Whats the deal with BMW Z8's?

Valhalla1

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
8,678
0
76
Okay, for you car folks, if you all read what I post in them you'd know I'm die-hard GM muscle, (specifically the fbody -Z28 Camaros, Firebirds, Trans Ams) and my dream car is a new Z06 Corvette.

but I'll take ANY american muscle over imported rice or geman luxury. partly due to my personality and age (19). When I turn 40, sure, I'll probably look at BMW's with a fairer eye, but for now its all American for me.

this isn't a domestic vs import thread however. but since I don't care about German cars, I don't know too much about them, so inquiring minds want to know.

Here at work today some contracters from California came in, (I work here). anyway, I didn't see their cars before they left, but a few co-workers swore one was driving a brand new (still had dealer plates) BMW Z8. I was like WTF! because aren't they like $175,000 cars?

anyway, I was curious as to whats the difference between an M Roadster and a Z8, since they look pretty similar but the price is WAY different
 

Valhalla1

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
8,678
0
76


<< your company's website is pretty cheesy, did you make it? >>



Yes, I did thank you very much. :eek:

a$$hole :|
 

BiggieN

Banned
Apr 3, 2000
4,230
0
0
nice car...i wish i could afford it. i'm looking at an m5 purchase sometime between now and never...
 

Windogg

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
10,241
0
0
My brother was debating M5 or Z8 at one point but they nearly freaked when he saw the price of the Z8.

Windogg
 

MajesticMoose

Diamond Member
Nov 14, 2000
3,030
0
0
The M roadster looks exactly the same a z3 but with some extra badges, but it has better performance. z8's start at 128,000. It doesn't look at all like a m3 though
see it here

A z8 has the same v8 as the M5, 394 horsepower, the M roadster has 330 horse power. those are the only stat difference in my magazine here but i know there are many others

Moose
 

AlphaIVT

Banned
Jul 26, 2000
3,650
0
0
I'm not insulting you, i was giving you my opinion. guess it made you cry? :( happy? :) confused? :confused: mad?:|
 

geno

Lifer
Dec 26, 1999
25,074
4
0
They cost a lot cause they're just nice cars. Kinda heavy, but that V8 is pushing plenty of power. Also has a very rigid frame for a convertable (like the S2000), plus it's built like a rock (no, not the Chevy way ;)). That's what you get from German engineering.
 

geno

Lifer
Dec 26, 1999
25,074
4
0
Smaller, faster, and very rare. All a recepie for a higher pricetag.
 
Feb 10, 2000
30,029
67
91
They do not actually look much like Z3s, at least IMO.

The reason they are so expensive is that the entire body is aluminum, with very substantial hand-finishing. They produce so few that each is quite costly to make. Personally I would rather get an M5 and a loaded 330Ci convertible (or, next year, an M3 droptop) for about the same money.
 

Rent

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2000
7,127
1
81
The Z8 is BMW's answer to the Audi TT. Retro styling... ect...

Val, I'd love to see a Z28 take on one of these :)
 

woodie1

Diamond Member
Mar 7, 2000
5,947
0
0
I've seen some classified ads for them @ $225,000.00.

Only thing I can figure is the limited number being built, sorta like the 959.
 

Valhalla1

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
8,678
0
76


<< Val, I'd love to see a Z28 take on one of these >>



yeah, me too. For $175,000 I could have a Z28 Camaro running the quarter mile in 8 seconds
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
24,514
43
91
The Z8 is not in any way based on the M Roadster. The Z8 was engineered as its own vehicle from the start and as far as I know does not share any appreciable amount of componantry with other BMWs other than its V8 engine, which is shared with the M5. To the best of my knowledge, there is no componantry shared between the M Roadster, which is based on the Z3, and the Z8. The M Roadster is just that, a roadster, while the Z8 is much more along the lines of luxury GT. Basically, the relationship between the M Roadster and the Z8 is the same as the relationship between the 3-Series and the 7-Series.

Zenmervolt
 

Valhalla1

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 1999
8,678
0
76


<< That is not a Z28, thats the 6 cyl engine he has in that firebird, correct? >>



A z28 is a designation for the 8cylinder Camaro. The 8 cylider Firebird is called the Formula Firebird, also the slightly better Trans Am, and even better Firehawk.


And yes I drive a V6 Firebird, because
1) I'm only 19, insurance on the V8 was quoted to me at $6000/yr
2) I'm working full time to pay my rent and bills and put myself through college full time, and I can't afford the V8
3) I didn't get my car for drag racing, my next car (98 Trans Am) will be for that. I got my car for the looks and for competition car audio