M Roadster or Coupe?

[Max M3]

Hearing that midlife crisis calling me... Always assumed I'd go for a M3, but now I'm looking into M Coupe or M Roadsters... What are the general plusses and minuses of each... Opinions welcome!

[stjobs]

M coupe = more unique, lighter, stiffer, faster, controversial looks
M roadster = drop-top, heavier, more flexible chassis

Personally I'd go for the M coupe, what an awesome car. The styling is very divisive though. If you don't like it after a month or two I'd get the roadster, but if you like the M coupe's looks it is likely more fun to drive.

stjobs

[B R]

Pretty much everything stjobs said was true.

It's nice to be able to drop your top when the weather permits, but I always look at a convertible top as a little less secure & figure at some point, it's something that will wear out & need to be repaired/replaced(at a significant cost). If you drive in the rain a lot, you might get some minor leaks also(kind of annoying). Having a moonroof in the Coupe does give a little relief if you suffer from claustrophobia.

If all that doesn't matter, then the only other plus of the Coupe that hasn't been mentioned, is you get the benefit of a better sounding stereo system(more speakers & quieter inside).

Either choice is a good, fun car. It just depends if you get more fun from having the wind in your face, or tossing around a very precise handling machine.

[OnlineBMW]

No offense to anyone that owns one (seeing how we have some around here) but I just never saw the Z3 coupe appealing whatsoever. Based on its lack of success I doubt the concept will be continued with the Z4. But thats not to say that it doesn't have its advantages (like some more space!). If you want my oppinion go with the roadster, they're more fun anyway!

-JS

[mannyabendano]

I was faced with the same situation last February. I chose to go with the M coupe just for a couple of reasons. I drove both cars and at first the roadster seemed more appealing. The wind in my hair, the sound of the exhaust while motoring with the top down. I did some rersearch and found that there are more of the M roadster out there. BMW created far more roadster variants compared to the coupe. Thus there would be less of the coupe around. Also the roadster was less rigid than the coupe. There is a lot more flex to the car during hard driving. The coupe was more rare, and seemed to be much more gratifying to drive.
I know a lot of people do not like the styling, specially the look of the aquarium at the back. But driving it around, you cannot appreciate the way it drives and the way porsche 911 drivers get wehn you overtake them on highways. Thats priceless.....

[stjobs]

The coupe was designed by a group of BMW engineers who undertook a project to stiffen the Z3 chassis further; BMW agreed to put their finished design into production on a limited scale. The reason why so few were produced is not due to a lack of success, it has to do with the fact that the coupe was never intended to compete with the roadster. Actually, it was never intended to be a production model to start with.

Like I said earlier, both are great fun. Personally I would get the coupe. Much more unique. It depends on where you live too, since you are in Boston I think the choice becomes even more clear.

OTOH, if you want the roadster, that's a great choice too. My Z3's top only had 2 minor leaks that I easily fixed with $3 worth of black silicone sealant. It's been through at least 5 torrential rains since then and stayed perfectly dry.

stjobs

[Max M3]

Well my location (Boston) will play somewhat into my decision, but I didn't realize the roadster wasn't as stiff. Of course it makes sense when you think about it.

What about powerplants? I always thought they had the same 3.2 L 240hp motor but I just found out that at least one year (2001?) had a more powerful in the M Coupe? That would also become a factor!

I also saw an M coupe parked next to a new 745 and the M looked like a toy up next to it! Pretty funny! And I'm more than please to watch the disturbed faces of Porsche drivers, but I doubt my 2 friends with new carerra awd turbos will be seeing much of my tail lights!

[Z's Bimmer]

Hm...Coupe or Roadster, it's a tough choice, and you won't know what you would like till you go out and test drive them both.

Regarding the engines, the 2001-2002 models have the S54 engine, which is rated at 315 HP. However, the torque #'s difference is not as steep as the HP # difference. The S54 also has a higher rev limit.
I think there're a very limited number of S54 coupes on the market, and most if not all are already taken. So you will have quite a hard time finding one of those for sale. S52 coupes are rare as well.
Again, I suggest you go out and test drive both, S52 and S54, if you can find one. Also, test both the roadster and coupe, I'm sure you find your answer. Good luck.

[///M_PoWer_Boy]

SHIT STJOBS!
u must be the biggest pro of these Coupes and Roadsters.
u gonna get the X-Coupe.

[J10B]

I have an Mroaster and live in NH about 5 min from lowell. and hte Mcoupe is heavier than the Mroadster

[MDork]

and hte Mcoupe is heavier than the Mroadster

ummm...how do you figure?? BMW lists both coupe and roadster at 3131 lbs.


there are only 650 s54 coupes in the US...if youre not a die-hard roadster person...buy the coupe

[Rook]

BMW lists both at 3131lbs but C&D tested the cars and found the M Coupe at 2917lbs, 19lbs LESS than the 2936lb M Roadster.

also:

Based on its lack of success I doubt the concept will be continued with the Z4

How do you figure it wasn't a sucess? There are still new Z3s that haven't been sold, but every single M Coupe and Z3 Coupe has sold. None left. Also, it was never intended to be a marketing success, it was a special treat for the enthusiasts, a true drivers car, to its very core.

I like the S52 more after driving both. :-)

[stjobs]

Someday I will have an S54 M coupe and roadster...

stjobs

[Shahul X]

So, why not the M3 again? I'd rather have that than either of these, but I prefer the Coupe over the roadster...stands out more

-Shahul

[stridenEVOe30]

its odd to see my fathers situation, he was going through his midlife crisis thing and planned to adopt another BMW but that day he came home he brought home a coupe and i gotta tell u guys...it doesn't matter wat time of day it is or type of weather, or if u like the styling or not the Coupe make peoples heads turn. I work at a school and the kids always ask when am i gonna bring the BATMOBILE back. Its one of those types of cars you Love it or you hate it.