I know they both have the same motor, I was just wondering what you guys would think the better car was.

 

I've had a Z3 M Coupe and an E46 M3, so not quite exactly what you asked, but the longer wheel base of the M3 made it a little less squirly.

I've heard the same about the Z4 in comparison, but can't speak from experience.

Don't get me wrong, I like 'em both.

 

M coupe.

 

Both are fine examples of the M label. I have been liking the look of some of the modded Z4M cars lately.

 

Could you send me a link, I wasnt able to find any modded Z4 M's, what do people usually do to them to a get a few extra horsepower out of them ? Same with the M3 what are some good cheap mods that give you reasonably good horsepower ?

Thanks

 

My brother had the S52 M Coupe and he said it was one of the best cars he has ever driven and he had a job at the Paul Miller BMW for a month or so and hes driven alot of cool cars . But I dont know why he like the S52 more than the S54.

 

I've owned a Z3M and currently own both a Z4M and E46 M3. I've had the pleasure of modifying all 3 and tracking both the E46 and Z4M. Ultimately out of all 3 the Z4M is my absolute favorite. The only thing it lacks it a bit of practicality in comparison to the M. If you don't have the need for a rear seat go with the Z4M. If you often have friends ride with you or need to haul stuff around, go for the E46.

 

Here's mine:


It's got Aero Kit side skirts, CSL wheels, and a Dinan 3.91 Final Drive swap (over the stock 3.62). Diff swaps are the most common performance mod - after that, you're pretty much calling ESS for one of their supercharger packages (525hp to start, up to 750hp versions available, I think). While there are tons of mods for the E46 M3, few of them transfer to the Z4Ms because a newer, faster ECU was used for us and the market is so small few tuners can be bother to re-do al their development. Simply switching to PS2s can make the car a force to be reckoned with, though.

The Z4Ms are essentially a lighter, more hardcore E46 M3 ZCP - if you need something practical, stick with the E46 M3. If you're planning a lot of track time, the Z4MC is gaining a lot of fans on the track, where they're apparently keeping up with GT3s even in stock form. And sit in one before you think about it - the cabin* is smaller, so it might not even be an option if you're tall or wide. I'm 6'1" and I barely make it with my helmet on.

It is my favorite car out of all I've owned. I love the engine, exhaust note, appearance. And with only 1800 coupes in the US, you don't see them everyday. In fact, since the model's release in 2006, I've seen four.

 

I like both of them ... my friends are driving the M3 and they are so happy with the car. you can do a lot of modification to this car. the look and the engine. I dont know that much about the Z4M coupe .. I think it look nicer but you dont have rear seats .. some time you will need it .. that what happed to me when I had my old car . at the end go with what you like more .. good luck

 

I like the m3 more, but to each his own.

 

you can't go wrong with either.
i'd probably opt for the m3, but z4m is a more unique, in fact I've seen only a few on the streets, while there were plenty of e46 m3 during their production

 

Z4m all the way...Throw the right wheel on it and they are so exotic.

 

I have driven a Z4 M coupe on track. I could not find a driving position that allowed a workable heel/toe shift. I'm only 6', but have long legs. Obviously, that's something you will know immediately when driving one. Personally, since a two seater is under consideration, I recommend you drive a Cayman S. IMO, a much better driver's car, but again, purely subjective. As for "good cheap mods that give you reasonably good horsepower", there ain't none. I would not recommend buying either car with the intent of substantially increasing the horsepower.

 

Have had no problem heel/toe in my Z4M, usually wearing Pumas or the equivalent track shoes, but it's something I do every day. The M seems to have enough power for most tracks (aside from those with 1-2 long straights). With Intake / Header / Exhaust / Re-flash you can pickup 20-25hp and quite a bit through the mid-range. This combined with a good suspension and tires I've had no problems as of yet keeping/staying up with the majority of similarly classed cars at the track. It's not a Viper or 996tt in the straights, but holds its own in my opinion.

On the track the E46 does a great job as well, the Z4M takes a bit less to rotate due to it's shorter wheel base and lighter curb weight, but once you get the hang of it it's a joy to drive. To me the Z4M has felt much quicker around the track, but it takes a bit more finess than the E46 which definitely feels a bit more stable.

 

Yes, I think the driving position problem is something unique to me, at least I haven't heard many others complain about it. I'll also agree that nothing that I have driven is as forgiving or secure feeling on track as a well setup E46 M3. I recently bought an '05 GT3, and it's like riding a drugged horse, maybe you're in charge, but barely.