As this is written, there are 35 BMW Z4 M CoupeÃs and Roadsters for sale on leading classified websites.
They range in price from £12,500 for a 90,000-mile 2006 Roadster to £28,995 for a 24,000- mile 06-plate with the same body. The most expensive Coupeà is a 2007 car with 16,000 miles, for £28,390.
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The two versions may, at first glance, have the same specification, but the Coupeà has slightly firmer dampers, a thicker rear anti-roll bar and slightly quicker steering. If that makes it sound sportier, the soft-top is actually lighter by some 15kg and comes with slightly more aggressive geometry settings.
The Coupeà cost £41,285 new in 2006, the Roadster £42,950. Today, that differential has been turned on its head, with used Roadsters costing £3000 or so less than equivalent CoupeÃs. If you are not going racing and have a sensitive back, the slightly more compliant Roadster could be the smarter buy. David Smitheram, author of the Essential Buyer’s Guide to the BMW Z4 M and an ARDS racing instructor, says his Roadster is as quick on a track as a Z4 M CoupeÃ.
Around 1500 Roadsters and CoupeÃs were sold during the Z4 M’s two-year life span from 2006 to 2008. Buyers were lured by the Chris Bangle styling and Boxster/Cayman - baiting M Power punch, courtesy of a 338bhp 3.2 straight-six that drives the rear wheels via a six-speed Getrag manual gearbox. It’s good for 0-62mph in less than five seconds.
A key thing to note if you’re on a tight budget is that the engine’s valve clearances require checking every second service. That will be £1200 at a BMW dealer or about £700 at an independent. On the other hand, the engine is relatively simple to work on, so if you’ve the tools and the know- how, you could do it yourself for around £200 in parts.
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Gearbox
The geqarbox was a ZF siz-speed. The Getrag from the M3 wouldn't fit. The ZF box will grind at the redline going from first to second so drive accordingly.
Auto Gearbox
Is the auto gearbox in these an auto that has paddles, or a proper SMG? Anyone got any feedback on it?
Z4M's are six speed manual
Z4M's are six speed manual only.
Duf wheels.
Biggest problem he’s had is with the wheels.
On his first the lacquer kept flaking off so BMW got them refurbished for him. With later cars BMW refused to help even though the car was within warranty. They claimed he hadn’t look after them! For such a young car he had to have them all refurbished because of the coating on them coming off, yet there was no kerb damage or any other type of abuse.
On my own BMW the problem was the wheels kept cracking. They’re far too brittle for UK roads. £ 500 for a new wheel.