buying an M

stephenm1 · Post by **stephenm1** » Mon 29 Nov, 2010 15:15

Hi all
I am going to look at Z3M on Friday an wounderd if any one had some tips to look for.
I have owned a 2.0 for 3-4 years now so I no some of the points to look for . I am interested in the Vanos problems and what to look (listen for).
she is a 1998 boston green model , advertised at around £8000 mark.
Ant thoughts would be greatfull.
Steve

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Mon 29 Nov, 2010 15:42

Steve

You'll obviously know the generic Z3 things to look for and so should get a good feel for the "condition" of the car.

In my opinion the S50 engine is all about how it "feels" but with >100BHP per litre it does feel different than a 3 litre as its so highly tuned.

Make sure you ask the seller not to warm the car up and make sure you allow enough time for at least a half hour drive in it.

Even in this icey cold weather the engine should take c10-15 min to reach >60degrees on the oil temp gauge. The engine may feel "rougher" than you are used to but believe me if there is a Vanos Growl you will know it. Rev the car to 2.5k revs and let it drop back to idle for the easiest way to here it (engine hot or cold).

Once you have the engine warmed up you really need to get your foot down in second and get it up to 7,000 revs so make sure you have a nice safe straight piece of road (even doubling back on yourself for a few runs). The engine should really come alive over 5k revs and literally push you in the back until you bottle it before the red line

This is when the engine is at its best and should be smooth and progressive with no flat spots.

Believe me even if you have never driven an ///M engine before you will know if its sweet or not as the highly tuned nature of these engines means its pretty easy to tell if somethings not right

Its important to remember everything is more expensive on an ///M performance wise so make sure you check the obvious stuff like tyres (especially the rears) and factor in replacement costs if needed.

The best tip though is to make a list of things to look for and take your time. Its easy to get "excited" or pressurised into missing things you regret later.

Also if your first impressions are its not the car for me, still take some time to drive it and look around it. You've taken the trouble to go and view it so its all good experience for when you view the next and believe me it makes it so much easier when you find the "one" for you.

ps I know I'll get slated for this but boston green is not one of the most popular colours and tends to suffer on price for it. Assuming average 70-90k mileage and condition at this time of year £8k private sounds a little over the top so I would be bartering hard. Don't be afriad of leaving any offer on the table with your details

stephenm1 · Post by **stephenm1** » Mon 29 Nov, 2010 15:53

jonttt
Many Thanks for the quick reply.
The car has 35000 miles (1 owner)and I no the colour could be better, but it sounds like it could be a goodun!
I will have a look around and try the engine out as you explained.
I will walk away if its not the right one cos im in no hurry as I own a very good nick Z anyway(in Black) shame the M isnt the same colour.
Thanks again
Steve

dooby · Post by **dooby** » Mon 29 Nov, 2010 18:56

8k @ 35000miles is a great price.

jontymo · Post by **jontymo** » Mon 29 Nov, 2010 21:37

Sounds great and a lovely colour, must be quite rare in an M.

Hope the cars sound, let us know how you get on.

jontymo

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Mon 29 Nov, 2010 21:58

Yep, with that low mileage and if condition is good, price is good but always room for haggling

Alex L · Post by **Alex L** » Wed 01 Dec, 2010 12:53

Certainly an unusual colour, mine was a 98 model but had 60,000 miles when I sold it. The only other I have seen on the road had the Kyalami orange interior whereas mine was Evergreen

TaffZee · Post by **TaffZee** » Wed 01 Dec, 2010 13:17

I have recently changed my Z'd from a 1.9 to a 2.8, but in reality I so much wanted to get an M

What put me off was the problem with the popping boot weld,s, If so much stress is exerted that it can pop welds

This must be a major safety fault

even after repairs to the boot welds.

Boysie · Post by **Boysie** » Wed 01 Dec, 2010 13:59

Hi

I think thats an amazing price for that low
a mileage car, and especially if in good condition

Ray

offyourmarks · Post by **offyourmarks** » Wed 01 Dec, 2010 15:39

TaffZee wrote:I have recently changed my Z'd from a 1.9 to a 2.8, but in reality I so much wanted to get an M
What put me off was the problem with the popping boot weld,s, If so much stress is exerted that it can pop welds
This must be a major safety fault even after repairs to the boot welds.

Its not just the ///M cars that suffer the problem - it affects other Z3 as well. I have seen 1.9L engines with this happen. Plus not nearly all ///M roadsters/coupes get affected. You should have got an ///M after all

Taz · Post by **Taz** » Fri 03 Dec, 2010 15:22

I have some advice, get yourself a 3.0l Z4! So the Z3m will make you feel special because they're aren't many about but the novelty will soon wear off when your vanos packs up, your lumbered with a 3k bill for a diff mount repair and you run out of road before you get out of 3rd gear ! Not to mention the wobbly steering, 2 bob materials, leaking boot, windows, FUBAR electrics and having to wait about 20 minutes for the oil to heat up so you can have "fun".

