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      12-17-2016, 11:22 AM   #1
zenmaster
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BMW M2 vs BMW Z3 M coupe (S54) Comparison Test - New School M Car vs Old School M Car

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Last edited by zenmaster; 12-24-2016 at 12:16 PM.. Reason: Added link to part 2 (12/24)
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      12-19-2016, 05:49 PM   #2
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I wish I can find a 2001-2002 z3 m in my area
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      12-19-2016, 06:43 PM   #3
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The Z3M coupe is one of my all time favorite BMW's. I had a 99 first with the S52 but then got a 2001 just for the S54.
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      12-19-2016, 08:10 PM   #4
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      12-19-2016, 08:18 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RizOne View Post
The Z3M coupe is one of my all time favorite BMW's. I had a 99 first with the S52 but then got a 2001 just for the S54.

Did you like the 2001 that much more? I don't know much about the Z3M coupe at all just, wondering what you're thoughts are between the two since you owned them both. Thanks!
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      12-19-2016, 09:14 PM   #6
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nice cars , is that an 850is in the garage ?
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      12-19-2016, 09:35 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMM3PWR View Post
nice cars , is that an 850is in the garage ?
Looks like an NSX.
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      12-19-2016, 09:40 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vapeconj View Post
Did you like the 2001 that much more? I don't know much about the Z3M coupe at all just, wondering what you're thoughts are between the two since you owned them both. Thanks!
I like the 2001 S54 version more. The engine is just more special with the six individual throttle bodies and the higher redline. The throttle response and the sound in my opinion is better. The S54 version is also a lot rarer. Mine is a sunroof delete, which they made very few of. It has a better top end than the S52 version. The 1999 is also very good with torque lower in the rev range. You can't go wrong with either one.
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      12-19-2016, 09:42 PM   #9
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMM3PWR View Post
nice cars , is that an 850is in the garage ?
Looks like an NSX.
I wanted it to be this , but I think you are right
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      12-19-2016, 11:45 PM   #10
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Interesting dichotomy, parallelism, & comparo. The lineage is undoubtedly there between the two but they couldn't be any more different either.
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      12-19-2016, 11:46 PM   #11
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S54 the sound the legend.
To bad it's in the ugliset chassi BMW have made the past few decades.
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      12-20-2016, 01:55 AM   #12
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This is another example of how special M cars used to be. M2 is a great car but not "special" enough. Alas, this is how the new philosophy has been playing at BMW.
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      12-20-2016, 02:40 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doccyber View Post
This is another example of how special M cars used to be. M2 is a great car but not "special" enough. Alas, this is how the new philosophy has been playing at BMW.
Let me guess... Because no M-mirrors and no S-engine? And of course you own a M235i and will claim that "it's as good as an M2".
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      12-20-2016, 06:53 AM   #14
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Nicely done!
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      12-20-2016, 12:47 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Verdi View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by doccyber View Post
This is another example of how special M cars used to be. M2 is a great car but not "special" enough. Alas, this is how the new philosophy has been playing at BMW.
Let me guess... Because no M-mirrors and no S-engine? And of course you own a M235i and will claim that "it's as good as an M2".
You guessed right

On a more serious note, my previous daily driver was an 07 Z4 M coupe for 8 years. Now that was a real M car. It was a sad day when I sold it but repair bills and out of warranty costs were becoming a factor. I do feel that the M2 is actually the closest M car to the M cars of the past. The 2 series platform fills the gap and so I'm not ruling out an M2 after my current car,especially after the initial rush and the crazy dealer mark ups dies down.
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      12-20-2016, 03:12 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RizOne View Post
The Z3M coupe is one of my all time favorite BMW's. I had a 99 first with the S52 but then got a 2001 just for the S54.
Just like my pops! He's got a 2001 roadster (white), that he traded in his 99 (black) for!

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      12-20-2016, 07:03 PM   #17
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I'm one of the few that really enjoys the S52 in my M Roadster. Can't be the reliability. Owning one S54 powered car is more than enough. Lol
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      12-22-2016, 10:35 PM   #18
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that car is wicked cool!
Totally Gnarly and too Rad for mom and dad
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      12-24-2016, 12:16 PM   #19
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Added link to BMW M2 vs Z3M Coupe (S54) Part 2 - M2 Drive and Conclusion
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      12-29-2016, 08:57 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by silvergray545 View Post
I'm one of the few that really enjoys the S52 in my M Roadster. Can't be the reliability. Owning one S54 powered car is more than enough. Lol
I love my S52, that thing pulls like a freight train! I just wish it was worth the crazy prices the S54's are going for!
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