Z3M Coupe buying tips?

[ViperST]

Hi all,

I am looking to buy a Z3M Coupe as I have always had a strange attraction to them. Is there any main points I should look out for or know when looking for them?

Cheers

[twinchoke]

Take a look on www.z3mcoupe.com a wealth of info on there.

Great cars but they do have some issues, S50 Vanos problems but not as bad as you would be made to believe. S54 bearing shell problems. But generally reliable.

Service intervals @ 6 - 8k for the S50 a bit more for the S54.

[DavidCane]

Don't be put off by a car if it's got a few sensible mods either. Specifically the H&R anti-roll bars, as you'll find a standard car rolls quite a lot. Most of the guys on Z3MCoupe.com have these and if you drive a standard car and one with these ARBs you'll appreciate how good they are.

The most important thing will be the seller. If they know lots and lots about the car and clearly care for it, take it as a good sign. Simple things such as knowing the correct oil to use (Castrol TWS 10W60 or Castrol Edge for BMW M's 10W60) and knowing not to use high revs (over 3.5k-4k) until the oil gauge shows that the oil is properly up to temperature (75C +). The panel gaps can be a bit iffy, but they're all like that thanks to USA build quality

The only issues I have with mine are the large, non-adjustable steering wheel and the pedals which I just can't heel and toe with. Other than that it's been a great intro to RWD life and had dragged me into bloody trackdays too

[belleair302]

BMW Car magazine did a detailed buying guide in the Feb 2008 issue. You can get a back copy if you give them a call.

Check the clutch action and any noise from the flywheel.

Check tyres for uneven wear. Could point to bushes needing to be repaired.

Check all electrics, especially windows and a/c.

Check rear shock absorber mounts, many fail.

Front strut braces are popular and improve the handling.

Check under the bonnet for original looking welds.

Ask to owner to see some bills, not just a service book.

Finally look under the car at the exhaust mounts. these can take a beating from speed bumps and do fail.

[Zead]

just to add my twopenneth

Rear axle/diff subframe can crack where it mounts to body, rareish but happens.

Throttle pedal can feel too stiff if cable is worn, it's quite a firm pedal anyway.

Clutch pedal can have a long travel and short bite, improved with a braided clutch hose.

I've had mine 4 years and the only thing to go wrong was aircon rad. (That's torn it!)

Z

[brenmona]

Sorry

This is major bad form on my part, but needs must emigrating end of next week, so if you want a lovely Z3M (S54) nice spec please find ad here

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/491611.htm

Thanks very much

[DavidCane]

brenmona said:

Sorry

This is major bad form on my part, but needs must emigrating end of next week, so if you want a lovely Z3M (S54) nice spec please find ad here

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/491611.htm

Thanks very much

Bloody hell, Rags told me about a 17k S54 yesterday. He must have been talking about your's.
Someone's gonna get a serious bargain there! Good luck with that.

DC

[Rags]

DavidCane said:

brenmona said:

Sorry

This is major bad form on my part, but needs must emigrating end of next week, so if you want a lovely Z3M (S54) nice spec please find ad here

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/491611.htm

Thanks very much

Bloody hell, Rags told me about a 17k S54 yesterday. He must have been talking about your's.
Someone's gonna get a serious bargain there! Good luck with that.

DC

Yep, thats the one mate!

Cheap as chips!

[tim the pool man]

brenmona said:

Sorry

This is major bad form on my part, but needs must emigrating end of next week, so if you want a lovely Z3M (S54) nice spec please find ad here

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/491611.htm

Thanks very much

Aargh! Wasn't it an option to bring it with you? Never seen one in Perth...