Z3 coupe

[Tatarovich]

Thinking of getting a z3 coupe 3.0L 2001 round 50K on it.Anything i should be especially careful about when buying? Im also considering MB SLK 320 but i prefer bimmer cause of its more agressive styling + not many on the roads+ big chance of becoming a classic.
Thanks for helping me

[danp]

No such thing as a Z3 3.0 coupé (not in the UK anyway). They're all M power 3.2.

1998 - 2001 used the (S50B32) E36 M3 engine (321bhp), 2001+ the (S54B32) E46 M3 engine (325bhp).

VANOS (variable valve timing) is usually mentioned as the big issue with the S50B32 engines, however S54B32 engines also seem to have a bit of a question mark over them (recent big recall notice for these). Obviously having the BMW extended warranty can be a good idea.

Best bet is to go to www.z3mcoupe.com if u want more info !

Certainly not many on the roads, and more chance of being a classic than the hairdressers favourite SLK, not that I'm at all biased..

>> Edited by danp on Saturday 4th September 23:34

[shadowninja]

there is a 2.8 version... import only i think. but still, i've seen a couple for sale in the UK.

[JamieBeeston]

Why the coupe out of interest.

I chose the Cab as it offered the performance and relibaility, whilst giving the huge benefit of a drop top... and then you drop a Hardtop on for the winter/track days?


Never understood the attraction to the Coupé, when the cab offered it all, plus the drop top.

[bobfrance]

There's a review of the M Coupe in the latest Evo.

[danp]

JamieBeeston said:

Why the coupe out of interest. I chose the Cab as it offered the performance and relibaility, whilst giving the huge benefit of a drop top... and then you drop a Hardtop on for the winter/track days? Never understood the attraction to the Coupé, when the cab offered it all, plus the drop top.

Cab always got a bit of a slating for being a bit floppy, with too much power for the chassis, the Coupé is almost 3x stiffer.

Guess some people also prefer the unusual looks of the Coupé, and it does has quite a useful boot (some MC owners stick dogs in it).

Horses for courses, each to their own and all that jazz !

[shadowninja]

danp said:

(some MC owners stick dogs in it).

i can imagine it now, dog spread across rear window as the owner accelerates away from the lights

[AllTorque]

The coupe is also lighter and hence faster!