For those that have owned both...

[ge45ton]

hello All

A question for those that have owned a Z3 and an E85 Z4, which do you prefer?
After about four and a half years of Z3 ownership and enjoying every minute, even through the winter, I was considering changing to an early Z4. I've had a look at a few and after initially being a bit unsure of the styling I've now decided I quite fancy a change.
Not wishing to start a discussion about which is the better car but rather which you prefer and why, cost of ownership, reliability etc. I like to do what I can in regard to maintenance and smaller jobs and although the E85 looks as though most things are accessible they are a lot more electronic, I'm not a great 'gadget ' person and like to keep things simple.

Many thanks
Keith

 

[GazHyde]

I totally understand where you are coming from Keith.

First off, think of them as two completely different cars. The Z4 is not the Z3.5, it's a complete ground up redesign and all the better for it. It's more refined, more capable, handles better and generally (in most areas) better put together. It's a more practical daily driver with more room in the cabin.

You will find though that there are drawbacks like harsh ride caused by the run flats. You may find any you look at already may have had them changed anyway.

From a running point of view they aren't really that much more to run than a Z3. My 3.0si is returning at least 3-4mpg better than my 2.2 Z3 ever did. I'm at around 30-34mpg depending on how heavy footed I am. Pretty sure I'd be in the low 40's on a long run. I don't think parts are much more expensive either, and most servicing jobs are within the driveway diy-ers capabilities.

A few known issues like the roof motor being submerged if the drainage channels aren't kept clean, and rear springs breaking.

The early Z4's use the same M54 engines as the Z3, so no real surprises in terms of longevity. Watch out that there are 2 early M54 2.5 engines with different power outputs. I would aim for the 3.0i if you can't reach the later 2.5si (similar bhp to the M54 3.0) and 3.0si engined ones.

Spec wise, don't worry about sat nav as it's an old outdated system. Sports seats are super comfy, but I've never sat in standard ones to compare. You can actually have cup holders in a Z4 (wooo hooo), if they aren't fitted then you can buy them still and retrofit with just a couple of screws.

Styling? For me it's as good looking as the Z3, and in someways the design feels a little more completed. Always felt there were a couple of unfinished areas on the Z3 that niggled at me.

Driving wise? I'm loving mine right now. Took me a little while to bond with this one, but now I've got it driving right I don't think I'd let it go (except for a Coupe!)

Hope that helps!

 

[ljauto]

same as above really have had 2 z4 and 2 z3 - as an every day car it a more complete car but as a sunday car the z3 wins everyday, one thing about the z4 would avoid sport models with large wheels as the ride is too too too harsh (had both) and they don't handle that much better than the normal ones personally would go for an early 2.0 in Maldives blue 17inch alloys (avg mpg 40 odd and cant beat that col sets the car off) , its the better compromise and the smaller rims as rides ok

 

[billz]

We have had both 3.0 Z3 and now have a 3.0si z4. For looks and driving as a weekend toy the Z3 For everyday and long run Drives the Z4.
Never had an issue on either car running 18 inch wheels.
The Z4 is better on Fuel than the Z3.
The 3.0si model is quicker than the Z3 but you wont really motice it that much.
The Z3 to me looks better i think BMW should of done a design of the Z3 Front and the Z4 rear then it would be perfect.
Running costs for parts are around the same as the Z3.
All in all they are both great cars in there own way.
As Gaz has said they are totally different cars not only looks but also the way they drive

 

[ge45ton]

Thanks for the replies,
no real issues other than the roof motor and the usual suspension bits etc by the sound of things.
I was looking at either the 2.2 or the 2.5, as much as the 3.0 sounds tempting I get told to slow down in the Z3 (1.9), I do fancy a 6 pot though.

We do use the car most weekends for a trip out somewhere, usually a couple of hours each way and the odd weekend away too so not so much for short journeys (this is me trying to convince myself into a Z4). We're actually up in Scotland at the moment for a week touring about. The only criticism I have with my Z3 really is it can be a bit fidgety at times and Mrs Z would probably like a slight larger boot!

I have noticed in adverts that some people still fit run flats but as you say this must make the ride quite harsh so I'll try and avoid those.

Cheers
Keith

 

[billz]

You will find the 3.0 more economical than the others and you have the power when needed. So just tell her indoors you are going for the cost effective model not the 3.0

 

[Faheem]

@billz What you've said about the Z4 having the front of the Z3 and the rear of a Z4 is absolutely spot on, I couldn't agree more. I've thought the same for a very long time.

