The BMW Z3M Coupe Wasn't as Good as I Expected

[@mantarayal]

This is an excellent review mate.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks man!

[@Pixels1920]

This videos are so good, gives me a good idea of the specs/performance of the cars I see on carsales. Only suggestion I think would add so much to make the videos better would be to add external driving shots, top gear style. Great video!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah I guess it's a time issue. This video I filmed in Auckland among 4 other videos that day so didn't have heaps of time to do all the nice fancy shots

[@Pixels1920]

@@KiwiCarLife Yeah

[@Vikturus22]

Interesting timing same day as Hoovie putting up his Flood titled one :) still a good video !

[@abcdefgh1]

Yeah was about to comment the exact same thing. Bizarre coincidence!!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Oh really? Haven't seen that haha

[@paulbelliphotography]

Love its styling. That spot you're shooting at is pretty sweet too 👌

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah man I think it looks pretty cool

[@thatguyben3128]

_Incredible looking machine and remembering in 1999 the ‘average’ Commodore/Falcon V8 was making less than 200kw’s..this little 3.2 was on FIRE 🔥.._ … _cool review_

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah man it makes the power for sure but it's the rest of the car that lets it down

[@sebastianstoian6233]

Biggest issue to nerf them is the E30 rear end. It does not grip like the Z axle in the e36/46. It is a handful to drive hard. Its fun, but its not precise like many expect.

[@zeroyon4562]

Semi trailing rear problems. Toe changes as it goes through suspension travel. I had an E36 compact years ago and it’s quite noticeable, can be unpredictable. I do like them (as well as E30’s and Z3’s) still though.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah now you point that out, it does make some sense. Overall the handling was probably the best part of it, but it is quite lairy

[@RanenPo]

The six cylindrical analogue gauges on the center stack, along with the copious number of switches, make it look like some kind of cockpit

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah it is pretty cool tbh

[@lalitkishore2979]

Looks great in black.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah mana

[@jerrytong2209]

good video mate

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks!

[@zpe1200]

only ever seen old balding men drive these, that's me now oh no.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Hahah yeah well I guess in this day and age the only people that can afford them are old!

[@myflourishingfam]

First like and comment! The Roadster might have been more fun since it's not practical anyway, but I agree with the E46 M3.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Nice man! Yeah from a driving perspective there really is no reason to get this over BMW's newer M cars

[@topmarques]

Had one years ago. On a track at Eastern creek it was pretty quick until lap 5 or 6. Sudden understeer on turn 1 nearly killed me. Staggered wheel size means the fronts give up when getting hot and you go straight on when you turn in at @180km/h. Quite unlike the previous lap. Engine great but handling not good on the limit.

[@KiwiCarLife]

That's true, this one is even more staggered with those aftermarket wheels

[@dns-n8u]

I can't tell if these look amazing or shite. the flared fenders really save it from looking like a grocery getter

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha yeah it's a bit of a mixed bag aye

[@nvl2691]

If it's not struggling for traction, I believe the VANOS isn't functioning as intended. These are well known for lighting up the rear tyres with low end torque!

[@KiwiCarLife]

In some cases I could understand that, but this one was definitely pulling strong. Bear in mind it's got like 285 wide aftermarket wheels on the back. So more grip than a stock one

[@AaronFong-u7j]

This car is so nostalgic. It’s so incredible in fact the interior might look a little bit out dated compared to all the BMWS out there. The engine sounds good producing a lot of torque and power. To be able to have stability control of the car, how fast do you need to go?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah true definitely nostalgic, but I feel you can get something just a little newer that offers the old school engaging drive, but with modern build quality and practicality

[@AaronFong-u7j]

@@KiwiCarLife what was your favourite to drive?

[@Niponnai]

I think I’ve always personally liked it because it’s not predictable which is very much what German cars are. Predictable in a good way though. Like you know it’s going to be good where as with the Z3M it was a left field ball that was fun and still a BMW at the same time

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah that's true this one is definitely an odd ball haha

[@Sam-zc3oe]

You should do a Miata review

[@KiwiCarLife]

Already have, did an NB and NC

[@andrewbryant8814]

Considering the MCoupe’ shouldn’t exist at all because of the skunk works deal to actually get to production it’s a wonderful thing . I agree they don’t drive as good as they look . Built in the USA also . Never could pull the trigger to buy one .

