Talk to me about Z3 M Roadster
Discussion
Somewhat unexpectedly I've woken up to the Z3 M as a very good choice for my next 2 seater convertible. I'm foremost looking for a fun weekend car, ideally something a bit interesting and that won't cost the earth to run or depreciate too much. Outright performance isn't as important as I already have a 911.
Anyways, I'd welcome views from current and past owners on what these cars are like to drive and own? A few questions I have:
- is the ride very hard on our pot holed roads?
- is there loads of scuttle shake?
- would it cope well with just the occasional weekend use (ie: one drive a month)?
- are they fatiguing to drive?
- is there a significant M "tax" on parts such as brakes etc?
- any "musts" in terms of what to look for when buying?
Thanks in advance!
go on http://www.zroadster.net or http://zroadster.org/ you will find everything you need to know also might find a car best thing to do is drive one
Again, all info on zroadster website. A couple of the guys on there have 911's as well.
I only did 1200 miles in mine last year and it didn't complain. Ride depends on what you are used to and whether the suspension is stock or not. If anything, some think that the stock suspension is slightly soft. I have an S54 and love it! But checkout zroadster for info.
I only did 1200 miles in mine last year and it didn't complain. Ride depends on what you are used to and whether the suspension is stock or not. If anything, some think that the stock suspension is slightly soft. I have an S54 and love it! But checkout zroadster for info.
Ok, I guess I'll have to have a look on those sites. Was kind of hoping to save myself some time looking up many old posts on another forum...
Philrose said:
I know of 2 good S54s that are for sale but you'll find details via zroadster.net
I didn't see a "for sale" section on the site? Mind you, I'm probably limited to S50s budget wise...One quick question you guys may help me (more of a general "M" question), how vital is it to have these engines (S50) serviced every year and by people that know their BMWs?
Don't know of any s54's for sale (for sale is the 'exchange' section). No need to service them every year, but most careful owners do an oil service every second year (some annually), where annual mileage is low and then the Inspection 1 and 2 services when indicated on the car.
If you are looking at an s50, then apart from general condition and service history, the 2 things to check for are the Vanos growl and the boot floor welds (lift the boot floor carpet and check the welds are not rusty or popped). Best thing is to try and get one with a known history from a zroadster member ( at least, that is what I did!).
I should be at the Silverstone PHSS if you want a closer look at one (but not for sale I am afraid).
If you are looking at an s50, then apart from general condition and service history, the 2 things to check for are the Vanos growl and the boot floor welds (lift the boot floor carpet and check the welds are not rusty or popped). Best thing is to try and get one with a known history from a zroadster member ( at least, that is what I did!).
I should be at the Silverstone PHSS if you want a closer look at one (but not for sale I am afraid).
Be aware that the S50 doesn't have traction control.
Cost of ownership is much the same if you DIY. If you pay for your servicing, expect a kick in the wallet for a proper inspection. The valve clearance check is about 4hrs labour alone. BMW price is around £1000, BMW indy is around £600.
It is depreciation-free and may even appreciate. You won't make a profit because you will still have to look after it, but the metal should sell for more than you paid.
Standard supension and tyres are good enough for our roads, but too soft for the track. All cars are a compromise and I think the Z3 is a tourer and the M is a sports tourer. I wouldn't say that it's a sportscar. An MX-5 is probably better through the tight twisties, but once the corners open up and on the straights the M's power takes over and the Mazda will become a dot in the rear mirror.
By all means, check out zroadster, but the usual warnings apply about the advice you find on a dedicated forum, though ZR is much more balanced than most
.
Cost of ownership is much the same if you DIY. If you pay for your servicing, expect a kick in the wallet for a proper inspection. The valve clearance check is about 4hrs labour alone. BMW price is around £1000, BMW indy is around £600.
It is depreciation-free and may even appreciate. You won't make a profit because you will still have to look after it, but the metal should sell for more than you paid.
Standard supension and tyres are good enough for our roads, but too soft for the track. All cars are a compromise and I think the Z3 is a tourer and the M is a sports tourer. I wouldn't say that it's a sportscar. An MX-5 is probably better through the tight twisties, but once the corners open up and on the straights the M's power takes over and the Mazda will become a dot in the rear mirror.
By all means, check out zroadster, but the usual warnings apply about the advice you find on a dedicated forum, though ZR is much more balanced than most
.I've had a few and they are great.
Just view them as a fast, comfy, fun car with slightly lazy turn in.
They look super cool, hard as nails and sound like a bear with a sore throat when gunning it.
A lot of people jump in expecting an M3 esque ride that is track ready and able to outgun all the modern cars on the road. In reality they are old news and a little cumbersome in standard guise.
There is just nothing on the road that looks anything like it. Super, super cool imho
The breadvan coupe version is more expensive to buy because people prefer the stiffer chassis - but in reality that is not much better and most modern hot hatches will be all over it in the real world
Just view them as a fast, comfy, fun car with slightly lazy turn in.
They look super cool, hard as nails and sound like a bear with a sore throat when gunning it.
A lot of people jump in expecting an M3 esque ride that is track ready and able to outgun all the modern cars on the road. In reality they are old news and a little cumbersome in standard guise.
There is just nothing on the road that looks anything like it. Super, super cool imho
The breadvan coupe version is more expensive to buy because people prefer the stiffer chassis - but in reality that is not much better and most modern hot hatches will be all over it in the real world
lord trumpton said:
I've had a few and they are great.
Just view them as a fast, comfy, fun car with slightly lazy turn in.
They look super cool, hard as nails and sound like a bear with a sore throat when gunning it.
A lot of people jump in expecting an M3 esque ride that is track ready and able to outgun all the modern cars on the road. In reality they are old news and a little cumbersome in standard guise.
There is just nothing on the road that looks anything like it. Super, super cool imho
The breadvan coupe version is more expensive to buy because people prefer the stiffer chassis - but in reality that is not much better and most modern hot hatches will be all over it in the real world
Thanks for that, sounds ideal for what I am looking for. One odd question, is they pleasant to drive at low / town speeds and do they sound good at low revs?Just view them as a fast, comfy, fun car with slightly lazy turn in.
They look super cool, hard as nails and sound like a bear with a sore throat when gunning it.
A lot of people jump in expecting an M3 esque ride that is track ready and able to outgun all the modern cars on the road. In reality they are old news and a little cumbersome in standard guise.
There is just nothing on the road that looks anything like it. Super, super cool imho
The breadvan coupe version is more expensive to buy because people prefer the stiffer chassis - but in reality that is not much better and most modern hot hatches will be all over it in the real world
Philrose said:
There are 2 very rare phoenix yellow S54s for sale
I've looked on the site but cannot see them. Anyways, S54s are probably abov my budget (plus, not a colour I particularly like, even though its interesting).RiccardoG said:
Thanks for that, sounds ideal for what I am looking for. One odd question, is they pleasant to drive at low / town speeds and do they sound good at low revs.
Very. Especially if you are in 3rd rather than 2nd. It roars to a screaming crescendo (sp. sorry no spellcheck) from a deep rumble at 1000rpm to a screaming 7500.You'll need a spare pair of undies, as you will either stain the front or the back
.I have a '98 S50 and I love it. It feels like a proper event every time get in it. I even look forward to just starting the engine! I've taken it to the Alps, Scotland and a few trips around Wales and it is real contender for keeping up with and giving a hard time to newer kit.
The lack of traction control worries some but I think this just adds to the specialness of it. Driving the arse off it is very rewarding and when you get that combination of slip and go round a corner, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
So far no other car has come close to it for me and I really am struggling to think of something to replace it with. So this year I decided to get it resprayed and bring it back to full health. I seriously don't think I will part with.
It isn't cheap to run, but as someone else mentioned, values are holding. Two words...GET ONE!
The lack of traction control worries some but I think this just adds to the specialness of it. Driving the arse off it is very rewarding and when you get that combination of slip and go round a corner, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
So far no other car has come close to it for me and I really am struggling to think of something to replace it with. So this year I decided to get it resprayed and bring it back to full health. I seriously don't think I will part with.
It isn't cheap to run, but as someone else mentioned, values are holding. Two words...GET ONE!
A quick note in support of the previous posters - definitely buy one!
I've only had mine since last summer and haven't yet done enough miles to be able to answer most of your questions. I have a 2002 S54 Roadster which does have the LSD and I have felt it cut in quite a few times during spirited driving!
I was after an S54 for quite a while and every time one came up it was immediately sold. I love the styling and the performance is just fabulous. The s54 is so creamy/smooth in its power delivery and has been subject of another recent thread on here but I'm sure the s50 is equally as impressive. I wanted a roadster rather than the Coupe because I am lucky enough to have an oldish 911 Coupe tucked away too. They are a really interesting pair to compare/contrast. Performance is similar ( indeed the Z3 is probably the quicker) but they are completely different to drive/experience. As I keep telling my wife (who was somehow under the impression the Z3 was to replace the 911), you do need both to ensure all occasions are covered!
Good luck with your search!
I've only had mine since last summer and haven't yet done enough miles to be able to answer most of your questions. I have a 2002 S54 Roadster which does have the LSD and I have felt it cut in quite a few times during spirited driving!
I was after an S54 for quite a while and every time one came up it was immediately sold. I love the styling and the performance is just fabulous. The s54 is so creamy/smooth in its power delivery and has been subject of another recent thread on here but I'm sure the s50 is equally as impressive. I wanted a roadster rather than the Coupe because I am lucky enough to have an oldish 911 Coupe tucked away too. They are a really interesting pair to compare/contrast. Performance is similar ( indeed the Z3 is probably the quicker) but they are completely different to drive/experience. As I keep telling my wife (who was somehow under the impression the Z3 was to replace the 911), you do need both to ensure all occasions are covered!
Good luck with your search!
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