Z3 questions.

[Graham_A_M]

Hey guys the GF is thinking of picking up a '96-'02 Z3. I dont know much about these cars at all (I honestly dont), so I thought I'd ask you guys.
Judging by this. The last few years seem to be the best.
http://users.belgacom.net/bmw_z3/bmw_z3_history.htm

Are there any problems with the 3.2L? Seems to be the way to go.
According to this though from the history link
01/03/2001 : Revised M Roadster and Coupe with 325 bhp engine, DSC III stability control system, uprated brakes.
Why would this particular '00 have the "M power" option?
http://www.buysell.com/root/detail/Calgary/2000_Import_Cars/2114/66319182/2000_BMW_M_ROADSTER_U_S_2dr_Manual_RWD.aspx

Anyway, any help or tips or "things to look for" would be much apprecaited. Thanks a lot in advance.

[97'Scort]

The Z3 and the M Roadster are like the 328is and the M3. Same look, different car, different engine. In fact, the 328is and Z3 share the same inline 6, while the M Roadster shares the E46 M3 engine, I believe.

[benyl]

rear subframe.

[Graham_A_M]

Originally posted by 97'Scort
while the M Roadster shares the E46 M3 engine, I believe.
So pretty much only look into the "M roadsters" as they have that much sought after 323hp 3.2L?

[tentacles]

http://hasanmotorsports.com/images/FinalInstall/DSC00175.JPG
http://hasanmotorsports.com/images/FinalInstall/DSC00179.JPG
http://hasanmotorsports.com/images/FinalInstall/DSC00184.JPG

Problem solved. :thumbsup:

[benyl]

Not all M roadsters have the S54.

[IntegraG2]

Originally posted by tentacles
http://hasanmotorsports.com/images/FinalInstall/DSC00175.JPG
http://hasanmotorsports.com/images/FinalInstall/DSC00179.JPG
http://hasanmotorsports.com/images/FinalInstall/DSC00184.JPG

Problem solved. :thumbsup:


thats crazy....

like someone said above the big problem with these cars are the rear subframe.

Also the s54 motor comes in the 2002 m coupe/roadster and some 2001 m couples/roadsters. Most 99-01 m coupe/roadsters have the e36 m3 motor in them. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

[97'Scort]

1998 - 2000
M Coupes built between 1998 and 2000 are fitted with two different engines, depending on the destination market. These engines are the same ones used in the 1996 to 1999 BMW M3.

The US models were fitted with the S52, a 240 hp (176 kW) and 320 Nm (236 ft·lbf) 3.2 litre inline 6 cylinder engine.

European models were fitted with the S50B32, a 321 hp (236 kW) and 350 Nm (260 ft·lbf) 3.2 litre inline 6 cylinder engine.


[edit] 2001 - 2002
From October 2001, the M Coupe reappeared worldwide with the new 3.2 litre S54 engine from the E46 M3. This was the highest specific output naturally aspirated engine ever made by BMW when it was fitted to the E46 M3: in M Coupe form it produced 325 hp (242 kW) in European form and 315 hp (235 kW) in North American form. (242 kW) and 354 Nm (261 lbf.ft) of torque.

Despite the well-documented tendency of the 2001-2002 S54 to suffer connecting rod bearing failure in the E46 M3, the M Coupe was not included in the recall to correct the issue in E46 M3s. BMW assert that the recall is not necessary due to the fact that the S54 M Coupe is limited to 7,600rpm, 400 lower than the M3's stratospheric limit. BMW added a 100,000 mile, 6 year warranty in North America to all S54 Coupes affected by, but not included in the bearing recall on the M3. Although some S54 M Coupes have reached in excess of 170,000 miles (270,000 km) on their original engines, bearing shell failures are common on all early S54 engines.

Source is the Wikipedia entry for the M Coupe, so take it with a grain of salt but it sounds right to me.

[Jlude]

Is she buying the car from Car Country?

[nd54]

The Feb 2008 issue of BMW Car magazine had an excellent ten page feature on buying a Z3/M Roadster or Coupe. They might still have this issue at Chapters, it has an X6 on the cover. You can also order back issues from their website www.bmwcarmagazine.com.

[Graham_A_M]

Originally posted by Jlude
Is she buying the car from Car Country?

no, that was just an example of one of the many ones out there.
There is this cute "1 of 400" Dakar yellow ones out there shes looking at. But $25k for a '98 seems to be a little outrageous. I'm sure its worth it, but :dunno:
Is Car country/The car store a bad place to go though? (good to know eitherway).

Is there a code to look for in the '01's for the S54 engine? or whats the best way to look for that?
Thanks a lot guys. Much appreciated:)

[97'Scort]

According to RealOEM.com, any M Coupe or Roadster from an '01 production date should have the S54 engine. The Z3 3.0i will be running an M54 and the Z3 2.0 (produced up until the end of 1999) will be running an M52.

[benyl]

Why not get a M Roaster from the US.

2006 are selling for $34K

[97'Scort]

Originally posted by benyl
Why not get a M Roaster from the US.

