Z4M Coupe, 1M, or M3

[Serious]

Originally Posted by shift@red

I dont miss mine, but it was a fun car for a little while. Space and shitty quality eventually begin to be annoying.
I can still drive one any time I am home at my parents place as my mom still has her 06 IB over black M roadster.
Its def has its place within BMW and is one of BMWs better designs. I dont think id ever want to own one again though.

As for trading in...it makes sense if you only want one car.

I'm pretty sure you and I have nearly completely opposite opinions of almost every car LOL. The ones you seem to like I don't and vis-versa.

Originally Posted by enfield

I don't regret getting rid of my Z4M Coupe either. The quality/ fit & finish was terrible. The panels did not line up and the doors were slightly off. It was assembled in the US after all....

The M3 is assembled in Munich and the fit & finish is first rate. The doors are not crooked and the panels actually line up!

hummm I wouldn't say it's the best built car bmw has ever produced by a long shot (not that any of the bmw's past the e36 have been built properly anyways) but my car doesn't seem to exhibit those kids of build quality issues. /shrug

[wrh3]

I don't have any fit and finish issues with mine

I think the only car I would get rid of it for would be a 911.

[U235]

I sold my 08 Z4MC for the E90. I needed something more comfortable, my wife had reached her boiling point. The E90 is notably faster, but steering and handling on the Z4M is better/more precise. The ride quality of the Z4MC is horrible though, it gets quite taxing especially if you're driving someone else around and just trying to drive civil. It makes up for it in performance.

I love the sound of the Z4 too. The E90 is equally as cool, but I think I might prefer the Z4MC better.

I averaged ~30% better mpg on the Z4MC, but the ride and utility of the E90 is way better. We're planning on having kids soon, and although both BMWs were pleasure vehicles, it's nice to have the ability to use it with family.

New to new, comparing 2008s, the M3s hold their value way better. My 2008 Z4MC had 21k miles on it and every option with a $60k sticker. It's currently for sale from the dealer I traded it into for just shy of $34k. Meanwhile a $60k sticker M3 with 20K miles would go for high 30s if not dip into the 40s.

Perhaps in 10-20 years, the Z4MC could become a desirable car, but I don't think it's the best resale BMW. The Z8 was similarly low production and has incredible value retained after a decade. I bought my Z4MC one year old with 10k miles on it for $37K in 2009. Over one year later, I paid $42k for a 2.5 year old 08 (same model year) $60k stickered E90 M3.

It seems 06 e46 M3s might even be slightly higher priced on the market than similar mileage/age 06 Z4MCs.

1M new will cost considerably more than a user Z4MC. I think it'll be pretty raw yet ride pretty compliant. I definitely wanted one, but I decided with kids in plans, I didn't want to spend a lot on a new car. I figured a 1M new would cost me upwards of $50k, so I decided an 08 M3 with 8k miles for $42k seemed reasonable.

Another car I was really contemplating, although in another class, was an 08 550i M-sport with 6MT. Those were going for well under $40k and is an incredible car, although definitely more luxury than sport.

[HBspeed]

Originally Posted by Serious

What new cars do pick up value? Resale on the z4M is stronger than any BMW in the last 9 years and only the s54 equipped z3 M coupe is stronger over a period of 20 years (last e30 m3 was 1991).

Financially if you're going to own any BMW sports car from the last 15 years the M coupe is hands down the smart buy.

I'm going to have to completely disagree with you on this. A quick scan of cars.com reveals most to be in the 25-30k asking range. Base price of 50k means approximate 50% loss of value in 3-5 years. This would be analogous to E46 M3 pricing, which not only had a lower base price but is also much more widely available.

I am assuming you are speaking of coupes only as the roadsters have lost even more value.

If you are talking about purchasing now at 25-30k, thats a different story as you can compare directly to current Z3M coupe prices which appear to range from 15k for S52 engined examples up to 25 for pristine low millage S54 engine ones.

