As a Z3 owner do you still like current BMW models?

**ZGator** · 10-18-2017, 12:15 PM

After a bad experience today at my local dealer with my E90 airbag recall - made appointment, confirmed appointment 2x, drove in to be sent back home because, grr, they didn't have any airbags, I need to vent.

While I do look at new models, I really find a strong antipathy to BMW USA in general these days. Have most of us Z3 guys forsaken the brand as much as I currently do, or are you still BMW guys? The last experience has really cemented my belief that BMW USA is more of a marketing status company now than a car guy company.

**VonDeLinde** · 10-18-2017, 12:27 PM

I'm in the same boat

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**328 Power 04** · 10-18-2017, 12:30 PM

I like very few models, but I don't know if I enjoy new BMW as much as the older stuff.
The 6 series gran coupe is stunning... and I like their diesel 328d.

Don't care too much about the rest. When they added even more junk 'tech' to appeal to current consumers and tanked the reliability, I stopped liking BMW too much.

**ZGator** · 10-18-2017, 12:57 PM

right, the cost of technology - including their exclusive/partnership to Apple, i.e Apple CarPlay support but no Android Auto, is yet another nail in the coffin, squeeze play.

Only positive thing, I have seen some 328d's around 20k which is nice.

**ProductUser** · 10-18-2017, 01:46 PM

If you think BMW autos are infused with technology, the same can be said for their motorcycle line. Newer BMW bikes have separate ecu's for almost every functional area (e.g., engine, suspension, traction control...etc.). I suppose the same can be said for other m/c manufacturers.

**rhoyle** · 10-18-2017, 01:46 PM

I’ve never been a BMW guy, actually. And aside from my M roady, I haven’t owned or even considered another. It seems unlikely that I will in the future, either.

**BimmerBreaker** · 10-18-2017, 02:05 PM

I like them, but not for the same reasons I like my Z3

**jajou318** · 10-18-2017, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by BimmerBreaker

I like them, but not for the same reasons I like my Z3

I'm with Graham. The luxuriousness of them is appealing. The new feel to them also appealing. Stock power output definitely a plus.

Cost of repairs and electronics no thanks. Dealing with service advisors bleh.

It cost 1k to replace one injector at the dealer for my mom's n55. Indy shop could do 3 for that price. I understand direct injectors always will cost more but dayum!

EDIT:
I'd like to add.. I did BMW Track Days in August and got to drive around the competition package m3 and m4 a few laps on COTA. It was a blast. Brakes stopped on a dime. Accelerated great, definitely had punch to it. Shifts were a bit strange but first time driving DCM. It was nice driving a car I can't afford... so as far as owning one.. I don't think I'd purchase a new(er) BMW.

**s8ilver** · 10-18-2017, 02:18 PM

I can't think of a single model beyond 2006 that I'd want to own. My cutoff was 2002 until I saw my buddy's "new" 330i ZHP. I could possibly like an E92 M3, but would still rather have an E36/46. My '99s are the two newest BMWs I've owned to date.

**rf900rkw** · 10-18-2017, 02:55 PM

I never have been a BMW guy, though I worked on them all my life. As a path back to the cars of my youth, I bought my first M roadie in spite of the ugly grilles rather than because of them. The cars have grown on me. But only the E30-E46 range. Anything after that is just a diningroom on wheels. The cup holders work. The steering doesn't.

**neopolymath** · 10-18-2017, 03:05 PM

E92 M3 and older for me. The newer cars and non-m cars don't do it for me like the older ones do. I would much rather have any Porsche than the new garbage BMW is making.

**s8ilver** · 10-18-2017, 03:23 PM

You'll never see anything like this again...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1973-BMW-3-...NZ4nft&vxp=mtr

ing beautiful!

**deni2s** · 10-18-2017, 05:18 PM

Never been a bmw guy. Bought the Z3 mainly because it wasn't typical another bmw car. Appearance is important to me, so not looking at audis and most bmw. And I don't feel like a guy who wants to buy a car, drive it around a couple years and get rid of it. Hopefully my next car will be some Lotus, Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche, Aston Martin or classic american muscle like '71 Plymouth Roadrunner... Just can't find any excuse why would I need one more car to start saving for it

**rasmuw** · 10-18-2017, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by ProductUser

If you think BMW autos are infused with technology, the same can be said for their motorcycle line. Newer BMW bikes have separate ecu's for almost every functional area (e.g., engine, suspension, traction control...etc.). I suppose the same can be said for other m/c manufacturers.