2006 are selling for $34K

Arg, I don't have photoshop at the office. Somebody needs to PS a ///M onto a George Foreman grill for me :nut:

[benyl]

I only mention it as my cousin is bring one up. If 98 versions cost $25K here... Why pay so much?

[97'Scort]

^ You're right for sure. Even with the recall letter cost, you're getting a way better deal in the US.

[Graham_A_M]

Originally posted by benyl
rear subframe.
how is this a concern? just curious.


Originally posted by Jlude
Is she buying the car from Car Country?
not after today. I had the day off so I was running some errands. Since it was on the way (getting on Glenmore from mac trail) I pulled in to Car Country right where the old Kramer Mazda used to be. I instantly spotted a beautiful silver M roadster in their lot.
It was amazing with its deep dish aftermarket rims, I didn't see if they were 19's or what, but they really set the car off. I could see a decent sized intercooler hiding behind its bumper, so I inquired about it. It turns out it was a single turbo'd '01 with about (so he said) 475-485 at the flywheel... Sweet
:bigpimp: Price was $37k. A bit out of the price range.
He asked if I wanted to take it for a test drive.
Oh Lord thank you. :drool: :drool: :drool:
(thats when I remembered I forgot the drivers license at home by accident:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: dammit!!!)
:rofl:
Well I made no impression I wanted to buy the car (not in the least) as I told the guy we probably couldn't afford this as the budget was in the early-mid $20k range.
yet within 4 minutes (no joke) I was stuck in his office and we were already negotiating payment terms.
I've seen high pressure, but this was just crazy. I just pushed away the documents they were asking me to sign and quickly left. Yes I'd love to have that for either her or myself, but I'll go somewhere else after that episode. :thumbsdow

I think sourcing one from the states; as you guys mentioned (like most of the ones around here) would be a good thing in all reality.
http://www.buysell.com/root/detail/Calgary/2000_Import_Cars/2114/67246550/2000_BMW_M_ROADSTER_M_POWER_127000kms.aspx

^ This one looks great though. I'm going to check this out soon. Any thoughts or input?
Thanks a lot for the help guys. Its been quite a learning experience already. :)

[97'Scort]

In the early Z3's, they had the same weak point in the subframe that the rest of the 3 series BMW's suffered from. I believe they fixed it in '01?

[benyl]

I wasn't fixed until 03.5

One of the reasons I bought the M3 that I did.

The one in the buy and sell has the E36 M3 motor, not the E46.

[Graham_A_M]

^ thats good to know. The intake seems to be different between the two... is that a way of telling? or just look for '01 or newer M roadsters? (I apologize for my n00bness about these cars and BMW's in general) :(

[GT4rally]

The Z3 has most of the same mechanicals as the E36 3-Series (which is why the Z has the same sub-frame issue). Even most of the interior pieces are interchangable.

[Graham_A_M]

HA GUYS!!!

This is the car we settled on. Thanks for the help. we got him down a fair bit in price, so. this is the new whip.
http://www.buysell.com/root/detail/Saskatchewan/2004_Import_Cars/2106/65246255/2004_BMW_Z4_3_0_78000kms_Financing.aspx

[m10-power]

Originally posted by GT4rally
The Z3 has most of the same mechanicals as the E36 3-Series (which is why the Z has the same sub-frame issue). Even most of the interior pieces are interchangable.

Rear subframe/suspension in an Z3 & 318ti is completely different from the E36 sedan and coupes. It's taken directly from the previous E30 chassis.

[DC328is]

nto everyone suffers from the rear subframe, but its good to know that it might happen.

if you track your car or drive extremely hard. you might have subframe issues. u can get the reinforcement plates from turnermotorsports.com

im sitting at 155 000 km and the issue hasnt reared its ugly head.

it is a big job to do so expect lots of hours of labor.

[Graham_A_M]

^Thanks guys. I am planning on track time, hopefully at Spokanes track, (not so much Ratcity here in Calgary) but Bud park up in Edmonton too, so I'll definately keep in mind that link.

damn I was hoping on getting a supercharger for it, but all of them are $6k and up. :(
I guess we should have spent the extra money and bought a Z4M.
:dunno:

[97'Scort]

Nah, save for the SC. These engines handle them very well.

[97'Scort]

http://www.sharked.com/supercharger.html

[buh_buh]

Rear subframes in these cars are known to separate, and although not all have the problem, all are bound to suffer some sort of the same fate. All 01-02s M's have the S54, not just some. Why would a manufacturer decide to change engines in the middle of a production year? But this is all moot since you've already purchased a Z4. Congrats on the purchase :thumbsup:

[Graham_A_M]

Originally posted by 97'Scort
Nah, save for the SC. These engines handle them very well.
Thats what I read. Some people buy the 3.0 just to supercharge it, as the power delivery is much better then the NA 3.2, ands its much more usuable.
Damn man $11,500 for that one. YIKES :rofl:
well over 400hp for these cars is damn cool though. We'll see in time I guess :bigpimp: