BMW’s Most Underrated M Car Ever Made? | BMW Z4M Review

[@charlesodonnell4214]

Love my 2008 Z4M...8 plus years and counting. Colorado, idaho, montana, south Dakota and Wyoming driven.

[@DrivenPlus]

Nice!

[@ynwa8459]

Fire, how many miles if u don’t mind ?

[@nicco458]

It was a pleasure. Great video! I had a great time that day. See you soon in the new year mate

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks mate! See you soon

[@erudite1579]

Acquired a pure stock '06 Z4 M Roadster several months ago .. interlagos blue .. what a car!

[@DrivenPlus]

Nice!

[@christianfloehr]

Loved mine in black! Was my daily driver vor 3 jears.. ❤ Thanks for sharing!

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks!

[@PiesMashLiquorEels]

You did well there. Boneshakingly firm

[@pan0rama546]

That raspy note exhaust note on s54 is great. Signature sound right from the factory ❤

[@matthewnicholas6365]

Bought myself an e46 m3 a few years ago. Was only a few days old and was taking it down the motorway to show my dad. Had a Z4 behind me that i just couldn't seem to shake and couldn't figure out why. Typically it was a Z4M 😂

[@Everything_cars_12]

Definitely the forgotten one. But they are perfect

[@DrivenPlus]

They definitely are

[@TheManmoths]

Good vid - I love my Z4M but there are a few issues with them which are only really exposed on track. The front callipers are useless and the factory seats aren’t supportive enough. I remedied those issues with some V12 Vantage Brembos and Recaro Pole Positions - now it’s absolutely perfect!

[@willisan]

@@TheManmoths I haven’t tracked mine yet but couldn’t agree more about the seats. Fantastic for everyday driving and spirited canyoning, but for tight curves (I live a couple hours from the Tail of the Dragon) you may wake up with tender knees the next morning from bracing yourself between the door and center panel. Brakes I have less to complain about. Looking forward to upgrading suspension to address the understeer, but even stock I’ve had Cayman GT4s pull over to make way. I feel very lucky to own this car!

[@willisan]

@@TheManmoths btw; if you’re based out of the UK I think I’ve seen your updates in a FB group. Glad you’re loving the new braking setup!

[@DrivenPlus]

Some nice modifications there 👌

[@Porsche1969]

You are claiming crap, dude! The front calipers definitely aren't the reason for your "issues" with it on track. Propably the brake pads are the real reason! The BMW M compound brakes are absolutely track ready for such a light car like the Z4M Coupe. Plus there are 100 better and more suitable track resistant brake solutions for a Z4M Coupe out there, before replacing it with parts from a sh...tty Aston Martin model! This was totally sacrilege....

[@Porsche1969]

Your "issues" aren't issues of the car at all, dude! The Z4M wasn't meant to be a track car! It's a sport coupe with daily driver suitable seats of course. Therefore the seats are PERFECT! Recaro Pole Positions are totally different kind of seats.

[@julianadams2206]

Great review of a really fun BMW M car. Such a shame that they don’t build anything like this anymore.

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks Julian 🙌

[@FranckBoulay]

The rare black ruby coupe is a must have. Z4M❤

[@michabrg7917]

Ahhhh man! I own a 3.0 z4 roadster and I love it! Wish I had the chance to drive the M version 🥲

[@DrivenPlus]

You and me both!

[@derekgb3780]

I had a long drive in an Alpina Roadster a while back - not the same car (but based on the Z4) but rare, similar performance and lots of unique and high status styling.

[@darrenboston342]

I have the Z4M roadster version for sale, it’s done 11k from new in Interlagos blue, 56 plate. 1 owner, absolutely immaculate offered in turn key Anyone interested pls contact me. Thanks

[@g.olivier6713]

So much better than the Z4 e89 35i i have, my roadster M e85 is a Legend ✌😎 nice video , thanks . The sport button give more reactivity to the motor. I like it . The sound of the L6 is a drug 😂 No turbo, just do it 🤩 I have found my sports car.

