[lux.sh]

I am in a dilemma.

I know this is still far away, but hearing all this rumors about 335Ci coming soon, Z4 M Coupe coming soon, and probably M3 in 2007/8, I have to start setting my mind on something(when it comes down to cars, it takes me months to come down to a decision).

335Ci Hardtop Convertible(Predicting it'll come out spring/2007)
Pros: Stay within E90 community, $$$ savings, Hard-top convertible
Cons: Its not "M". And you all know that means alot.

New M Coupe(Z4)
Pros: Top down, M performance, pure adrenaline rush.
Cons: Soft-top looks like crap, Z4 isn't the sexiest looking car. $$$$.

New M3
Pros: M3. Enough said.
Cons: Not convertible(I don't like M3 convertibles), $$$$$.

What would you guys do? I just fell in love with the new M coupe coming out yesterday.

I couldn't decide whether I should get 335Ci when it comes out, or just wait until M3. But now, Z4 M Coupe is coming out, I am back to "which-one?" status.

I am assuming Z4 M coupe will be more expensive than 335Ci, but cheaper than M3. (please correct me RIGHT NOW if this is wrong)

What would you guys do?
Please don't say "its up to you". I asked for your opinions on what YOU would do if you were in my position.

[db17k]

I'd say the 335ci is only going to be about $1000 - $3000 more than the current 330i. so much less than the M roadster or M3 coupe. I'm personally holding out for the 335i, the coupe will have to be ass hot spankable for me to chose otherwise. i'm sick of having a coupe

[vladinecko]

first off, i wish i had your problems

i'd go for M Z4 or M3. if i could choose though, then M3. or M Z4??

[stressdoc]

We do not know enough about the 335 yet to make much of a performance judgment. Clearly the 335ci hardtop conv would be the cushiest and far and away the easiest to live with on a daily basis. Living in Portland, depends on the commute. A M3 in Oregon is pretty close to Valhalla's gate...

[lux.sh]

The thing about 335, I know we don't have enough information, but we do know its coming from BMW, and they never let us down. right?

I don't care if the 335 is pretty or ugly, I'll adjust my eyes. Just like how I did with my E90's taillights.

As long as 335 comes out relatively cheap(somewhere around 45~47k), hartop convertible, enough power(300+hp, SMG) then it'll be one of my top choice. Which at this point, it seems like thats how 335 will be. (this however, can be questioned since M coupe is coming out with 330hp. I don't think 335 will over-power M coupe?)

Oh, does anyone know if M coupe will come out with SMG or not?
Because if its only offered in 6spd manual box, it'll be out of my list right away.

[David328M-Sport]

Hey lux.sh,

M3

[lux.sh]

^ think so? why!

[ksfrogman]

Don't forget to factor in the cost of insuring your car. Ask your auto insurance agent what the comparative costs would be.

As for comparing the Z4 M Coupe and the M3, well, the 3-series seems to have a larger following than the Z4. I personally do not like the grooves and flame surfacing design. I prefer the smooth rounded look of the Z3 or Z3 M Coupe. Looks more naturally organic. The M3 certainly has developed an incredible reputation and that would be one of my ultimate driving machine dreams if I didn't need 4 doors. It would also be less cramped and more spacious than the Z4. A 330ci or 335ci would be nice, but I have a feeling the retractable roof will make it very expensive. If I bought it, I'd probably wonder what life would have been like had I bought the M3. If I purchased the M3, I probably would care less about the ci.

[yujini]

For everyday driving, i'd go with the 335 vert.
But I bet the new M3 will look awesome.
The Z4 M definitely looks great in red, but it;'s definitely not a daily driver.

Me? Since I'm 6'1'' I would never go with the Z4, and probably go with the M3 if insurance was not my problem.

I have a feeling that the price difference between the 335i vert and the M3 wouldn't be big, so I'd go with the M3.

I'm assuming the 335i vert will cost close to 60k loaded, whereas the M3 base will start around just over 60k.

If I move back to the US, I'll sell my AW320i, and get a 330 coupe!

