Z4 to an M3

[vic85]

Hello dear BMW enthusiasts,

I returned my 2009 Alpine white with red interior Z4 3.5i for a buy back from BMW last Friday. The car had multiple problems with the fuel pumps and the injectors so I got fed up. I did love the car it was a fully loaded with 6MT. I am a little sad that it’s gone but now it’s time to get into another car.
I looked at everything out there and seems like I want to stay with BMW the current car that I want to get into is 2011 BMW E93 M3, the car is fully loaded again with every option but the 19 inch wheels. I was in love with my 6MT but the car has a DCT and I'm not so familiar with it. What are your thoughts of switching from a Z4 3.5i 6MT to E93 M3 DCT? This will be my first M car and my first DCT car. I wasn't ready to give up having a convertible that is why I'm going with E93 even with knowing the best M3 would be the E92. The M3 has the premium audio and I heard its better then the premium audio I had in the Z4. The M is Silverstone Metallic with Bamboo Beige Novillo Leather and Sycamore Anthracite Wood trim.
Please share your thoughts my fellow BMW experts, thanks

[gblansten]

Rolf-Dieter in 3...2...1

[Rekrul]

I've driven manual my entire life. I love DCT... its really convenient at times.

[Crazy Bimmer]

I went from a E90 M3 DCT to a Z4 35is (long story)

The M3 is one amazing machine. Words cant not even describe the sensation you get behind the wheel. You will never really experience how great of a car it really is from just a test drive either.

Z4 just wins in fuel economy and styling, everything else the M3 is king. IMO

Let alone its one of the most reliable cars that BMW builds. I say do it!

[Drjoeb]

Similar situation as you. However, my 2011 Z4 had DCT, my 2011 M3 has a 6MT. Although not an E93, it's an E90 (I also own a 128i convertible) so a E90 was OK. Z4 to M3, loved the switch as for DCT to 6MT it continues to be a love hate thing. At times, I love the manual (when I'm out just enjoying the car), other times (in traffic just being a regular Joe PITA). The DCT on the Z4 as a marvel of engineering, wouldn't mind one bit having that on an M3. The Z4 had 19" wheels while the M3 18" wheels. Loved the look of the 19" on the Z4, but in reality, they drove like shit. Love the ride of the 18" on the M, even in M mode the ar is very well behaved while blasting through turns at panty loosing speeds. So while the 19" do look great, I prefer the 18". However, the 19" on the Z4 where run flats, if 19" non run flats ride as nice as my 18" then I'd like the 19" for their looks. E90 is a great family car, we call it the family roller coaster. No regrets there, but I miss the convertible. So after 2 months of M3 ownership, here's what I'm going to do in 24 months - who knows maybe sooner.

1. Order a new E93 or what ever it's called w/ DCT with all the crap. Like you like convertibles. I don't mind if the E93 is a tad slower or heavier then an E92. Going with black interior. My M3 has the Bamboo leather, while really nice, PITA to keep clean. Look at it wrong and it will stain.

2. Getting rid of the 128i (sweet little car BTW) and replace it with a 535i. Like the 535i more so then a 550. Should have never given up my 525i was a great car.

3. Buy a beat up used F350, so people can bang into that when ever they want.

[Drjoeb]

Oh i might add, as for the premium sounds, well I'm at a toss up there, to be honest, I don't thing it's worth the ext a money. At times I'd swear the stereo in the 128i sounds just as good and it's not premium. I think I would throw the money into an exhaust or the fuel tank instead, although I do like the look of the speakers

[FASTTOYS]

Originally Posted by vic85

Hello dear BMW enthusiasts,

I returned my 2009 Alpine white with red interior Z4 3.5i for a buy back from BMW last Friday. The car had multiple problems with the fuel pumps and the injectors so I got fed up. I did love the car it was a fully loaded with 6MT. I am a little sad that it’s gone but now it’s time to get into another car.
I looked at everything out there and seems like I want to stay with BMW the current car that I want to get into is 2011 BMW E93 M3, the car is fully loaded again with every option but the 19 inch wheels. I was in love with my 6MT but the car has a DCT and I'm not so familiar with it. What are your thoughts of switching from a Z4 3.5i 6MT to E93 M3 DCT? This will be my first M car and my first DCT car. I wasn't ready to give up having a convertible that is why I'm going with E93 even with knowing the best M3 would be the E92. The M3 has the premium audio and I heard its better then the premium audio I had in the Z4. The M is Silverstone Metallic with Bamboo Beige Novillo Leather and Sycamore Anthracite Wood trim.
Please share your thoughts my fellow BMW experts, thanks

I like the new gen Z4 not enough power. I have a Z4 M Coupe 6 speed the Prem THX audio sucked. If you get the conv M3 get Prem Audio since you will have the top down. I have a 2011 E90 M3 DCT I love it much better than my E60 M5 DSG. The M3 is a better sports car than the 09 Z4. The size and weight will be noticed when you switch to the M3, not a bad thing just different. Enjoy you cant beat the M V8 the engine has great sound.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by Drjoeb

Similar situation as you. However, my 2011 Z4 had DCT, my 2011 M3 has a 6MT. Although not an E93, it's an E90 (I also own a 128i convertible) so a E90 was OK. Z4 to M3, loved the switch as for DCT to 6MT it continues to be a love hate thing. At times, I love the manual (when I'm out just enjoying the car), other times (in traffic just being a regular Joe PITA). The DCT on the Z4 as a marvel of engineering, wouldn't mind one bit having that on an M3. The Z4 had 19" wheels while the M3 18" wheels. Loved the look of the 19" on the Z4, but in reality, they drove like shit. Love the ride of the 18" on the M, even in M mode the ar is very well behaved while blasting through turns at panty loosing speeds. So while the 19" do look great, I prefer the 18". However, the 19" on the Z4 where run flats, if 19" non run flats ride as nice as my 18" then I'd like the 19" for their looks. E90 is a great family car, we call it the family roller coaster. No regrets there, but I miss the convertible. So after 2 months of M3 ownership, here's what I'm going to do in 24 months - who knows maybe sooner.

