?s on 01 (Z3) M Coupe: right forum?

Is this the right place, or are those owners over on the M forum?

I think this is the place you want.

Great. As a former Z3 owner, I decided I really miss it, but now I want an M Coupe, S54, late MY. I've seen some with decently low miles (under 50k) but prices seem to be quite high for 8-10 year old cars. (There's a black one in AZ but the asking price is 28k).

What's a reasonable price these days? Also what common issues should I be on the look out for, esp when it comes to pricey fixes (suspension, electronics, etc).

Thanks.

Good luck on your hunt. Here is a couple of links to get you started:

http://www.mcoupebuyersguide.com/

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=391945

Welcome, btw.

Originally Posted by dougmcintyre

Good luck on your hunt. Here is a couple of links to get you started:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=391945

Ug, that list is daunting. Good to know the cooling system is crap, just like the one on my E39 (and every other modern BMW.)

Make sure the service has been done. The valve adjustment alone on an M can run $$$$ - dealer quoted the complete Insp II for a Z4M @$1800; Indy wanted $1000.

I read where Enthusiast Auto claims they replace the bearing shells in their S54s and install new rubber where existing tires are getting old. Their prices are at the high end but if these things have been done to the '01 they have listed then it's not a bad deal. If they haven't done anything then it could be a bargining point.

There are more Z3 owners on BFc. You'll get more input there.

Welcome!

Originally Posted by GB5416

I read where Enthusiast Auto claims they replace the bearing shells in their S54s and install new rubber where existing tires are getting old. Their prices are at the high end but if these things have been done to the '01 they have listed then it's not a bad deal. If they haven't done anything then it could be a bargining point.

The estoril blue 01 they have now actually had a warranty replaced S54 at 25,000 miles so even better.

Originally Posted by jrmartin03

The estoril blue 01 they have now actually had a warranty replaced S54 at 25,000 miles so even better.

Yeah that would add a few grand to it's value. I think it was one of your posts where I read about them claiming to do the bearings and replacing the tires. Do you know if they're still doing that?

As far as I know. Eric's a really big proponent of rod bearing replacement and even tried to get me to have mine stop there to get it done while shipping from the east coast. It didn't work out though or I would have. If you call or email he'll send you the work order of all they have done since each coupe arrived.

Hi Josh.

Figured I'd chime in. With only 700 or so to pick from the S54 M Coupe is a rare car. For perspective, Porsche made more Carrara GT's. I looked for a year before finding mine and convincing the owner to sell it to me. I kept the car for nearly 2 years. They are expensive to buy because they are rare, unique and have 315hp. My advise it not to rush into one. Basically there are 3 things to consider:

1) Sunroof - yes or no. If no, your choices become more slim.
2) Interior Color - There are many variations. Full black, red/black, blue black, grey/black.
3) Exterior Color - Many to choose.

Picking the combination you desire will limit your choices and you will quickly find out why these cars carry a premimum. I went with Estroil/full black/no sun roof. Ultra rare combo.

The final decsion is whether or not to buy one that has been modified.

As for the issues, the Z3 buyer guide nails it. Most who have done things like bearing mods, rear diff carrier fix, sport button, etc. will never sell their car.

In the end I sold mine soley because I moved and didn't have anywhere to store it. It was my third car. I purchased it with 8k miles and sold it with just under 15K miles. Everyone of the 7,xxx miles put a smile on my face.

Ironically, I recently purchased a Z3 Coupe 3 months ago. Looks just as good, sounds almost as good but the M is much faster over 45mph. My Z3 has just 7,200 miles and I purchased it from the original owner 5 miles from my house. That's about the only reason I didn't buy another M.

Have fun looking and post photos when you find yours.

$28k should get you a decent Z4 ///M.

So I presume the selection for a Z3 ///M should be bountiful.
Take your time and be picky.
Make sure all previous work has corresponding documentation.
And you must get an inspection by a grumpy old mechanic prior to purchase.

Lately the Z3M Coupes have been holding their value better than the Z4Ms with quite a few selling for over $30k the past few months. There's typically 50-65 for sale in North America at any given time. I definitely agree with your other recommendations.

Originally Posted by Pants

$28k should get you a decent Z4 ///M.

.

Some 1,801 Z4 M's were sold in the US.

Only 690 Z3 coupes were sold in the US.

For comparison 604 Porsche Carrara GT's were sold in the US.

While the Z3 and Z4 M's have low production numbers, 2 1/2 times more Z4 M's were made than Z3 M coupes.

Considering 10 years have now passed, many have been wrecked, most have mileage above 50K miles and alot have been modifed or converted to track cars, the Z3M is rare indeed and will always command a premium over the Z4M.

Not sure where you will find 50 to 65 Z3 M's for for sale in North America at any given time. Currenly just 16 are for sale on Autotrader compared to 58 Z4 M's.

Hey, that guy just pissed in my cheerios.

Originally Posted by kevjandon

Not sure where you will find 50 to 65 Z3 M's for for sale in North America at any given time. Currenly just 16 are for sale on Autotrader compared to 58 Z4 M's.

I have to search high and wide to find that many of them, but they're out there: http://listings.mcoupebuyersguide.com. I've been tracking all the sales for the past couple years and have had them posted online since May. Here are the places I look: http://www.mcoupebuyersguide.com/ind...where-to-look/.

Originally Posted by Pants

Hey, that guy just pissed in my cheerios.

Sorry

Originally Posted by jrmartin03

http://www.mcoupebuyersguide.com/ind...where-to-look/.

Great website!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I see the 57 your quoting for sale is S52's and S54's combined. Funny that 4 years of Z3 M Coupe production yeilds less inventory for sale than 3 years of Z4 M's.

Since I'm now a Z3 Coupe owner I would love to know some of those production # breakdowns on a Z3 Coupe.

Found this on the Z3 Coupe. These are sales figures and not production numbers but I'm sure they are really close.

http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums...4283023&page=1

Yeah, no one has gotten the exact production numbers for the non-M Z3 coupes. JoshS on Bimmerforums probably has the closest numbers he's gathered over the years. We have all the production details, build dates, options, etc. of all the Z3Ms though including roadsters.

You're right, usually there's between 20-30 S54 Z3 M Coupes on the market. Here are the numbers for each since I started my site: http://listings.mcoupebuyersguide.co...ch/trends.aspx.