looking to change from a boxster S to Z3m ROADSTER
Discussion
Assuming you're looking at an S50 model then you need to know all the standard M3 Evo buyer's guide stuff.
IIRC you get a 5 speed 'box in the Z3M rather than the 6-speed in the Evo.
Go test drive one and report back. I can't tell you what they're like to drive because I've deliberately avoided having a go - I have very little doubt it'd be an expensive outing
IIRC you get a 5 speed 'box in the Z3M rather than the 6-speed in the Evo.
Go test drive one and report back. I can't tell you what they're like to drive because I've deliberately avoided having a go - I have very little doubt it'd be an expensive outing
I have an 1998 S50 with a fair number of mods. See my profile for spec.
The most instantly rewarding modification was sorting the suspension to better coil overs and anti roll bars plus of course a strut brace. Makes a huge difference and transforms the car and doesn't have to cost the earth!
The power in standard form is likely to be anywhere between 280-320 depending on miles and fettle etc......best forget that and buy on condition as whatever the power its still going to be quick.
If I can help further drop me a mail.
Cheers
Jason
The most instantly rewarding modification was sorting the suspension to better coil overs and anti roll bars plus of course a strut brace. Makes a huge difference and transforms the car and doesn't have to cost the earth!
The power in standard form is likely to be anywhere between 280-320 depending on miles and fettle etc......best forget that and buy on condition as whatever the power its still going to be quick.
If I can help further drop me a mail.
Cheers
Jason
schnell said:
DjSki said:
I am told that good ones make around 300 but some higher milers can be at 280ish.
Nonsense I'm afraid.There are too many variable too reach an accurate conclusion.
Edited by schnell on Friday 2nd January 12:36
What do you mean it's nonsense? It's not accurate, its a band of expectation.
Based on the dyno's YOU have seen for a standard S50 engined car what is YOUR experience?
Edited by DjSki on Friday 2nd January 19:46
i own a a z3 M roadster and have owned 2 boxsters in the past so i can give you some insight
handling - boxster s is far better than an M roadster in standard guise, but not sure once the M is modded
Performance - The M IMHO is far more enjoyable for two reasons; the M delivery is so addictive, its like a surging torrent of acceleration, the further you bury that pedal the better. Its far more 'old school' for me. And secondly the lively rear really keeps you on your toes with that tingling fear of the oversteer.
The M engine note on full chat takes some beating too - a hard edged metallic scream. its fantastic!
The porsche feels very clinical in comparison, more rigid, more erm 'modern;!
The M engine has the vanos concerns, but they are no more of a worry than the porsche RMS and cylinder issues.
The M is a very rare sight on the road compared to the boxster and far less stereotypical.
Find a good M and you will love it forever
Ps - i do love porsche, always have so i am not biased, but the M Roadster is a far more exciting car in a scary way but i guess the porsche is more accomplished in most areas. you are getting the top of the Z3 range as opposed to the old saying of poor mans 911 ( i dont buy into that comment by the way, but it does stick)
As others have said though - read E36 M3 for guide to engine. Most are S50 powered some 150 or so were S54
Oh, and another thing with the M - some have issues with spotwelds on rear subframe. They can fail due to the stresses from the engine. you really need to get underneath and also inside the boot - remove all carpet, tool tray and battery etc and check for integrity of the spot welds. Its not a hugely common problem but it does exist. That said this is my second M roadster and neither have had this problem.
hope that helps
Matt
handling - boxster s is far better than an M roadster in standard guise, but not sure once the M is modded
Performance - The M IMHO is far more enjoyable for two reasons; the M delivery is so addictive, its like a surging torrent of acceleration, the further you bury that pedal the better. Its far more 'old school' for me. And secondly the lively rear really keeps you on your toes with that tingling fear of the oversteer.
The M engine note on full chat takes some beating too - a hard edged metallic scream. its fantastic!
The porsche feels very clinical in comparison, more rigid, more erm 'modern;!
The M engine has the vanos concerns, but they are no more of a worry than the porsche RMS and cylinder issues.
The M is a very rare sight on the road compared to the boxster and far less stereotypical.
Find a good M and you will love it forever
Ps - i do love porsche, always have so i am not biased, but the M Roadster is a far more exciting car in a scary way but i guess the porsche is more accomplished in most areas. you are getting the top of the Z3 range as opposed to the old saying of poor mans 911 ( i dont buy into that comment by the way, but it does stick)
As others have said though - read E36 M3 for guide to engine. Most are S50 powered some 150 or so were S54
Oh, and another thing with the M - some have issues with spotwelds on rear subframe. They can fail due to the stresses from the engine. you really need to get underneath and also inside the boot - remove all carpet, tool tray and battery etc and check for integrity of the spot welds. Its not a hugely common problem but it does exist. That said this is my second M roadster and neither have had this problem.
hope that helps
Matt
I have owned two s50 z3ms, never had any issues with them. I recently bought my second one at a rediculous price of 6995 with 60k on it. - I live abroad and will only get to drive it for 1 month of the year max. To much of a bargin to not buy!
Great cars, never driven a boxter mainly as never really wanted to. The M Roadsters are very quick, and require a lot of concentration , expecially in the wet. - Get the exhaust done , airbox etc and suspension /struts etc as Jason mentioned ( plans for mine in the summer to be done ) and its prob the most fun you can have!
www.evolveyourcar.com in Luton are very helpful on these cars - Thanks to Jason above for passing me there details.
Great cars, never driven a boxter mainly as never really wanted to. The M Roadsters are very quick, and require a lot of concentration , expecially in the wet. - Get the exhaust done , airbox etc and suspension /struts etc as Jason mentioned ( plans for mine in the summer to be done ) and its prob the most fun you can have!
www.evolveyourcar.com in Luton are very helpful on these cars - Thanks to Jason above for passing me there details.
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