New Guy with M Roadster questions

howdy folks...

I'm getting ready to upgrade from my Miata to an M Roadster in the next month or so. I think I'd prefer an S54 but haven't driven one yet. I have only driven an S52 which was impressive! Is the S54 a significantly better choice? Why/why not? I know it's probably a matter of opinion, but your comments would be welcome.

I've been reading the forum for a while and searching the FAQ and have gathered some good info. However, I still have a few questions I didn't find definitive answers for.

I've read about the Differential Subframe Mount issue and it kinda scares me. How common is this problem? Does it only affect a minority of Zs or is it something that will affect most cars sooner or later? Is is confined only those cars that regularly get driven hard? Is this something to be overly concerned about?

Other than the Differential Subframe Mount issue I haven't really found much to be afraid of. Either there are few problems or I just haven't found the postings yet. If y'all could point me to a list of common problems and maybe a checklist of things to look for I'd be greatful.

Thanks...
dave

Reply » New Guy with M Roadster questions

Quote:

I'm getting ready to upgrade from my Miata to an M Roadster in the next month or so. I think I'd prefer an S54 but haven't driven one yet. I have only driven an S52 which was impressive! Is the S54 a significantly better choice?

I was in the exact same position 2 months ago, tested both an S52 and an S54 the same day, bought the S54 and never regretted it. Additionally, I've read speculation that the S54 will have a better resale value.

BTW - I kept my '97 M Edition Miata.

Reply » New Guy with M Roadster questions

Having done the highly modded Miata to S52 M Roady and now to a 996 911, I gotta say that the S54 power delivery is much more similar to the Miata than the S52. I think you'll find the S54 revs more freely at high RPM and really keeps pulling. The S52 is great if you want to mod the engine, i.e. forced induction. The rear subframe problem has affected cars across the board from 1.9's to S54's. There are solutions, e.g. Ireland Engineering subframe bushings and THE FORBES FIX, but it is an area that needs thorough inspection if you are purchasing a used Z, whether ///M or not.

Reply » New Guy with M Roadster questions

Quote:

howdy folks...
If y'all could point me to a list of common problems and maybe a checklist of things to look for I'd be greatful.

Thanks...
dave

Assuming you`re aware of potential S54 bearing/crankshaft issues? Have seen some really ugly pics of internal parts becoming external. It`s common enough that warranty has been extended to 100K.

Reply » New Guy with M Roadster questions

Quote:

Assuming you`re aware of potential S54 bearing/crankshaft issues? Have seen some really ugly pics of internal parts becoming external. It`s common enough that warranty has been extended to 100K.

1. All S54 engines up to May 21, 2003 had a bearing material that BMW judged problematic enough to recall all M3's worldwide in September 2004. There was an earlier recall for a limited range of dates that replaced the oil pump, oil sump, and earlier bearings -- I think this was only in the US for M3 build dates of October 2001 to February 2002 -- BMW "fixed" those models twice.

2. BMW argues that the lower redline in the M Coupe and M Roadster versions do not have the same stresses as the higher redline M3's. So BMW has not done the general recall on this group of S54 engines.

3. BMW WILL do the second bearing-only recall on S54 M Coupes or M Roadsters if politely approached with oil tests indicating a bearing problem (high copper and lead levels, especially increasing copper and lead levels). See my experience at http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72435. Others have had similar experiences.

4. There have been S54 M Coupe and M Roadster engine failures, in spite of the claims of the "lower stresses" -- the failure rate appears lower than the M3's, but the statistical sample size is so low that it's tough to tell if the failure rate is truly different (and we don't hear about all the failures). See http://www.368s.com/index.php?p=34 for more info.

So what does this mean? The S54 M Roadsters are a blast to drive. Get one. Enjoy it. And BMW is confident enough to be using this engine in the new MZ4 Roadster and Coupe.

But do an oil test with each oil change, and change the oil more frequently than BMW recommends. The average mileage on the oil tested by Blackstone is about 4500 miles, to give you an indication of what careful (compulsive?) owners typically do.

Reply » New Guy with M Roadster questions

howdy folks...

Thanks for the replies so far...keep 'em coming.

Muellen....I wish I could keep my Miata (turbocharged, very fast, very fun) but both my finances and my wife dictate that I have only one sports car. Your M edition is truly gorgeous!

Viper501...A 996 911? Sweet! The S54 sounds like the engine characteristics I'm used to and comfortable with. I have no plans to FI the new car so an S52 would not be necessary. I know the subframe problem has affected all Zs, I'm just still not sure how widespread the problem is or if it is isolated to cars that regularly get driven very hard. Either way, it's the first item on my checklist.

99flhr...I was not aware of this issue. Thanks for pointing it out. I'll do a little more searching.

phrider...Thanks for the links. I read in one of them (I think) that if your engine passes 20K miles without problems, you're probably okay. Is this correct? Both the 90 and 99 Miatas had isolated problems that showed up early in the car's life. If the failure didn't happen early, it probably never would. Is this the case with the S54s?

thanks...
dave

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