A quick hi

[DLT222]

As per title..

My name is Darren, live in Yorkshire. I already own a 325 CI M Sport 2005 (E46) in Imola red/Black leather. I also collect and buy watches, predominantly Omega Speedmaster's, I also moderate on another (watch) forum so I'm familiar with how these things work. The E46 i bought for my late father a year before he passed away, so I don't have the heart to sell it, it will be kept.

I am just starting the hunt for a Zed but cannot make my mind up if I should buy a 3.0 Si Coupe or go all out and get an ///M Coupe.

Ideally I'm looking for an Imola Red one as I'm a huge fan of that colour. I have a few Qs though....

I know they do the ///M in Imola but, did they do the 3.0 Si in Imola?
Any major/minor things to look for?
Known issues on both 3.0 & M

Looking forward to being around!

D


p.s If any of you want any info on your Omega lemme know it would be a pleasure. I also have a website if you want to see it http://www.vintagespeedmaster.com

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

A forum member posted a listing of UK production numbers and there were apparently 56 Imola Red Coupes, but no Imola 3 litre Coupes. 3 litre Coupes seem to have only come in Bright Red with 6 SEs and 32 Sport models (there were no Bright Red M Coupes)>

I wasn't brave enough to buy an M, but am on my second 3 litre Coupe (it's a long story!) so this may not be definitive but the main differences apart from the drive-train are that M models have hydraulic PAS (3 litres have electric PAS) and don't use Fun-flat tyres unlike the 3 litre, but then they are easily changed! Also the battery is in the boot on an M because it can't go in the boot-floor because of the extra silencer for the 2 extra tail-pipes.

What I have read seems to suggest that the M tax applies to Z4Ms as much as any other M of the era, and they need valve clearances checked at services because they are shimmed whereas the non-Ms have hydraulic lifters.

Saying that the non-M can throw up the odd surprise or two! My first one needed a new water pump, which being electric powered cost £500 for an OEM part!

They all need attention to suspension bushes , ARB joints, etc. given that the latest ones are now nearly 8 years old.

If you are considering both you should probably try to drive both before you commit - I said I wasn't brave enough for an M, but to be fair I haven't felt short-changed with non-M yet! BMW quoted 0-62 in 5.7 seconds for them and 5 dead for the M IIRC, so not a huge difference.

If you do look at non-M Coupes just be aware that there were 2 models, SE and Sport. There were a lot less SE models - if you look at the seats they came with you will see why! Plus SEs tend to not be the spec you would expect on a car like a Z4C - things like dark metallic Green paint, tan leather and wood finish dash!

And one other thing, all Z4Cs had a pretty basic level of equipment compared to other BMWs of the era - Cruise control, parking sensors, cup-holders, multi-function steering wheel, Xenon headlights, heated seats were all options, as was Sat-Nav but they all had electric seats with 3 memory settings on the driver's side and Climate Control.

Those are the things that spring to mind from my own experience, but I am sure others have more knowledge and will be along soon!

P.S. Congratulations on E46 Imola/black ownership - my daily is a 325ti compact in Imola with black leather! Lovely combination!

 

[M1ghty_m0use]

Thought I recognised the website and the name your on eBay , and was selling the omega Alaska project a couple of month the ago,
I was tempted to contact you but it sold , your in Harrogate ?

 

[DLT222]

Thought I recognised the website and the name your on eBay , and was selling the omega Alaska project a couple of month the ago,
I was tempted to contact you but it sold , your in Harrogate ?

Yes that's me. It didn't last long at all, it was in exceptional condition and never worn from new.

If your looking for anything else please let me know, I would be happy to help!

 

[DLT222]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

A forum member posted a listing of UK production numbers and there were apparently 56 Imola Red Coupes, but no Imola 3 litre Coupes. 3 litre Coupes seem to have only come in Bright Red with 6 SEs and 32 Sport models (there were no Bright Red M Coupes)>

I wasn't brave enough to buy an M, but am on my second 3 litre Coupe (it's a long story!) so this may not be definitive but the main differences apart from the drive-train are that M models have hydraulic PAS (3 litres have electric PAS) and don't use Fun-flat tyres unlike the 3 litre, but then they are easily changed! Also the battery is in the boot on an M because it can't go in the boot-floor because of the extra silencer for the 2 extra tail-pipes.

What I have read seems to suggest that the M tax applies to Z4Ms as much as any other M of the era, and they need valve clearances checked at services because they are shimmed whereas the non-Ms have hydraulic lifters.

Saying that the non-M can throw up the odd surprise or two! My first one needed a new water pump, which being electric powered cost £500 for an OEM part!

They all need attention to suspension bushes , ARB joints, etc. given that the latest ones are now nearly 8 years old.

