Any Z3 or Z4 owners?

[YellowJacket]

Having driven the Z4 extensively before buying my Boxster, I will say that it's a solid car, fast, has the predictable handling and steering that you expect from BMW, but it's become too refined, closer to a Mercedes SL than to a Boxster. I'm a huge BMW fan, I've owned several, and I actually went in with the intention of preferring and choosing the BMW. But it just didn't excite me like the Boxster did.

Cost of ownership, the BMW definitely beats out the Porsche 100 times over, at least if my experiences with the 3-series, and 5-series models are any indication. And that's even factoring in my relatively few problems with the Boxster compared to many owners on this board. Especially w/ the 4/50k free scheduled maint.

Bottom line, if I were to recommend a 2-seater to my mother or sister, the Z4 would edge out the SLK for top pick. But for someone desiring perfect 2-way communication with his car, the Boxster beats it hands-down.

[Brucelee]

The Z3 is the Bomb, the M roaster is even better!

Love them both.

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

My buddy has the Z3 Coupe, just got it last Sept. It's a nice little car and the handling is great. I like it, but not so much the styling...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[TriGem2k]

Looks like my Shoe....

[dmcutter]

I like the lines of the shoe better...

[Bavarian Motorist]

The z4s are awesome.


Trust me, you'll love it


Not the regular version. Try to go for a 3.0l SI if it's in your range.

[Soetekouw]

I just traded in my 2005 Z4 two months ago. It was the most fun car I have ever owned. I was first owner and put on 30k miles in two years. You sit lower in the Z4 than you do the Boxster - very comfotable - it just forms around you. Very responsive and solid on the road. Shifting is smooth and positive. No reliabity problems in those two years. No squeeks or other issues. Also, BMW has great service. For 4 years/50K miles, everything is free. Oil change, wipers, etc. Also, I believe that the Z4 has more eye appeal than the Boxster.

Why do I have a 2007 Boxster S on order now? It wasn't my original intention. I was at the dealership upgrading my 2005 Z4 to a 2007 Z4 with a little more engine, but was turned off by a rude salesman. Since the Porsche dealership was right next door.................to make a long story short, decided to try one (and buy one). Since I only test drove the Boxster, I cannot say whether it'll be better than my Z4. Initial impression is that the Z4 is more spirited and a more comfortable ride for daily use, but the Boxster a little more elegant with race car performance, but a harsher ride. I believe each car has its own niche. One is not better than the other. It just depends how you will be using it. I'll be able to give a better comparison after I get my Boxster and start driving it daily. But if you do decide to get a Z4, I give it my highest recommendation - it is a super car.

[AUDIOGUY]

I have owned 2 prior M roadsters. Both were 2000 model years. I definately loved the cars. Handling was excellent, power was excellent, steering excellent.... why did I buy the Porsche??? It was a goal of mine and more of a "grown up" car. Anyway, they are great cars and very reliable. If you are going to find a Z3 non M then the 2000 and up 2.8 l or the 3.0 l will be the only one to get as the base Z3s were a bit underpowered in my opinion. I had tracked both cars in a few PDA events and one of my cars at the M performance center in SC. The M roadster was very traditional when it comes to track mannerisms. You can pretty much do anything you want with it... the tail will come out if needed, brakes are excellent for trailbraking and entering corners hot. There is a great Youtube video out there with one of the Top Gear drivers raving about the car. I loved the gearbox and short shifting action. I did pretty much the same minor mods ... intake, exhaust and software... with a strut brace and some wider tires. The car didnt need much.

Cost of maintenance was about 120.00 for an oil change with synthetic at the dealer.
No problems to speak of that were out of warranty. I had one car with 40k miles on it and another with 20ish... I believe you can have a nice M roadster with possibly the 315 horse engine for around 25k or so. They are somewhat hard to find.

I cant say much about the Z4... I drove one for the weekend before buying the Boxster and needless to say, ended up with the Boxster S. I didnt like the detached feeling I got from the car.

Hope that helps!

[Soetekouw]

I had a Z4 for two years (2005 model). Great car. Just traded it in last December and was planning to buy another Z4 (2007). A rude BMW salesman steered me toward a Boxster, instead.

The Z4 is quick, nimble, and responsive. It has a spartan interior (which I like) and it gives you that sporty feel. Has a lot of room to stretch your legs and I found the Z4 to be the least cramped roadster I tested. Reliability is outstanding; no problems, rattles, or sqeaks. BMW free maintenance plan and warranty is super. More than likely, I'll pick up another Z4 in a couple of years (at least by 2010, from what I hear, the model will change).