Edumacate me on BMW Z3 & Z4

[scottmandue]

M'kay... just curious...

First off Z3 Vs Z4 is it fair to presume the newer Z4 is a better vehicle? (Kinda prefer the styling of the Z3 but the Z4 is growing on me).

Second off what is maintenance like? Expensive or trouble free to keep one of these running?

Thanks in advance.

[DanielDudley]

Z3 was designed for a four cylinder. Z4 is better balanced with a 6, and handles better.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Z4 without a warranty = avoid

The Z3 is a less "bells and whistles" car but is plenty fun. I agree it looks better too. The Z4 back end is hideous. The front ain't much better. They are fun though. The steering in the Z4 felt weird to me though.

[dewolf]

Z3 built on E36 platform so is available in all 6cyl engine options. Z3 2.8 5 speed's are good fun. Nimble and reasonably punchy, but if the budget stretches the Z4 is the way to go.

[MJHanna]

On a Z3 six, around 100k they start having things go out, you will replace the Oxygen sensors, hose to the heater, water pump, belt, and then the secondary air motor/sensor. They have a very soft ride. I would not want to drive a stock on the track. Stay away from the sort of semi paddle shifters, bad idea that did not work very well. Check the top out very well, they are not cheap to replace, the rear windows can be a pain to replace.

[masraum]

You'd be much better off with a Miata.

I don't have any mechanical experience with the Z3 or Z4.

Aesthetically, I like the very early Z3s. They had narrow fenders that looked better to me than the later Z3 that was wider. The only way I liked the look of the wider Z3s was if it was in coupe form whether it be an M-couple or just a regular Z3 coupe, I thought the clownshoe was attractive in a bulldog kind of way. The couple seem to be a love/hate thing, either folks love the way they look or they hate it.

When the Z4 first started showing up in the magazines, I thought "Ugh, that's damn ugly." Once I actually saw one in person, I was surprised. I actually think that they are better looking than the Z3. I've not seen as many Z4 coupes as Z3 coupes. They are good, but there was still something more appealing about the Z3 coupe. I understand that the Z4 is supposed to have a better suspension though.

[RedBaron]

Based on the lack of reliability on newer BMWs, I would stick with a Z3. It also seems like they made the Z4 a little bit more "luxurious", while sacrificing some things you would want in a sports car. For instance it seems like if you look at the Z4 M series, they eliminated a few gauges such as oil pressure, oil temp, etc that could have been had in the Z3 M series. Also, since the Z3 is based on the E36 series, it should be fairly reliable EXCEPT FOR THE COOLING SYSTEM (Change radiator, waterpump at 100K miles.) The only downside to the Z3 is that the rear end is based on the "old" E30 design.

[VincentVega]

Z3's are pretty tight inside. I drove a coupe recently and really liked it, except that I barely fit. It seems a little bigger than a Miata, but not much.

Basic BMW reliability, as mentioned cooling system is key and suspension bushings arent long lived.

[javadog]

I never liked the way either car handled and I absolutely hated the seats, which is unusual for a BMW.

Buy a Boxster instead.

JR

[wdfifteen]

I like my 1998 Z-3 4 cylinder. It's got 66k on it and needed a thermostat last fall, other than that, it hasn't had anything but basic maintenance since I've owned it (20k miles). Since I got it I've practically stopped riding my motorcycle. I feel more out in the elements in it with no helmet than I do on the bike (ALWAYS with a helmet).

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by javadog

I never liked the way either car handled and I absolutely hated the seats, which is unusual for a BMW.

Buy a Boxster instead.

JR

Boxster would be in the same price range... as would a 996... Miata is probably the cheapest way to go but don't think it has enough power to float my boat.

Worried about maintenance cost on a Boxster though.

[lin7310948]

personally i would not want anything but the M coupe among these models. and, most do not care for that styling. i sold my coupe several months ago to my son and he is already considering selling it due to the interior cockpit space...very small with very little seat adjustment and no steering wheel adjustment. my 71 911 seems gigantic inside and much more comfortable. my coupe was a 99 model year. rather heavy for the size and buzzy with the five speed manual. if you are looking to purchase be certain to check for cracked and broken welds in the rear of the car in the rear compartment. to include the differential carrier mounting

[s_wilwerding]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Worried about maintenance cost on a Boxster though.

I doubt a Boxster would be more expensive to maintain than a Z3/Z4.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Miata is probably the cheapest way to go but don't think it has enough power to float my boat.

You could look into the '04 and '05 Mazdaspeed Miata, they came with a turbo. 180hp stock, and about 250 for $1500-$2000. (only 4 colors available)

Worried about maintenance cost on a Boxster though.

Compared to the BMW??? Huh! Based on what I've heard in most instances, the BMWs seem to be in the shop more than Porsches.

[scottmandue]

Well.. the Miata would be an easy sell because the wife thinks they are "cute"

I guess I am confident enough in my manhood to consider one..

I'm off to look at Miata's on autotrader... not that I'm getting one right away... gotta sell the 944 and finish the remodel on the front house first.

[Nathans_Dad]

I won't EVER buy another BMW product.

My CPO used 3 series has been an absolute lemon. In the past 4 months it has been in the shop 3-4 times. Currently it is back in the shop for an intermittent warning light that says the stability control system has failed. Of course the BMW dealer says they can't reproduce the light .

BMWs might be ok to own during the factory warranty but I won't own one after that.

Currently looking at Subaru's and Hondas...

[Chocaholic]

Might want to check out a Mini Cooper S. Test drive one just for the hell of it. I did. Now there's one in my garage. Just a hoot....and cheap. Leased a new one with 6 speed for under 300/mo.

[sca037]

If you a roadster that looks good, is fun to drive, super easy on maintenence and hauls the mail (240HP) when asked then get a S2000.

That's what we did ;^D
Brian

[patssle]

Have they upgraded the interior on the Z4? My friend was going to get one that was a couple years old, but jeeze the interior was WEAK. It looked like a <20k car inside.

He bought a SLK 280 instead. Far far nicer.