Z4 3.0i vs z4m...

[z4all]

I love my z4 3.0i. I've had a few e46 m3s which got boring for me so I swapped em for the z and couldn't b arsed when the s54 headache.

Now starting to feel like I want a z4m. Just wondering if it's worth the extra money and headache?

I have a roadster btw and will only buy a roadster.

[MACK]

Alot will depend on how you drive, pottering around under 4k, then its not worth it. Screaming to the rev limiter and doing track days etc then yes.

[ba3bas]

How about the middle ground? Supercharged 3.0si I have for sale

[Tusk]

My view when I was looking at Z's was the 3.0i and especially the 3.0Si is something like 90% of the car for 50-70% of the cost up front and 50% ongoing running costs (figures guesstimated for example)

For me, this time, the M was worth it. I wanted the engine, seats, 4 exhausts, hydraulic steering, bumpers etc. Individually those things aren't particularly grand (bar the engine) but all together they made the 10% worth he money.

No doubt the running costs are much higher for servicing an M.

I also think the M should depreciate fairly slowly so am hopeful to get a decent chunk of capital back when I sell. Not sure how the 3.0 cars will hold out.

Conversely you don't sound like you enjoyed the S54 or your M3 so maybe a waste of money upgrading to get the bug bears again? The Z4M is less resolved than an E46 M3.

[Yorkie Z]

I've been down the same road as you. Had an M3, sold it. Bought a 3.0 Z4, had that for two completely trouble free years including track days. Now have a Z4M and absolutely love it. Have to admit at the back of my mind i worry about problems with the S54 engine

Basically if you can afford all the stupid crap that goes with the M, £500 road tax for starters. Then I'd say go for it, just keep your fingers crossed it doesn't go pop.

Enjoy

I think the best all round option is the 3.0si and fit a an LSD. Fitted a LSD to my 3.0 within a month of owning it. Completely transformed the car for the better.

[MACK]

How about the middle ground? Supercharged 3.0si I have for sale

He might have been tempted if it didn't have the wrong roof!

[AlfaScozzesi]

You should read paulgs1000 thread about this as he has just done the deed and still has both cars I think. The thread is open and gives both sides of the argument.

For me the M was the only way

[srhutch]

Risks of the S54 are pot luck going by some on here. Mine's a weekend car doing 2-4k pa. I can leave it in the garage if something goes wrong and fix when I have the cash.

I SORN over winter which makes the VED much more acceptable to me. Insurance was cheaper by 20% than my 2.5si.

Depreciation is virtually non existent. I am sure privately I could get what I paid for mine give or take a few hundred quid, whereas my 2.5si would have dropped 4-5k.

At the end of the day only you can decide. I don't worry too much about the engine these days, but if I heard something that dind't sound right I would be getting it checked out straight away to minimise risk/damage and bills.

[Tusk]

Out of interest what S54 issues are people thinking about here?

My understanding was certai risks were present (cams, head gasket, etc) but chances were very slim. Want to make sure I'm not missing anything!!

[ba3bas]

Same issues you would get with any engine.

I've known of some bullit proof s54 and some that have had heads redone, and other issues all with a mix of low and high miles.
In fact the s54 doesn't like being sat around so don't be afraid by high miles either

I wouldn't be so concerned mate.

[Smartbear]

Same issues you would get with any engine.

I've known of some bullit proof s54 and some that have had heads redone, and other issues all with a mix of low and high miles.
In fact the s54 doesn't like being sat around so don't be afraid by high miles either

I wouldn't be so concerned mate.

There seems to be a fair few M owners who have been unfortunate to have bearing shell problems with the S54 engine, that's pretty major-threads on here about it
Rob

[David-H]

I have a 3-0i roadster but it has been modified a little to give about 280 BHP, has a Drexler LSD, 330 brakes, MFSW etc and I did have a ///MC until recently. The M was faster and more "raw" but I did still enjoyed my 3.0i. I have since got rid of the ///MC and bought a new E89 sDrive 35i and I must say that I am very happy with having made that decision but will definitely be keeping the E85! The modified E85 is great fun to drive and with the LSD (ratio 4.08:1) has very fast acceleration and is definitely better handling than the 35i, but the E89 is a much better GT, is also quite fast but has all the modern refinements with regard to media, navigation, double clutch transmission, paddle sifting (that I love!), adaptive lighting etc, etc. I guess you have to prioritise your desirers / requirements and choose accordingly!
[I'll be keeping both of mine as they both offer a lot, albeit in different circumstances.]

[breezer]

There seems to be a fair few M owners who have been unfortunate to have bearing shell problems with the S54 engine, that's pretty major-threads on here about it
Rob

I was under the impression it was predominantly early S54s?

[85genius]

Just my opinion but I was very tempted by an //M but having a few mates with M3s know what they spend on servicing was put off, really considered an Alpina but after driving an Si it was easily fast enough (too fast for most road driving really) so in the end couldn't justify the price difference to one of the more powerful Zeds. It also helped sway my decision that I could buy a nice si for cash whereas I'd have needed a loan/finance added if I went //M or Alpina.... Just wasn't worth the extra outlay to me in the end

[Smartbear]

I have a 3-0i roadster but it has been modified a little to give about 280 BHP, has a Drexler LSD, 330 brakes, MFSW etc and I did have a ///MC until recently. The M was faster and more "raw" but I did still enjoyed my 3.0i. I have since got rid of the ///MC and bought a new E89 sDrive 35i and I must say that I am very happy with having made that decision but will definitely be keeping the E85! The modified E85 is great fun to drive and with the LSD (ratio 4.08:1) has very fast acceleration and is definitely better handling than the 35i, but the E89 is a much better GT, is also quite fast but has all the modern refinements with regard to media, navigation, double clutch transmission, paddle sifting (that I love!), adaptive lighting etc, etc. I guess you have to prioritise your desirers / requirements and choose accordingly!
[I'll be keeping both of mine as they both offer a lot, albeit in different circumstances.]

Wow, how did you get another 50bhp from your 3litre!
Rob