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Morning all. I have been hankering after a BMW Z3M. The used prices seem really cheap and, even though they're roughly 10 years old, BMW quality should mean that one would be a great buy. Am I right ? Are they reliable ? Could I use one as a daily driver ?

Roadster or Coupé ? Either way watch out for the S54 engine (2001-2002), apparently it has a well-documented tendency to suffer connecting rod bearing failure at high RPM (BMW did a recall on M3s with those, but not on Z3s) Wouldn't make a good daily drive for me, thanks to high tires & fuel costs. Coup de Coeur Car isn't it though ? Basically the more time you'll spend pondering, the least likely you'll be to actually buy the thing.

Ah yes, I've seen the engine problems. Apparently its the Vanos unit on the S50 pre-2000 engines that cause the problems although I'm not sure its as much of a problem on the Z3M as it was on the M3s because on the Z3M they apparently lowered the rev limit from 8,000 revs to 7,600 revs. Quite fancy one of these.

 M3 problems were more of an issue in the States rather than Europe. Z3 never one of my personal favourites and drove an early one and it seemed rather grim, better to have an MG TF. With added oomph though and at the low prices they seem to have, maybe worth a go. Overall though US build quality patchy, electrics can sulk and it does does not seem very special. THat's my flawed opinion and it could be very wrong indeed...Good luck, James

Good quality in theory, but I suspect running costs would be astronomical.  Also the M cars aren't as reliable as they should be, even with a perfect service history.  I think it could well prove fragile and problematic particularly if its been used hard.

I'm not convinced about relying on BMW quality either.  I worked for a BMW dealer in the late 1990's and was amazed at the number of problems they suffered (and the number of cars brought in by breakdown services) - it certainly opened my eyes and showed there is no such thing as guaranteed reliability even from the so called prestige brands.

James Ruppert:

drove an early one and it seemed rather grim, better to have an MG TF.

Suprised to read that James.  When I bought my first Z3 I also tried the MGTF, I couldn't stay far enough from one.  Ghastly thing it was, and the dealer really couldn't be arsed to even try to sell it to me.  OK, it cost a lot less than the Z3, but boy did it show...and didn't even come with a lovely 2.0l straight six, either.

The S50 had the engine problem, with the VANOS unit, so if you are in the S50 price bracket then look out for cars with the VANOS replaced.  Good history too.  Doesn't have to be BMW, a good indie is fine - do some research in that regard.  And be prepared to travel to find the right one.

My preference though would be for the M Coupe (which I am currently on the look out for myself), rather than the M Roadster.

There are plenty of people that do use them as daily drivers.  How you view the costs really depends on the view you take on these things and how you drive, of course.  I use my Z4M daily and it is just fine.  I get reasonable fuel consumption and my tyres have passed 20k with still some way to go.

 

 

Thanks a lot for all your advice and thoughts, chaps. I like the look of the Coupe too but really want a soft top for my next car. I know driving dynamics will be affected but I don't thrash round corners only in a straight line.