If you are considering both you should probably try to drive both before you commit - I said I wasn't brave enough for an M, but to be fair I haven't felt short-changed with non-M yet! BMW quoted 0-62 in 5.7 seconds for them and 5 dead for the M IIRC, so not a huge difference.

If you do look at non-M Coupes just be aware that there were 2 models, SE and Sport. There were a lot less SE models - if you look at the seats they came with you will see why! Plus SEs tend to not be the spec you would expect on a car like a Z4C - things like dark metallic Green paint, tan leather and wood finish dash!

And one other thing, all Z4Cs had a pretty basic level of equipment compared to other BMWs of the era - Cruise control, parking sensors, cup-holders, multi-function steering wheel, Xenon headlights, heated seats were all options, as was Sat-Nav but they all had electric seats with 3 memory settings on the driver's side and Climate Control.

Those are the things that spring to mind from my own experience, but I am sure others have more knowledge and will be along soon!

P.S. Congratulations on E46 Imola/black ownership - my daily is a 325ti compact in Imola with black leather! Lovely combination!

Hi and thanks for the welcome and info.

The SE is a no go as is standard red, I always said to my late father, the only red I would buy is Imola, turned out the car my dad found was Imola.

Interesting you say the valve clearances need doing at service, is that every service? The car is not going to cover many miles as its not going to be a daily, I have the 3er and my wife's car for that.

I've been a lurker here for a while checking out the sales section and there are some lovely examples here.

I'm sure as time goes on I will learn a bit more and post a little more frequently. I'm digesting the info available on here & I will thank those who have shared it for doing so!


Thx

D

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and thanks for the welcome and info.

The SE is a no go as is standard red, I always said to my late father, the only red I would buy is Imola, turned out the car my dad found was Imola.

Interesting you say the valve clearances need doing at service, is that every service? The car is not going to cover many miles as its not going to be a daily, I have the 3er and my wife's car for that.

I've been a lurker here for a while checking out the sales section and there are some lovely examples here.

I'm sure as time goes on I will learn a bit more and post a little more frequently. I'm digesting the info available on here & I will thank those who have shared it for doing so!


Thx

D

Well as I said I have no experience of the M model, but I would expect clearances to need checking every service but only need any actual work if they are out of tolerance. As to how often they require attention I'm sorry I can't help!

You could maybe post in the section of this forum that is M specific, but as that question applies to anything with an S54 (hope I got the right code) engine there are other forums that may also help with that particular issue!

Especially as it seems you will have to buy a Z4MC if you want any Coupe in Imola!

Good luck with the search!

 

[srhutch]

Valve clearances are due on inspection services which are mileage based. Roughly every 26k.

Servicing schedule as per E46. So if you are ding low mileages like I am, then additional oil services between inspections are required.

 

[DLT222]

Valve clearances are due on inspection services which are mileage based. Roughly every 26k.

Servicing schedule as per E46. So if you are ding low mileages like I am, then additional oil services between inspections are required.

That's fine, I can live with that .

 

[DLT222]

Hi and thanks for the welcome and info.

The SE is a no go as is standard red, I always said to my late father, the only red I would buy is Imola, turned out the car my dad found was Imola.

Interesting you say the valve clearances need doing at service, is that every service? The car is not going to cover many miles as its not going to be a daily, I have the 3er and my wife's car for that.

I've been a lurker here for a while checking out the sales section and there are some lovely examples here.

I'm sure as time goes on I will learn a bit more and post a little more frequently. I'm digesting the info available on here & I will thank those who have shared it for doing so!


Thx

D

Well as I said I have no experience of the M model, but I would expect clearances to need checking every service but only need any actual work if they are out of tolerance. As to how often they require attention I'm sorry I can't help!

You could maybe post in the section of this forum that is M specific, but as that question applies to anything with an S54 (hope I got the right code) engine there are other forums that may also help with that particular issue!

Especially as it seems you will have to buy a Z4MC if you want any Coupe in Imola!

Good luck with the search!

How do you find the 3.0? Never driven the coupe but driven the roadster years ago.

When I think of the cost of the M, I also start thinking of M3 4.0 though.

 

[Mr Tidy]

How do you find the 3.0? Never driven the coupe but driven the roadster years ago.

When I think of the cost of the M, I also start thinking of M3 4.0 though.

I love the 3.0 Z4C - I just can't imagine what else I could buy for the money that would give me the same fun for similar cost.

I bought the Coupe because I don't like convertibles, and the Coupe has a much stiffer bodyshell which has to help handling.

I can see what you mean about Z4MCs being around 4 litre M3 money, but then you could also say that 3 litre Z4Cs are similar money to E46 M3s! And while any M3 will provide the M driving experience (when you get to use it) the Z4C feels special all of the time because you are sitting in a sports car, rather than a coupe/saloon with bonkers running gear!

Time to try some of the options and see what you like, I think! :lol: