BMW Z3 M

Is there a way to know the pattern of how the miles were racked up?

If, for example, the 2K miles were put on the car in year 1, and then the car sat dormant for the next six years, I'd be worried about seals/gaskets in the engine being dried out and corrosion/rust in the engine from lack of use/lubrication.

 

Owner of a 2001 model here...

If it hasn't been driven much, the usual leaky seals fore/aft at the differential and valve cover, as well as any leaking fuel from dried or compromised seals due to ethanol blended fuel sitting. Typically at the fuel pump which is behind the passenger seat (look for dripping fuel under the car shortly after/during running or a fuel smell).

Other than that, there shouldn't be much to fret about.

General PPI/PM items to check the known weak points on the car:

- Inspection of the trunk floor (differential supporting crossmember) from both the top and bottom sides for tearing or popped spot welds. The Randy Forbes reinforcement kit is the most commonly acknowledged solution, preferably with a dual-ear diff cover conversion.

- On the S54B32 engine (2001/2002 M models), preventative replacement of the rod bearings is advisable since the factory never covered these cars in the M3-based recall. Otherwise, a history of Blackstone Labs reporting on oil condition for presence of copper/lead etc.

- Replacement of the S54B32 VANOS pump disc with the Beisan Systems re-drilled disc to correct the factory tolerance issue that results in fractured and missing exhaust cam hub drive tabs.

- Replacement of the S54B32 cam gear bolts with the BMW upgraded parts to prevent backing out/shearing.


There is great information over in the Z3/M section of bimmerforums, if you have more detailed questions when looking over the car. Some of the S54B32-specific issues are arguably more well documented over in the E46 M3 section of M3forum, however, just due to the relatively small number of S54-powered MZ3s that exist relative to the large number of M3s.

Good luck!

 

I've owned an M Coupe for 14yrs and haven't had any real issues. The rear subframe problem is the only recurring issue that I've heard of. You may want to check out M Coupe Buyers Guide » About this Site . It looks like a useful site...

 

This pretty much sums it up. I've been toying with the idea of picking up a cheap Late 90s M roadster myself, to DD... Always loved them and the coupes.

 

Were you looking at the Coupes or the Roadsters? Coupes, as I'm sure you're aware have certainly realized a good amount of appreciation over the past few years, particularly the 2001/2 Ms. The Roadsters of the same vintage haven't, but IMO represent a very good value for the short money that they are going for, and have some potential for appreciation in coming years.