BMW Z3-M Roadster - Few noob questions

[MKH9130]

Gents,

I have been considering the purchase of a fun roadster for a while. However, something has always put me off but I am now in a position to swap my current car with something a bit more fruity. I'm in no real hurry so want to do some considerable research first.

I am very interested in the Z3-M Roadster, and have posted full details in the GG section. To summarise, the car seems to suit me very well for the driving I do and basic running costs don't seem too heinously expensive. Insurance for me at 22 years old comes out as £685 with Bell Direct (Flexibell Fully Comp policy), which I reckon is a steal given the fact its an M-car, has plenty of power and has a high insurance group.

I have emailed my personal mechanic (Performance car specialist) regarding servicing costs and whether he would touch the VANOS if the worst happened, as I've read on here that it seems to be a BMW dealer only job?

I have telephoned Warranty Direct who say they have never heard of VANOS

They have emailed me a list of parts they cover on their top policy, which they have quoted £500 per annum for the Z3-M of a 1999 vintage with 40k on the clock. I have copied and pasted the relevant section below:

ENGINE
Cylinder head, internal bushings, oil pump, crankshaft and bearings, tappet gear, valves and guides (excluding burnt or pitted valves), pistons and rings, cylinder bores/liners, con rods, distributor drive, starter ring gear, flywheel, autodrive plate, camshaft drive belts, camshaft and cam followers, cylinder head gasket, turbo/intercooler units, rocker assembly; push rods; timing gears; timing belts and chains


Would the above cover the VANOS issue if the worst happened? A £1500-£2500 bill could be coped with, but I'd rather have the peace of mind of a warranty.


Regards,

Edited by MKH9130 on Friday 4th May 11:06

[Philrose]

They do know all about Vanos issues -- the question has been asked of them many times. Talk to someone else at Warranty Direct who knows the situation.

[MKH9130]

Philrose said:

They do know all about Vanos issues -- the question has been asked of them many times. Talk to someone else at Warranty Direct who knows the situation.

Phil,

I asked to speak to the chaps supervisor, and was told that unless I can supply them with an exact list of the parts that make up the VANOS unit they are unable to confirm if it would be covered, and emailed me the above list so I could check myself.

As I have never owned a car with VANOS before, or indeed been interested in one, I have no clue to whether the parts list they provided would cover the VANOS issue.

Regards,

[brenmona]

I know some people on www.zroadster.net are with this company, may be worth asking the question on their forum

[StuB]

MKH9130 said:

I have telephoned Warranty Direct who say they have never heard of VANOS

They have emailed me a list of parts they cover on their top policy.....
ENGINE
timing gears; timing belts and chains

seems to be the answer