A dealer I went to yesterday is selling a brand new (125 miles) 2006 M roadster, fully loaded, for under 46K.

I've been borrowing a friend's 2005 Z4 2.5 for the past week and love it...it is so much fun, especially since the weather has been perfect.

I just sold my old car (Audi A4)...we have a MB e350 as our "family car" (wife, two little ones). I work at home, so I put very little mileage on the second car, but having a rear seat would be nice. However, in the past 10 days, having the Z has worked out fine.

Should I go for this bargain, or lease a fairly well equiped Z for 24 months? They seem to be pricing them to move...under 500/month with nothing down is pretty inexpensive for a 43K car. They won't lease the M, btw.

Also, is the si worth the upgrade? The car I'm driving now has plenty of zip, and it's the old 2.5.

Any comments would be great.

Thanks.

Manku

In my opinion, they're asking too much for a 2006. Mine is a 2007 and I paid under $38k and it had 154 miles. They might not go that low, but I'd say you could get it for $40k; they haven't been able to move it for over 2 years, after all.

As for whether it's worth it, I'd say yes. I moved from a 2.5i to an M myself.

I agree--they're asking too much for what is, in essence, a two-year old car, M or not. You should be able to get them down another few thou without a whole lot of effort.

Is the si worth it? The extra horses and frills compared to the 2.5 (better stereo, six-speed, different wheels, etc.) you may or may not care about, so largely up to you. Mileage will likely suffer compared to the 2.5, depending on how you drive. I get around 26/gal routinely, with little highway driving.

The M is a whole different beast--different suspension (may be a deciding factor for a daily driver, especially if your roads are less than baby-butt smooth), hydraulic steering Vs. the electric-assist in the non-M versions, another eighty horses on tap, so you can go from zero to loss of license in 4.9 seconds, rather than 5.6, as in the si.

I found the M's ride too harsh on what the Commonwealth loosely refers to as 'roads,' and chose the si instead. For me, that was the right decision, and I couldn't be happier with the car. But others here on the forum prefer the tauter M suspension, and are equally happy with their own choice. Drive each and form your own impressions before you decide, but make sure you test them over the roads you'll be using every day.

Good luck whichever way you go, and enjoy your Z.

Stepping from my Coupe into my wife's i Roadster, the power difference is notable - especially with the Sport programming engaged.

The M is the best and if you like sports cars the M has it all over the the non M's in my opinion. Power and handling are superb compared to the SI, which is pretty good. The M has at least 30 significant improvements over the SI. they are as follows.
Z4 M Roadster
Improvements over 3.0 SI

Exterior


Pronounced front grill new fascia - bumper, spoiler, grille framing - that makes a statement both esthetic and functional.
The traditional BMW “kidney” grilles are set deeper into their openings. Their vertical slats are black,
High-intensity headlight cleaning system.
Hood includes two longitudinal “precision lines” not present on regular Z4s.
Rear Diffuser between tailpipes. Provides aerodynamic benefit.
Dual exhaust (quad tips)
Spoke Sport Wheels. Distinct styling and allow more air to brakes.
Chrome door sill plate with M logo ( looks cool when door is open) M badging on sides, rear and wheels of car.


Performance Enhancements


330 HP iron block engine (75 more HP than SI) (International engine of the year award 5 years running) Iron block allowed BMW to achieve larger bore to 3.2 liters while providing superior strength.
Upgraded tachometer with variable red line. Changes rev limiter as car warms up.0-60 4.9 vs. 5.6 for SI ¼ mile speed 13.4 vs 14.2 SI

Upgraded transmission and performance shifting
High performance tuned suspension upgrades include upper and lower control arm configuration, mounted ball joints to struts for better turn in and different roll bar positioning contributes to better handling and ride quality.
Larger and stronger rear sub frame.
Hydraulic steering – Tighter steering tolerances and better feel by the removal of speed sensitive steering.
Cross drilled, larger diameter ventilated brakes. Better stopping distance and added fade resistance. (Very close to race car breaking)
High performance Tires (non-run flat)
Front Stance is wider than regular Z4 for better handling.
Wider tires.
Rear lock differential for better rear wheel traction. (found only on high end sports cars)nterior


Special leather wrapped M steering wheel (thicker)
Special leather wrapped M stick shift with lighted shift pattern and “M” logo being displayed
Special “M” seats with side bolsters
M embossed seats with upgraded Nappa leather
Aluminum color gauge cluster with white backlit display.
M badging throughout interior
Upgraded stereo I think 46 K is high for an '06. 40/43K would be more like it. I know there are forum members who got better deals than that but they seem to be harder to find. I ordered a loaded 2008 m roadster for $56,875 that includes a $2500 discount. The ride quality on the M is quite good if you like driving a car with a sport suspension. It's firm but not harsh. Good luck

Mine is a 2007 and I paid under $38k and it had 154 miles.

W. O. W.

Thats a hell of a deal. I know the bottom came out, but Id have never thought youd be able to buy a "new" 07, when you did, for that price.

Bravo. Im off to browse Autotrader. ;)

got my 07 for 43k + TTL. i bet you could do better on an 06.
also, make sure you'll be getting the full warranty on your 06.

I recently paid $38K for an '06 Z4M with premium and heated seats. $38K for an '07 is amazing. $46K is high unless is has EVERY POSSIBLE OPTION + hardtop + extras. You probably can't get a full 4 year warranty on an '06 because most dealers had to buy the cars. Even though they were never really driven, they are considered demos.

Thanks guys...unfortunately, I think I'll need the backseat so the Z4 is out :(

Deciding now between a A4 2.0 CVT and decently equiped 328...BMW is 30% more, despite being only 10% more expensive!