Z4M Buyer Advice

NickJonathan said:
What happens when VANOS fails? Is it terminal?
Click to expand...

The VANOS isn't an issue with the S54 engine. The problem with the S54 engine ("Engine of Damocles") was in the early stage of production, back in 2001 or so, when around 50,000 engines, mostly installed in the E46 M3, had wrong specification bearing shells fitted which caused bearing shell failure. BMW did a recall for more than 48k E46 M3, but failed to do this for the S54 Z3 MC/R, with the consequent significant number of bearing shell failures occurring in the Z3MC/R - I know, it happened to my Z3MC in 2009 and BMW gave me a brand new engine :D

Throughout its production, BMW continued to fit revised parts (bearing shells, connecting rods,con-rod bolts oil pump etc.) and by the time the E85/6 was built in 2006/8 all the problems had been rectified. The S54 is an engine masterpiece and in real world driving conditions it produces steadily increasing torque from about 2.5k revs to the redline. Just make sure that you use the recommended oil, always allow the engine to properly warm up and service it properly and enjoy!
 
That's good to hear about the VANOS thanks for putting my mind to rest on that point!

Just got back from testing 3.0si. Lovely looking car, black with red interior :). Must say I wasn't quite as impressed as I'd hoped although I think the things I didn't like wouldn't be as much of an issue in the M. Although I thought the engine was excellent if a little out of steam towards the top of the rev range. I thought it pulled in a very linear way and didn't have any surprise boot in the back towards the topic the rev range like I enjoy. I thought the gear change was excellent but the whole experience was totally ruined by the ride. I have run flats on my E90 and it's not ideal but not an issue whereas for me it totally dominated the experience of the Z4. Crashy, skittish over uneven ground, it really would make me miserable and they would have to go sharpish if I got one! I guess that isn't a concern in the M and my issues with the performance would also be rectified :)

How does everyone find the gearchange in the M compared with the 3.0? I found the gearchange to be one of the highlights of the car but understand its a little more notchy in the M?

Just have to find an M now to test!
 
NickJonathan said:
but the whole experience was totally ruined by the ride.
Click to expand...

Nick,

I've had a Z3MC for 9 years now and also bought a Z4MC a few weeks ago. The thing I don't like about the ride (actually it's the handling more than the ride) in both cars is that there's way too much pitch and squat (and body roll in the Z3MC) for the performance of the engine. I sorted the handling out in my Z3MC by fitting KW V3 and uprated ARBs, and with the dampers set up for bad "B" roads, it is way better than the Z4MC in OEM state, but the OEM Z4MC is better than the OEM Z3MC in handling (but not ride).

The Z4MC's OEM suspension has very soft front springs and rear springs which are way stiffer than the fronts, and IMO, that's the wrong way to set up this car. Because you sit just in front of the rear wheels, your perception of the ride is determined by the rear suspension, and being stiff at the rear, you notice it. A lot of Z4MC owners seem to like 19" CSL wheels, which, IMO, can only make the ride worse. The likes of KW V3 use springs which are more than twice as stiff at the front and of a similar rate at the rear, which IMO is the way it should be, with the front dampers set firmer than the rears.

NickJonathan said:
I found the gearchange to be one of the highlights of the car but understand its a little more notchy in the M?
Click to expand...
The Z4MC does have a very notchy box (no better than the Z3MC's 5-speed box). Slick gear changing isn't a feature :(

It's the power of the Z3MC and Z4MC which is the REAL attraction and you tend to put up with the faults that you don't choose to correct.
 
That's exactly what I found! Good roads and it may work but this is the UK and I don't know about you but my local roads have more pot holes than road. The handling just didn't seem anywhere near as composed or accomplished as the boxster/cayman. I think though that ditching the run flats will makes a huge difference on the M and even though I don't think any Z will ever be as well balanced as the Porsche I do think that 3.2 straight six is easily one of the best six ever made and I can forgive a lot for that :)
 
It depends... I wouldn't indy unless you want a BMW warranty. Needs FBMWSH if you want a proper warranty
 
VANOS gives warning sounds when it's on the way out, you'll know if it's not happy, makes a harsh noise when revved, there's a few clips around. Here's one from M3cutters from an '02 M3. I think Mr Vanos charges around £650-£700 to fix, but once it's fixed that it hopefully forever.

