Why The BMW Z4 Coupe 3.0si is A Cool Car For Young People, And BETTER Than The Z4 M (Review)
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We're looking at the first generation BMW Z4 Coupe - rarer than the roadster, reasonably powerful but fairly frugal - could this be the perfect first sports car?
#BMW #Z4
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Love these, very under-appreciated, "proper" sports car (RWD, manual, long bonnet, short boot, normally aspirated, straight six etc) but at the same time they're not too crazy so make a great daily driver. I also think they look great and are part of that generation of BMWs which have aged incredibly well.
@@DaleSteel Not if you drive them fast they aren't.
@@DaleSteel Slow? There is pretty much no opportunity to push a car with this performance on a public road!
@@DaleSteel Gears being too long is a far point, although one Porsches struggle with as well. Obviously the turbo 6 is a far superior engine in terms of output, however, for a sportscar driven on the street, this engine should suffice plenty.
Anyone can drive a fast car, not everyone can drive a car fast.
@@DaleSteel this car Is fast enough to have fun on public roads without loosing your driving lincence. If you want tons of torque just buy a diesel
.....after 150K trouble free miles I still love it, Never has let me down. Runs like a champ and still gets looks everywhere I go.
You’ve probably just given it the kiss of death now you’ve said that.
Fair do's
Well done! Good to hear Scotty Kilmer is wrong. Likewise James' own 130i. Are you on the original factory electric water pump etc? :)
I bought one last year, I never want to sell it 🙂
You might want to watch out, I've got the N52k in my 07 330i sitting at 120k miles and it's been plagued with issues, I've owned it for 3 years and only driven it just over 5k miles in that time, mostly because it spends so much of it's time broken either in garages or sitting waiting to go to a garage
I have a 3.0si convertible. Brilliant first sports car!
same here! 3.0si convertible, manual, same red M interior, brilliant sports car
As do I ! Fantastic car 👍🏼
Here also e85 3.0si 2006
Such a classic design. Reminiscent of another of my favourites, the Datsun 240z
As a e86 and 280z owner, I can say you are totally right. The roof lines are almost the same, both have inline 6 engine. The Z4 is just a modern s30. 😁
I recent went from a 2007 Z4M Coupe to a 2007 3.0si Coupe (6speed with M-sport suspension and seats) and find the car way more enjoyable now for the same reasons you mentioned. The 3.0si (with its aluminum/magnesium engine) is also 200 lbs lighter in the front end than the iron block M coupe, providing it better agility.
Absolutely love the first generation Z4's !
Didn't know you are into vroom vroom
@@justarandomstickminwithaha6984 Vroom vroom all de way ! xD
@@sullacicero2610 yeah it does but the 3.0si Z4 sounds actually surprisingly pretty good for Stock exhaust I drove one recently here in Austin I’m actually doing Z4 3.0si car searching for the right Si spec at the moment E85 though not the E86 coupe but the exhaust sounded good I was surprised for it being stock it had a small crackle & burble type of sound when you let off of the throttle. A nice deep vroom hum to it you can hear it coming it wasn’t a dead silent quiet car.
@@sullacicero2610 Keep an eye on those rod bearings 👍
@@Theeelp1 The N52 was a big step forward from the older M54 motor. Lighter and sportier. Having driven both the N52 and the M54 the new one was was much responsive and revved more freely. The N52 is superior all round. Makes torque lower and revs higher to produce more power. Lighter engine too. The 2.5si N52 makes almost the same power and the older 3.0 M54. And it weighs less and revs higher... Feels more like a sportscar engine. My M54 ran to 150,000 Miles+ and was still running perfectly so It does remain to be seen if the N52 can have the same staying power. N52 SI FTW. Luv and Peace.
I love how you make so many videos about “cars for young people” 😂
My first car is a 2003 Z4 Roadster with the 2.5i engine and the 5 speed manual. Bought it in March and I absolutely love it!!!
What’s insurance on it? And how old are you
Insurance and age?
Owned an ‘07 for nine years and the sheer versatility of the car along with the driving experience was the reason I kept it for so long. Loved it and really should have stored it rather than sold.
Thoroughly enjoyed that. Thanks you James and Justin! I'm a fan of these and hope you enjoy owning it, Justin.
Great review - got a ruby black over parchment interior 3.0si coupe myself, fabulous car. About time these were compared favourably against the M, the engine is easier to work on, silky smooth and far lighter and significantly more efficient. They are just as quick in a real world scenario, handle better on regular tyres than the M, and the road tax is far cheaper. I do most maintenance myself as I don’t trust anyone else and I’m an old forker at 60 years old 😁
When I had my mini cooper in the shop, they lended me a 2007 z4 3.0si (convertible) and it was the most fun I've ever driven. Given I have only driven a truck, minivan, and a mini cooper... This car is definitely on my radar.
Ran one for a couple of years. Changed up to a C63. Z4 manages to feel just as special. Such a lovely looking car.
Sounds a lot like my friend, just bought a c55 and is selling the z4 aha.
Loved this vid! In these days of excess, its brilliant to see you reviewing great cars from the party that are affordable and fun. And I love this car! More more 😜👍👍
Great review, I had one of these a few years ago and I really liked it, you've made me want another one now! Such a good looking car too. A bona fide modern classic and as you say the M isn't really worth the extra.
Well I'm 57 (still young) and drive a red 3.0si with run flats and love it. Love the smooth drive on the flat and also the bumpy local pot holed side roads. Previously had the Z3M which I loved too, but this is something different. I won't be getting rid for a long time yet.
Nice. Enjoy.
You are reading my mind good sir, first the 125i and now this, both on my list of potential next cars. Cheers!
Fantastic cars, I had the 3.0si Coupe, one of my favourite views was the wing mirror looking back over those fabulous flat rear arches.
I completely agree, I know you've owned one now!
Was just out of my budget when I got my 3.0i, still love the coupe Has my 17 year old 3.0i for 5 years, super reliable and very reasonable insurance The battery is in the m boot because it’s got exhausts on both sides
I had 1 new for 2 years & 25k miles, plus 2 track days. BMW did silly contract hire deals on them for a spell! I loved it and found it way more fun than the E46 BMW M3 I had. Great car and good honest review. I really like how you go back and revisit some of the older stuff. Another vid I enjoyed was the Ford racing puma, again another car I had back when. Both me 11 year old son love watching the vids of cars I’ve had in the past
The N52B30 is a lovely engine. Love it even more in the smaller coupes like the Z4 and the E82.
On point review Jay I have a BMW Z4M Coupe and I've recently bought a Z4 coupe 3.0si also as I'm trying to keep miles down on the M. The boot in the Z4M is taken up by the battery where the 3.0si has it underneath, I believe it's to do with the quad exhaust set up. Great video. The coupes are also holding there value very strongly.
I’ve honestly been looking to get one of these for a while… your vid just sold it to me!!!!
When I had my E85 2.5 I loved it.... apart from the suspension in combination with run flats. It had the M-Sport suspension and at times it felt like it had no suspension at all.
I own a 3.0 SI Coupe and I love it, it's very rare that you see another one on the road at the same time as you are. These cars are small light and handle like they're on Rails. BMW didn't make very many of these at all. Under 3000 they were a very limited production vehicle
Brilliant review James. Vastly underrated sports car 🙂👍
I have a 2007 in Stratus Grey on 19s and BC coilovers and it's the best car I've ever owned. Absolutely love it to bits! @JayEmm the M has the battery compartment in the boot and that's what intrudes into the space so much.
I drove one for a while and fell in love with the growl and burble of that N54. It's a bargain now! Great review!!
Thank you for this video! I have a BMW Z4 3.0SI Roadster and i love it
Same here a 2006 stick. Classic in every respect. Ain’t selling mine.
As These were quite a bit more in Germany, i instead went for the Audi TT 8j 2.0. Great review! Always loved the look of the Z4 Coupe
Just picked up a 2012 28i Z4 and am thoroughly enjoying it. My first true sports car, also it had run flats on it, but they were in rough shape.