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks! 35i is a great engine though! Would love to do a feature on one of them

[@adamduff1680]

Sport button only decreased steering assistance in the EPAS normal Z4s :)

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks Adam 👍

[@gregspark9845]

Correct - the Sport button simply changes the throttle mapping to increase throttle response, nothing else. The car is so responsive that it's really not needed other than to satisfy those who need gadgets :)

[@markrhoden68]

I had a 2006 Z4 a few years on and a few BMWs later back to the Z4, I also wish they'd offer a Z4m for today's generation, but here we are. I understand the reason BMW doesn't offer a Coupe in today's car is because of the deal with Toyota and the Supra

[@DrivenPlus]

That would make sense why they don’t offer a coupe version

[@TM240x]

God that sounds good 😍

[@beschuitfluiter]

Do the soundgenerator mod on a non M 3.0 e85 to get a better sound for free

[@Birmingham_racing]

Shame it's rare to see these anymore

[@DrivenPlus]

Massive shame mate

[@pereldh5741]

Moist?! Thats a full wet road sir! The sport button DONT affect the steering, only the throttle response. Leave it well off or its super jerky. Had mine for 9 years, did like it a lot, unique car these days. But in the end german, a machine without soul. Great looking tho!

[@DrivenPlus]

Thanks, what did you change it with?

[@PB200559]

Beautiful

[@paulforbes1319]

I have the 3.0si 6M

[@DrivenPlus]

Very nice!

[@jf9601]

Mate, it’ll be good to get your view on how this car compares to the SLK 55 that you’ve reviewed a couple of times. I always felt that the 55 had the noise and Banzai speed, was let down by not having a manual but made up for it by having the hard top convertible. Any thoughts?

[@julianadams2206]

I test drove a Z4 M coupe from new whilst the main agent was servicing a friend’s V10 M5. It was wonderfully nimble fast and exciting. I always wanted one. However I ended up buying (5 years ago) an SLK 55 from 2005. They are totally different. The SLK is not as sharp and engaging but much quicker in a straight line. More small muscle car than nimble sports car. I’d ideally love to own one of each.

[@DrivenPlus]

Hard comparison really. SLK55 is more of a GT car because it only comes with an automatic transmission. The Z4M is just manual. So for for those who want to drive a car - Z4M. But, for those wanting use it daily and do a long road trip - SLK55

[@isabella15704]

BMW = BIGMONEYWASTED

[@scotty6346]

The biggest bang for buck is the E86 3.0si coupe, I bought a manual one 6 months ago for 1/3 of the price of a Z4M, No rod bearing worries with the superb N52 engine and they really drive well, 265bhp is enough for me on our roads, Jay Emm on cars did a comparison of both cars as he previously owned a Z4M and he reckons to 3.0si is the better car of the 2 👍 Liked and subbed mate!

[@jamesowendesign]

And he was dead wrong in that review. Those two cars aren’t even in the same universe

[@mikedenkinger9570]

I would've gotten one but being six feet tall, I don't fit. I would trade a mi ute of the 15 years and 188k miles I had in my E46 M3 "slick top". The S54 is a masterpiece if you do the maintenance.

[@DrivenPlus]

Yes you would struggle if you are tall it’s a small cabin. S54 is a peach of an engine 👌

[@adamgreen7291]

Even more underrated is the non M Coupe, the 3.0si. Just as quick, as engaging to drive, as good to look at and more economical and cheaper to run. N52 motor 👌

[@markskinner5659]

N52 motor

[@Pwnsweet]

Not even close

[@paulforbes1319]

I have a 2007 3.0si

[@TheManmoths]

Nope. Comparing any normal E85/86 to a Z4M is pointless. That’s like saying the E46 330i is as involving as an E46 M3 CSL. Horrid EPAS, no LSD, smooth but ultimately boring engine and slow rack/setup. It’s a nice GT car but nowhere near a Z4M.