[@KiwiCarLife]

That’s true I suppose, amazing they even made it at all

[@rtt987]

Sounds like everything you described how it drives would make for a great weekend roadtrip car. And the money probably reflects it now as a garage queen anyway.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thing is though I wouldn't want to road trip it. It's too uncomfortable and cramped, no features, not especially well built and cumbersome to drive at low speeds. It's really a weekend toy at best

[@rtt987]

@KiwiCarLife interesting. Thanks for the reply. A lot of what you described (in the video too) appeals to me (except the comfort thing). Daily drivers are so bland now (for the most part), that a visceral weekend car is really appealing these days. Keep up the good work with your channel 👍

[@3UZFE]

@@KiwiCarLife No features is why these are attractive cars to most car enthusiasts. All the best BMWs of the 80s and 90s didn't really have features, a seat, gear lever, clutch and steering wheel were the focus. Modern BMWs have been over saturated by too many features turning them from drivers cars making them heavy, and less about the driving experience, especially with all the synthetic driver aids and a lack of manual transmissions.

[@edmund111]

This and the E30 are the only somewhat affordable bmw I would like to own

[@Vikturus22]

My first car was 86 E30 320i 2 door with a 5 speed manual. Man I regret selling that car! that was awesome and is now worth a pretty penny now days!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah man honestly that E30 325i I reviewed ages ago was nicer to drive haha

[@Alkhoholic]

Nice review! So how does the 130i compare to this?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Honestly I reckon it drives better haha. Shorter gears, similar power, better interior. 2 door ones kinda look like a clown shoe too. For like 20% the cost

[@kaanbalkaya]

that is one of my dream cars

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha well hopefully I didn't crush your dreams lol. It's good, but not like $50k good

[@gabrieleromiti8598]

Not because I got one,but you firgot about one of the best 6 cilinder aspirato. BmwE36 M3,

[@KiwiCarLife]

There is no way an E36 is better than E46

[@DonBMW]

Hey why did he skip the E36. Us owner here and I own E36 M3, E46 M3 (S54) and M Coupe (S52). I bought all three for all seasons. Before anyone craps on the E36 the US S52 is an amazingly torquey engine and ultra reliable. I’ve owned my cars for 13 years and they are amazingly awesome and reliable. The E36 is excellent daily (perfectly balanced), the E46 is just all around awesome but a little heavy. The M Coupe will kill you if you are not a good driver. It’s very tail happy and light.

[@KiwiCarLife]

E36 has the same issues with this, but is arguably worse because it doesn’t have the special looks. Reliability isn’t the be all and end all of an engine. No one’s buying a true M car expecting Toyota reliability. I’d rather have the proper S50 than what is basically a tuned M52. Can buy a 330ci for that

[@Krezo200]

Id like to try one out

[@KiwiCarLife]

Worth giving it a go to see if your opinions differ from mine!

[@iamspyvspy3077]

Next stop... Z4M... better in every way ;)

[@KiwiCarLife]

Agree!

[@eithias671]

you drifting around that corner gave me ptsd 😂

[@KiwiCarLife]

Have faith in the strength of my driving ability

[@RanenPo]

How does it compare to the BMW Z4?

[@KiwiCarLife]

Not even close, assuming the Z4M drives like the E46 M3.

[@mrnicktoyou]

Putting a wagon/estate rear end on a small coupe body will look weird, and it does.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah not wrong haha

[@christopherriley1187]

Good video as usual 👍

[@KiwiCarLife]

Thanks!

[@harveym5716]

Interior looks a bit tight for bigger blokes

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah it’s not too spacious!

[@johnmatsacos4692]

My God , the interior looks like an American kit car

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lol

[@Sam-go3mb]

Sounds like a box of bees too! Needs some exhaust work imo, it's a straight 6 it shouldn't sound like that 😭

[@3UZFE]

It sounds much better in person. Those gopro mics cut out a lot of frequencies.

