z4 back to z3?

[california123]

Guys iv been looking at( used cars n,ireland) site and theres a stunning yellow z3 for sale with this burnt orange interior.I had a six cynder z3 wide body, and really liked it.I graduated to the z4, and love the body shape no doubt,but the interior, and build quality in areas i dont like.Iv started to think maybe i should go back to a z3 as i liked the interiors, and the shape with the forward vents i always liked.Has any one on the forum ever went back to the z3 from the z4, and why?i think for my taste the z4 is to hard edged, and the z3 a little softer,yes im getting old.The only z3 i would go for is the wide body six cylinder though..

 

[Robert Hill]

I would never change my z3 for a Z4 the z3 in my opinion has more style and better quality

 

[andyglym]

I would never swap my Z3 for a Z4, or indeed any other convertible) but I'd certainly one if I had the space and money.

 

[mwpe]

When I bought my Z3, I chose it over the Z4 because I don't like the styling of the Z4 but since then I have found other reasons to prefer it, mainly the older technology.

 

[california123]

I tend to agrree with you after my exsperience with both,although i love the futuristic body shape of the z4,i hate to say it but i think it is overrated.Mine i think still has the run flat tyres, and handles roughly over the many ruts on our roads.

 

[california123]

Robert thats a lovely z3 with an interesting colour, and the cream leather really sets it off,is it a wide body six cylinder version?

 

[Mint]

My Zed life started with my 2.2 Z3 in 2011. After a few years I thought I'd try a Z4. So I bought a 2.5si (E85) to see what they were like. I had her for about 5 months, even took her to Europe on holiday, and completed over 5,000 miles in her before deciding a Z4 was not for me and I sold her.
Not for one big reason but more lots of small ones. In no particular order there was the awful ride on our wonderful roads, the run flats were awful. In the cabin there was always a lot of turbulence, even after fitting a wind blocker (much more expensive than the Z3 ones). Styling, I liked the back end but the huge expanse of aluminium for the bonnet was boring. There was no room in the cabin for bits and pieces and the door pockets were useless. The heater was not as good as the Z3 and I couldn't get the vents to blow on my lap like I do in the Z3. It was a perfectly driveable car but it didn't put a smile on my face like driving the Z3, it was just like driving an ordinary car.

On the plus side..... the money I got from selling her went towards my 3.0 Z3

So, I am one of the few on here who has gone back to a Z3 from a Z4, in fact I never left the Z3, she's still with me

 

[ljbmwz3]

Had z3 z4 back to z3 , z4 is a better daily car for motorway etc , but prefer the z3 as think its a truer roadster at core and less saloon like interior, but its used as a fun sunday car so depends on use i guess

 

[Rha]

Not gone back to Z3, but then I didn't go Z4 roadster went Z4 Coupe 3.0si man. Having said that I'd love to be able to run both Z4coupe and Z3 roaster. Wouldn't take anything away from Z4 roaster though and having a coupe showed me you shouldn't really compare because there two differant animals. I wasn't happy letting my Z3 go after 11great years but now I feel the same about the Z4 coupe after only 2.5 yrs which surely says a lot about a Z4. No way would I swap the Z4 coupe for a Z3 roadster but would have both if I could, I've been lucky enough to have owned both so far and no complaints. Don't make the mistake of comparing, just remember the Z4 is a progression from aZ3 so more high tech which puts a lot of home mechanics off, not forgetting the body style differences. Horses for courses in my book.
YOU CHOOSE.

Not easy for me but would have my old Z3 back if could run both.

RHA,Roy.

 

[t-tony]

I had a 2000 Z3 2.0 , my first Z3 which I did like but more importantly for me Shirl didn't.

Then I got this one which Shirl did like. No brainer really.

Tony.

 

[california123]

My appetite has been wetted even further for the z3 with the great pics you guys have put on.Iv found sitting in my z3 wide body a pleasant place to be,nice leathers and colour, and fit and finish was good.I find sitting in my black leather z4 very uninspiring,with the cheap plastics on steering wheel and door handles not to mention the two cowels with their cheap plastic,it doesnt add to the overall occasion of driving the z4.

