Z3M coupe - what are they like to drive?
Discussion
Hi there,
I'm looking for a weekend car with budget up to £12k for the purchase. I was initially thinking about a Z4 3.0si coupe, but following a test drive I was left disappointed, largely due to the appalling ride quality, tramlining and severe lack of steering feel. It also didn't seem enough of an event for me given it will be a weekend car and will only do a maximum or 4k miles a year.
I'm admired Z3M coupes for a while, love the look and rarity of them. I've read the buyers guides etc, so aware of the main issues, but given how rare they are it will not be easy to get a test drive to see if it might be the car for me.
Therefore, I'm after some opinions from owners and those who've driven them properly, how do they stack up as a drivers car?
Good steering feel? whats the ride quality like? They have a reputation for having a twicthy rear end, can this be tamed with a good suspension/geo setup etc? can traction control be retrofitted to the earlier cars? I don't mind a bit of controllable oversteer, but don't want something snappy. I've had an Exige before so have some experience of rear wheel drive and taking care when necessary, but my girlfriend may drive it occasionally and I don't want it to be an uncontrollable monster for her!
I'm looking for a weekend car with budget up to £12k for the purchase. I was initially thinking about a Z4 3.0si coupe, but following a test drive I was left disappointed, largely due to the appalling ride quality, tramlining and severe lack of steering feel. It also didn't seem enough of an event for me given it will be a weekend car and will only do a maximum or 4k miles a year.
I'm admired Z3M coupes for a while, love the look and rarity of them. I've read the buyers guides etc, so aware of the main issues, but given how rare they are it will not be easy to get a test drive to see if it might be the car for me.
Therefore, I'm after some opinions from owners and those who've driven them properly, how do they stack up as a drivers car?
Good steering feel? whats the ride quality like? They have a reputation for having a twicthy rear end, can this be tamed with a good suspension/geo setup etc? can traction control be retrofitted to the earlier cars? I don't mind a bit of controllable oversteer, but don't want something snappy. I've had an Exige before so have some experience of rear wheel drive and taking care when necessary, but my girlfriend may drive it occasionally and I don't want it to be an uncontrollable monster for her!
Hi Zabba - go for it; they're great cars. I've had mine for over 3 years and use it high days and holidays as well as hillclimbs and sprints! Pic below is a track day at Silverstone 
I came to the M after Caterhams and 997s! so I know how they compare.
Really depends what you're looking for - they're fast, great acceleration and comfortable for a continental cruise. OK on track days but, like most Beemers, brakes will fade after a few laps, but nothing major. Handling is good, but they can be tail happy if you don't know what you're doing; if you've lived with an Exige, you'll be fine.
Known trouble spots are the Vanos, but mine's the original after 50k miles - you just need to be careful no to rev over 3000 rpm till the oil's warmed up. Other issue is boot floor, which can crack (not helping the rear suspension!) but this is a known issue on all E36M cars.
Added to which, you'll get zero depreciation - or certainly not much! Try to buy through good dealer - e.g. Munich Legends or a member of the BMWCC
Let me know if you want further info
I came to the M after Caterhams and 997s! so I know how they compare.
Really depends what you're looking for - they're fast, great acceleration and comfortable for a continental cruise. OK on track days but, like most Beemers, brakes will fade after a few laps, but nothing major. Handling is good, but they can be tail happy if you don't know what you're doing; if you've lived with an Exige, you'll be fine.
Known trouble spots are the Vanos, but mine's the original after 50k miles - you just need to be careful no to rev over 3000 rpm till the oil's warmed up. Other issue is boot floor, which can crack (not helping the rear suspension!) but this is a known issue on all E36M cars.
Added to which, you'll get zero depreciation - or certainly not much! Try to buy through good dealer - e.g. Munich Legends or a member of the BMWCC
Let me know if you want further info
AS above really, great cars. When I got mine it felt like a boat so had a major suspension overhaul and it felt like it was on rails. It was an earlier S50 model which wont have traction control unless you fit Racelogic to it (£1k fitted I was quoted) Really miss mine but didn't have time to drive it so had to sell.
