I love M3's. There has been a big problem with blown engines because of the high redline. BMW has actually recommended to stay around 8000 rpm's. I believe the engine redlines at 8800 or 9000 (approx ).

 

As my only car... well then, I would have to say the Z. Stock (05_M3) for stock (yours), I would still have to say the Z. I have street raced more M3s than I can count on both hands. From the light, roll on, in and off exit ramps. They are great cars as many have mentioned, but not great enough to sell the Z, cost not being a factor. There was a great vid with a stock M3, 350z, S2000 and something else on the track floating around. Long video... but the M3 and 350z were bumber to bumber the whole race. Just shows how the Z can compete.

I personally am not a people hauler, (one person only) plus me This gets me out of being a bus driver a lot of times. I know the M3 has more room, but I can fit quite a bit in the Z, from snowboards to TVs to crap from IKEA.

Cost being a factor, the M3 is a great car for the money out of the box, but it can't compete in performance when you put the same amount of money into the Z, assuming you start with a base.

The Z is the perfect personal commuter with some attitude.

Zquicksilver

 

The factory redline is 8000. The blown motors were due to an oil pump problem which in turn affect the rod bearings...this was limited to only a span of VINs, but BMW implemented a service action for retrofitting and is covering all 01-02's and some 03s with a 6yr/100k mile warranty for the motor

 

Thanks for clarification.