ZM Coupe

[Mr Fix it]

Anyone got any tips for buying a ZM Coupe. Seen one a while back in a main deallers that looked good, but dont know what to look for in terms of BMW type machines (coming from a TVR Chimaera). What should I be looking out for? Is the highly strung M powered engine prone to any faults?

Thanks for any advice.

[Badapple]

Best to look at this (note the vanos problems):

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=28739&f=72&h=0&hw=vanos

& the evo buying guide is brilliant @

www.z3mcoupe.com/

Try to get the warranty & be aware of the hpi listed cars around, as there are quite a few.

Overall, brilliant cars. I luv mine

[hughjayteens]

The guy who runs that z3mcoupe.com site went from a Chimaera to an M Coupe - drives and E46 M3 now, but he really did rate the Coupe.

[peter]

Great car, you won't regret it. The VANOS problem was resolved by the replacement of certain bolts. The BMW dealer should be able to to tell you if this has been done.

[arran]

yeah don't.... Buy the soft top... mine for sale by the way..... willing to take px.

[Mr Fix it]

Thanks for all the comments. I will have a look in the links.....just sold the TVR last weekend, so am now on the hunt.

[flying trotter]

others have addressed the points I would have made - in terms of cost your number will give you a good choice - Mine has done 40k on an 2000X and dealers are quoting under your budget number as a trade against cars at £40k+ - having visited a few dealers recently I'd say that £25k would give you a fairly free choice of fully specced low mileage 2001 MY cars - of course when seeking to secure a trade number the classic "oh sir, prices are depressed at the moment as there are quite a few on the forecourts at moment with people trading up to Z4's" comes out every time - who are they kidding - a Z4 !!

go for it - you are unlikely to regret it

[NDT]

peter said:

Great car, you won't regret it. The VANOS problem was resolved by the replacement of certain bolts. The BMW dealer should be able to to tell you if this has been done.

is this also true for the E36 M3 Evo?

[speedfreak]

Mr fix it, join our site and you can find out everything you want to know.

www.z3mcoupe.com

thanks kieron

[jasonT]

The only advice I can offer after having one of these fabulous machines for a couple of years are: -

Get the AC Schnitzer sport or racing suspension kit it transforms the handling beyond recognition for just £1500. Get the next size up rear tyres, 255 instead of 245, they take away some of the snap oversteer with that extra sidewall. And finally get the shortshift installed makes the gearbox much nicer to use.

Apart from that, they’re a superb car you'll love it.