Had one without TC in 99 and one with in 02. Both great cars. Plenty of grip, and a bit if body roll, but obviously 300+ bhp on a wet road needs a little bit of right foot restraint.... it was based on the E30 suspension afterall....
I'm sure they'll be future classic one day...
I also owned a MkII n/a Exige, and that was a sweeter handling car, with far better steering, but lacked the magic of an M engine.
I'm sure they'll be future classic one day...
I also owned a MkII n/a Exige, and that was a sweeter handling car, with far better steering, but lacked the magic of an M engine.
Fantastic car. I had an S54. I like to describe it as a supersonic roller skate. Great fun to drive. From memory interior build quality not as good as the German built BMWs and the petrol tank was too small leading to a short touring range. I once drove it to Yorkshire (from Bucks) for the game fair with my six month old german short haired pointer asleep in the back and seeing 160 mph on the speedo before I lost my nerve (I was on a race circuit and definitely not on an empty M69 at 6.30am on a July morning). On another occasion I found myself in convoy with a pair of 911s - a 993 and a 996. As we entered the main straight of the race circuit (I can't remember which one but it reminds me a lot of the Gerrard's Cross bypass) the M coupe was an easy match to the 911s and an absolute joy. I will buy another as a weekend car in the next couple of years.
Edited by chesby on Wednesday 10th April 22:57
Ady, how did you sort the suspension? I'm going through the same process currently! Have fitted Quaife LSD and Hartge rising rate springs at rear - now need to sort the front!
Am trying to dial out mid corner power understeer - current thinking is a stiffer front roll bar and strut brace. I'm no expert on solutions, just know the problems!!
Any help appreciated
Am trying to dial out mid corner power understeer - current thinking is a stiffer front roll bar and strut brace. I'm no expert on solutions, just know the problems!!
Any help appreciated
As said, fantastic cars, miss my S54, every journey felt like an event.
I made mine handle nicely by installing KW Clubsport coilovers (Variant 3's would be fine too), replacing old bushes (top tip, buy the little plastic inserts that people make for the subframe bushes if they're not completely shot, much easier!) and probably most controversially, ran the stiff H&R front ARB and removed the rear ARB completely. Very little understeer and progressive, enjoyable handling. I also felt a smaller steering wheel with the quicker Z3 1.9 steering rack helped make the car more direct.
I made mine handle nicely by installing KW Clubsport coilovers (Variant 3's would be fine too), replacing old bushes (top tip, buy the little plastic inserts that people make for the subframe bushes if they're not completely shot, much easier!) and probably most controversially, ran the stiff H&R front ARB and removed the rear ARB completely. Very little understeer and progressive, enjoyable handling. I also felt a smaller steering wheel with the quicker Z3 1.9 steering rack helped make the car more direct.
happylarry1 said:
Ady, how did you sort the suspension? I'm going through the same process currently! Have fitted Quaife LSD and Hartge rising rate springs at rear - now need to sort the front!
Am trying to dial out mid corner power understeer - current thinking is a stiffer front roll bar and strut brace. I'm no expert on solutions, just know the problems!!
Any help appreciated
This is my old journal here..Am trying to dial out mid corner power understeer - current thinking is a stiffer front roll bar and strut brace. I'm no expert on solutions, just know the problems!!
Any help appreciated
http://www.z3mcoupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=992...
I loved mine: raw, visceral and a unique looking car. But I sold it after 12 months. The driving experience did not quite match the looks, more of a GT but with the smallest imaginable fuel tank (50 litres), and a 5 speed gearbox that meant motorway driving (which was my main use) was a less relaxed affair.
Nevertheless, every time I got out of it, I would look back and marvel at its looks and just have a huge amount of affection for it. Remains the car I still looking for in the classifieds, and the one that has kept its value (paid 22.000 euro in 2003, sold for 22500 in 2004, and they are still around 20.000 euros for good S50B32s).
Nevertheless, every time I got out of it, I would look back and marvel at its looks and just have a huge amount of affection for it. Remains the car I still looking for in the classifieds, and the one that has kept its value (paid 22.000 euro in 2003, sold for 22500 in 2004, and they are still around 20.000 euros for good S50B32s).
chesby said:
Fantastic car. I had an S54. I like to describe it as a supersonic roller skate. Great fun to drive. From memory interior build quality not as good as the German built BMWs and the petrol tank was too small leading to a short touring range. I once drove it to Yorkshire (from Bucks) for the game fair with my six month old german short haired pointer asleep in the back and seeing 160 mph on the speedo before I lost my nerve (I was on a race circuit and definitely not on an empty M69 at 6.30am on a July morning). On another occasion I found myself in convoy with a pair of 911s - a 993 and a 996. As we entered the main straight of the race circuit (I can't remember which one but it reminds me a lot of the Gerrard's Cross bypass) the M coupe was an easy match to the 911s and an absolute joy. I will buy another as a weekend car in the next couple of years.
Thought I'd say 'thanks' for an entertaining post.Edited by chesby on Wednesday 10th April 22:57
Nice to see someone not taking life too seriously.
I looked at buying one of these a year ago but the Vanos and boot floor thing put me off, and the example I drove was a pile of rubbish-clearly resprayed badly etc, despite the owner claiming nothing wrong with it. The same owner also claimed he'd done the Vanos himself, so it just put me off the whole thing. Car was a 99 reg. I'd spent a lot of time talking to him and he worked in Motorsport etc etc, but the car I was presented with after a long journey to his (parents) house was not as I was expecting. A polished turd.
I looked at a few more and all seemed to have been 'dinged' at some stage, so I gave up.
I had an e46 m3 at the time and think that a z3m would be the way to go for me, but would have to be a s54 one. These are 'an arm and a leg' to buy though and you can get a nice 911 for that money. So I've contradicted myself as ever.
Hope that helps, but it probably does not.
I'm selling mine,
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
loved owning it but have moved on to a 996 GT3. The car is in great condition and has had quite a bit of work on the suspension which means it really does handle like it's on rails without being too harsh for every day use.
Come and have a test drive
Dom
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
loved owning it but have moved on to a 996 GT3. The car is in great condition and has had quite a bit of work on the suspension which means it really does handle like it's on rails without being too harsh for every day use.
Come and have a test drive
Dom
996dom said:
I'm selling mine,
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
loved owning it but have moved on to a 996 GT3. The car is in great condition and has had quite a bit of work on the suspension which means it really does handle like it's on rails without being too harsh for every day use.
Come and have a test drive
Dom
I wish you were selling this in August and not now. If you can wait till then I will have it off you. http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
loved owning it but have moved on to a 996 GT3. The car is in great condition and has had quite a bit of work on the suspension which means it really does handle like it's on rails without being too harsh for every day use.
Come and have a test drive
Dom
There really are fantastic cars. Yes they can be a bit snappy as others have said but it is an occasion each time you sit in it. And that's exactly what you want from a weekend car. They are very fast and I have memories of the rears spinning while in 3rd gear but to be fair the car was provoked a little. You'll also need to be prepared for all the attention as everyone stops to look at it.
These are going to be a future classic so it's really an investment. It'll be a long time before z4 residuals are on the rise.
These are going to be a future classic so it's really an investment. It'll be a long time before z4 residuals are on the rise.
996dom said:
I'm selling mine,
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
loved owning it but have moved on to a 996 GT3. The car is in great condition and has had quite a bit of work on the suspension which means it really does handle like it's on rails without being too harsh for every day use.
Come and have a test drive
Dom
Thanks, your quite local to me as well but I have a Golf to sell before I'm in a position to look for one.http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/b...
loved owning it but have moved on to a 996 GT3. The car is in great condition and has had quite a bit of work on the suspension which means it really does handle like it's on rails without being too harsh for every day use.
Come and have a test drive
Dom
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