[shimshimhada]

Just wait until the new M and 335 come out. You'll definitely know by then what you really want.

[BMW F22]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

Just wait until the new M and 335 come out. You'll definitely know by then what you really want.

yeah dont make up ur mind now cus once you do, you're gonna fixate on it.

[David328M-Sport]

Originally Posted by lux.sh

^ think so? why!

because the M3 is developed by the world's best car engineers from the worlds best car platform.

pure power in a luxury and totally refined package with all the mod cons you could want.

oh yeah, for me - when my finances are such - it would be an M car.

another reason for the M3 is to match my M cap.

M cars forever!!!!!

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by lux.sh

New M Coupe(Z4)
Pros: Top down, M performance, pure adrenaline rush.
Cons: Soft-top looks like crap, Z4 isn't the sexiest looking car. $$$$.

New M3
Pros: M3. Enough said.
Cons: Not convertible(I don't like M3 convertibles), $$$$$.

What would you guys do? I just fell in love with the new M coupe coming out yesterday.

What would you guys do?
Please don't say "its up to you". I asked for your opinions on what YOU would do if you were in my position.

Lux, sorry , I would like to sound a bit strong on this.

Based on what I read, you do not seem to have a $ issue here.
The way you are putting z4coupe and 335i to compare with the 420hp V8 new M3 E92 - I think this is a fcking big insult to the M3.

Fck the 335i , Double-Fck the Z4Mcoupe.

Get the 420hp V8 M3 as soon as you can and just a step and you are on the moon. What it means, whoever is driving a 335i and a Z4coupe will bow to you , kiss your feet, smell you asss, or salute you. And, you will get the fun to have all the AMGs , RS4, RS6 after your tail and you ain't give them a sht.

I think until now , you still don't get what it means to be a M3 owner

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by cntlaw

Lux, sorry , I would like to sound a bit strong on this.

Based on what I read, you do not seem to have a $ issue here.
The way you are putting z4coupe and 335i to compare with the 420hp V8 new M3 E92 - I think this is a fcking big insult to the M3.

Fck the 335i , Double-Fck the Z4Mcoupe.

Get the 420hp V8 M3 as soon as you can and just a step and you are on the moon. What it means, whoever is driving a 335i and a Z4coupe will bow to you , kiss your feet, smell you asss, or salute you. And, you will get the fun to have all the AMGs , RS4, RS6 after your tail and you ain't give them a sht.

I think until now , you still don't get what it means to be a M3 owner

lol, I'm guessing that the Z4 M coupe will eventually get the newer M3 engine (like its predecessor). It will own.

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

lol, I'm guessing that the Z4 M coupe will eventually get the newer M3 engine (like its predecessor). It will own.

I am glad you like my cool sense of humor , Lux knows I just trying to be nasty. Yes, the best M engine in history will go to the Z4mcoupe. The problem being this damn thing is designed based on a fcking roadster. Not many people are aware, with a BMW roadster, the driver will be sitting 3/4 foot lower with his asss touching the ground; and I bet the M suspensions are stiff and nasty and Lux will be on a roller coasters. I am doubt if that mcoupe can be used as a day to day car, In the traffic, the coupe will be soooo low and you won't even get enough window clearance. And, you can't have 4 friends sitting and sharing the power of your new car like if you have got the M3. The Z3m was already a disaster. Apart from the Z4 look, neither I think the coupe is any lighter. It probably can run with a SLK55 side by side for a while; and then God knows if MB is plantlng the 6.3 litre engine to deliver the SLK63 next year......

Have said all that, a non-M roadster is always a better pleasure to drive than a sedan; but, only if that is the second car. What worries me is Lux said it was only the Z4coupe look that attracts him.

[ward]

the Z4 coupe will outhandle both by a signifigant margin, don't let the groupies tell you otherwise.

Even an M3 can't hang with a Z4 in the corners (this is the "slow" 225 hp version)


If you can afford the $$$, and a small car is practical for your usage it's the perfect time to get yourself a REAL SPORTS CAR.


the 3 is too much of a compromise (even the M3)


If you drive both, there is a huge clear difference.