Thanks Jay , I appreciate you wanting to keep realistic cars on the channel. Need to get you on Matt Farrahs podcast so you guys can speak Lotus and I just think it would be a fun pairing 😅
I owned a Z4 coupe with the auto transmission. Was fantastic car, it leaned towards a tourer than a sports car I think but was capable on good roads. The only niggles I had was the cursed runflats and the M sport suspension was a little stiff on uneven roads. The electric water pump was an unknown as the miles got higher and you never knew when it would stop working. I'd have another In a heart beat.
I love your outro music!!
I’m in my 40s and this is a car I would really and I mean REALLY want to own. Looks incredible for a start.
I’m 49 and like them too
i’m 44 ad got one . it’s awesome . and i’ve got a v70r manual . also awesome. never buying another car
Me too, Im 48, and wish it was possible to have one of these z4 3.0 si's, cant afford it, will continue with my e46 330i... Maybe, in a near future, I hope....this z4. Its sooo beautiful, sexy, nice sound, perfect engine, etc....
I’m 20 and would recommend this car for anyone that loves spirited drives
Im 53, had one for 5 years, superb fun
I had one 10 years ago. Great style and lovely engine
Love my 3.0Si Roadster, just come back from a coast road blat in Dorset, The best modern minimalist interior of any car. And the N52 is a peach.
I had a 2007 Z4 Coupe 3.0Si. Black with cream leather and no badges - best car I ever owned (so far) and I wish I'd never sold it. A Bangle design that first gave us the roadster then, when adding the coupe roof, made it look much better and how it should have been in the forst place - it's also rare!
Hi, I had the 3.0si and now the M version. The M is something else and very rare. Very Exclusive. A real sport car with the famous 3.2 engine. Anyway, for everyday, the 3.0si is probably the best choice.
Thanks for the review. I’m a long term BMW owner - from a 2018 X5 40d through 335d Touring, and more lately a 2019 M5 comp. Currently have a Tesla as a daily for work, just purchasing a One Owner 2008 30Si with 21,000 miles on her. Looking forward to the driving pleasure of a manual sports car rather than being driven (and dictated too) by a modern car.
Great vid, buying one now, very exited 😁 what an engine perfect dose of daily comfort with weekend performance for the back roads and excuses to stay of the motorway styling is perfect,and proportions are just right for me anyway
I own a Z4 Coupe 3.0si now for 7 years as a daily driver (although i do not drive that much at all). I can subscribe to every line you say in this video - it is spot-on advice for everybody considering it. Just a few more added notes: 1. One of the key reason for the 3.0si being "better" than a M version is the significantly reduced weight. The N52 engine is actually the lightest R6 ever put to serial production. The whole car is 70kg lighter than the M and has a 50:50 spread instead of 51:49-ish in the M. It actually *feels* lighter, than the M, greatly adding to the fun 2. If you constantly scrub it in the German autobahn, you'll have 11.6L/100km or 20.2MPG. If you drive fast, but moderate, you'll get about 9,0l/100km or 26MPG. You can get to
Literally had to Google R6, not being a bmw head. Lol
I agree with almost everything you state here. The one thing is I disagree on is the tuning. The big thing is you are going to pay a lot for only a little gain. MILVs, headers and now velocity stacks will add a decent bit to it. Most likely pushing crank power to or just over 300. As long as you keep filters on it there is no reason that it shoud be less reliable.
Brilliant review, brilliant host.
I've been watching this repeatedly in advance of, and now having bought one. It's everything I want (and leaving out all the nonsense I don't want) in a car. I love it.
Great review 👍👌😎
So glad I was able to pick up my 3.0si coupe. Not only is it a rare car that sets you apart from the pack, but it’s an incredibly underrated and reliable sports car. It gets looks of wonder or admiration every time I drive it.
That camera movement you made at 08:30 was spot on! Is that something you always do and I've not noticed before? Instead of just panning around tracking the car it looks like you rotated the camera to keep it in shot? I have no idea about photography or film as you can probably tell I just found myself going back to look at it twice as it was very satisfying.
