Interested in a Z3 - Questions

A little background: I'm 20 years old (21 in a month) and I've started college but now I have a full time job. I've been driving a 98 Dodge Stratus (no flames please :P ) but now I want to upgrade. I've always done my own car maintenance, even replaced a few parts. I want to upgrade to a BMW - preferrably a 2001 Z3 M Roadster - because I would love to take on the track someday. Now for my questions:

How is the M reliability?
I've read the forums a little and I've noticed some issues (that lawsuit). Also, some issues with cam sensors and such. After going through my 98 Stratus (infamous $1500 headgasket that wears out every 20,000 miles or so) I don't want a repeat of dumping money into repairs. A friend of mine with a BMW 540 told me to avoid the M series since they are "prototype" engines and he knows someone who has had their M at a dealer numerous times for engine problems.

Price?
My price range is under $20k (yeah I'm cheap but I want a BMW). I live in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area. I have been keeping my eye open on cars available and they either have less than 30k miles (so above my price range) or are 2000 and older models. Is it possible to find a 2001 M that has around 60-80k miles for under 20k?

Alternatives?
If I cannot get a 2001, how are the 2000 and older? I was looking at the engine differences, and I'd really like to have that extra 70HP. If not a Z3, how about the 300 series?

Usage?
I know some of you don't use your BMW for everyday driving, but mine would be for everyday driving. I drive about 10 miles each way for work, 5 days a week. I usually don't drive on the weekends. I'm looking at the M, so would this be acceptable, or should I just look for a sedan?

Thanks ahead of time. This looks like a promising forum. I just want to dump my Stratus, even though it has been a good little car for me.

Reply » Interested in a Z3 - Questions

Finding a 2001 M for that price will be hard. For an older one, that should definitely be possible. Have you driven the older M Roadster? I have driven a '99 M and although 240hp doesn't sound like a lot these days, I was very impressed by how fast it was!! And not only the power, it's just a really fun driving experience. The more you drive it, the more fun it is!

So, if you haven't driven it yet, definitely do so! You will be pleasantly surprised, definitely when coming from a dodge stratus

I do drive my roadster pretty much on a daily basis; my drive to work is only 30 miles round-trip. That doesn't give me too many miles/year. The only challenge is keeping it protected from the sun but giving it a wax job every month should do the job

As for the technical and reliability issues, the M guys will definitely be able to give you useful info...

Have a good hunt!

Reply » Interested in a Z3 - Questions

I think you're unlikely to find a 2001 or 2002 M with 60K + miles. Most aren't used as daily drivers. You're not going to find a decent one for $20K. I'd be wary of any S54 car for $20K or less.

Insurance might crush you, and you'll want full coverage.

Plan on spending a lot more money if you want to track the car and drive it daily. Rollbar/cage for starters. Roadsters tend to cost more to make track-worthy and keep streetable for this reason alone; a proper cage will be an issue with the ragtop.

The motors are reliable if maintenance is kept up. Some minor things here and there that you've already read about (cam position sensors, 02 sensors, etc.). Some of us flog ours pretty hard and have not had issues, but we take good care of them. A good deal of parts shared with the E36 3-series, so most mechanical parts aren't prohibitively expensive. Some body parts are expensive, and some interior parts are very expensive (and prices will keep rising). Obviously there's plenty of help available here and on other forums.

Other than tight quarters (engine compartment and cabin), and special tools for some things, they're pretty easy to work on for wear-and-tear items. Fluid changes are easy (except draining coolant from the block; not hard but a messy job). Brakes are near trivial. Suspension is easy.

If you really intend to hit the track, the M roadster or coupe isn't really a good first car. It can bite you hard and fast, and it won't be cheap.

If you really want one, aim at a 1999 or 2000 model, and take good care of it. Then sign yourself up for some autocross schools. Plenty of fun, low risk, relatively low cost. If you're still in the car 4 years from now, you can think about moving up or forced induction, and spending the money to make the car track-worthy.

Reply » Interested in a Z3 - Questions

Quote:

Your taste in the M or Z cars are good. My personal opinion is the 2001-2002 years were the best.

You will not find a 2001 -2002 M roadster for under 20k in fact you will not find a Z3 3.0 for under 20k either.

These are sports cars make sure you keep that in mind because they are not cheap to maintain or drive. My suggestion Keep your car for an everyday driver... spend the extra money and buy the M for the weekends only.

If I was you I would wait and save my money, insurance is going to kill you. Buy something practicle for now. Then when you can afford it buy something you really like. Don't settle for less of a car because you will regrett it later.

Reply » Interested in a Z3 - Questions

If the budget route is your constraint, perhaps a e36 m3? They are going for low teans right now. Higher milage, but if maintained properly as reliable cars. Tons of them where made, so parts are pretty inexpensive and there will be lots of cars to choose from.

Reply » Interested in a Z3 - Questions

Quote:

last I checked you can't even find one in decent shape for under $30k (an s54 m that is)...& mid $20k's for a 3.0i

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