Even a sport pack 3 series feels like a couch compared to a sport pack Z4

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by ward

the Z4 coupe will outhandle both by a signifigant margin, don't let the groupies tell you otherwise.
Even an M3 can't hang with a Z4 in the corners (this is the "slow" 225 hp version)
If you can afford the $$$, and a small car is practical for your usage it's the perfect time to get yourself a REAL SPORTS CAR.
the 3 is too much of a compromise (even the M3)
If you drive both, there is a huge clear difference.
Even a sport pack 3 series feels like a couch compared to a sport pack Z4

My little experience on aroadster told me one thing. It is a bit of difference here that a car is felt fast and a car is actually fast.
May be you can provide information to show us where the Z4 stands on tracks ? Because all I could find are track times for M3, M3 CSL, CLK55...

Okay, fine, a SLK55 might be doing better than a C55/CLK55, but that does not proof a thing that a Z4(m) is a better racer than the M3. We really need to see where you have got your data from. Or we can only 'wish' the Z4m is the champion one day.

Another point you mentioned, 'cornering' ability of the Z4 is better than an M3. Again, we need data. Yes, that's in theory, a smaller size car might have an advantage in a narrow cornering situation than a relatively bigger size one. But we ain't race the two cars in a room.

Just a little thought.

[3aficionado]

By your post I’m assuming money not a factor and you definitely want a BMW. Also assuming this is an everyday driver vehicle for you. I’m making a similar decision between trading in my M3 for the 335ci, 335cic or M3. I’m leaning toward the 335’s as I am not track racing anymore.

The M is not a comfortable everyday driver. M’s are built for track racing. You won’t get to use the M to the fullest driving around town and it will be a harsher ride compared to a plush 335. An M as an everyday street car is like using a Big Bertha Driver at a miniature golf course. It’s a lot of unused potential and makes for a less enjoyable experience (M's harsh ride).

Even if you decide to take an M to the track a couple times you won’t safely use its full potential. A street M on the track is a joke because the racing safety systems aren’t in place. A couple weekends of fun in an M can be had through racing school and you don’t need to buy the M3 or Z4M.

As an M owner and previous AMG owner I can say an M isn’t as cushy as an AMG. So having the M as an everyday driver isn’t like having an AMG everyday driver.

[cntlaw]

Originally Posted by 3aficionado

As an M owner and previous AMG owner I can say an M isn’t as cushy as an AMG. So having the M as an everyday driver isn’t like having an AMG everyday driver.

It took me a year to finally manage to nicely tolerate the C55 stiff suspension system; M3 E46 is pretty harsh too.
My ex-Z3 was a US M-Sport Ed. with M suspension and that was a hell of a tough ride.
I spent a day at back seats on my friend's 2003 E46 M3 up the Mt. Fuji. I thought the M3 isn't so bad as you described ; or may be the highways in Japan are just too perfect....

I can imagine, the Z4m coupe with M suspension would be like hell.

[db17k]

M6 it's settled! finished! Doooooooooooonnnne

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by cntlaw

My little experience on aroadster told me one thing. It is a bit of difference here that a car is felt fast and a car is actually fast.
May be you can provide information to show us where the Z4 stands on tracks ? Because all I could find are track times for M3, M3 CSL, CLK55...

Okay, fine, a SLK55 might be doing better than a C55/CLK55, but that does not proof a thing that a Z4(m) is a better racer than the M3. We really need to see where you have got your data from. Or we can only 'wish' the Z4m is the champion one day.

Another point you mentioned, 'cornering' ability of the Z4 is better than an M3. Again, we need data. Yes, that's in theory, a smaller size car might have an advantage in a narrow cornering situation than a relatively bigger size one. But we ain't race the two cars in a room.

Just a little thought.

Ward just stated that the current Z4 will outcorner the current M3, so unless the track was comprised of nearly no straights, it's obvious that the M3 would dominate the Z4. It's not that hard to see why, as the Z4 is about 400 pounds lighter.

[BMW F22]

a dilemma is more like "which bitch do i bring home tonite?". Yours is a no brainer- M3!!!!