Looking into buying an Z3M Coupe, or roadster

[Corey Milne]

Hello, Names Corey. I'm selling my 328is and looking at Z3M's for my next driving machine. I was wondering what sort of things I should be concerned about, and what sort of common problems these cars have that I should look for before purchase. Also any advice on whether or not it is as reliable or realistic daily driver as an E36 M3 (my other next car choice.) I figure the roaster is not nearly as practical which is why I'm leaning towards the coupe (plus I've heard the coupes are better balanced).
Thanks a mill!

[rjcoston]

This thread pretty much covers the possible problems that are common to both Roadsters and Coupes.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1038835

[Bmwcat]

The cockpit will be a lot more cramped if you have the top up and you're very tall. (Not a problem for me). Not much room in the trunk either.
But when youre cruising on a sunny its unbeatable! :)
Why not keep both cars like I did??

[Corey Milne]

The cockpit will be a lot more cramped if you have the top up and you're very tall. (Not a problem for me). Not much room in the trunk either.
But when youre cruising on a sunny its unbeatable! :)
Why not keep both cars like I did??

I'm only 5'10" so I fit most cars comfortably, big or small. I couldn't care less about trunk room I never use mine.
I would keep the 328, actually I wish I could it is my baby, but I really would like a step up into the 3.2 M motor so I decided to just do it. I personally cannot afford to keep this one and buy another as I am only 20 on a second year apprentices wages.
Chances are I'll end up with an e36 M3 as it is far more practical, but my heart is begging for a little sports car like a z3M.. hell a z3 3.0 would be a ton of fun too I suppose.

[Corey Milne]

I've read and understood the problems of these cars, now all that concerns me is how reliable are these compared to an e36 m3 or e46 330ci?
Thanks in advance!

[btotoro]

Lots of info here regarding 36/7 & 36/8
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56864

[Corey Milne]

Thanks, but that didn't really tell me how reliable these cars are.. Dosen't anyone want to boast about how reliable there little z's are? or are they so unreliable nobody wants to answer:rolleyes:

[sideslip]

PM'd you. The S52 is extremely reliable, especially if maintained well. The S54 has that whole "blowing up issue" but many of us either accept the risk or pay to have the rod bearings changed.

[rjcoston]

I've owned my M for four years and had a 97 1.9 Z3 for two years before that. No significant problems with either car.

[btotoro]

Thanks, but that didn't really tell me how reliable these cars are.. Dosen't anyone want to boast about how reliable there little z's are? or are they so unreliable nobody wants to answer:rolleyes:


Glove box sagging, chair bushings toasted & rocking like crazy, Rear Shock Mounts pulverized, roof top seal leaking, faulty window regulator, not to mention the possibility of exploding plastic:tsk: impeller & rear subframe failure, all under 60K? I just don't know:thumbdwn: I have never experience anything like this on a Japanese car(you guys can flame me it's cool). I guess you gotta love the car enough (like I do) IMHO to invest in one. But one thing I can boast about BMW is the rock solid reliability of the engine & drive train, and the includes the Z3. My o'l '98 Z3 with 100K+ plus miles still pulls like a champ (of course with up to date PM service & replacement parts). So far my '00 M coupe still hasn't display any of the damn symptoms mentioned above. Both still gives me the :D everytime I drive em.

So, to answer your question....yes...and no lol.

Dude, I don't know if your afraid to hit the search button or google but I ran "Z3 reliability" and got a gazillion info:dunno:

[b-y]

There are two simple solutions to any reliability concerns:


Buy a low mileage example in good shape.
Buy a well-maintained higher mileage car, such as this one five posts away: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=297787


Either way you'll have years of fun ahead of you. :thumbup:

[Corey Milne]

Dude, I don't know if your afraid to hit the search button or google but I ran "Z3 reliability" and got a gazillion info:dunno:

I'de rather hear from peoples experiences, that and its good to get my name out that I'm looking for a car because then people who are selling theirs know how to get ahold of me. Like a few comments away in this thread sideslip found me and pm'd me info on his z3m coupe that he is selling, and he lives right next door to me. Unfortunatly the 328 isent sold yet so I'm slightly short on the financing aspect of it all.:thumbdwn: