z4m roadster vs e92 m3

[z4mroadster]

Over the last month I have considered P/x my beloved z4m roadster for a m3 e92, I have driven 4 in total, two 6 speed manuals and two dct (dual clutch control paddle shift).
The reason I have been looking is because I have had my z4m for over 3 years now and fancied something a bit different, something that on paper was superior in the performance department. I adore "M" cars and so figured that the m3 e92 would be the correct way to go.
So comparing the m3 e92 manual to the m3 e92 DCT the DCT defiantly seems faster, obviously the automatic paddle shift gets rid of the slower gear changes by a person so when you plant your foot on the accelerator and just pull on the paddles you are pulled back into your seat and the car is launched down the rd. The driving experience in my opinion is not completely changed because you are still in control of which gear you decide to be in. So if I did decide to get an m3 it will be the DCT version....now in comparison to my z4mroadster I was expecting a significant increase in power, obviously I am aware that the m3 is heavier but still I was expecting a huge difference, the v8 engine is amazing, I felt like spunking in my boxers when it started up. However this is as far as the "extra" excitement went as the m3 with the manual transmission doesn't feel much faster than my z4m roadster if at all. The DCT version does feel as though you have made some decent gains in performance but with a decent driver the z4m roadster could easily keep up. Obviously the m3 comes with more luxuries such as the EDC (electronic dampers) and also the option to alter the power setting and gear ratio's which in my mind just required a single button......(sport) but as far as performance is concerned the z4m roadster is definitely still in the m3's league especially with a decent driver sat behind the wheel. Driving back home down the m1 in my z4m I had a smile on my face thinking that the little beast I was sitting in still sounded awesome and the way it attacked the tarmac when I planted my foot was capable of taking on the mighty v8 in the m3. So I've decided to keep it and enjoy having my top down on a warm summers evening whilst the s54 plays its unique tune.

[jamie_z4]

have to agree after driving a mates M3 monte carlo DCT, they just dont feel much faster than the Z4m, suppose thats the limits of Naturally aspirated engines for you though.

[JAD]

Very interesting. When I have to go down to one car, I wondered if an E90 M3 (prefer the saloon to the coupe!) might be the one for me...

[VRSteve]

the option to alter the power setting and gear ratio's which in my mind just required a single button

You can't alter the gear ratios!!!!

You can alter the behaviour of the gearbox, but not the ratios!!!

[tomscott]

Difference is your comparing a sportscar (Z4M) to a fast family car (M3). The M3 is a compromise the Z4M isn't really it does what it says on the tin its small had 2 seats and lack of practicality.

As fantastic as the M3s are the E92 is far from the best IMO its too big and too heavy and feels like driving a boat compared to Z4M or E46 M3. You can tell it was designed for the American market. On a hoon its good fun leaving it high in the rev range, but with little grunt lower in the rev range means dallying it is a bore and you will probably get burned up by little hatches if your not on it all the time. The S54 has 80% available from 2000rpm so feels a bit nippier.

The official figures are 0-60 in 4.8 but the M3 in manual unless the tyres are warm the conditions are correct will never do that the DCT with launch is a different story and more predictable. The Z4m is meant to be 5 dead but many have consistently got it quicker than that more like 4.8 so very similar.

Another issue with the M3 is it struggles to get the power on the road, the one we had went through tyres like no tomorrow and drank fuel like it was going out of fashion and the drive was... ok not spectacular.

Also being the odd ball I think the 4 door looks miles better than the coupe in the E9x. The rear end of the 4 door just looks amazing and you actually get more practicality with very little extra compromise and looks more of a sleeper.

In terms of the Manual vs DCT. The manual is great but to get the most out of that engine the DCT is the way to go. We had the manual and it was really fun to drive.

The best bit the noise, the V8 is amazing and its such a shame the E9X M3 was the only car that got it! Its basically a similar size and weight to the S54 its an engineering marvel. But you have to be careful they tend to have more half shaft bearing issues than the S54.

EDC is also not standard its an option and completely necessary IMO.

[Fishy Dave]

Very interesting. When I have to go down to one car, I wondered if an E90 M3 (prefer the saloon to the coupe!) might be the one for me...

I too slightly prefer the saloon, just a shame it didn't come with the carbon roof. One of our racers has an E92 road car with titanium exhaust which sounds glorious on WOT. Oh and we also have a few GT4 racing in CSCC New Millennium.

