BMW M Roadsters: Z4 vs Z3 Photoshoot

[Jamesons Viggen]

Originally Posted by SD Z4MR

I never liked the Z3 which is why I bought a new S2000 in 2000, the first year it was made and kept it for almost 13 years. To me the Z3 tried to be so retro that it looked outdated the day it was introduced. I think the S2000 was a far better looking modern take on a classic roadster because instead of wood and dials in the cabin, it had a digital speedometer and an electronic interpretation of an analog tachometer. At the time every car mag that tested the new S2000 against the existing Z3 and the Porsche Boxster ranked the Honda #1, in looks, performance, handling, just about everything, except maybe creature comforts, although it came with Recaro seats. It didn't even have a clock, but the BMW came with heated seats. It had an award-winning engine that had more horsepower per liter (120hp/liter) than any normally aspirated car until Ferrari introduced the 458 Italia. It was as reliable as a Civic or an Accord, but outperformed the BMW and the Porsche roadsters at a significantly lower price. And the redline was 9000 RPM! It wasn't until BMW introduced the M Roadster and Porsche introduced the Boxster S could either one outperform the S2000, although I've personally smoked a Boxster S at a track day.

I hated the Z4 when I first saw it, thought it was another horrible example of the Chris Bangle "flame-sculpted" school of design (although it was actually designed by Anders Warming). However, after buying my wife's 335is Coupe in 2011 and joining the BMW CCA, we started hanging out with all of the other BMW owners in the local chapter and I saw a few Z4 M Roadsters and they kind of started to catch my eye over the last year. I got a chance to drive one last summer and fell in love with another car, so the S2000 had to go. I bought a 2006 Z4 M Roadster last July and it's only the second used car I've ever purchased, the last one in 1969. I have come to really appreciate the design and style of the Z4 and I really think that it was ahead of it's time. It's still eye catching and makes people's heads turn, even though the original design is 10 years old, partially because the bottom started falling out of the roadster market in the mid-2000s, they didn't sell very well, and people just really don't see them that often. They're a tremendous bargain for a true roadster sports car with one of the best engines that BMW has ever made, the S54.

I didn't pay attention to the Z3, it lacked substance. I paid attention in '98 when the M Roadster came to town. I was a teenager and loved the idea of the M3 drivetrain in a small Roadster, kind of like what Carroll Shelby did with the Cobra. I loved it so much, I drew this when I was 16, look at the license plate.


Now, I too love the S2000. But that drivetrain, when not driven in haste, when not shifted lower than 5500, sorry, it's tame due to the pitiful torque. 5-9k rpms, whole other story. Meanwhile, the S52 is silky, so torquey and such a great exhaust note and induction sound.


So when I turned 30, I was going to build myself a kit Cobra. Instead I quit my job and went back to school. So without the money I sold my Viggen and had $15k to play with. Hmmm, what would remind me of the Cobra...yep, there is the M Roadster.

[krnnerdboy]

One of the only cars I should have kept...

[Icy J]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Curious what you're referring to? The mirrors and lower air intake appear to either be painted black or vinyl wrap, but all of the body work appears stock. The rear bumper has the license plate light on it, which is different than the US models, but it does appear 100% stock in terms of body work.

The car is Euro spec (which has a more powerful engine or something) and the bodywork is all wrapped (matte silver with some black parts)

[STIHLBOLTS]

I like both cars, each have something to offer to the owner. I was glued to the 007 movie when that car first came out. But I fell in love with the Z4 the first time I saw it at the Dealership. This is my 2nd one and I made it mine by doing those things we all like to do. "MODS"

Regards

[mPlasticDesign]

Originally Posted by Nkc

for the hardtop, the z3 M coupe wins for me.

I'm definitely in the "like" camp for the Z3Mcoupe but still think the Z4Mcoupe is one of the 10 most beautiful cars BMW has ever made. I can not say that about the Z3.

I really miss this car!

[7 4 7]

[dextro]

Is that the Z4M at big wave bay last Sunday morning ?

[GammaZeta]

I have owned a Z3M and currently own a Z4M

Both are AMAZING cars with more similarities than differences, but there are differences.

Believe it or not, both feel just as raw. The Z4M is a little softer and more comfortable though. The Z3M gives you more of a small car (Miata) feel. Both feel amazingly connected to the road. For a big guy like me, the Z4M is better because of the extra room. My head used to stick up over the Z3M windshield and I would have to pick bugs out of my hair.

Speed wise, the Z4M is faster. But not so fast that the Z3M is slow in comparison.

You can't go wrong with either car and both are destined to be absolute BMW classics!!!

[24601]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Curious what you're referring to? The mirrors and lower air intake appear to either be painted black or vinyl wrap, but all of the body work appears stock. The rear bumper has the license plate light on it, which is different than the US models, but it does appear 100% stock in terms of body work.

If you look at the side gills...

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by MY13E92M3

If you look at the side gills...

Are you paid to be as cryptic as humanly possible? If I look at the side gills, I see a standard M gill and the normal body gap for a Z3, identical to my old car:


My wheels were powdercoated a different color and I had the port installed fog lights (which were useless) but otherwise, mine was cosmetically stock.

If you're referring to the micro amount of overspray looking material at the back edge of the gill, I've seen worse from the factory and the OP and owner mentioned the car is wrapped. Again, I'll ask what body work you see that's not 100% stock?

[24601]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Are you paid to be as cryptic as humanly possible? If I look at the side gills, I see a standard M gill and the normal body gap for a Z3, identical to my old car:


My wheels were powdercoated a different color and I had the port installed fog lights (which were useless) but otherwise, mine was cosmetically stock.

NO. Look closer at the gill...

[Red Bread]

It's kinda dirty?

If you're referring to it being slightly unaligned with the door, that's par for the course on Z3's from the factory.

[KIM-JONG-UN]

z4 looks nice in black

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by KIM-JONG-UN

z4 looks nice in black

Say hi to Rodman for us.

[KIM-JONG-UN]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Say hi to Rodman for us.

;D

[3002 tii]

I'm a coupe guy, love the Z3/4 but only in coupe/hatch form. The ragtop never did it for me, the back always looked incomplete.

[GammaZeta]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

I see a standard M gill and the normal body gap for a Z3,

I love the huge body gaps on M cars, especially the Z3M and Z4M's. Factory standard!

[BMW_M135i]

Great pics indeed !

[krnnerdboy]

As requested by the op...

[Mroadsters]

Originally Posted by krnnerdboy

As requested by the op...

Thanks krnnerdboy, your car seriously looks wicked! Just sent an email to morr wheels asking for price lol.

Thanks Icy J for posting pics of my cars, lovely pics, and thanks for everyone's comments!

[antennahead]

Originally Posted by SD Z4MR

I never liked the Z3 which is why I bought a new S2000 in 2000, the first year it was made and kept it for almost 13 years. To me the Z3 tried to be so retro that it looked outdated the day it was introduced. I think the S2000 was a far better looking modern take on a classic roadster because instead of wood and dials in the cabin, it had a digital speedometer and an electronic interpretation of an analog tachometer. At the time every car mag that tested the new S2000 against the existing Z3 and the Porsche Boxster ranked the Honda #1, in looks, performance, handling, just about everything, except maybe creature comforts, although it came with Recaro seats. It didn't even have a clock, but the BMW came with heated seats. It had an award-winning engine that had more horsepower per liter (120hp/liter) than any normally aspirated car until Ferrari introduced the 458 Italia. It was as reliable as a Civic or an Accord, but outperformed the BMW and the Porsche roadsters at a significantly lower price. And the redline was 9000 RPM! It wasn't until BMW introduced the M Roadster and Porsche introduced the Boxster S could either one outperform the S2000, although I've personally smoked a Boxster S at a track day.

I hated the Z4 when I first saw it, thought it was another horrible example of the Chris Bangle "flame-sculpted" school of design (although it was actually designed by Anders Warming). However, after buying my wife's 335is Coupe in 2011 and joining the BMW CCA, we started hanging out with all of the other BMW owners in the local chapter and I saw a few Z4 M Roadsters and they kind of started to catch my eye over the last year. I got a chance to drive one last summer and fell in love with another car, so the S2000 had to go. I bought a 2006 Z4 M Roadster last July and it's only the second used car I've ever purchased, the last one in 1969. I have come to really appreciate the design and style of the Z4 and I really think that it was ahead of it's time. It's still eye catching and makes people's heads turn, even though the original design is 10 years old, partially because the bottom started falling out of the roadster market in the mid-2000s, they didn't sell very well, and people just really don't see them that often. They're a tremendous bargain for a true roadster sports car with one of the best engines that BMW has ever made, the S54.

Yep, the Z4 design was so ahead of anything else it's taken a while to be accepted, going from strange in the eyes of many to being a very cool design. What I like so much about it is the side silhouette ...... the way the line from the front fender continues through the door, and at the back of the door dips down then up into the rear panel .............. while the actual sheet metal of the door at the top is straight across, that silhouette harkens back to the roadsters of the 50's and 60's, like the AC ............... a very retro modern look in my opinion, a thing of beauty

John

[Nkc]

Originally Posted by Mroadsters

Thanks krnnerdboy, your car seriously looks wicked! Just sent an email to morr wheels asking for price lol.

Thanks Icy J for posting pics of my cars, lovely pics, and thanks for everyone's comments!

Do you know any other Z3M Roadster owners in HK? I have been looking for one for ages. Let me know if anyone is wanting to sell. Thanks.