Z3 M Roadster?

[Mike_C]

Hi all,

I currently drive an E46 320D Sport but its a bit, err boring. Thats a bit harsh actually, but I've got no kids, no pets and only a missus so nows the time to have a more fun car I feel!

I've toyed with a few options (E36 M3 which didn't do it for me, E46 330Ci which didn't feel quite quick enough, 330D Sport's which are overpriced, VX220 - maybe a bit too raw?) but just showed the missus a Z3M Roadster and she liked it! Insurance quote was very reasonable too, so....tell me about!

Is the Z3 M Roadster a lot better than a normal Z3, for instance? Are the running costs any higher - servicing, etc?

Also, fuel economy - I don't want horrendous fuel economy if I'm honest (my commute is 200 miles/week), so if a 3.0 Z3 is a lot better than a Z3 M I'd probably sacrifice the 0.5s 0-60 time for an extra 5-10mpg! I've got an Aprilia RST1000 bike for my speed thrills anyway!

Having said that, how would the Z3 M compare to an E46 M3? A mate has just got one and i'm very impressed by its all round capability!

Also, do most come with a hard top and is it essential for an all year round car?

Finally, has anyone got a picture of the boot space? Sad, I know, but I cant find any so would be interested to see!

Any other info and pics are welcome - cheers!

[Philrose]

There are 2 variants -- early ones had the S50 engine and the latter the S54.
Lots of info here --
http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=16
The S54 are very rare only 79 were built in RHD and 6 were prototypes. The running costs of these is less as the service interval is longer.
More info and pictures on zroadster.net

Edited by Philrose on Saturday 22 March 20:40

[Mike_C]

Ah yeah, I'd read about that. I'd def be going for an S50 model - are they any more/less reliable?

[MKH9130]

I looked at these with serious thought. Insurance was not too bad at all despite being a 'claimed' 321bhp and myself being the young side of 25.

I was severely put off by the VANOS issues. Some websites and owners clubs reported that they WILL need replacing frequently and it would be necessary to perform open heart surgery on my wallet to do this.

Others suggested that they rarely fail and not to worry.

In the end I decided not to go for one, but I would most certainly consider them in the future!

[Mike_C]

MKH9130 said:

I looked at these with serious thought. Insurance was not too bad at all despite being a 'claimed' 321bhp and myself being the young side of 25.

I was severely put off by the VANOS issues. Some websites and owners clubs reported that they WILL need replacing frequently and it would be necessary to perform open heart surgery on my wallet to do this.

Others suggested that they rarely fail and not to worry.

In the end I decided not to go for one, but I would most certainly consider them in the future!

Is it the same VANOS system as the E36 M3 uses? And was that the only thing that put you off? WHat did you get instead? Would you consider a 3.0 Z3?

[Neil.D]

MKH9130 said:

I was severely put off by the VANOS issues. Some websites and owners clubs reported that they WILL need replacing frequently and it would be necessary to perform open heart surgery on my wallet to do this.

Yes they are expensive to replace but I have never known one actually need doing. If they are replaced more than once in a cars lifetime you are seriously unlucky.
To have one replaced even the once is also unusual. Nowhere near as unreliable as people make out.
All they do is make a bit of a rumbling noise at tickover so suddenly they are all doomed to failure.

[Mike_C]

Fair enough!

So what else is there to know about them? Can anyone help with my original questions?

[Broccers]

If you are bothered about fuel economy look at something else, S2000 maybe ?

Edited by Broccers on Sunday 23 March 15:07

[Disco_Biscuit]

Mike_C said:

Hi all,

I currently drive an E46 320D Sport but its a bit, err boring. Thats a bit harsh actually, but I've got no kids, no pets and only a missus so nows the time to have a more fun car I feel!

I've toyed with a few options (E36 M3 which didn't do it for me, E46 330Ci which didn't feel quite quick enough, 330D Sport's which are overpriced, VX220 - maybe a bit too raw?) but just showed the missus a Z3M Roadster and she liked it! Insurance quote was very reasonable too, so....tell me about!

Is the Z3 M Roadster a lot better than a normal Z3, for instance? Are the running costs any higher - servicing, etc?

Also, fuel economy - I don't want horrendous fuel economy if I'm honest (my commute is 200 miles/week), so if a 3.0 Z3 is a lot better than a Z3 M I'd probably sacrifice the 0.5s 0-60 time for an extra 5-10mpg! I've got an Aprilia RST1000 bike for my speed thrills anyway!

Having said that, how would the Z3 M compare to an E46 M3? A mate has just got one and i'm very impressed by its all round capability!

Also, do most come with a hard top and is it essential for an all year round car?

Finally, has anyone got a picture of the boot space? Sad, I know, but I cant find any so would be interested to see!

Any other info and pics are welcome - cheers!

