Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick M3
Honestly, I think that the Z3 coupe looks less terrible than the 1 series. (They are both ugly.)
I also regard the E30 rear suspension as a net-positive. It’s part of what makes them so interesting to drive. And given that on 1998 tires, and with the S50B32 (which is meaningfully slower than the S54, as much as I like it), the Z3M was only 8 seconds slower around the Nurburgring, you could make a plausible argument that the 1M actually handles *worse* with its parts bin E9x M3 suspension.
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The 1M is like an entertaining bulldog puppy, pulling hither and thither, and has four seats, a high greenhouse and CoG. I liked it; not enough to drop everything and buy it, but still fun. It did seem to have just slightly less roadholding and refinement than the e9x m3 but more readily available torque and oversteer.
The z3, as dated as it is, is a different category, 2-seater, low CoG, light weight sports car.
I happen to think the z3 coupe has a terrible design unlike the roadster. I get it that liking the ugly is almost a badge of worshiping the roundel at this point. See the recent Jalopnik film about it here:
https://jalopnik.com/how-the-clown-s...ugl-1833946317
There are other bmw fans like me (and perhaps Matt) who have owned these cars and engines since around the time some of the clown shoe fans were in short pants. Not all of us have to like it. I love LSB but honestly could care less if there were a hundred LSB s54 z3m coupes or not; or if they're worth a lot to some people. I've had my five years with a LSB s54 e46 m3 and I still absolutely prefer that car. I hand the 2-seater category to porsche.