1. Order a new E93 or what ever it's called w/ DCT with all the crap. Like you like convertibles. I don't mind if the E93 is a tad slower or heavier then an E92. Going with black interior. My M3 has the Bamboo leather, while really nice, PITA to keep clean. Look at it wrong and it will stain.

2. Getting rid of the 128i (sweet little car BTW) and replace it with a 535i. Like the 535i more so then a 550. Should have never given up my 525i was a great car.

3. Buy a beat up used F350, so people can bang into that when ever they want.

If you're seriously considering Option #1 and assuming you mean an E93 M3, you'll have to act a lot sooner than in the next 24 months. I don't think M3 production will last that long....

[Drjoeb]

Originally Posted by jphughan

If you're seriously considering Option #1 and assuming you mean an E93 M3, you'll have to act a lot sooner than in the next 24 months. I don't think M3 production will last that long....

After 4 new things to drive in 12 months, my wife would run me over with each of them starting with the M3. To keep the peace, I'll have to wait a little bit. I'm hoping that in 24 months an E93 M3 will be available to order. If not, well - that would suck. I'm hoping BMW is wise enough to keep the E93 M3 going.

[persian54]

I have a Z4 35i DCT and an e93 M3 DCT

They're both great cars for different purposes

For driving around town, I almost always take the Z4 out if I can

I track my M3 a couple of times a month, and that's where it shines.
The Z4, although a great DD car, sucks at the track. I tracked my 09 Z4 35i DCT twice...it was fun...but.... it is nothing compared to the M3

But if had to pick which one I would keep....and I would not be tracking...I'd still take the M3

[persian54]

Originally Posted by Drjoeb

Oh i might add, as for the premium sounds, well I'm at a toss up there, to be honest, I don't thing it's worth the ext a money. At times I'd swear the stereo in the 128i sounds just as good and it's not premium. I think I would throw the money into an exhaust or the fuel tank instead, although I do like the look of the speakers

I disagree

Every time I drive the Z4 I can tell the difference in sound.... (Z4 no prem, M3 has prem)

[Drjoeb]

Originally Posted by persian54

I disagree

Every time I drive the Z4 I can tell the difference in sound.... (Z4 no prem, M3 has prem)

Interesting, my Z4 also had the regular sound system, was ok did the job. The M3 has the perm; granted it does look nice and all. Yes it has more bass for sure and it's as loud as my first girlfriend; but I find the quality of the sound not very good. I've tried flat frequency, some eq, even the surround option with no real happy medium. Maybe in should have it checked out.

[vic85]

Well the E93 M3 I'm getting is a Demo so it has all the options but the 19s the MSRP is a lil over 82K so I'm stuck with the color combo. Whats making me really want to get this car is the lease deal I'm getting, 2500 out of pocket 650 a month including tax

[Drjoeb]

Originally Posted by vic85

Well the E93 M3 I'm getting is a Demo so it has all the options but the 19s the MSRP is a lil over 82K so I'm stuck with the color combo. Whats making me really want to get this car is the lease deal I'm getting, 2500 out of pocket 650 a month including tax

Take it, sweet deal. Who cares what color at that cost.

[Crazy Bimmer]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

+1! When are you starting to mod that baby? Time to put that Eisenmann exhaust on there.

My Eisenmann exhaust is getting built as we speak er, type.

[Drjoeb]

Originally Posted by Crazy Bimmer

Z4 just wins in fuel economy and styling, everything else the M3 is king. IMO

Yes the Z4 is a real looker and the fuel economy was excellent.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by vic85

Please share your thoughts my fellow BMW experts, thanks

You be just fine ... you are not the first one to slip into a M3 from a Z4

Happy motoring ... a 6MT would be fine then you will love it in heavy traffic, I prefer my 6MT in or out of traffic

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by gblansten

Rolf-Dieter in 3...2...1

what are you trying to say my friend ?

[gblansten]

Originally Posted by Rolf-Dieter

what are you trying to say my friend ?

Since you came from a Z4 to a M3 recently your name was the first to come to mind.

[thepinkponce]

I went from a 3.0l Z4 Coupe 6MT to an E92 M-DCT and I absolutely love it. I had always driven manual cars before this, but I'm glad I've got DCT.

[ss134]

^^^^^^^^^^^ Agree - i have driven nothing but MT prior to my M3 and i must say DCT is pure witchcraft - its a fantastic transmission.

OP - Do it, you will love the car and DCT.

[itf joegun]

I also switched from an Alpina Roadster S (Z4, B3S-Engine, 300 HP) to a M3 (E92). Both cars are great, but as DD I also prefer the M3, no question. Also on track, the M3 makes lot more fun then the Z4.

But, somtimes if I cruise around after work, I miss the vert-feeling so much...