I belong to a small BMW motorcycle club, although I own a Honda ST1100. Maybe half the members have a BMW. Of those that do, one stated that BMW engineers answered every question the owners never asked.

**Ring Rat** · 10-18-2017, 06:09 PM

I just had an awkward moment at work where a client showed up in a current gen Z4. After he left, everyone was excitedly asking me if I saw his car, asking me if I was impressed... which turned prodding me for being "jealous" his was newer and so on after my response was lukewarm. Oh well!

**MIKYZZ4** · 10-18-2017, 06:36 PM

Was willing to consider anything in their lineup that was NA,
Turbo and all the newer electronics ended it for me, but I'm older, so what do I know... lol.
BTBH, I wouldn't turn down the Z in my sig, if it was given to me!

**rhoyle** · 10-18-2017, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by Ring Rat

I just had an awkward moment at work where a client showed up in a current gen Z4. After he left, everyone was excitedly asking me if I saw his car, asking me if I was impressed... which turned prodding me for being "jealous" his was newer and so on after my response was lukewarm. Oh well!

I’m sure the z4 is a great car. But I wouldn’t want it.

**Schreier** · 10-18-2017, 06:54 PM

I don't know if I will ever even have the means to purchase a new model BMW, never mind being able to support a repair bill from a BMW dealership. And if I did have the money, I don't know if I would throw it at such a nice car for the kind of roads and drivers I deal with on a daily basis. I'd rather invest the money than eat the depreciation, and let a nice Japanese (or maybe even Korean) car take the abuse.

As far as "fun" cars go, the Z3 will probably be the first and last BMW that I own. The whole point of the car is that I can wrench on it myself, don't have to deal with dealerships, and can put it up on jack stands for a month or longer to fix a problem. Given all the electronics and nannies, just don't see being able to do that with newer BMWs. The Z3 is just about my limit. Maybe a Z4?

**LannVouivre** · 10-18-2017, 07:38 PM

I like the E89 alright, but it's not like I've driven it.

**magnetchief** · 10-18-2017, 07:40 PM

Z3 M Roadster. Can’t see myself delving into the later models. Unless someone else is paying for it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**MIKYZZ4** · 10-18-2017, 07:43 PM

Based on my personal earlier non-turbo generation z4 and z3 ownerships,
I can say they are mostly comparable when it comes to wrenching on them,
So I would safely say Schreier, you can set your limit at a z4 before the e89 platform,
If you're looking for a little more refinement in looks and comfort.

**Mr Bingley** · 10-18-2017, 07:50 PM

I don't like current generation new cars--BMW or otherwise--much too much. I like simple, straight forward engineering and clean uncluttered design. Today, these principals have been left by the wayside--we are in a transitional period and it shows. Maybe in 5 years or so they will have worked it out, but for now, new cars are just tomorrows trash today.

**Schreier** · 10-18-2017, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by MIKYZZ4

Based on my personal earlier non-turbo generation z4 and z3 ownerships,
I can say they are mostly comparable when it comes to wrenching on them,
So I would safely say Schreier, you can set your limit at a z4 before the e89 platform,
If you're looking for a little more refinement in looks and comfort.

This is good to know. The Z3 isn't getting any younger, and it would be nice to know a slightly newer alternative is out there.

**pine1000** · 10-18-2017, 08:49 PM

I really like the M2. Sure, it's complicated but all modern performance cars are.
cq5dam.resized.img.1680.large.time1493915009567.jpg

**deni2s** · 10-19-2017, 04:55 AM

Originally Posted by Ring Rat

I just had an awkward moment at work where a client showed up in a current gen Z4. After he left, everyone was excitedly asking me if I saw his car, asking me if I was impressed... which turned prodding me for being "jealous" his was newer and so on after my response was lukewarm. Oh well!

Previous gens of z4 are less interesting as z3. Current gen might be as interesting as z3, but it's still like comparing apples and oranges. You will never get that open roadster/go-cart feel in z4.