SD987's Z4M Review (Long)

[eslai]

BMW of San Diego is the dealer of choice? I didn't know that. Back when I was shopping for cars, I went there to try to talk to them about Z4s and three-series. I was dressed respectably, wandered their entire lot staring into cars, pulling on door handles, examining window stickers... I mean, I couldn't have looked more interested in talking to a salesman unless maybe I'd starting licking the badges.

No one talked to me, they were all just standing around, gabbing with other customers or with their fellow salespeople. It reinforced the negative image I've always had of BMW and I walked away.

Maybe I'll pop by again and see how they act. Showing up in the 987 might get a different response but frankly, that'd bother me as I feel it was the fact that I didn't look like I was old enough to have the ability to buy an Almighty Beemur that they decided to ignore me.

[drburton]

I'm a huge BMW fan, I have always loved their cars. I even like the new Bangle styling for the 3 and 5 series. The extra power in the z4M versus the Boxster definately gets my attention, but I am in the 'hate it' camp when it comes to the styling on this one. Even with my affection for BMW, I just don't like the look of this car at all. Pretty much have to say it's ugly. Can take it off my list of potential Boxster replacement. Hopefully the result of the power difference will encourage Porsche to up the ante in coming years.

[AUDIOGUY]

Great review! I am a BMW M roadster convert.. My last two cars were M Roadsters. I have to say that BMW still offers alot for the money as far as options and hp etc. A comparably equipped Boxster is in 911 territory as far as price. Performance is generally excellent in the acceleration catagory but the handling and total package makes the Boxster more of a driving enthusiasts car. I am not surprised how traditionally the M roadster handles with the drift etc. I do miss some things about my M roadster... mostly the shifting action... havent found a better shifter feel yet. On a daily basis, I will take the Boxster S for the 2 trunks, the styling, the handling and brakes... althought the M roadsters were dead even. Resale on an M car is probably better than a Boxster S... I traded my 2000 M roadster with 40k miles for 22500.00 not bad! All in all, I am happier in the Box and am glad that I bought one. I will probably look for another newer one after I am tired of the 2001 S that I have.

[Brucelee]

Dinan offers a supercharger for the M Roadster (Z3) version. I have driven one of those bad boys and it screams.

I will likely own one some day when I get bored.

I still don't like the looks of the z4.

[EPIQTodd]

Great review - just how I like them - detailed...

I've come to the conclusion today that Porsche doesn't put out uber-high-horsepower cars all the time because they don't have to! Other car makes are 'making up for' the lack of the true ultimate experience behind the wheel by putting more hp in and making it faster in a straight line. Sure the Boxster could use more power, but honestly, who is complaining? There are 450hp Cayenne turbos and 996 turbos out there that are immediately modified to 500-600hp because all that hp is great, but more just HAS to be better, right? Porsche doesn't need to put in 300hp in the Boxster because nobody has been able to match it in driveability and finesse, period.

[shumphries]

on an '01 M Roadster before ever driving a Porsche. I had a abolute blast on the test drive -- it was fast, to be sure. Felt like a rocket sled. "M" was so cool. Only down side was I didn't think much of the interior and the trunk space was smaller than my Miata's at the time. I blew that small stuff off.

Decided I had to drive the Boxster to round out the field (S2000, TT etc.--they weren't contenders), and slipped into Momentum in Houston just before they closed one evening. Salesman gave me the keys, and the wife and I never looked back. After about 20 minutes, got back, did some piss-poor negotiating (being a tough guy while you're drooling really doesn't work), and bought it that night. The feel was so different from the BMW, there was no comparison. I knew it wasn't a match for the M's speed, but surprisingly (to me) I could not have cared less. I now believe that the guys at C&D may not be making it up when they weight their comparisons relatively heavily based on a "fun to drive" category.

That night, I called my brother to tell him. He wasn't surprised--he reminded me that since I was about 15 I'd sworn I'd have a Porsche by the time I was 30. (That's the C&D "gotta have it" category.) Anyway, I was 31, but that didn't wipe the grin off my face.

BTW, great post SD987.

[Adam]

I test drove a 02 M roadster before purchasing my S. The engine's power is truly impressive especially considering it has the same displacement as the S. However, as noted earlier the exhaust/intake note left much to be desired, the trunk space sucked, the 5 speed shifter felt rough and crappy and the handling and brakes where no where near boxster S territory. The accleration and awesome engine wasn't enough to sway me away from the Porsche.

[SD987]

I thought this was quite a surprise, considering how few of them there are on the roads..

"The 2001 BMW M Roadster received the dubious honor of being listed as the most stolen vehicle of 2005, according to the most recent stolen vehicle report from CCC Information Services Inc. (CCC). CCC is a technology provider to the automotive claims and repair industry. "

[Perfectlap]

a white Z4 was on my radar and I looke at the values and was surprised that resale is NOTHING like Porsche, well at least in my area. I autocross with the local BMW club and I find it interesting how easily my lesser powered BoxsterS can beat just about anything from BMW short of an M5.
The new M6 is in European Car Magazine and I don't think I have ever seen a better badder meaner looking car in Black.
p.s.
interesting about the brakes I've never been impressed with any of the brakes in any BMW. the only thing worse is the throttle pedal on an SL 500 who drives like that???