, or trying to spark a 'which is better' debate, I'd just like some feedback other than from a BM salesman.
Also, I am 6' 3" which was never a problem in the TT, how will I fare in the Z?
cheers,
Martin.
Well with regards the handling, I will admit that the Zee does roll a little (which is often interesting in the rear-wheel Z3M I have
) But thats sorted apparently with after-market suspension - but it will hinder ride
check www.zroadster.net
Re height though, I'm 6'4. Gear change can be a little trickey a times, but it depends on what your used to ??
Hope this helps !
That it spins off the road in a firey ball is probably more down to the driver than the car... (warning, gross generalisation incoming!) given the typical z3 owner isnt interested in driving, they probably dont know what RWD stands for...
Personally I'd go for the z3m over the z3, as I know that i'd regret not having gone for the m version after a few months...
Personally I'd go for the z3m over the z3, as I know that i'd regret not having gone for the m version after a few months...
The M Roadster is a superb drive up to 8/10ths, which is all you should really be using on the road, anyway. For track days it is a bit soft and the brakes get upset quite quickly, but for road use, they are perfectly set up for cold bite etc..
Even if you drive 10/10th on the road, it is still a safe car to drive, so long as you have a reasonable amount of skill. The later S54 ones have all the DSC gubbins as well if you must
The S50 M Roadster (321bhp) has softer suspension than the rarer S54 (325bhp) one, which has the M Coupe's suspension.
If your after the best handling little BMW, the M Coupes a better bet, but if like me you want the whole convertible, M3 engine, go-cart handling package, go for the MR
Never driven the 3.0l Z3, but given you're buying second-hand, I'd probably stretch to the MR if possible - it's got all the goodies as standard, too, remember!
If you buy an MR in particular, make sure it comes with the BMW extended warranty, IMO
Even if you drive 10/10th on the road, it is still a safe car to drive, so long as you have a reasonable amount of skill. The later S54 ones have all the DSC gubbins as well if you must
The S50 M Roadster (321bhp) has softer suspension than the rarer S54 (325bhp) one, which has the M Coupe's suspension.
If your after the best handling little BMW, the M Coupes a better bet, but if like me you want the whole convertible, M3 engine, go-cart handling package, go for the MR
Never driven the 3.0l Z3, but given you're buying second-hand, I'd probably stretch to the MR if possible - it's got all the goodies as standard, too, remember!
If you buy an MR in particular, make sure it comes with the BMW extended warranty, IMO
I agree with Admiral.
If you can get an S54 engined M Roadster go for it. It has all the electronic wizardry and 325BHP. Not as stiff as the M Coupe though so an S54 version of this is supposedly brilliant but if you want top down motoring it has to be the roadster. There were only 79 M Roadsters made in RHD with the S54 engine so they are difficult to find. The service intervals were also longer on the later model so running costs are not prohibitive. The BMW warranty is a must just in case anything major goes wrong.
If you can get an S54 engined M Roadster go for it. It has all the electronic wizardry and 325BHP. Not as stiff as the M Coupe though so an S54 version of this is supposedly brilliant but if you want top down motoring it has to be the roadster. There were only 79 M Roadsters made in RHD with the S54 engine so they are difficult to find. The service intervals were also longer on the later model so running costs are not prohibitive. The BMW warranty is a must just in case anything major goes wrong.
hey martin, the z3m coupe is an amazing car, will completly blow your tt away in a straight line, and in the dry the car sticks to the road like glue, 0-60 in 4.3 325bhp amazing.
for all the info you need come check us out at:
www.z3mcoupe.com
kieron
for all the info you need come check us out at:
www.z3mcoupe.com
kieron
at the risk of repeating the obvious ..........you need to take the wheel
I've had 2 breadvans.............after a 911 C4 its not shown up too badly and if your comparison is with an audi tt rather than a porsche tt you'll be blown away
I got 164 mph out of mine at brunters and have found it great (for the money) on a wide range of roads here and across europe
you can get a decent car for low £20k's and for what you get that's hard to better.............then again its a question of what lights your candle - for my money it does what it does very well
I've had 2 breadvans.............after a 911 C4 its not shown up too badly and if your comparison is with an audi tt rather than a porsche tt you'll be blown away
I got 164 mph out of mine at brunters and have found it great (for the money) on a wide range of roads here and across europe
you can get a decent car for low £20k's and for what you get that's hard to better.............then again its a question of what lights your candle - for my money it does what it does very well
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