Hi, gathering info about Z4MRs

Wah · Post by **Wah** » Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:01 pm

Hi,
11 years of happy S2000 ownership came to end on Boxing Day 2019 when a kid in a Corsa t- boned me on a roundabout, writing ‘Berlinda’ off

I currently own a 981C GTS, 208 GTI 30th and recently my GR Yaris arrived which I am loving!
But I am missing open-top motoring. I didn’t even like having windows slightly down or a sunroof ajar until the S2k! I thought about another S2k but I have never owned a BMW and I think the IL-6 with roof down will be comparable (maybe better?) to VTEC-yo!
Look forward to reading more about these cars and owning one in due course.

TheDan · Post by **TheDan** » Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:40 pm

Hi! Welcome!

The 6 pots (whether M54, N52 or S54) all sound amazing in my completely neutral, unbiased opinion.

But seriously, I think these above engines that BMW produced are some of the best sounding 6 cylinder engines you can buy, made even better with a simple back box modification, a full stainless system or even left alone.

In terms of speed, I would probably liken the 3.0i or 3.0si to the S2k. But as a raw machine its probably more comparable with the Z4M (probably due to the LSD).

Hope this helps!

sharif · Post by **sharif** » Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:42 pm

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your S2000. Seems like you have a nice fleet of other cars though!

I previously owned a 2004 S2000 and absolutely loved it.

I have a Z4MC but can imagine the MR would be an experience with the top down. The gearbox in the S2000 was absolutely brilliant and the M is different. It can be notchy although many people delete the clutch delay valve. I've fitted a different clutch stop and changed the engine mounts and it definitely improved the gear shifts.

There also seems to be issues with the standard roof motor location and many people relocate these into the boot to prevent water damage to the motor.

Is there a particular specification you are after? You may need to factor replacing the rod bearings, as the oil is thick and takes time to warm up, these can wear more when a car is driven hard before it's fully warmed up. I replaced mine at 76k as a precautionary measure and they did have signs of wear. Brake lines are another common problem which can rust but specialists can replace these in kunifer.

Good luck with your search

Post by **srhutch** » Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:43 pm

Hi and welcome.

What information are you after at the minute, anything specific?

Wah · Post by **Wah** » Tue Sep 14, 2021 1:20 pm

srhutch wrote: ↑Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:43 pm What information are you after at the minute, anything specific?

1) do the roofs leak?
2) do they come with a hard-top or was that an option?
3) were there any 'must-haves' on the options list?

Thanks.

Post by **srhutch** » Tue Sep 14, 2021 1:30 pm

Wah wrote: ↑Tue Sep 14, 2021 1:20 pm
srhutch wrote: ↑Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:43 pm What information are you after at the minute, anything specific?
1) do the roofs leak?
2) do they come with a hard-top or was that an option?
3) were there any 'must-haves' on the options list?

Thanks.

1.Roofs are good, except the motor can get drowned.
2.Option and around £1K when you find one
3.IMO heated seats in a roadster. Other than that nothing in particular. Cruise control can be easily retrofitted. Parking sensors only on the back and not essential. Nav most hate as it's really dated, but can get extra functionality with an Intravee.

JoshsZ4M · Post by **JoshsZ4M** » Tue Sep 14, 2021 1:54 pm

Wah, welcome to the community! I’m on the Z4 UK owners group on Facebook too, I would definitely recommend having a look there too.

I’m in west Oxfordshire and my MR is up for sale, here’s the link to the post viewtopic.php?f=41&t=130845

It’s a rare spec with extended leather, which definitely adds to the sense of occasion you get with the car. Have a good read through my posts as I’ve done a lot to it… you’d be welcome to come and see it if you’ve never experienced one before

I looked at 986/7 and S2k when I was searching for a two seat roadster, and the MR just stood out. The engine cannot be compared with anything else in a two seat roadster out there.

Cheers,

Josh

Ian J · Post by **Ian J** » Tue Sep 14, 2021 2:22 pm

TheDan wrote: ↑Mon Sep 13, 2021 10:40 pm
The 6 pots (whether M54, N52 or S54) all sound amazing in my completely neutral, unbiased opinion.

I've never had an S2000 but I did once have an imported Prelude (coke bottle shape) with the 2.2 VTEC engine and good though the Beemer exhaust notes may be the yowl of a screaming VTEC engine is a sound to behold. The only problem is that it encourages you to drive at seriously illegal speeds just to hear that engine singing it's song

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Tue Sep 14, 2021 9:11 pm

Welcome to the foum.

And I'm sorry to hear about Berlinda.

The only Honda I have ever driven was a rental Jazz in Cyprus, so the little I know about VTEC is what I have read.

But I doubt you would be disappointed with the S54 engine in an M when you were heading for the 8,000rpm red-line, although in 3rd that is into 3 figure speeds - oops, I meant it would be.

One other thing to take into account is that the S54 needs valve clearances checked and adjusted with shims as required every 20K miles or so which will cost £500+ at an Independent specialist, and you really want it done by someone who knows what they are doing.

Someone already mentioned rod bearing shells (or big end shells in non-BMW terminology). My car had 7 previous owners so I didn't know it's history. So last year I had them replaced at 78K miles and new engine mounts for peace of mind. I was glad I did when I saw the old shells.

: Bearing Shells 260820.jpeg (403.48 KiB) Viewed 723 times

Anyway happy hunting.

craig3.2 · Post by **craig3.2** » Tue Sep 14, 2021 10:22 pm

Hi and welcome to the forum.

As has been said,spec wise the Ms came with a decent spec,but I personally like the Satnav,and also the heated seats and cruise control.

As for repairs, definitely do the Rid Bearing shells,even at just over 60k,and with mine being in my hands since 20k miles,and from under 4 years old,and the car always warmed up properly,they were done.
As above,Valve clearance and shims need doing every Inspection 1 service and Inspiration 2,and make sure you ask if the garage you take it to now they need it in the night before,as needs done from complete Cold.
They should tell you they will do a Report on Valve clearances, with measurements showing.
Alot of Dealers and BMW Indy's I have spoken to over the past 12+ years of ownership don't even know about to he correct procedure for doing valve clearances and shims,or say they don't need done, which is not so

Other than that,these are Excellent cars,z4m Roadster is just superb.
Alot of enjoyment for the money.
The VTEC Honda's are great too,but the sound of an s54 m engine is something else at full chat especially.
Enjoy your search and hopefully purchase

Wah · Post by **Wah** » Tue May 03, 2022 10:21 pm

I bought a Z4MR a couple of weeks ago.
Sapphire black with walknappa leather (Sepang-bronze-light)
Needs quite a lot of love.....
All booked in to Redish Motorsport for an Inspection 2 and rod bearing shells and bolts.
Buying bits and bobs to tidy 'Zara' up while waiting for her to be sorted out next month, earliest they could fit her in....

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Tue May 03, 2022 10:33 pm

Congratulations on finding an MR.

The front cross-member has to come off to swap the bearing shells so it's worth having new engine mounts at the same time - my original mounts were only fit for the bin at 78K miles.

Wah · Post by **Wah** » Tue May 03, 2022 10:39 pm

Yes, being done too.
Also compression test, VANOS test, brake fluid, coolant and roof motor move to boot.
Also ordered pair of PS5 rears (came with odd tyres of the wrong size and brands I've never of).

Mr Tidy · Post by **Mr Tidy** » Tue May 03, 2022 11:03 pm

I suppose as your car is going to Redish I should have known better.

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