[pj.rodriguez]

((EDIT: Let's throw in the E9X M3 for some fun. I'm in the air between the Z4M and M3 now. The 128i will come back later.))

I know the quick answer would be the Z4M, but I was just wondering if you had the choice and background knowledge about the both of them, which would you choose?

The N52 is a great and reliable engine that I've currently had no issues with except for the common VCG. Other than that, nothing has really come my way in terms of issues.

The S54 seems like something that may be a little too difficult to take care of on your own considering it needs valve adjustments often (in my opinion).

The S65 seems pretty good other than the odd rod bearings. I've been reading a lot, and if you replace the rod bearings, then they seem to be just fine. Read that it could also be an assembly issue as the clearances tend to decrease if the engine is put together too quickly and overtorqued.

Other than the motors, what have others experienced about both the 128i and the Z4M and M3. If you have a Z4M, what do you love and hate about it? If you had both, then please chime in ... Kgolf31 (One of the few that I know have both).

[Sephiroth]

You should drive the m coupe or convertible and you will immediately know the difference. The M is raw and relatively harsh in its suspension. The steering is heavier. Clutch is stiff. It's a pure sports car. The S54 is incredible in these cars and while it does require maintenance above a normal Bmw it is manageable.

[Billup]

The only perk I somewhat need with the 128i is the limited amount of cargo space in the trunk and rear seats. If I had a second car, I would way rather have a Z4M over the 128, but it just wasn't practical.

If you haven't driven one, go do it. I loved every second of it.

[preppy]

Had an 06 z4m coupe and currently have an e92 m3. z4m was batshit fun to drive, but incredibly impractical for my needs (got married, needed to carry more than a book bag). e92 m3 works really well as a daily and as a weekender.

Hoonage level = high for both.

Ask me some more specific questions re: either vehicle and I'll see how I can help.

[pj.rodriguez]

Originally Posted by preppy

Had an 06 z4m coupe and currently have an e92 m3. z4m was batshit fun to drive, but incredibly impractical for my needs (got married, needed to carry more than a book bag). e92 m3 works really well as a daily and as a weekender.

Hoonage level = high for both.

Ask me some more specific questions re: either vehicle and I'll see how I can help.

I'll be sure to keep you in mind for questions! For now, what year M3 are you currently riding in, and is it your daily with how many miles or Km?

[NickyC]

I've owned a lot of fun stuff, but the Z4M is my favorite of all. I'm on my second one now and plan on driving it until the wheels fall off. It's not really great at anything, but it just does everything so damned well. I love the thing.

Between an M3 and a Z4M, there's no comparison in the fun department for me. Hell, if I was going to get another M3, it would be an E36 version as that was the last FUN one!

[SunnyD]

Had a Z4MC and loved the size of it, but it wouldn't make a practical daily driver (poor visibility, lack of storage space ). It was also weird to be basically sitting over the rear axle and having 2/3 of the car in front of you. Made for pulling into parking spaces a bit of an event.

Still though, out of all the cars I've owned, I wish I still had the Z4MC.

[PLCZ4MC]

S54 M Coupe. #1

[yousefnjr]

Daily drive my M roady, top down at 5:30am... Best part of my day

I don't know if you can get away with that in Canada though. Still, get the Z! Plenty fast for a road car and it's easy to work on... Dat mile long hood!

[preppy]

Originally Posted by pj.rodriguez

I'll be sure to keep you in mind for questions! For now, what year M3 are you currently riding in, and is it your daily with how many miles or Km?

It's a 2011.5. It is definitely a daily (commute is 6 miles roundtrip) and we've got about 19,000ish miles.



It's super fun in the snow with the Blizzaks.

[Petros]

The Z4 M of course. While it is a bit slower than the M3, it is the only sports car in that group, so it is the most raw and driver focused of the bunch. It also happens to be one of the rarest modern Bimmers out there. On the other hand the 128i and E9x M3 are pretty much a dime a dozen and it seems almost everyone has one of them.

[Labeef]

The z4m is ugly, but once you drive it, you will fall in love with it.

[fatmatt0116]

The M coupe is a cool car and fun to drive no doubt...but the transmission sucked and could ruin the experience when you wantedto enjoy it the most. There is a problem with the synchros during the 1->2 shift, particularly when you want to drive it fast, causing a loud grinding sound when you can't shift into 2nd gear. Really annoying. I had the entire transmission replaced by the dealership in my m coupe and even that didn't fix the problem. Anyone who owns an m coupe knows what I'm talking about.

I'd look at a 135i coupe with jb4 and suspension.

[pj.rodriguez]

Originally Posted by fatmatt0116

The M coupe is a cool car and fun to drive no doubt...but the transmission sucked and could ruin the experience when you wantedto enjoy it the most. There is a problem with the synchros during the 1->2 shift, particularly when you want to drive it fast, causing a loud grinding sound when you can't shift into 2nd gear. Really annoying. I had the entire transmission replaced by the dealership in my m coupe and even that didn't fix the problem. Anyone who owns an m coupe knows what I'm talking about.

I'd look at a 135i coupe with jb4 and suspension.