If it's so good why is he selling it? that's always the burning question. I bet your cats boolies the boot welds have come a-cropper and BMW didn't fix it for him as it's over the 10 year threshold.

Mike123 · Post by **Mike123** » Fri 03 Dec, 2010 16:52

Taz wrote:So the Z3m will make you feel special because they're aren't many about but the novelty will soon wear off when your vanos packs up, your lumbered with a 3k bill for a diff mount repair and you run out of road before you get out of 3rd gear ! Not to mention the wobbly steering, 2 bob materials, leaking boot, windows, FUBAR electrics and having to wait about 20 minutes for the oil to heat up so you can have "fun".

You're obviously not driving the same Z3M that I am!

I've had 55k miles of pure driving pleasure from mine, no big bills, no steering wobbles, no Vanos issues, no diff problems, no boot leaks, no electrical failures, no obvious wear on any of the materials, and I've cured the roof leaks with a simple fix.

The 4,000 rev limit until the oil warms up would still leave a 3.0 disappearing rapidly in the rear view mirror!

Must have just been lucky, I guess!

corky · Post by **corky** » Fri 03 Dec, 2010 17:05

Hey Taz is your car lemon colour

Mike123 · Post by **Mike123** » Fri 03 Dec, 2010 17:09

corky wrote:Hey Taz is your car lemon colour

Boysie · Post by **Boysie** » Fri 03 Dec, 2010 17:22

Hi Mike123

Obviously mine was from the
same oh so lucky batch

pure delight to drive

Ray

Badman gee · Post by **Badman gee** » Fri 03 Dec, 2010 17:29

Mines ok too

GazHyde · Post by **GazHyde** » Fri 03 Dec, 2010 18:09

Sounds like you have had a bad experience Taz, but not all cars are the same...

offyourmarks · Post by **offyourmarks** » Fri 03 Dec, 2010 18:12

Stephen did you go to look then?

stephenm1 · Post by **stephenm1** » Fri 03 Dec, 2010 19:46

Hi everyone
Didnt get a look today, with all the bad weather it was a no go im afraid.I am planing to have a look probs Wednesday. I will post my thought as soon as.
Thanks for all of your thoughts.
Steve

corky · Post by **corky** » Fri 03 Dec, 2010 21:24

come on steve
Bite the bullet you know that you want one you know that you will not be satisfyed with any other .

Come on and put a big grin on your face when you put your foot down on the loud pedal

stephenm1 · Post by **stephenm1** » Sun 12 Dec, 2010 18:43

ok
I went to see the ZM Satuarday.
All I can say is I am very disapointed , i really dont like the colour!! Sorry to all the green zs out there but there you are.
The car is one of the best you would expect to see , low milage (3 MOTs and less than 500 miles between them!!
The car has some stone chips to the front bubbling on the passenger mirror and a small scratch on the rear.
The owner is the only owner with full service history. He also has the purchase invoice from 1998 £37,000 WOW .
But as I said I dont like the colour and my facelift Black 2.0 looks loads better ( in my eyes)
I would also worry that this car has not been used the way it should only 35000 miles on the clock.
Any way not for me but anyone out there liking the green monster would get a great buy.
Steve

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Sun 12 Dec, 2010 20:04

Thanks for the feedback Steve

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Sun 12 Dec, 2010 20:11

Looks a great M to me in a classic colour

Mileage would be the clincher for me, lower the better on an appreciating classic.

Tim.

Dolfan · Post by **Dolfan** » Sun 12 Dec, 2010 20:36

I quite like the colour reminds me of my Capri 1.6GL I once owned

Ferdinand · Post by **Ferdinand** » Sun 12 Dec, 2010 20:49

[/quote]

cute cat!!!

Z3cade · Post by **Z3cade** » Sun 12 Dec, 2010 23:48

Ferdinand wrote:

cute cat!!![/quote]

I love the look on its face...! `What you looking at!! ?`

Alex L · Post by **Alex L** » Mon 13 Dec, 2010 20:06

Thanks, she oddly likes the smell of car polish

Ian Kelly · Post by **Ian Kelly** » Mon 13 Dec, 2010 21:17

Alex L wrote:Thanks, she oddly likes the smell of car polish

When I first read that I thought you said she smells of car polish!!!

Sorcerors Apprentice · Post by **Sorcerors Apprentice** » Tue 14 Dec, 2010 00:06

Have you never polished you car with a cat?
Best method ever. Tip, ware thick leather work gloves.

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buying an M

buying an M

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