[@adamgreen7291]

@@TheManmoths 🤣🤣

[@Spectator247]

I don’t think it’s under rated at all, I had one for 3 years (coupe not roadster). Just toooo stiff for public roads, I enjoyed my E46 far more.

[@DrivenPlus]

I know what you mean. They’re not underrated- but they are definitely talked about less than the E46 M3 and co

[@gregspark9845]

That's kind of the point of a hardcore sports car, compared to the M3 which is a modified saloon car. Both fabulous cars - in an ideal world you'd have both, but if weekend fangs are what you need it for the M Coupe wins - faster, lighter, stiffer chassis, more twitchy and more thrilling. And far more rare.

[@Spectator247]

@@gregspark9845 Stiffer doesn’t mean it handles well. I’ve driven it on road and track, the e46 is better on both from my experience. I don’t think the Z is notably lighter to make a difference. In a straight line, the cars are neck and neck.

[@nicco458]

@DrivenPlus, we need to see if this is true and get a E46 M3 against the Z4M coupe.

[@TrinityCT11]

As a previous Z4M owner, it's underrated for a very good reason. Just didn't add up to its sum of parts, flawed big time despite some choice mods to try and improve the handling and chassis. Sounded great though. I also had a E46 M3 which was much more capable and playful out the box. Definitely a case of rose tinted glasses from current owners trying to bump values. This example sounds very raspy! Induction noise is where it's at with the S54, not the rear end.

[@PiesMashLiquorEels]

Had one. Felt same 👍🏼

[@tosinn364]

I love this car almost bought one but it isn’t better than e46

[@LunaWaves]

it's a BMW...

[@diurnalall]

Z3M Coupé takes it, sorry! The Z4 is too Bangle-y for my taste...

[@DjNikGnashers]

Even though these are technically superior to the Z3M coupe, I would rather have the older car. These always just looked plain, and just not 'special' enough for an M car. The clown shoe Z3M coupe was so different to the Z3 models, and unique from any other M car, I feel it holds more affection and will always be the more desirable car.

[@jamesowendesign]

You like ugly cars and that’s okay

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@jamesowendesign I can see why you think they are ugly, they are a bit marmite, I think you either love them or hate them. I love them, they are so different, the good old clown shoe.

[@j606ywt]

Not a looker though

[@lindseywoodfield1627]

Who? Max or the car?

[@j606ywt]

@lindseywoodfield1627 the car

[@georgecupac1202]

my family car sounds much better than your BMW.

[@camora644]

They are just overpriced.

[@DrivenPlus]

You get what you pay for 🤷🏻‍♂️ plus I don’t think you would lose money on one

[@camora644]

@ naahh its the same engin and drivetrain like in the e46, but its nearly double the price. And if you really use and drive the car properly, you will definitly loose money on it. No one buys a M to store it in the garage…

[@isabella15704]

BMW =BIG MONEY WASTED 😂

[@haroldwilliams9648]

Sounds like haterade 2 me!

[@Jjm2024-u3t]

Honestly got no interest for it personally.

[@biafo4541]

Wow, did you hear the sound at the end?

[@Jjm2024-u3t]

@ again, it bores me.

[@biafo4541]

​@Jjm2024-u3t ok just making sure you gave 10min of your most valuable asset on something you have no interest in 😂. I'm now thinking you don't know what the word 'interested' means.

[@jamesowendesign]

Then why comment?

[@Jjm2024-u3t]

@@jamesowendesign cause I wanted to

[@unathimichaelmxaku8105]

I love that car 😍

[@ICalverz]

The coupe is not better looking than the roadster. Sorry

[@chipnerd]

Yup it is

[@Bianconero33]

It is!

[@lancemannion4113]

Yeah. It is.

[@ICalverz]

The car was designed as a roadster first and foremost. The coupe looks like an after thought and from certain angles has that clown shoe appearance. Nowhere near as bad as the Z3M but not far off. The roadster looks great from every angle as originally intended. Sorry this is just my opinion. Great car regardless!!

[@biafo4541]

The coupe is less feminine