[@Sam-go3mb]

I believe that, but I've watched all these reviews under the same exact conditions, and when an exhaust note sounds good, I can still hear it. Liam's M135i sounds fantastic, same recording equipment and I was listening through the same average laptop speakers.

[@KiwiCarLife]

All BMW M inline 6's sound like that tbh. My E46 M3 arguably sounded even worse. They're just super raspy for some reason

[@fred3527]

Also wasn't a car for tall people. Even at 6ft/183cm I found it too cramped for my legs. Epic motor though.

[@KiwiCarLife]

I'm 6 foot and fit fine? Guess it depends on your build

[@Aladdin5cave]

Nice honest review. I agree that interior looks horrid. Way overrated for the money.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah have to agree

[@spadgm]

Nice review, and it is hard to argue the points you made about it, novelty value aside, Better to own an E46 M3, that's what I did and had a great time!

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah man definitely makes more sense to get the M3

[@mrmoses2434]

Ah yes, the clown shoe. Not BMWs finest hour but it has a certain novelty factor, I guess. 😆

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah for sure

[@scottjordan5474]

Nice review, but the z3m and the z4m weren't to complete with the m3s and shouldn't be compared. The Zs are bmws most unfiltered cars being their only 2x seaters for the time. They're not meant to be driven daily. When you get in, you sit very low and you know you're in something special. They were built to excite not to do it all. From driven most/owned loads of M cars, the Zs are by far the most exciting and dedicated sports cars bmw made. These are to be compared with the 911s more than the sports sedans.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Well that’s saying something I guess! If the M3’s drive better and they’re “meant to be driven daily” then these are no where near on the level of a 911! And I say that as a BMW lover!

[@scottjordan5474]

@KiwiCarLife The M3s don't 'drive better', but it's depends on what that means to you. The zs need to be learned to get the best from them. They are a more driver focused drivers car. It's not something to just get in and go. The best cars I've driven are challenging but highly rewarding. They fill the spirit of driving well. The m3s are amazing, don't get me wrong, but they are only interesting at ten tenths as they are still just a 3 series at the end of the day. The 911s are weighted incorrectly and this makes them fantastic to drive, because you have to learn how to drive them. You really are missing the point of this fantastic little car.

[@bw8476]

You had me at snorting some crack 👃💥

[@KiwiCarLife]

Lol

[@snggarageeng]

day by day it is getting more expensive

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep!

[@brad2tube]

It’s a shame they didn’t go with a more slopey normal coupe shape. It could’ve been the European Supra. ✅ (Ironic, I know) 🤓

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah true actually!

[@jrbuch]

Too expensive too, at least in Australia for what you get. If BMW's are your thing an E46 M3 is cheaper.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeah definitely I've heard they're super expensive over there

[@druscanam]

Given the amount of steering corrections you are giving this thing when on edge it seems like a car only for true driving enthusiasts. Audi drivers need not apply😂

[@KiwiCarLife]

Haha well I'm sure a better driver than me could get more out of it with less inputs, but yeah anything RWD requires subtle corrections to keep it slewing through corners under power

[@3UZFE]

One of the best cars I've driven, feels so special. BMW at its best.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Can't say I agree but glad you enjoyed it!

[@3UZFE]

@@KiwiCarLife It feels like a purpose build sports car, thats why it's not as refined as a M3 E46 for example.

[@Birmingham_racing]

I respect this car but it never did it for me

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yeahh

[@craigauty6756]

Cant do the styling for me

[@overnightpartsfromjapan01]

same. Z4M looks better.

[@KiwiCarLife]

Agree I'd much rather have a Z4M. Proper coupe styling rather than a 2 door van

[@torgantears5805]

Ah yes, the clown-shoe car :)

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep!

[@mmarionz]

Argh a filthy engine engine bay on a car like this...I would treat her better

[@KiwiCarLife]

Bear in mind the owner only just bought it off some old guy. Hasn't had a chance to properly detail it yet

[@EzzyTheLad]

first :D

[@KiwiCarLife]

Second actually!

[@jackbryden8512]

Looks like a clown shoe imo 😅😅

[@KiwiCarLife]

Yep!