Z4m roadster v Alpina

[DL-C]

I,m considering changing my E46 M3 for a Z4m roadster. Decent ones are right at the top of my budget! I can't help but look at the Alpina version of the Z4. The looks are awsome (shame about the lack of pipes). Has anyone any experience of the 2 cars? Would the 40bhp less in the Alpina be that noticeable? Can't find many reviews on them really so any info would be gratefull.
Thanks in advance

[x12yhp]

Wasn't there an evo test of the two side by side? If I recall, the alpina was smoother and flatter in torque terms so it depended what you wanted out of your drive.

[belleair302]

The Alpina is a better screwed together car, more comfortable regarding suspension and so much more exclusive. Performancewise there is little in it in real terms and the Alpina's look way more stunning. Are you just looking at the car for its on paper figures or are you looking at real world performance and ownership costs / issues / pleasures?

[DL-C]

Not that bothered about specific 0-60 times etc, more about the real driving on every day roads. The exclusivety is a big draw to be honest and the cheaper running costs.
Does it suffer from the same vanos proplems as the E32 M3 as it is the same engine?

[gmarks1]

I had the same choice around 18 months ago - the Z4M was slightly over my budget, and I decided to go for an Alpina Roadster S Lux. In reality, the 3.4 litre Alpina engine typically produce 310 to 320bhp, whereas the S54 rarely make 343bhp. Having said that, I drove both, and the Z4M felt more urgent to me, but it was marginal.

The build quality of the Alpina is very good, and in Lux form they are well specified (Lux adds xenons, DVD navigation, bluetooth and heated seats). I prefer the look of the Alpina to the Z4M due to the alloys and front and rear spoilers which I think add to the drama of the shape. I think you won't be disappointed by the Alpina, and in the 18 months of owning one, I've never seen another on the road.

They don't suffer from vanos issues, and added benefit is that they are classified as PLG, so only cost £185 per year road tax.

Some gratuitous photos of mine:

[shunt]

I had one for 3 years before my Z4MC. I'd agree with the above, it's a more civilized ride than the M and cheaper to run, although they do drink oil. I loved mine, very few around and always felt a bit special. If it had a proper diff I'd probably have one over the M, but not instead of the Coupe!







Look out for corroded alloys around the valves though, had mine replaced under warranty:

[fridaypassion]

Whats the spec on your M3?

This is my roadster on classifieds

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1144791.htm

M3 is a possibility for me but I cant properly make my mind up yet TBH! I'm thinking 130i at the moment as I need something semi sensible.

Edited by fridaypassion on Friday 17th July 18:40

[duckson]

Did Alpina fully rebuild the Z4's and how many are there in the UK?

Edited by duckson on Friday 17th July 18:39

PS http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/6623...

Edited by duckson on Friday 17th July 18:46

[gmarks1]

duckson said:

Did Alpina fully rebuild the Z4's and how many are there in the UK?

As with all Z4s, the original car was built in Spartanburg USA, then shipped to Buchloe where it is converted to Alpina specification.

174 were brought into the UK.

Regards, Gary

[duckson]

Thanks. I was wondering about the "better screwed together" comment in one of the posts above and was trying to work out why the Alpina is better than the M if they are built at the same factory. Infact the Alpina is pre-facelift Z4 and the M post so would of thought the M might have a few more niggles ironed out in comparison.

[Slurms]

duckson said:

Thanks. I was wondering about the "better screwed together" comment in one of the posts above and was trying to work out why the Alpina is better than the M if they are built at the same factory. Infact the Alpina is pre-facelift Z4 and the M post so would of thought the M might have a few more niggles ironed out in comparison.

Seem to remember from a BMW Car magazine write up that the Alpina Z4 had a lot of changes to improve the feel of the car over the regular Z4 (pre-facelift) especially in the cabin.