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by Serious

I'm pretty sure you and I have nearly completely opposite opinions of almost every car LOL. The ones you seem to like I don't and vis-versa.



hummm I wouldn't say it's the best built car bmw has ever produced by a long shot (not that any of the bmw's past the e36 have been built properly anyways) but my car doesn't seem to exhibit those kids of build quality issues. /shrug

I tend to agree with most everything you say. And feel the same (opposite) about some others. But I'm me so I win!

[checkmate]

Would suggest you wait to test drive the 1M before you pull the trigger on the M3. The 1M will definitely be more nimble and entertaining in the twisties and give you close to the heightened driver satisfaction in your current M coupe. Be educated is all...

[Serious]

Originally Posted by U235

I sold my 08 Z4MC for the E90. I needed something more comfortable, my wife had reached her boiling point. The E90 is notably faster, but steering and handling on the Z4M is better/more precise. The ride quality of the Z4MC is horrible though, it gets quite taxing especially if you're driving someone else around and just trying to drive civil. It makes up for it in performance.

I love the sound of the Z4 too. The E90 is equally as cool, but I think I might prefer the Z4MC better.

I averaged ~30% better mpg on the Z4MC, but the ride and utility of the E90 is way better. We're planning on having kids soon, and although both BMWs were pleasure vehicles, it's nice to have the ability to use it with family.

New to new, comparing 2008s, the M3s hold their value way better. My 2008 Z4MC had 21k miles on it and every option with a $60k sticker. It's currently for sale from the dealer I traded it into for just shy of $34k. Meanwhile a $60k sticker M3 with 20K miles would go for high 30s if not dip into the 40s.

Perhaps in 10-20 years, the Z4MC could become a desirable car, but I don't think it's the best resale BMW. The Z8 was similarly low production and has incredible value retained after a decade. I bought my Z4MC one year old with 10k miles on it for $37K in 2009. Over one year later, I paid $42k for a 2.5 year old 08 (same model year) $60k stickered E90 M3.

It seems 06 e46 M3s might even be slightly higher priced on the market than similar mileage/age 06 Z4MCs.

1M new will cost considerably more than a user Z4MC. I think it'll be pretty raw yet ride pretty compliant. I definitely wanted one, but I decided with kids in plans, I didn't want to spend a lot on a new car. I figured a 1M new would cost me upwards of $50k, so I decided an 08 M3 with 8k miles for $42k seemed reasonable.

Another car I was really contemplating, although in another class, was an 08 550i M-sport with 6MT. Those were going for well under $40k and is an incredible car, although definitely more luxury than sport.

Originally Posted by HBspeed

I'm going to have to completely disagree with you on this. A quick scan of cars.com reveals most to be in the 25-30k asking range. Base price of 50k means approximate 50% loss of value in 3-5 years. This would be analogous to E46 M3 pricing, which not only had a lower base price but is also much more widely available.

I am assuming you are speaking of coupes only as the roadsters have lost even more value.

If you are talking about purchasing now at 25-30k, thats a different story as you can compare directly to current Z3M coupe prices which appear to range from 15k for S52 engined examples up to 25 for pristine low millage S54 engine ones.

You guys are forgetting that BMW was offering $7500 trunk cash in 07 and people were buying mz4's brand new for $40,000 (some as low as $38,000).

If 07's are still hovering around $30k average, thats only a 25% drop in depreciation over 4 years which is stronger than any M3. Yes if you bought an 06 or 08 for near sticker you got screwed but when most of the cars were sold with a bunch of trunk cash obviously the used value must reflect that.

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by Serious

You guys are forgetting that BMW was offering $7500 trunk cash in 07 and people were buying mz4's brand new for $40,000 (some as low as $38,000).

If 07's are still hovering around $30k average, thats only a 25% drop in depreciation over 4 years which is stronger than any M3. Yes if you bought an 06 or 08 for near sticker you got screwed but when most of the cars were sold with a bunch of trunk cash obviously the used value must reflect that.

Due to very low production numbers, the Z4 M stands a great chance of being the classic BMW to have in 15 years. It's the last of the simple/traditional BMW M cars. And the fact it's a true 2 seat sports car with classic proportions will keep it desirable. I should have kept mine

[White Shark]

Originally Posted by DarkstarZero

I drive a Z4M Coupe for track and back roads and an 02 530i ... trade both of those in for a 1M later this year

Trade Z4M for 1M? Are you kidding?

[HBspeed]

Originally Posted by Serious

You guys are forgetting that BMW was offering $7500 trunk cash in 07 and people were buying mz4's brand new for $40,000 (some as low as $38,000).

If 07's are still hovering around $30k average, thats only a 25% drop in depreciation over 4 years which is stronger than any M3. Yes if you bought an 06 or 08 for near sticker you got screwed but when most of the cars were sold with a bunch of trunk cash obviously the used value must reflect that.

Hard to forget when I got around 12k off sticker on my new '07

I wasn't going to consider that aspect because I believe there were many more who paid full price than got the kind of deal I did. They were much less fortunate when it came to resale value recuperation...

[Auto]

Z4M is hardcore! no question!

[Leonardo629]

I came from an '08 Z4 M coupe, man...the build quality of that car was the #1 reason I got rid of it and got myself a proper "German built" car like my E92 M3.

[MVF4Rrider]

Originally Posted by Leonardo629

I came from an '08 Z4 M coupe, man...the build quality of that car was the #1 reason I got rid of it and got myself a proper "German built" car like my E92 M3.

They're all built by robotics. What issues did your car have? Mine, an 08, was perfect...every seem...no issues with anything.

[U235]

Yeah the build quality of my 08 Z4MC was TOP notch, no issues here.

[gatorfast]

This is the first I have heard of people saying the Z4M's build quality is bad. No issues with mine at all Its solid as a rock.

[PKL]

I owned an M Coupe for about one year. I couldn't stand the lack of visibility out of the sides and rear of the car. The E46 M3 I came from had such better visibility, never knew how much I cherished visibility until I drove the M Coupe.

That couples with the pure sex of the V8... I say go new M3 for sure.

F the 1M

[dmw16]

The Z4M Coupe is such an awesome car. If you are happy with both cars I can't see getting rid of them for a new car.

How close to paid off are both of your current rides? Granted your payments would go down, but you're still out-of-pocket more money at the end of the day. We've recently paid off our cars and I must admit as much as I love buying new cars, not writing any checks for car payments is really nice.

But back more to the subject, I think the M3 would be a great replacement for the Z4M if you needed a back seat. But for now you have a perfectly good family car and no kids actually on the way (I assume). I don't see the sense in prebuying for something like that.

With all that said, if you have the new car itch I don't think you could go wrong with either the M3 or a 1M. However I think given my choice I'd opt for a lightly used M3 over a new 1M.

Finally, congrats on your upcoming wedding.

[8_is_enough]

I got rid of my '08 Z4MC for an '08 E90M. I also had a sedan as its companion ('04 Acura TSX) but decided I just wanted to have one car that can do it all.

Performance wise, the M3 just does everything better. Straight line, curves, braking, you name it. There's an obvious penalty in fuel economy though. I do agree that the Z4M had better steering feel.

The thing I disliked the most about the Z4M was the ride/handling tradeoff. The ride was jarring and harsh with no apparent gain in handling. I'm not being a pansy about it either, having owned cars with very aggressive suspension setups. The M3 with EDC is just remarkable in its ability to deliver a comfortable ride with world class handling.

I didn't have that many build issues with the Z4M, but it was also one of the last off the line. The only thing that bugged me were the rattles from all that plastic behind the rear seats and in the hatch area.

I do miss it from time to time. It has a stunning, polarizing design and had a great raw feel to it.

[happy187]

Beautiful

[quiksi]

3 different cars for 3 different sets of needs... z4mc is a damn cool car though, would love to have one (or a 01-02 z3mc)

[donovan]

1 of them is bigger than 2 of them, 1 has the remaining s54 class six, 1 is new and apparently the baddest thing on the block from bmw since the csl...

hard decision

[Erhan]

I used to have a Z4 MC. Great car. Kinda sad I had to sell it, but wanted something more comfy and wanted have piece of this V8. I'm planning of getting a Z3 or Z4 MC (or maybe E30 M3) for the future, track only use.