In the real word a 3.0l isn't an ///M you say its only .5 sec mine can stick with a RS6, and can out run an EVO FQ340 top end, like to see a 3ltr try and keep up. The suspension different the brakes, the diff, even the some of the body panels, not to mention the nappa leather seats and interior styling and at the end of the day its a real "M" .The M3 will have better handling than the
roadster but as for straight line action not much in it.

You can get between 20-30mpg but usually your getting such a buzz from driving it you dont worry about the fuel, Indy servicing is very reasonable, car that age doesn't really justify main dealer prices i think.Most expensive service is an inspection 2 £450 from indy. Vanos issues are totally "scaremongered" if you ask me, a noisy vanos isn't a knackered one, the gears get noisy but usually no affect on performance.

Some have hard tops, but you can pick them up on ebay, don't be put off a cracking car just coz it aint got one.

Boot space isn't great but you can easily get two large sports bags and other stuff in it.

If you want a normal day to day roadster buy Z3 if you want something a bit special by an ///M Roadster

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

I had one & I hated it. Cabin too small, and you get tarred with the BMW knobhead thing.

[Disco_Biscuit]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

I had one & I hated it. Cabin too small, and you get tarred with the BMW knobhead thing.

Yep you do get that but as he has a 320 probably used to it by now

[zmrjason]

Yup I agree with Disco Biscuit!
M's are different and special in their own way, not to mention rare.
Lots of tuning potential and very reliable. I had a vanos problem and was sorted by a few o rings and a solenoid I believe : Damage circa £350.
They are not hugely economical but thats missing the point somewhat with any M.

Get one whilst you still can, drive and enjoy!!!



And in not so good weather at Brands Hatch....



Good luck with whatever your choice...

[Mike_C]

Broccers said:

If you are bothered about fuel economy look at something else, S2000 maybe ?

You recommend an S2000 as a more economical alternative? Thats worrying, cos a mates got one and they're horrendous on fuel!! About 250 miles for a £60 tankful these days?!

Disco_Biscuit said:

In the real word a 3.0l isn't an ///M you say its only .5 sec mine can stick with a RS6, and can out run an EVO FQ340 top end, like to see a 3ltr try and keep up. The suspension different the brakes, the diff, even the some of the body panels, not to mention the nappa leather seats and interior styling and at the end of the day its a real "M" .The M3 will have better handling than the
roadster but as for straight line action not much in it.

You can get between 20-30mpg but usually your getting such a buzz from driving it you dont worry about the fuel, Indy servicing is very reasonable, car that age doesn't really justify main dealer prices i think.Most expensive service is an inspection 2 £450 from indy. Vanos issues are totally "scaremongered" if you ask me, a noisy vanos isn't a knackered one, the gears get noisy but usually no affect on performance.

Some have hard tops, but you can pick them up on ebay, don't be put off a cracking car just coz it aint got one.

Boot space isn't great but you can easily get two large sports bags and other stuff in it.

If you want a normal day to day roadster buy Z3 if you want something a bit special by an ///M Roadster

Firstly, lovely looking car!! Just what I'd fancy, that!

OK, down to business! I understand that M has a lot more additions than just a bigger engine, but this is going to be a daily driver not a weekend toy so I need the best all rounder - i'm not sure if the M is that, even though its clearly the most desirable model!! Are the running costs of the non-M car significantly lower?

My major bug bear is fuel economy I guess, as I do 200 miles a week just commuting - what can I expect from an M Roadster (in terms of MPG and miles/tank) and how does that compare to a 3.0?

Cheers

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

This is the one I had:




You can just see a far better car lurking behind!

[Disco_Biscuit]

It it cost between £45-£48 to fill the tank with super, heavy footed driving 170-180 miles normal driving around 200, on a run i've had 220 miles from a tank, can't imagine a 3ltr would be much better? Best option to go look at and drive both see which you prefer,How about a Z4 3.0ltr? i would
much rather have one of those than a stock Z3

Edited by Disco_Biscuit on Monday 24th March 12:22

[MKH9130]

Mike_C said:

Is it the same VANOS system as the E36 M3 uses? And was that the only thing that put you off? WHat did you get instead? Would you consider a 3.0 Z3?

Back to basics and an MX5! Once supercharged will have 2/3rds of the power of the Z3M but weigh considerably less. Not exactly in the same league but cost half the amount anyhow.

I *will* have a Z3M one day, possibly my next car. They are fantastic value for money and are very underrated IMO.

[Mike_C]

MKH9130 said:

Mike_C said:

Is it the same VANOS system as the E36 M3 uses? And was that the only thing that put you off? WHat did you get instead? Would you consider a 3.0 Z3?

Back to basics and an MX5! Once supercharged will have 2/3rds of the power of the Z3M but weigh considerably less. Not exactly in the same league but cost half the amount anyhow.

I *will* have a Z3M one day, possibly my next car. They are fantastic value for money and are very underrated IMO.

A supercharged MX-5 sounds like fun, but I'd like the reliability of a standard car plus the expense incurred in supercharging one, and then the hassle of insuring it, doesn't sound like my cup of tea!!