30 replies to this topic

[pete-r]

Morning all I'm looking to chop in the M135i for an old school (or is it skool) Z4M Coupe and am wondering if any of you can recommend or put me off one, or give any buying tips? I've read the Evo/pistonheads guides which seem to say the engine and box are strong but the clutch release springs can be weak and the car is pretty firm so the springs can crack but not much else. I've had a couple of M3's in the past so familiar with the drivetrain, and they don't seem to be suffering with rust yet. Cheers.

Edited by pete-r, 22 January 2017 - 10:25 AM.

[jonnyboy]

Had a couple they are brilliant fun. Steering is a bit numb but the noise and speed make it entertaining. Hold their price really well. Had a roadster they are ok but the chassis is very comprimised so would go tin top for sure. They look ace with CSL wheels.

[pete-r]

Thanks. I thought they had hydraulic steering for more feel than the numb electric racks on normal Z4's?

[p4cks]

I had a 3.0Si and my mate had an M and although the performance was very noticeable between the two he couldn't justify the running costs (they have the inevitable 'M' tax added to everything and many parts are deal£r only) of it any eventually got rid.

 

The 3.0Si does 90% of what the M does just without the price premium added, so that's possibly an option for you. 

[pete-r]

My head says yes, my heart says M......!!! Lol. I had the same dilemma with the M135i. I was toying with ordering the new M2 but thought the same as you mention, plus I want a boot, hence the coupe. I agree running costs will be more but I'm hopeful it's a car that won't lose much money, if any.

[Captain Vimes]

I saw one in the paddock at brands this morning and it looked superb (coupe). Definitely a car I'd like to own at some point. I can only see the price going up from this point. Go for it!

[p4cks]

The coupes (both variants) have kept their value really well compared to other BMWs of the same age, so unlikely you'd lose much money if you decided on either the SI or the M.

[pete-r]

I agree with the comments on values. I have a couple on the boil so watch this space...

[Tibbles Stryker]

Someone on here sold his vx for one I'm sure then came back and bought another vx.....he does post often? Can't think of his name😢

[rob999]

Gaffer1986?

[Mangham54]

Gaffer1986?

Worked out well for him, didn't it

[pete-r]

Gaffer1986?

Worked out well for him, didn't it

Can you elaborate?

[Nev]

They aren't fast by any means Pete, I remember one trying it on with me a few years ago and I was pretty surprised how slow he was.

[turbo boy]

Hi Pete, I drove my brothers Z4M for a while. I did write a review on here at the time. I was disappointed - it was a car I had always listed after but I found it a bit synthetic. As others have said. The steering had little feel and it did not feel as fast as I had hoped. On the plus side the engine sounded awesome! I think it would be a different beast with decent non run flat tyres... if you look at owners feedback most lose the run flats. As an alternative, how about the "bread van" Z3M? Kind regards, Jon

[pete-r]

Z3M has drifted a little too high price wise for a good one. It's not going to be like the VX but it's a replacement for the 135 so not intending to track it. I want something fast enough, looks good, won't lose money and feels a bit special. Looking to sort a test drive of one this weekend.

[rob999]

Gaffer1986?

Worked out well for him, didn't it

Can you elaborate?

Sold VX, bought Z4M; didn't like it, sold it, bought VX. I think.

[p4cks]

Sold VX, bought Z4M; didn't like it, sold it, bought VX.

Very similar to my story and many others' no doubt Sold VX, bought 350Z; didn't like it, sold it, bought VX. Sold VX, bought Z4C; didn't like it, sold it, bought VX. Sold VX, bought 911; didn't like it, sold it, bought VX. Or something like that.

Edited by p4cks, 23 January 2017 - 12:09 PM.

[chickendippers]

They aren't fast by any means Pete, I remember one trying it on with me a few years ago and I was pretty surprised how slow he was.

 

99% of the cars on the road are slow compared to Nipper

[pete-r]

I think I'd be the same if it were replacing the VX, but it's apples and oranges I guess.

[Raptor]

Fabulous engine in these - even better with a carbon airbox.  My CSL was the business at 6k revs.