Discussion
I am thinking about a Z3 and am attracted to the Z3M and wonder if anyone has any constructive advice.
Have to confess to never considering a Z3/Z3M until recently but realise that over the last 2 years I have driven about 1k miles / year in my Caterham R300, none of which have been on track, Mrs R hates it and won't drive it and whilst it is nice to own it is a bit of a waste. I have someone who would like to buy it so the question is what to replace it with.
A sporty convertible replacement is appealing, the Z3 suits Mrs R and it seems an opportune moment to perhaps have my first M-Car. But, I am a bit out of my depth as to what to look for. There is an Estoril Blue one in the classifieds that seems nice, but advice welcome.
Have to confess to never considering a Z3/Z3M until recently but realise that over the last 2 years I have driven about 1k miles / year in my Caterham R300, none of which have been on track, Mrs R hates it and won't drive it and whilst it is nice to own it is a bit of a waste. I have someone who would like to buy it so the question is what to replace it with.
A sporty convertible replacement is appealing, the Z3 suits Mrs R and it seems an opportune moment to perhaps have my first M-Car. But, I am a bit out of my depth as to what to look for. There is an Estoril Blue one in the classifieds that seems nice, but advice welcome.
try http://www.zroadster.net you will find all the info on there from owners of z3 and z3m you might even find the right car to buy
They are a great looking car although knocking on a bit now - I would recommend driving one before considering because its the only car I actually regretted buying. At pace it didn't feel quite right, pretty skittish and very light over the front end at high speeds. I certainly wouldn't be happy taking over 100mph (on a private road) if any corners were about.
Epic cars. Most need suspension and damper refresh now. Change to updated H&R ARB's and the ride and stability are transformed. That engine is a peach and very reliable with a bit of preventative maint on vanos bolts and seals.
Biggest concern is the engines ability to tear the diff mounting eye and boot floor. Read up on it lots
Biggest concern is the engines ability to tear the diff mounting eye and boot floor. Read up on it lots
Edited by Pig Skill on Sunday 18th November 10:53
Wonderful cars, I just sold my second (being the s54 currently in the classifieds). As said the main issue is the rear differential mount which was uprated (along with a number of other things) on the s54 version. Vanos on the s50's is also an issue but its overhyped somewhat. The s54 is pretty much bulletproof once the bearing shells are replaced (with the e46 m3 recall kit, bmw chose to not include the zeds due to the lower redline but failures have occured). Rear top mounts tend to go quite easily but that's about it
Both the s50 and s54 are brilliant, is the s54 worth the premium? I'd say yes if you can stretch to it, residuals will hold stronger due to having one of BMW's lowest production numbers (1 of 73 in RHD)
the s50 with lack of traction control and less sound proofing creates a more raw driving experience, the engine requires its neck wringing to get the best out of it whereas the s54 has more torque low down enabling you to drive it quicker much easier. The s54 having full DSC is nice for wet driving as they are quite tail happy. The s54 is noticeably quicker in reality too
I'd drive one and then decide but I'd be suprised if you didn't like it, a very undervalued car (which is odd because reviews from tiff etc were all very good), perhaps the overshadowing of the coupe version and the stigma of the normal z3 has done it. Either way I'd be suprised if these don't go up in value sooner or later
Get over to zroadster.net and find someone nearby willing to take you for a ride!
Both the s50 and s54 are brilliant, is the s54 worth the premium? I'd say yes if you can stretch to it, residuals will hold stronger due to having one of BMW's lowest production numbers (1 of 73 in RHD)
the s50 with lack of traction control and less sound proofing creates a more raw driving experience, the engine requires its neck wringing to get the best out of it whereas the s54 has more torque low down enabling you to drive it quicker much easier. The s54 having full DSC is nice for wet driving as they are quite tail happy. The s54 is noticeably quicker in reality too
I'd drive one and then decide but I'd be suprised if you didn't like it, a very undervalued car (which is odd because reviews from tiff etc were all very good), perhaps the overshadowing of the coupe version and the stigma of the normal z3 has done it. Either way I'd be suprised if these don't go up in value sooner or later
Get over to zroadster.net and find someone nearby willing to take you for a ride!
Edited by shantybeater on Sunday 18th November 10:00
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