Ooooh I have to agree that was very swish! I didn't notice until you said :')
Use to have one of these also with red interior my favourite car I ever owned now have to make do with a hot hatch due to having a family Great review makes a change for someone to rate it so highly
Spot on review. I cross shopped the M and the SI e86 back in 2009, and ended up buying a 2007 e86 silver on black manual, with both the sport and premium packages. The SI fit much better as an only car, the M is more of a weekend car. The N52 in this configuration, is really one of the all time greatest BMW inline sixes. Torquey, great throttle response, great sound and buttery smooth (smoother than the S54 which is a little raspy and coarser). The manual is one of the better bmw manuals. And the car looks amazing to this day. Manual e86's are becoming very hard to come by, but when I do see one come up, I often wonder if it will actually bring more smiles per mile than my current 2020 M2 Comp manual. They just don't make em like this anymore...
Spooky! The other day I was contemplating getting in touch with your good self to see if you would be interested in having a drive of my "weekend car" (treated myself to it 18 months ago after returning from working "abroad" for a few months). What is the weekend car I mention? A metallic sapphire black 3.0si E86 with red leather! I think a few other subscribers of your channel have been spot on with their comments. I adore my E86. That "classic" BMW performance engine (the creamy smoothness, the sound), the classic lines/proportions of what purists could say a coupe should be, the way it makes you feel when driving it. I absolutely adore it. A great channel by the way, brilliant reviews that you do.
I had the convertible version in ruby black. looked black in the shade but had a lovely red glint when the sun came out. Was a great car but had to sell it when kids came along.
I've got the Z4 M Coupe. Stock it was great in some areas but weak points too. IMO changing the suspension is essential. I went for KW V3s. Transformed the handling. Upgraded brakes are essential for sustained track work. With some mods the car is fantastic. Put an eventuri on for more induction noise. It is a shame for the owners who left it as stock and then sold due to disappointment with handling, ride and other factors that are easily improved with a reasonable budget. It's a keeper.
I plan on doing the same thing to the 3.0si E85 for the suspension
I've got a 3.0i convertible version and I bloody love it
Man that n52 sound never gets old!
Cool video
If one had a Lexus LS430, six speed auto and a Z4 in the garage, one would have the perfect balance of weekday sensibility with weekend pleasure for not much money....and you would be VERY happy!
I seem to remember Clarkson saying something very similar about cars like the Z4 where way more fun to drive in the real world than any supercar. Another great video.
Great review, nice car that.
Great video I would love to learn more about running of those old premium cars.
Mine cost me only petrol and oil change for the most of my ownership.
@@MrRoyck10 Thanks! I have my suspicions that the ones we get in the US are not as well built as the ones sold in Europe!
Always liked these. Reminded me of the old Triumph GT6........but good
Had my 2008 Z4 3.0si coupe for 5 years now and enjoyed every mile. It's good enough at just about everything that it makes a fantastic daily driver. The only unexpected bills were for a new starter motor and front bushings. Other than that I'd recommend deleting the clutch delay valve and getting rid of the awful run flat tyres for Eagle F1s. Great six pot engine, okay gearbox, good handling and a useful sized boot. It still looks good especially now in a world dominated by SUV's. It's a future classic, get one now before values go up!
I'm holding on to mine hoping the value increases.
Been using the Z4C as my daily for the last 2 years & I was planning on selling but after getting the back box deleted it’s totally transformed the enjoyment of the car:D only thing I ‘hate’ is the ride quality!
Any competent quality aftermarket suspension manufacturer could sort that out. I would probably be looking at koni or even entry KW if I wanted to improve on factory specs.
Take a look at Koni FSD/Special active - best possible ride quality on e46 chassis and more controled body roll comparing to standard shocks
@@aertasv7116 @papapetad ah thanks for the recommendations, i'll check those out!
Glad you like it 🇬🇧
Picked one up with only 45k km on the clock. Basically new. Amazing car!!
What a coincidence ! I’m 24 and bought 2 days ago a Z4 coupe 3.0si Manual with the same wheels. I love it !
Those are si wheels. My buddy has them on his non si 3.0. Enjoy that car, they're gems.
@@m1l3s27 actually these wheels were on the Z4 before the SI model even came out. I had a 2003 model 3.0i roadster (about 12 years ago) so was the early model and it came with these wheels. The SI wheels were a multi spoke design.