I'm not interested in the 135. I'm not necessarily basing my decision solely on power, more so reliability and long term longevity. Obviously the fun factor also. Naturally aspirated engines are what my taste buds tingle for.

[Taylorguy74]

Drive a new CLA AMG.

[pj.rodriguez]

Originally Posted by Taylorguy74

Drive a new CLA AMG.

Isn't that fwd and turbo?

[pokerface]

CLA45 would be a front biased AWD

[IEDEI]

i'd say go for the Z4M. It is a pretty special car, IMO......more raw, smaller and enjoyable.

i'd say the 128 in 2nd place....its simplicity and aesthetics are very 'classic' BMW, imo. Love the 1-series in general.

not a big fan of the E9X M3....too heavy....nice handling....not crazy about the torqueless V8. nice car, but not my cup of tea.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by pj.rodriguez

((EDIT: Let's throw in the E9X M3 for some fun. I'm in the air between the Z4M and M3 now. The 128i will come back later.))

I know the quick answer would be the Z4M, but I was just wondering if you had the choice and background knowledge about the both of them, which would you choose?

The N52 is a great and reliable engine that I've currently had no issues with except for the common VCG. Other than that, nothing has really come my way in terms of issues.

The S54 seems like something that may be a little too difficult to take care of on your own considering it needs valve adjustments often (in my opinion).

The S65 seems pretty good other than the odd rod bearings. I've been reading a lot, and if you replace the rod bearings, then they seem to be just fine. Read that it could also be an assembly issue as the clearances tend to decrease if the engine is put together too quickly and overtorqued.

Other than the motors, what have others experienced about both the 128i and the Z4M and M3. If you have a Z4M, what do you love and hate about it? If you had both, then please chime in ... Kgolf31 (One of the few that I know have both).

Obviously 128i would be the best value no question. Throw in 3im, headers, tune, lsd and you have a reliable, affordable, practical light weight rear wheel drive BMW. Upgrade brakes and suspension and you have a nice affordable track set-up as well.

z4m is a great raw car but I would always get Cayman instead.

M3 is a much bigger car than the other two but I don't see a value in owning one. I would, again, get a used Cayman or even 911, and maybe even the new Mustang GT over M3 due to operating costs and warranty.

[Kgolf31]

Between the two, ideally if you're looking for a 2nd car for fun i'd be the Z4M hands down. I've also driven a E90 (and E92) M3 for quite a bit so just my opinions here.

Personally, the Z4M is a bit more "raw" so to speak. The DSC is either on (which replicates the E46M "Track Mode" or MDM mode as it is now) or completely off with 1 single press of the button. No need to do the stupid hold down DSC button crap.

Certainly more noise in the Z4M from the open cabin to the trunk. When you're driving in the rain you'll hear the water washing around the rear wheel wells, nothing obtrusive though...but when you think of comfort and noise this isn't a 7 Series where everything is quiet.

I've had no issues with my S54. I have had the car for about 4 years now. With regular oil analysis (and I haven't let the oil tick over 5,000 miles in the car), I've seen no symptoms of rod bearing wear. The car has been autocrossed and track for 2 years as well just FYI.

The car does require valve adjustments, but keep in mind this is ever 30,000 miles. I bought the car with 22,000 and I'm now around 38,000.

People seem to complain about the rear trunk, but I've fit 2 golf bags in there and had no issues doing so, so I don't know what they're talking about lol.

People seem to nit-pick the 1-2 grind but it's overhyped. It is caused by the soft tranny mounts. Under extreme load (aka 8k RPM) the tranny torques from the load and will grind if you do an immediate shift. If you wait a heartbeat (literally a heartbeat) there are no issues.

The motor mounts like to back out as well, regular time to just look at it you're okay.

The car is jumpy in traffic, the clutch is heavy and the motor doesn't like sitting at low RPM...it will start to jump. The car really likes to be rev'ed

The dualmass flywheel clunks at parking lot speeds and it'll sound like it is going to fall out of the car, it's normal, but you typically never hear the sounds you hear in normal cars.



People say the suspension is rough but personally I love it (it's actually softer than my 128i, so that may tell ya something). I stopped modding the Z4M though because I love the way it is. I'd hate to do something to that car, when it's such a rare car in the form it was sold. I have an exhaust, front bar, and have now since removed my track wheels and sold them off.

However, I'm never going to sell this car, even if I drive it 1 time a week. It's a blast. It pulls like no other car I've driven, even with one that has more HP.

Feel free to ask anything else and I'll try my best

Over my ownership I've had a cup holder break. That's it....so the phantom stories about these cars aren't always true.


As far as the 128i, It'll walk circles around the Z4M in a turn in current trim. With the same suspension setup (and easily running 265s if not 275s on 4 corners) the Z4M will be an absolute beast

[F1Venom]

All are my favorite cars BMW has made. The 128i is a very fun car, and the engine is a beauty.
The M3 is obviously the best performer but the Z4M is more rare. Drive all and make your decision

[Kgolf31]

Tracked down an old video. You can see that the 1-2 shift is still very fast and I don't have any issues with grinding.