Z3M - Bascially a 2 seater M3?
Discussion
Hi all,
I have recently taken a like to the look of the Z3M with them being relatively rare too.
Am I right in saying that having the same engine, that all running costs (tyres, fuel, servicing etc) will pretty much be the same as an M3, and it is just a matter of being slightly less practical?
Practicality is not an issue for me. I have around 10k to spend and am currently trying to decide what to go for.
Regards,
Paul.
I have recently taken a like to the look of the Z3M with them being relatively rare too.
Am I right in saying that having the same engine, that all running costs (tyres, fuel, servicing etc) will pretty much be the same as an M3, and it is just a matter of being slightly less practical?
Practicality is not an issue for me. I have around 10k to spend and am currently trying to decide what to go for.
Regards,
Paul.
khushy said:
I have had 3 (and done over 180,000 miles in them in total) as long as you add the 3 body braces that are available - they are awesome!!
khushy
I've got a coupe I do a bit of track work in, what braces are you referring to? I know of 2; 1. strut brace and 2. the strong strut rear underbrace.khushy
Running costs are similar to the E36 M3 EVO
Running gear is a mash up of E30 and E36
Ive had 4 of them. Epic cars of which there will never be anything like again.
I personally prefer the roadster over the coupe, largely due to being able to hear the engine screaming with the roof down. Amazing experience
Running gear is a mash up of E30 and E36
Ive had 4 of them. Epic cars of which there will never be anything like again.
I personally prefer the roadster over the coupe, largely due to being able to hear the engine screaming with the roof down. Amazing experience
I really enjoyed my '99 ZMC, even if I had to replace the Vanos after 5000 km (covered under warranty) and would like to have one again, although this time it would probably be a S54 engined version for it DSC (albeit not the most sophisticated) for that added safety on wet and slippery roads.
StuB said:
Something like 73 RHD S54's originally, but loads less now. These motors did have some shell bearing issues anyway.
S50's with Racelogic also work well on track and help keep the back end in check.
A few Chevrolet LS conversions about now too, for the truly unhinged.
Or perhaps a bit of counter steer? S50's with Racelogic also work well on track and help keep the back end in check.
A few Chevrolet LS conversions about now too, for the truly unhinged.
Nonsense that they need any bracing. In standard form they have been designed and built to a high standard.
I have covered just under 90K in a S54 MCoupe,and about the same again in an E46 M3. Both were run from new as everyday cars, and both travelled accross Europe several times.
Engines are the same, but straight line speed seemed higher in the M Coupe.
Tyres cheaper on M Coupe.
M3 much easier to drive, and feels much more "on your side".
MCoupe looks like a future classic... but its getting older now so there may well be bits that will need attention now.
Both great cars, but in my eyes the MCoupe looks great on the road now.
Neither great in snow, but the MCoupe requires a lot of respect compared to the M3.
If you have any specific questions just ask....
I have covered just under 90K in a S54 MCoupe,and about the same again in an E46 M3. Both were run from new as everyday cars, and both travelled accross Europe several times.
Engines are the same, but straight line speed seemed higher in the M Coupe.
Tyres cheaper on M Coupe.
M3 much easier to drive, and feels much more "on your side".
MCoupe looks like a future classic... but its getting older now so there may well be bits that will need attention now.
Both great cars, but in my eyes the MCoupe looks great on the road now.
Neither great in snow, but the MCoupe requires a lot of respect compared to the M3.
If you have any specific questions just ask....
andrewturner said:
I've got a coupe I do a bit of track work in, what braces are you referring to? I know of 2; 1. strut brace and 2. the strong strut rear underbrace.
Strong Strutt do 3 - front Strut brace - rear (under) strut brace and the BODY BRACE - c£600 for all 3 = mega-value!khushy
IMac said:
Nonsense that they need any bracing. In standard form they have been designed and built to a high standard.
I have covered just under 90K in a S54 MCoupe,and about the same again in an E46 M3. Both were run from new as everyday cars, and both travelled accross Europe several times.
Engines are the same, but straight line speed seemed higher in the M Coupe.
Tyres cheaper on M Coupe.
M3 much easier to drive, and feels much more "on your side".
MCoupe looks like a future classic... but its getting older now so there may well be bits that will need attention now.
Both great cars, but in my eyes the MCoupe looks great on the road now.
Neither great in snow, but the MCoupe requires a lot of respect compared to the M3.
If you have any specific questions just ask....
the coupe and roadster are completely different cars - the roadster NEEDS the braces - trust me!I have covered just under 90K in a S54 MCoupe,and about the same again in an E46 M3. Both were run from new as everyday cars, and both travelled accross Europe several times.
Engines are the same, but straight line speed seemed higher in the M Coupe.
Tyres cheaper on M Coupe.
M3 much easier to drive, and feels much more "on your side".
MCoupe looks like a future classic... but its getting older now so there may well be bits that will need attention now.
Both great cars, but in my eyes the MCoupe looks great on the road now.
Neither great in snow, but the MCoupe requires a lot of respect compared to the M3.
If you have any specific questions just ask....
I've had an s50 and now s54 Z3m roady and they are hard to beat for the money in terms of rarity (mine is one of the 73 and one of only 4 imola) fun (in lots of ways I enjoy driving it to the F430 and GTR) and tinkering (I've had fun collecting schnitzel bits at bargain prices).
Forget talk of the braces most only fit the front strut and leave the others in the garage (including me) unless your names jenson and your on track your fooling yourself big time better to factor in fitting a lowered suspension to refresh a tired OEM one and improve the stance /handling at the same time.
But the best bit is they look cool, will look even cooler as time goes by and are proper old school fun compared to current cars.
Having said all that I could not drive mine as a daily they are tiring to drive but the thing that aches the most is your face from the big cheesy grin ;-)
Forget talk of the braces most only fit the front strut and leave the others in the garage (including me) unless your names jenson and your on track your fooling yourself big time better to factor in fitting a lowered suspension to refresh a tired OEM one and improve the stance /handling at the same time.
But the best bit is they look cool, will look even cooler as time goes by and are proper old school fun compared to current cars.
Having said all that I could not drive mine as a daily they are tiring to drive but the thing that aches the most is your face from the big cheesy grin ;-)
Having owned a few of these I can say the following from experience.
The first thing to accept is that they are not a dynamically sharp car whatsoever. You can spend a fortune bracing the car, fitting H&R ARB's and fitting KW suspension etc but you will never have a scalpel sharp track car. They are just too flawed. I leave mine in OE spec and just enjoy it at weekends and love it for what it is - A very cool looking stormer.
If a proper racer is what you are after then I would forget the Z3M and buy and Elise or Exige.
The first thing to accept is that they are not a dynamically sharp car whatsoever. You can spend a fortune bracing the car, fitting H&R ARB's and fitting KW suspension etc but you will never have a scalpel sharp track car. They are just too flawed. I leave mine in OE spec and just enjoy it at weekends and love it for what it is - A very cool looking stormer.
If a proper racer is what you are after then I would forget the Z3M and buy and Elise or Exige.
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