Z3 or Z4?

[andyglym]

You can analyse such issues to death. Go with the heart, just get a good one of the type that "speaks to you". If neither does, go elsewhere.

Bang on that. I went for my Z3 purely on the looks, it just happened to be a 2.8. All the cars I've ever had may or may not be the best cars in their respective class but I like the look of then. I don't care if other cars are better engineered etc etc. That said, the E89 in the right colour (most important for me) is a great looking car.

 

[Carl Brown]

A bit of advice from a guy with 3 BMWs at his disposal and someone who drives around 1500 miles a week. Everyone said I was stupid getting the Z3 as I drive all week in a 4 series auto.
When I got the Zed I’d actually forgotten how much I enjoy to drive a manual and actually drive a car not be in it all day.
Get the top down and just enjoy !!

 

[TraceyP]

Only got my auto licence so no manuals for me but yes agree..it's got to be fun to drive

 

[Carl Brown]

Go all in get ya full licence then make up your mind

 

[TraceyP]

Go all in get ya full licence then make up your mind

Not a chance in hell, only did the Auto test ten years ago and at 45 I don't fancy another one! ;-)

 

[Retrospective Soothsayer]

I was in a similar position to you last year.....Z3 or Z4.

As as already been said the Z3 looks great, feels more connected to the road, whereas the Z4 is more refined, quieter

After looking at test driving numerous 3s & 4s I decided that I preferred the Z3 looks and waited until the right car came up for sale (in the right colour)

Having test driven 2 Z4 autos I can def say the Z4 auto is great to drive...

Best of luck

 

[TraceyP]

I was in a similar position to you last year.....Z3 or Z4.

As as already been said the Z3 looks great, feels more connected to the road, whereas the Z4 is more refined, quieter

After looking at test driving numerous 3s & 4s I decided that I preferred the Z3 looks and waited until the right car came up for sale (in the right colour)

Having test driven 2 Z4 autos I can def say the Z4 auto is great to drive...

Best of luck

Thankyou! That's good to know about the Z4 auto

 

[Brian4]

Hi confused as said before try driving both. The Z4 bonnet seems longer than the 3. Thanks auto box in the Z4 is the same as the face-lift Z3 which is the steptronic one 5 speed. The latest Z4 with the folding steel roof has an better 6 speed auto.
Happy testing of cars.

 

[TraceyP]

Thanks Brian

 

[Brian4]

The z4 is 200 mm wider and 65mm longer so the cabin feels a lot bigger.

 

[TraceyP]

The z4 is 200 mm wider and 65mm longer so the cabin feels a lot bigger.

Is that the newer one? As according to Parkers specs the original is longer but actually narrower?

 

[philiper]

I'd vote for Z4, as it is newer and more refined (IMO), but it will be your car so whatever we say is irrelevant as you need to try both and decide for yourself! good luck in your search

 

[mwpe]

I have a Z3 3.0 auto, it was my first auto car when I bought it 10 years ago and it is the perfect compromise of manual and auto. Auto for when you want to cruise or sport or manual for fun. I have just come back from the Euro trip, 2,400 miles and up to 500+ miles one day and perfectly comfortable all the time. I cannot comment on the Z4 having never driven one but I much prefer the look of the Z3.

 

[Brian4]

Z4 auto 2.5 near me for sale £2k black and service history.

 

[TraceyP]

Z4 auto 2.5 near me for sale £2k black and service history.

View attachment 82314 View attachment 82315

Blimey that's not a bad price! High mileage?

 

[Brian4]

Blimey that's not a bad price! High mileage?

120k I think he said so not high for the 6 cylinder cars

 

[philiper]

It's crazy how some of the prices are! There is a 3ltr si on ebay has done 160k and for sale for £3499!!!

 

[Lazzzydog]

You are over thinking this decision. Go out and buy one that you like and you cannot go far wrong with either as both are excellent cars and neither will lose you a fortune. Always plenty of help with problems from the resident “fixers” and breakers on here, especially with the Z3. Good luck.

 

[TraceyP]

You are over thinking this decision. Go out and buy one that you like and you cannot go far wrong with either as both are excellent cars and neither will lose you a fortune. Always plenty of help with problems from the resident “fixers” and breakers on here, especially with the Z3. Good luck.

Yep - I over think everything! But think I've decided that I like both so it will be a case of what's available when I have the money

 

[Nodzed]

Hi and welcome. I also have both and they are very different cars, I too have just returned from a Euro trip and took the Z3, I wouldn't entertain a long trip in the Z4 as I find it very uncomfortable to drive for any long periods whereas the Z3 is very comfortable even on 12 hr journeys. But everyone's different so I suggest you try both before you buy, don't buy on appearance you really need to experience the driving nature of both the cars. ............. But I'd buy a Z3