 

[Z Victor 1]

No,love the overall look of the Facelift Z3. The curvy rear is so 'sixties sports car', reminiscent of an AC etc. For me the early Z4 had too many angular creases,but the last Z4 s had a better more subtle refined body design. Pity they lacked the real sports car feel of the previous model.
Everybody has their own idea of what is aesthetically pleasing of course, so you pay your money and take your choice.

 

[Si]

I have to say I agree with most of the above, Door/window line is much higher in the Z4 you fell much lower and in the car if you like. Also moving from Z3 2.2 to Z4 3.0si sport the power difference is huge and smile inducing...!

Can't see why you want anything else. Haven't driven Z3 3.0 though or an M

 

[t-tony]

I've had both, if my Z3 had been a 2.8 or 3.0 I might not have bought the Z4. But, I did and as an every day use car I love it!

Tony.

 

[Sean d]

@Mint has had both.
I have not had both but to me a Z4 is an everyday car and does not stand out like a Z3 especially from a classic point of view, would a Z4 make you smile like your Z3 does.

 

[billz]

@Mint has had both.
I have not had both but to me a Z4 is an everyday car and does not stand out like a Z3 especially from a classic point of view, would a Z4 make you smile like your Z3 does.

If he got the 3.0si it would

 

[Sean d]

If he got the 3.0si it would

I mean from just looking at it, I don't like Z4s well not the old shape but I'm sure a 3.0l would put a smile on my face once I was in it, the problem is, I would lose it as soon as I got out, with the Z3 I smile in or out of it, that was my point

 

[t-tony]

My Z4 isn't bog standard anymore, I started making it "mine" soon after I bought it, and yes it still makes me turn and look at it as I walk away from it just as I did with my Z3. I still smile even inwardly because I think it looks the bee's knees. Driving it gives me a much bigger smile than my Z3 did, probably down to the 3.0 engine, but for whatever reason I love it.

Tony.

 

[Z Victor 1]

That's the thing about these cars,everybody likes them for different reasons,which can't be bad. Variety is the spice of life. My current Z3 is a 2.2 Sport which I bought because I thought it gives me the kind of trade off I like between cost,performance and the look of the facelift model,which I like best.
I've driven all the different Z3 models and engine sizes and actually I think the nicest 'fun' drive is the 1.9 16 valve 140 bhp. It's got the best 'feel' and enough power to have fun. I've never driven a Z4 so I don't know about them.

 

[Mint]

@Mint has had both.
I have not had both but to me a Z4 is an everyday car and does not stand out like a Z3 especially from a classic point of view, would a Z4 make you smile like your Z3 does.

Yes sorry late to this thread. I agree with all the above comments especially the ones about treating a Z4 as a different car to a Z3, they are totally different. My Z4 was a 2.5 sport so plenty of go compared to my 2.2 sport Z3, but I never really bonded with it.
A few things for me about my Z4. It was a 2006 model with the N52 engine and was on 18" wheels on run flat tyres. Being a sport model the ride was extremely harsh (being polite) on the good old British roads. It would have been superb on a track though. Very blowy in the cabin even with a wind deflector and I could not get comfy in the seat. After a hour I got terrible back ache even changing the seat adjustments made no difference. I can drive the Z3 all day with no problems (sorry @GazHyde , I know you reckon the Z4 sport seat is the best). On the plus side it went like sh*t of a shovel, there is more room in the boot and it was more economical than the Z3. I can't comment on servicing or repairs as I moved it on after 6 months in favour of the Z3.
From a styling point of view I do like the back end but have never got on with that huge expanse of plain aluminium called a bonnet, it needs some styling lines down it.

At the end of the day you will get likes and dislikes, some will love and others not. It's up to you to make your own decision if a Z4 is for you.

 

[ge45ton]

Both excellent cars in their own way, I can understand now why some people have one of each.
Maybe I should buy a Z4 now while they're rock bottom and then sell either the 3 or 4 come the spring once I've had chance to drive both long term. Just need to convince Mrs Z...

I must admit I wasn't a huge fan of the early Z4 but it's really grown on me over the last few years, at least its distinctive, as is the Z3.

 

[Mint]

Maybe I should buy a Z4 now and then sell either the 3 or 4 come the spring once I've had chance to drive both long term. Just need to convince Mrs Z...

That is exactly what I did, gave the Z4 6 months but in the end preferred the Z3.

 

[ge45ton]

I'd definitely go for a car without run flats and preferably smaller wheels to try and make the ride softer, funny I'm with Gaz regarding the Z3 seats, I find I get back ache after about a hour so I was hoping the standard Z4 seats would be an improvement.

 

[Sean d]

I really do like the rear of the old Z4 but I think it must have been designed on a Friday and they did the back first, the front just has a sad look about it, kind of like it wants to cry