(Z3)M Roadster - anyone have experience?
Discussion
Am considering a replacement for the MX-5 and have seen a couple of (pre 2001) M Roadsters up for sale, for what looks like reasonable money.
I don't know much about these cars, so can anyone give me some pointers about issues to look out for and what they're like from a "weekend toy" point of view?
Essentially I want a fast, reliable, RWD roadster that's as fund to drive as the MX-5. Is an M Roadster the answer?
I'm aware of M power running costs from my M3, but I expect the fuel consumption to be marginally better in the roadster compared to the V8 and the smaller tyres/simpler systems should help keep costs reasonable?
I don't know much about these cars, so can anyone give me some pointers about issues to look out for and what they're like from a "weekend toy" point of view?
Essentially I want a fast, reliable, RWD roadster that's as fund to drive as the MX-5. Is an M Roadster the answer?
I'm aware of M power running costs from my M3, but I expect the fuel consumption to be marginally better in the roadster compared to the V8 and the smaller tyres/simpler systems should help keep costs reasonable?
I had this for a few weeks:
..and to be frank I hated nearly everything about it
Cabin too cramped. Every time I relaxed my left arm the window opened & scared the sh*t out of me. (Switch was exactly where my elbow went). I found the driving position odd too. And, it didn't "feel" like a proper sports car.
..but worst of all (and it took a few days to work it out) because you are driving a BMW people automatically assume you are a t
t.
In the TVR people wave at you, let you out at junctions & leap out of your way on the motorway...
...in the Z3 everything was the exact opposite.
It was a truly horrid experience
..and to be frank I hated nearly everything about it
Cabin too cramped. Every time I relaxed my left arm the window opened & scared the sh*t out of me. (Switch was exactly where my elbow went). I found the driving position odd too. And, it didn't "feel" like a proper sports car.
..but worst of all (and it took a few days to work it out) because you are driving a BMW people automatically assume you are a t
t.In the TVR people wave at you, let you out at junctions & leap out of your way on the motorway...
...in the Z3 everything was the exact opposite.
It was a truly horrid experience
Thanks for the tips - the MX5 isn't exactly cavernous (it's seemingly built for Japanese drivers!), but the OH and I managed 2.5k miles around Europe in it one summer ok, so unless it's even smaller than the MX, space shouldn't be an issue.
As for BMW image, I've been driving one around for the past 9 months, so that's not an issue either.
I've read some horror stories about the rear diff mounting/boot floor cracks, so that will be top of my list to get checked and it seems the VANOS can be an expensive issue too.
I guess I need to get out there and see a few.
As for BMW image, I've been driving one around for the past 9 months, so that's not an issue either.
I've read some horror stories about the rear diff mounting/boot floor cracks, so that will be top of my list to get checked and it seems the VANOS can be an expensive issue too.
I guess I need to get out there and see a few.
That's the answer! I've had a mint one for 3 years.
Not a mark on it.
Amazing fun, would not be without it at all.
Test drive one first.
And it's a proper m engine, not these turbo charged imitations.
You won't loose money either.
And you won't be pushing it as they don't break down like a tvr!
Mark
Not a mark on it.
Amazing fun, would not be without it at all.
Test drive one first.
And it's a proper m engine, not these turbo charged imitations.
You won't loose money either.
And you won't be pushing it as they don't break down like a tvr!
Mark
Edited by Badman gee on Monday 20th May 17:52
Edited by Badman gee on Monday 20th May 17:53
I was waiting for that 
As taz says, heaps of info on zroadster. That's where I read up on them before I bought mine (from a zroadster forum member). Never driven an MX to compare, but gave an MX owner a lift in my z3m and he thought the cabin was less cramped than his mx5. In terms of fuel economy, I get about 25mpg, but depends on how hard you drive it. Insurance is relatively cheap if it's a second car on a classic policy.
Comes down to personal preference really, so try one and see if you like it.
Comes down to personal preference really, so try one and see if you like it.
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