M3 to Z4?

[snk]

I went from Z4 35i to e90M
M3 does everything from hauling family and going fast
But the Z is so fucking sexy, I still smile everytime I see one, which is very rare.

Given the opportunity, I will want to have a yellow Z4 as second car.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Asbjorn

bench racing data

While we are bench racing, check out the 2012 lightning lap article which had 1M, 335is and Z435is

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...3-class-page-5

Similar drivetrains in different packaging, on the same day so it is an interesting read. (the other two cars are on page 4)

1M 3:06
Z435is 3:10
335is 3:13

1M was beloved
Z435is was criticized for lack of engagement (maybe it would have done better on 18s )
335is lap seems suspiciously slow. authors had nice things to say about its handling

A few years ago, 335 was 3:10, M3 was 3:05, 135 was 3:13.

Hard to compare different times across years, but directionally, it seems like the Z4 is competitive with the 335is/335i/135 but definitely slower than M3

This seems pretty much inline with our discussions here

[Moo]

1M was manual transmission, and they complained about Z4 DCT not holding gear at high RPM.

Z4 and 335 running on RFT, while 1M has real tyres.

[Z4-Archon]

Originally Posted by Asbjorn

I do not have problems with too much under-steer on mine (18" non-RFT non-adaptive suspension). Instead I get tons of over-steer whenever I drive enthusiastically.

Edmunds data

I have 18" PS2s on mine (got rid of the 19 RF after 3k miles), as I did on the 135. Having driven all 3 with the same tires, M3>135i>Z4-35i. Considering how neutral the cars drive and the feedback makes the differences between them even greater. I like my Z4, I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't. But I think you are deluding yourself if you think it is better than a 135, let alone a M3. The OP was asking if you can get the Z4 into the same league as a M3, and I believe that was without suspension upgrades in his original post. I simply don't think it is possible. It would be more likely with the original Z than a 2nd gen one.

[nicknaz]

Hard to say without some lap times which is better/faster for the 135/335/z435

For what it is worth my big objection to the Z is the lack of cooling.

I am reserving judgement on the handling since I recently switched away from the 19 RFT

[Moo]

All lightning lap times to date:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features...o-2013-page-10

[Alext]

Those Lightning Lap results appear to confirm exactly what I felt comparing the Z4 to my 135i and Lotus.

[jts1981]

OP, do you want the bells as whistles as well, I.e. navi, park assist?

If you wanted to build something I think you could use the 35i with MT as a base. Then add tune, brakes, coilovers, and cooling. It seems you just want a fun light weight toy, not a time attack machine so I think you would be happy with the above set up.

I track my car and I love the power, but miss my suspension and brake set up from my tuned 3 series. That being said I know how much the right set up can really transform a car.

In regards to switching to an Audi, depends if you are a die hard Beemer guy. My friend went from a 7 series to an a8. A week later he complained about the driver feeling and he missed the bmwness

[MickOpalak]

Or do what I did. Get a E89 Z4 for a grand touring car and get a Lotus Elise/Exige for spirited driving. Best of both worlds.

[bimmer Don]

Get the new Boxer S drives so much better then TT Rs. And z 4. Down on power but due to light weight just as fast