What are the main differences between and Alpina Roadster and a Z4M Roadster?

[Rev]

Ok Guys I'd like to know what the real differences are and if anyone has actually driven both.

They both are around the same money, but which is the better long term investment and what would a low mileage example cost?

Your thoughts please.... Which is the better????.... And why???

 

[billz]

We were looking at getting an Alpina when we bought the 3.0si. It was my experience that we could get a Z4m for the money we had available but needed an extra couple of grand for the Alpina. A couple of years ago it was the other way round. Zedwheels has an Alpina and i would say the main difference is the Servicing and running costs of the Alpina is a lot cheaper than the Z4m. Also the top speed of the Alpina is 175 and the Z4m is 155

 

[zedonist]

Iirc the Alpina's engine is 3.4 litres and is apparently a lot smoother in power delivery than the 3.2 M version, aesthetically it looks nicer, and the Alpina's Wheels are really nice, bear in mind it came in two flavours standard and lux, I would go for the lux as it is loaded with extras.

 

[Rev]

What about suspension? Any differences?

 

[GazHyde]

Can't help out with the technical side as I'm not sure on the specification differences. If I had the choice between the two I would opt for the Alpina straight off. I've had this discussion with a few people over the years, and the Z4M is bland looking in comparison. I'm not sure why BMW didn't seem to bother with the Z4M as it's quite subtly styled when you compare it to the Z3M.

The Alpina has an air of exclusivity about it. You don't see many of them about as there were only 160 or so RHDs imported to the UK (I think). The styling is more aggressive than the Alpina, almost what BMW should have done with the Z4M.

OK, it's not all about looks but the Alpina really is no slouch when it comes to performance.

This seems a pretty balanced write up on the Alpina Z4 - http://www.thealpinaregister.com/reviews/2810

 

[Rev]

Thanks for those comments, they're all really helpful.

Limited numbers of the Alpina make finding a cracking car difficult though. A waiting game.

We'll see what comes up in either over the winter. There is certainly no rush or need.

 

[zedonist]

The suspension is not from the Z4M and is based around the Z4 3.0 as is the whole car, that has been lowered and uprated it also should not have run flats, thus adding to a more plush ride, having read all about them, i now want one

 

[Rev]

I now want one

There is now an orderly queue and it starts behind me!

 

[zedwheels]

When I was looking to change from my Z3 a couple of years ago I went looking for a Z4M. Found that a garage down Western way had one advertised in red so
went over to have a drive. The M was a hard drive, aggressive in performance and probably because of its image had been given a hard life, not to say that all
4M's are treated this way but it hadn't been cared for you know.
Went into the showroom and some people were sitting in what I thought was another Z4 but inspecting it seen the Alpina badge. Not familiar with what I was looking at
asked if I could take it for a test drive. It was the best car I had ever driven, suspension smooth but firm enough to give confidence on cornering, put your foot down and
it seems to thrive then on higher revs, it will thrill, with a 0 to 60 of 5.1 sec. top speed not limited of 169 mph. The spec is high, in my opinion it has everything you want from a sports car.
The road tax is based on the 3ltr so its £220 and not £500 or so for the M, the service costs also based on the 3ltr so much lower, the fuel consumption I get is +30 mpg
about town. The value of the car is more now than when I bought mine, I think the lowest i'v seen is £12K + this is because they are a rare breed.
I think you can tell what I think about the Alpina roadster S Lux. worth every penny. But I'm biased I suppose!!

 

[Rev]

I suspect it will be the closest model to the Z8 from your description. The Z8 is a grand tourer really. Very comfortable and eats the miles, but very capable of making the pulse race a little if you press the sport button!

My wife won't drive the Z8 as she feels intimidated by it being left hand drive and expensive. I can understand that. Driving it on a motorway or main road is easy, but in towns it becomes a little tricky unless you're used to it.

I thought she may feel more comfortable in a Z4, and the Alpina looks the most interesting. I'm not in a great rush, but thought the next month or two may throw up a reasonably priced gem.

Thanks for your help. It's reassuring to know you're in love with it.

I suspect that there's really not a bad one amongst them though, just slightly different levels of brilliant fun!

 

[zedwheels]

I suspect it will be the closest model to the Z8 from your description. The Z8 is a grand tourer really. Very comfortable and eats the miles, but very capable of making the pulse race a little if you press the sport button!

My wife won't drive the Z8 as she feels intimidated by it being left hand drive and expensive. I can understand that. Driving it on a motorway or main road is easy, but in towns it becomes a little tricky unless you're used to it.

I thought she may feel more comfortable in a Z4, and the Alpina looks the most interesting. I'm not in a great rush, but thought the next month or two may throw up a reasonably priced gem.

Thanks for your help. It's reassuring to know you're in love with it.

I suspect that there's really not a bad one amongst them though, just slightly different levels of brilliant fun!

Spot on Rev.

 

[zedonist]

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifi.../bmw------------alpina-roadster-s-2dr/1643307

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/used-ca...-s-2dr-rochdale-fpa-201310079154606?logcode=p

Race you to them

 

[zedonist]

Like buses!

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/bmw/alpina/alpina-roadster-roadster-s-2dr/1613207

 

[Rev]

All of them are very nice, which one are you going to view first?

I'm actually in no rush and will wait on the fence until EXACTLY the right car comes along. I don't currently know what the car spec will be, but I'm sure I'll know it when I see it.

 

[zedonist]

I am dreaming about them really, just shelled out on the family bus, so will be a while, plus plenty still to do on the old M44.

But that blue one is really nice and would be my first choice, a red one went on ebay earlier for 8k so bargains can be had too.

 

[Rev]

It's nice to dream. Keeps us all going!

It's a long winter and the searching for me is a nice way to spend a little time.

I have just sold a car and do there's a spare garage that needs filling before it ends up full of junk!

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

Hi Guys
Synters in Nottingham have a nice one for sale, check it out.

Mike

 

[zedonist]

It's nice to dream. Keeps us all going!

It's a long winter and the searching for me is a nice way to spend a little time.

I have just sold a car and do there's a spare garage that needs filling before it ends up full of junk!

Yeah i know what you mean, i constantly have to review the Garage for newly stored items in plastic bags, the missus thinks any space has to be filled, must be a nesting instinct!

 

[Rev]

Hi Guys
Synters in Nottingham have a nice one for sale, check it out.

Mike

Mike thanks for that, I have seen it and it is a nice car. I was looking for a very special one though.

I'd like to find something with a lower mileage if I can.

I need to find a car with a previous owner like Mark!

 

[Rev]

Yeah i know what you mean, i constantly have to review the Garage for newly stored items in plastic bags, the missus thinks any space has to be filled, must be a nesting instinct!

I our house it's a race to see who can fill the garages first... So far I'm ahead with the cars, but selling one may be a mistake.... so we need to make another acquisition before spring!