J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

Proof that Germans do indeed have a sense of humour, I, personally love these, never driven one but so different and purposeful looking, makes the M3 look very ordinary.

LG John

Do the Z4 M's have vanos problems or did BMW resolve them? I still can't get over the value of Z4 M's!! They are like £43k new and I'm seeing examples that are 30 months or so old going for £18,000. That's some steep depreciation but it's excellent for 2nd hand buyer. Personally given the price of Z4s I think you'd have to be retarded to get a Z3 M

J4CKO

iTrader: (1)

When do you pick it up

Olly

The Z3M's did exactly the same though: well over £30k new, and into the teens within a couple of years, but then just stayed there. Nearly sunk money into one back in the day, but didn't get round to it. Wished I had.

Maybe the Z4's could be the thing to buy.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Vanos is a non-issue really commonly spouted on internet forums; its akin to the Subaru "**** oil change" and weak big end bearings. Although nowhere near as serious (its fail safe, so no damage occurs). Yes they "can" fail but generally they don't. The worst they usually get a bit of a light rattle on the overrun. In which some people opt to replace them; even when a dyno run proves its performing ok.

This is a stark contrast to a failed unit which sounds like a piece of card stuck between the spokes of a BMX bike.

The problem is almost always worn/damaged seals (which companies in the US supply replacements, so they can be repaired quite cheaply, as opposed to a complete new unit). Later units have seals that use better materials, so are more durable. Its a very simple design (piston, spring, solonoid valve, seals) so there is little to go wrong.

I hankered after a Z4 coupe for a bit; not a Z4M; they were too much money still. bit the non-M coupes were going for nice prices 2nd hand.

Terminator X

iTrader: (7)

Fallen out of the ugly tree without a doubt, goes like stink though

TX.

sparky d

my step mum's got one , in black too, i gotta say its an awsome piece of kit , not a great fan of the looks but when you have a go in one you'll fookin love

SimonD

Interesting. I never experienced the problem, it was the friend I sold it to that had the grief. Good to know because otherwise it is a car I would consider again without a second thought.......... when the kids have gone!

Mine would have cost over £43k new. I picked it up back in '99 for just over £30k when it was less than a year old. I passed it on to my friend at a bargain price but he had lots of trouble and expense with Vanos/ECU/Cat failures in the couple of years he had it.

P1Fanatic

That would explain why chappy in my road who had a Civic Type R (bread van shape) and is now in a 55 reg Z4M. Lot of car for that kinda money esp compared to a Boxster S as was looking at those for a bit. Shame I need a more practical car for my hobbies.

Simon

P1Fanatic

Ouch at the servicing though:

5 yr / 60k mile standard service plan for the Z4M = £2,350 so nearly £500 a year.

Simon

LG John

TBH, I don't see £500 a year as that bad at all for such a car. Granted I was doing more miles at the time but I was way more than that for my 99 scooby.

SimonD

Presumably that doesn't include consumables. You'll spend a hell of a lot more than that in 5 years/60k. On top of that the tyres are pricey and don't last long if you enjoy yourself + you'll be filling up every 180 miles or so with the good stuff.

I miss mine:

john banks

IIRC:

The 321 BHP version doesn't have DSC.

The pre-summer 2003 M3 S54 engine (343 PS) had multiple recall campaigns for replacement big end bearings. Since the engine is shared with the M3, best to check.