Hi Gang:

Anybody drive both? I've driven an E46 M3 a little, and an E85 (M Roadster) but not the coupe yet. Looking for insight.

As I see it:
Cars have a very similar powertrain. Transmission is actually a little different, and the Z engine has an upgraded vanos exhaust sprocket bolt which supposedly can prevent a vanos problem.
Z is lighter (200lb) and stiffer overall so more fun and better handling.

Z is also newer - better audio, lights, warranty, etc.
Yet an 05-06 M3 ZCP is the same price as 06-08 M Coupe, all else equal (and similar MSRP).

Will be a DD but I can go on the more extreme side.
My concern I suppose is visibility out of the coupe? I've only driven the roadster (member: David_LM) with top down in great weather. The front is very long, hard to see the end of the car.

I've always loved the E46 M3 and think that, while it now looks more dated now, it will ultimately stand the better test of time. But value now probably goes to the Z.

Here are some R&T results:
M3 Comp Coupe: 0-60: 4.8, 0-100: 12.0, 1/4 mile: 13.4 @ 105.6mph, 60-0 (ft): 114, 80-0 (ft): 196, 200-ft skidpad: 0.88g

Z4 M Roadster: 0-60: 4.7, 0-100: 11.5, 1/4 mile: 13.2 @ 107.9mph, 60-0 (ft): 115, 80-0 (ft): 208, 200-ft skidpad: 0.89g

Z4 M Coupe: 0-60: 4.9, 0-100: 12.3, 1/4 mile: 13.5 @ 103.6mph, 60-0 (ft): 119, 80-0 (ft): 215, 200-ft skidpad: 0.88g

While I enjoy spirited driving, it's not going to be a track car, so the differences [above] will not really be felt. More concerned with something fun and 'special.' I don't need trunk space or a backseat, so many will probably say the M Coupe for sure. And given that there are around 1800 coupes in NA and probably 20,000 M3s, "special" clearly favors one over the other.

Mind says M Coupe, heart says M3.

Curious for your thoughts!

 

M Coupe. I don't see too many in LA. Plus it's an absolutely gorgeous car. Blue or black. Either way enjoy the hell out of it Wyatth!

 

^ Like he said. M coupe.

 

M3.

And guys in convertible BMW's in la are kinda ghey.

 

M Coupe. Visibility is fine once you get used to it

The E46 is more practical though.

 

I'll just leave these here...
I agree, no convertible but the exhaust not is the same...

BMW Z4 M Roadster Launch with RPi Exhaust - YouTube

 

Go for Z4M Coupe...

Mine...


Z4M Coupe by dnzmlk007, on Flickr


BMW Z4M COUPE by dnzmlk007, on Flickr


BMW Z4M COUPE by dnzmlk007, on Flickr


Z4M Coupe by dnzmlk007, on Flickr

 

Can't see the pics but I want too.

 

M Roadster, dont like the Coupe on that generation of Z.

 

You guys aren't making this easy. Since I am so perfectly torn (and can't imagine either option is a wrong choice) I may just keep an eye on both markets and spring for whichever proper example comes up first. I tend to be picky with options. I don't care much for the exterior color - white, silver, gray, black, interlagos.. but I love lively interiors - imola or cinnamon(m3)/brown(Z) or silverstone (Z). The Z had fewer options and most are loaded up (and no SMG or ZCP available, plus newer so most have fewer miles) so it might be easier, though they did make more M3s.

I agree, Mo, the Z3M Coupe is the best generation. I still love that car interior/exterior but think it's just a bit dated and that damn 5spd + lower redline is a shame for the S54.

JB - saw those pics on Flickr just the other day! Car looks great.