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=31732&highlight=vanos

As for the gearbox, is it not the same gearbox in the 3.0 as in the M? Someone correct me if I'm wrong! I find it can be very notchy (depends what you are used to, I came from an SMG M3 and there was no notchiness with the paddles :D ) but you do get used to it. In some ways it makes the car feel like a raw throwback to when sports cars weren't as easy to drive as a family saloon, and I quite like that 8)

Yep, the Cayman/Boxster are supposed to have a much better ride than a Z/M, just one of the things you have to accept, but you do get the looks, power, sound, rarity etc etc to compensate :thumbsup:
 
I've had the 3.4 Boxster S and it is sublime but they also becoming more common than a mondeo and the M is pretty rare and quicker in a straight line :). Is love a TVR T350 but don't fancy becoming best mates with the AA roadside recovery drivers and I figure the M will be as close to a reliable TVR as I'll get :)
 
Is this local?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-BMW-Z4-M-BLACK-/200743556831?pt=Automobiles_UK&hash=item2ebd3f96df
 
Thanks Paza3, Carmarthen is about an hour away so easy trip :). Think I'll give the guy a ring tomorrow see if I can arrange to go down if it doesn't sell in the auction. Pretty car as well, liking the black powder coated wheels.
 
exdos said:
The Z4MC does have a very notchy box (no better than the Z3MC's 5-speed box). Slick gear changing isn't a feature :(
Click to expand...

i would say that's a slight mis-representation..the box warms up and is only notchy when cold. it's not the slickest, or the most positive, or a feature of the car, but it's not really notchy once you're up and running.
 
Plus, changing to a stiffer set of transmission mounts, deleting the CDV, & adding a clutch stop and weighted shifter (ZHP)... All help to pretty much eliminate the notchiness and make the whole experience much better.
 
SweetRide said:
Plus, changing to a stiffer set of transmission mounts, deleting the CDV, & adding a clutch stop and weighted shifter (ZHP)... All help to pretty much eliminate the notchiness and make the whole experience much better.
Click to expand...
Do any of those mods really make any noticeable difference, or are they just having a placebo effect :?

In 50k miles I can't say I've felt the car to need anything other than the CDV delete, and I got used to that quite quickly so did'nt bother changing
 
I think the gearbox seems to improve from half revs and up. Then I find the gearchanges pretty very sweet. Maybe thats what the BMW engineers were aiming for more rather than being worried about a bit of notchiness in 2nd at low speeds?
 
The CDV is a nightmare for anyone who can actually use a clutch i.e. an American!

Does removal of CDV invalidate a BMW warranty in a way?

Also anyone had any good/bad experience with claiming from aftermarket warranty companies with their M? I've luckily never needed to claim but heard so many horror stories people these companies refusing to pay out? I'm looking at the car Paza3 found yesterday and it's due it's Insp II service which I don't mind as I can factor this into my offer but it also only has part BMW history, the remainder being Indy so I wouldn't be able to the BMW extended warranty?
 
Also guys... any recommendations for insurance companies to use for the M? Used a company called Competition Car Insurance when I had the Boxster S and they undercut any of the price comparison main stream companies by about 20%! Their policy also cover 3 track days per year included in the premium which is pretty cool!
 
The ZHP weighted gear knob is the only mod i've needed for daily driving use. It can still be a little bit clunky changing up to second from first but only above about 5krpm - not something i do very often in first to be honest
 
Gargybloke said:
I think the gearbox seems to improve from half revs and up. Then I find the gearchanges pretty very sweet. Maybe thats what the BMW engineers were aiming for more rather than being worried about a bit of notchiness in 2nd at low speeds?
Click to expand...

Agreed.
 
mmm-five said:
SweetRide said:
Plus, changing to a stiffer set of transmission mounts, deleting the CDV, & adding a clutch stop and weighted shifter (ZHP)... All help to pretty much eliminate the notchiness and make the whole experience much better.
Click to expand...
Do any of those mods really make any noticeable difference, or are they just having a placebo effect :?

In 50k miles I can't say I've felt the car to need anything other than the CDV delete, and I got used to that quite quickly so did'nt bother changing
Click to expand...

Not a placebo lol. I've done all 4 and it's made a big difference. These's aren't mysterious mods. Quite common over here as a solution for what is probably one of the cars few shortcomings.
I couldn't stand the notchiness and overall shifter 'feel' when I got the car. If you take the time to change the tranny mounts, you'll see the stock ones are like marshmallows and why the need for improvement in this area.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom