Z3M Roadster - opinions?

[RoadsterRaks]

I've only had that happen when i once floored it on a slightly greasey road in Watford.

Was sat at about 2krpm in 2nd, and then gave it welly ...... to foul one's self is an understatement !

[S Works]

Only had experience of driving Raify's ZMC which was feckin fast in a straight line, very planted on decent A roads, superb build quality, all the toys, capable of keeping up with a Chimaera 500 at almost full chat etc.

However, cane it on B roads and you'd better be a seriously good driver.

I'm sure a well driven Elise or Boxster would leave you lagging in the twisties.

15k for a minter though... you'd be not to!

[DanL]

Thanks for the thoughts, folks.

I'm planning on having a look at this one over Xmas...

Anyone know it?

Dan

[Broccers]

DanL said:

Thanks for the thoughts, folks. I'm planning on having a look at this one over Xmas... Anyone know it? Dan

Id make sure it had a Bimmer warranty else dont bother.

Smartie - Im repeating what BMW UK told me. Apparently the reduced power is down to air flow in to the engine in combination of the pipe. Obviously the S50 weighs less than the E36 so maybe thats a clue to why I havent seen one M Coupe with a new engine.

>> Edited by Broccers on Friday 24th December 11:43

[brynt]

I own one of the 79 S54 //M Roadsters and it's the dogs. As stated in a few posts before there are some dramas. The main being that the S54 engine (but mostly in the //M3 not the slightly de-tuned //M roadster)is prone to spinnig it's shell bearings which causes a whole load of troubles (new enginge replaced by BMW under waranty. The //M3 engines are under a recall by BMW. Still waiting out on the roadsters) The well published Vanos problems are the S50's drama. The only real difference between the two cars (apart from age and 3bhp)is the S54 comes with DSC. There is a very wide divide of opinion on the zroadster.net about the advantages/disadvantages of this, mine (and this is only my opinion) is i am very grateful for it as it has saved my arse/car several times but others like the car to be pure with no eletric gizmos helping out. There are bags of after sales upgrades that can be put on to improve the handling (not that it needs it but a rear wheel drive, 325bhp can be a handful at times) like the ACSchnitzer short shift, front strut brace and the Butt strut (no jokes please )

Take one for a drive and see for yourself

[Philrose]

I've got one of the 79. DSC a must for me -- wouldnt dream of switching it off either. Pound for pound there's nowt to touch it for sheer brutal performance.

[Smartie]

Broccers said:

Smartie - Im repeating what BMW UK told me. Apparently the reduced power is down to air flow in to the engine in combination of the pipe. Obviously the S50 weighs less than the E36 so maybe thats a clue to why I havent seen one M Coupe with a new engine. >> Edited by Broccers on Friday 24th December 11:43

Not argueing or anything, just what I remember reading from roadtests etc when the Roadster came out. BMW (UK) is maybe not a very reliable source of actual info?

[Philrose]

There are M Coupes with the S54 engine -- 168 RHD to be precise.