Noob question - is there a buying guide for the Z3M?

[TheAntics]

Hi

Very new to pistonheads but not cars. Bit bored of my S4 and looking to get hold of a Z3M coupe. I have been trying to find a buying guide. Could someone point me in the right direction?

Also, if anyone knows of good cars for sale or knows any of the current cars for sale in the UK (there seem to be about 24-30 total for sale in the UK at the moment so this isn't as silly as it sounds) I'd welcome the chance to learn more.

Many thanks

Chris

[muckymotor]

If you haven't already looked you'll find loads of info here

http://www.z3mcoupe.com/forum/index.php

['Yadi]

As above... Specifically

http://www.z3mcoupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100...

Was also a guide here
http://pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=52&i=24919

[TheAntics]

Cheers guys, I had a really good read through the forum and the buying guide last night. Seems there's little to be concerned about with these cars in reality. Like any car it appears that as long as it's treated with some mechanical sympathy, attention is paid to the common problems and it's well maintained it should be a fun, rare car that can be trusted to run daily.

This may not be to a purists liking but I think for me the S54 engine makes more sense. It sounds like it'll be more refined for the mixed use it'll get in my ownership. Loads of people seem to modify them, I find this strange as NA engines aren't known for big gains per £ spent compared to turbo engines but each to their own I suppose. I'll be looking for unmolested versions which narrows the search still further.

I'll post on here when/if I find the 'one'.

Thanks for your help

[manand38]

Had one since 2000. All I can say is it's my fav car. I also have access to a CSL, but to me the Z3M is more fun / rewarding. Good luck with your hunt for one!

['Yadi]

I'm on my second now, an S54, after an S50. Traction control sort of aided my decision but i'd no previous performance car experience. Like you've intimated go and test drive a few and buy on condition and a feel for the last owner's treatment of it. The for sale section normally catches new sales as soon as they appear here, autotrader etc and Dave or Indy can normally reel off the car's history or link to earlier threads about the very car. One of the benefits of an active owners forum and the small production numbers :-)

[muckymotor]

I've had mine for 18 months now and I really can't see me selling it any time soon. What else is there with the same amount of rarity, performance and "specialness" for the money?