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Nice write up OP.

[Babw]

Whenever I drove an E92 M3 it was basically just a great engine with a very forgettable chassis. Z4M isn't the most dynamically resolved chassis but at least it's memorable for it's quirks. The E92 was just boring I thought unless you're listening to the engine at 8k.

My sister did 60k miles in just under 2 years in one, the fuel bills were horrendous.

Saying that at their current price getting one as a daily driver is kind of tempting!

[goon]

Did the same thing few years back, wanted a m3 then drove one, nice and smooth, better ride, more room etc but lacked any excitement factor and just looks like a 3 series. Not special enough. Kept the z4.

[jamie_z4]

I have an e92 as a daily. It'd only a 6 pot 325i but as above it's a totally forgettable drive albeit relatively relaxing, efficient and looks good on the drive for the cash. That's about it though.

[Beedub]

spend a couple grand o your z4m suspension and reveal and incredible capable chassis and platform... its all their just need exposing, you will not believe how good these an be with some simple ( yet expensive) bolt on parts.

[goon]

spend a couple grand o your z4m suspension and reveal and incredible capable chassis and platform... its all their just need exposing, you will not believe how good these an be with some simple ( yet expensive) bolt on parts.

Will these simple yet expensive bolt on parts reduce the already awful ride quality?

[buzyg]

spend a couple grand o your z4m suspension and reveal and incredible capable chassis and platform... its all their just need exposing, you will not believe how good these an be with some simple ( yet expensive) bolt on parts.

Will these simple yet expensive bolt on parts reduce the already awful ride quality?

The ride is just fine in the Z4M roadster IMHO. It's just a little skittish, pushing on, on a British B road, which some don't enjoy. I understand the Coupe to be harsher and even more skittish, in standard trim, but I've only ever been a passenger in ///M coupes, so I'm no expert on the difference.

[z4mroadster]

I did consider a supercharger but they are a bit expensive to say the least. Ive got some apex arc-8 wheels on the car already which are nice. Maybe upgrading the suspension is the way forward.Any suggestions? The cash is burning a hole in my pocket

[z4mroadster]

the option to alter the power setting and gear ratio's which in my mind just required a single button

You can't alter the gear ratios!!!!

You can alter the behaviour of the gearbox, but not the ratios!!!

Lol...calm down otherwise you'll have a seizure,i was just pointing out the extras the m3 has which in my opinion are redundant.

[z4mroadster]

Difference is your comparing a sportscar (Z4M) to a fast family car (M3). The M3 is a compromise the Z4M isn't really it does what it says on the tin its small had 2 seats and lack of practicality.

As fantastic as the M3s are the E92 is far from the best IMO its too big and too heavy and feels like driving a boat compared to Z4M or E46 M3. You can tell it was designed for the American market. On a hoon its good fun leaving it high in the rev range, but with little grunt lower in the rev range means dallying it is a bore and you will probably get burned up by little hatches if your not on it all the time. The S54 has 80% available from 2000rpm so feels a bit nippier.

The official figures are 0-60 in 4.8 but the M3 in manual unless the tyres are warm the conditions are correct will never do that the DCT with launch is a different story and more predictable. The Z4m is meant to be 5 dead but many have consistently got it quicker than that more like 4.8 so very similar.

Another issue with the M3 is it struggles to get the power on the road, the one we had went through tyres like no tomorrow and drank fuel like it was going out of fashion and the drive was... ok not spectacular.

Also being the odd ball I think the 4 door looks miles better than the coupe in the E9x. The rear end of the 4 door just looks amazing and you actually get more practicality with very little extra compromise and looks more of a sleeper.

In terms of the Manual vs DCT. The manual is great but to get the most out of that engine the DCT is the way to go. We had the manual and it was really fun to drive.

The best bit the noise, the V8 is amazing and its such a shame the E9X M3 was the only car that got it! Its basically a similar size and weight to the S54 its an engineering marvel. But you have to be careful they tend to have more half shaft bearing issues than the S54.

EDC is also not standard its an option and completely necessary IMO.

You're right, the m3 did struggle to put the power down, in the lower gears the back end was twitching and all these lights came on etc lol Didnt fancy turning the dsc off. I am still considering the m3 with dct but maybe for the wrong reasons. You cant beat that giddy feeling when you buy yourself a new car. Or maybe just modify the z4m tastfully.