Thanks Jay, I bought one. Can't stop grinning when behind the wheel 😁
He's on the money with this review, I've got this and an astra and the visibility over your shoulder is WAY better in the beemer tho
Thanks J.
Another Z4 coupe owner checking in. Had it for 2 years now as my daily. Bought as a few have said, reminded me of the Datsuns, not sure what you could buy that's this special for this kind of money, definitely a good bang for your buck. Gets a lot of attention for a car that cost me a hair over £6k.
Have been driving my 3L Si Coupe for two years now, aged 22. Best car for the money and can't think what would beat the experience without spending 6x the price on a GT4 or something...
Out of curiosity how much is your insurance mate? I’m 24 currently driving a 520d and it’s starting to get cheap
@@michaelgriffiths7937 Hi mate, it was £900 last year when I was 21. I assume it will come down a little bit when I renew. With mods as well so very reasonable
How do you find it as a daily especially during winter?
It’s a cool car no matter your age! The original Z4’s have aged so well. They got the styling bang on in my opinion. They’re so dinky; a colleague had one and it was dwarfed my a modern Corsa.
Got one of these 10 years ago when I turned 21. Missed it the day I sold it, and It’s currently on the shortlist for the latest motor 🚗
Damn you had one at 21? Fair play. I had a s13 and that was an arm and a leg in insurance for me at the time. What was it like as a daily.
Why not go for the M version this time?
Haha. I know what you mean. I unfortunately crashed mine and looked around for an upgrade but ended up getting another one. They are great cars.
Aha same as me. I owned one around the same point at that age. I still miss it to this day. If I didn’t need 5 doors and a bigger car I would have it back in a heartbeat.
I just made a similar comment, I got mine at 22 my insurance was £1300, nearly 10 years later I want another one now. I regret selling it. These have always been a bit of a bargain for what they are.
Wanted one of these for years
Stunning!!!
Bigger boot in the 3.0si as the battery is located in the lower boot floor, the z4mc had the battery in the boot due to the quad exhaust using up the space on the osr lower section where the battery normally sits
Nice! In my opinion that generation z4 was an instant classic. Something I’m not sure about when it comes to the newest one.
I'm glad I owned this shape Z4. Beautiful.
My 60-something year old gardener has one of these. I now want a go in it.
Made me want to go look for one cheers
Definitely a car on my list to own at some point. The convertible is drab but the coupe is such a great car!
A colleague of mine had one in yellow/gold - stunning car!
that colour is called Phoenix Gelb, one of a coolest individual BMW colours
Had one of these but I thought it too was less than the sum of its parts but still great value, great looking and great sounding option. Replaced it with a W204 C63 which was everything I hoped it would be.
I had a 3.0 and a z4m both in roadster form. While I was more impressed by the M, I had more fun in the 3.0 if that makes any sense.
Very tempted to buy one
My E85 steering and ride was totally transformed by ditching the runflats (its on the 17" 103s). Had a Slime kit in the boot since. Can confirm the insurance is cheap, costs just less than a Suzuki Swift Sport.
Love this! Great advice, great value smiles on face with bulletproof engine. More of this please, the spending £10k and pocketing the difference from a Vantage or Cayman. Golf GTI ?......
I'm glad you did this review. I completely agree. I owned a 3.0 roadster for around 3 years (the longest I've kept any car!) and I loved it for what it was. I'd owned an e46 M3 prior to it, and the performance difference isn't as much as the figures may suggest. They're very light, and have a lovely analogue feel, but also have nice build quality, sound good and people still look at them as a flash sports car. Also drove a z4m and I'd agree the 3.0 is better, I never found the engine matched the chassis on the M, far too fidgety and the torque curve makes the 3.0 a nicer drive
My first ‘real’ car. I loved it.
I've got a Z4C 3.0si, fitted it with a LSD, KW v3 coilovers, 19" BBS wheels with Michelin 4's and a short shifter and am having a blast driving it on public roads! Would think twice about the KW top mounts and poly bushes as the ride is a little too stiff but it's a blast on the twisties!
I fitted poly bushes all over and the removed them a few months after. I found it really fidgety, I could almost everything under the tyres. Like you said, great on the twisters though!
Had the M and chopped it in for one of these several years ago,a bit tired of the skittish ride and the dealer charging me £500 for a glorified oil service. Every enthusiast needs to drive a 6 cylinder BMW at least once.Currently have a new Golf R but the engine in the BMW is just on a different level.
Imagine thinking BMW engines are something to rave about... BMW engines are trash.
@@TheApana care to elaborate?
I miss my six cylinder e46 so much. So silky and a wonderful noise. 4 cylinders just aren't the same.
@@Arman-nl6mg They're weedwackers and fart-boxes. You want an engine to rave about? 6.2L V8 from AMG takes the crown by more than a mile.
TheApana Men are talking here. Shoo boy.
Loved my Monaco blue 3.0si coupe. Sacha is the lost love of my life.
James, when you mention the Cayman, it might be an idea to add a link to your review of that car (the base 987) in this video. A link to a 350/370z and maybe also a Brera (I can't remember if you have reviewed one) would be useful too. The Z4 3.0 coupé is an interesting car, I knew someone who owned one in 2008 and loved his. He claimed to have seen 270+ km/h on the Autobahn... Personally I prefer my Boxster, but if I felt comtortable driving a LHD car in the UK I think I would have been looking at an old C4 Corvette rather than the Z4, which in some ways is very similar.
I currently own an '03 E85 3.0i (that's the M53B30 engin for you nerds out there) and I tell you, I do not regret not going for the MK3 Mégane RS I had first intended to buy. As my first car, it is just brilliant to drive and to live with 😊
Right jay it’s not just for the young I’m 52 and have that car however mine is metallic dark grey with black interior and just fitted some new wheels with 19" wheels and I’ve had many cars but this car is amazing my other car is a Subaru Impreza wrx
Both great cars
@@rumporridge1 thanks
I think like you said, it is so easy to keep & enjoyable to use, for what it is, ticks a lot of boxes.
Very informative - thank you. Having had a 911, Evora, 350z’s, numerous Alfas and 18months ago had to sell my 370z Nismo, I’m now in a position to get into a half decent sports car. I’m looking at this and a Cayman 3.4. I’m so torn as which way to go??!!
Love these, I just think I'd miss not having the soft top....straight six + convertible = an exceptional driving experience!!!
It has its own special charm, the most cockpit like car I’ve been in.
I own since last October a 2015 z4 e89 20i and I love it! I've put 13000 km on it already and it's brilliant. The coupe looks damn nice but the droptop on mine makes it just that much more special to me
They are two different cars, the e86 is a modern classic in a way, unlike the e89 which was very lacklustre that even the M division snubbed it the e89 hence you only get the 35i 😂
"Costs you about the same as a very disappointing bacon sandwich and coffee at an airport" is one of the most specific yet humorous cost analogies I've heard all year 🤣
Thank you for raising the value of these before I’ve managed to get one 😂😂😉🤷🏻♂️
These will probably be cheaper the closer to London you find them, I can't imagine them being ULEZ compliant and they aren't really high-end enough for the people to whom money is no object, so without checking, I would imagine there will be a few going down that neck of the woods.
@@TheMadTatter These are ULEZ compliant, even my 2003 CLK55 AMG is ULEZ complaint! The ULEZ stuff really makes no sense
@@whitennnerdy oh really? Hahaha that's quite funny, I'm a northerner so I don't really know all the ins and outs of it myself, but just thought a 3.0 straight six from the mid 00's would be as good as banned from London! 🤣
@@TheMadTatter Haha I know it's ridiculous! Pretty much any petrol car that's 2002/2003 or newer is ULEZ compliant, Diesels are where they get ya, it has to be EURO 6 which I believe most manufacturers were after 2015. So it's mostly to get rid of those "pesky" diesels. Interestingly my CLK320CDI from 2007 also shows as ULEZ compliant, however I'm sure that's a mistake :D
@@whitennnerdy unless it's a German Diesel, they never have any emissions, oh no, none at all hahaha 😉