 

[Paul Rice]

I bought my Z4 with the intention of flipping it after a bit of a re fresh with no intention of keeping it. After some issues with the Z3 that took it of the road, started using the Z4 as my weekend toy. As T-Tony and Shirl, Jacquie my better half, who never bonded with the Z3 liked the Z4. Its taken a while to get the car how i want it and to bond with it the same as the Z3. They are 2 totally different cars and yes it would have been nice to hang on to the Z3 just don't have room for 3 cars (Still have the daily). The one difference for me is power, (my Z3 was a 1.9 16v) but mainly the Z4's ability to do long distances in comfort yet top down still a hoot to drive and enjoy open top motoring, a far better package for weekends away IMO.

 

[california123]

Paul my z4 is that exact same colour ,but with the grim black leather,red in mine would have been better like yours.

 

[Paul Rice]

Paul my z4 is that exact same colour ,but with the grim black leather,red in mine would have been better like yours.

I really do like the red leather. now have leather on the dash, (never a fan of the brushed aluminium slab), centre console, handbrake gaiter and gear lever all with red stitching. And now the new steering wheel to match.

 

[colb]

First was a 1.9 Z3 M43 engined which I love, as is my want I needed something else to tinker with so found a 2.5 Z4, few jobs needed doing in the 12 monts I have had that with the Z3 sorned in the garage. Only jobs remaining on the Z4 is to fit some stainless brake hoses as I had an advisory on a rear brake line in September. Also going to fit some aftermarket heated seat pads as it has manual and unheated seats. Had considered using the wiring that should be already in the car as its a 2003 model but found its cheaper to go aftermarket that comes with the looms and switches. Might keep the Z4 when I have finished my tinkering but definately keeping the Z3, its a better car than the Z4 condition wise and fun factor, less to go wrong. I fancy a Jaguar XJ saloon always have just love the look of them so maybe the Z4 will get moved on for one of those in the future.

 

[california123]

Colb recently, i bought a jag stype ,and loved it for its old time jag looks, and the wood and leather ,these great cars are ridiculously cheap.May be cause they are heavy on petrol.Mine was the 3 litre auto,but the big heavy body told on the fuel costs.

 

[california123]

Paul i like the way you have leather on that large slab in front of you,looks like you have adapted the interior to suit your tastes,well done.

 

[RickyBobby]

An interesting read for me having recently bought my 5th Zed in less than 12 months. I'm currently running an E89 and a Z3 and have already tentatively offered the Z3 for sale in favour of the comfort and versatility the E89 provides. The issue is that I am already thinking that decision might have been a bit harsh. Although the E89 is a no brainer this time of year I doubt I will enjoy it as much as the Z3 in the summer and in all honesty I still think I prefer the look of the Z3. Ultimately I think you can make a case for any car as it always comes down to multiple factors.
My journey started with the Ruby Black Z4MC - talk about baptism of fire. Would love to go back to that car but suspect I would lose my license or lose my life.
Next I had the pre-facelift Silver E85 3.0i - lovely cruiser especially in the automatic but my eldest took a shine to it and that was that.
I replaced the 3.0i with a facelift 2.5i in Monaco Blue - loved that colour but made the mistake of replacing the standard wheels with a set of black 107's. Don't get me wrong it looked lovely but I always thought it looked like I was trying to hard. Then it rolled away because the handbrake shoes were shot and that was that I moved it on.
Next I had the Z3 M44 - loved that car it was lightweight and high reving and perfect for whizzing around the Peak District. Unfortunately there was just to much work for me particularly with the bodywork and amount of rust.
Moved the M44 on for a profit and went all the way to Bristol to pick up the pre-facelift 2.8. Have watched the market for a while regarding these cars and still can't believe what good value they represent. In addition they don't look like they're trying to hard and always seem to generate interest from non-Zed and existing Zed owners. With the M52 engine they really are a great drive providing a lovely sound and just the right amount of power when you put the foot down.
Lastly the E89 came to me for 2 reasons - I couldn't resist the deal and really fancied the versatility the convertible hard top provided. On the few occasions I have been out the level of comfort and additional technology has really impressed but that is also the downside. My daily drive is a Tesla so I don't really need that from a second car - what I do need is something that provides the basic driving experience and is a little more raw. Add to that the associated running costs and I guess I've talked myself back in to the Z3. Looks like I need to revisit my intention to sell it and get the E89 listed instead.
No doubt I will have a totally different view tomorrow.............. bloody cars

 

[california123]

R B great read about your life with the z s,thanks for your great input i really enjoyed it, now stop hitting ur head!!!

 

[RickyBobby]

In chronological order so to speak - and yes I've just realised it's 6 not 5