2000 BMW Z3 "M" Roadster 5 speed - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cgryphon · #1 08-07-2013, 11:01 PM

I've been thinking about one of these for the nice winding roads we have here in the Ozarks. Last two seater I owned was a '59 MGA. Any opinions on these? I'm looking at one that has the removable hard top with soft top.

Thanks for you opinions!

Clay

The Clk Man · #2 08-07-2013, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cgryphon

I've been thinking about one of these for the nice winding roads we have here in the Ozarks. Last two seater I owned was a '59 MGA. Any opinions on these? I'm looking at one that has the removable hard top with soft top.

Thanks for you opinions!

Clay

They remind me of a Miata which is in my opinion a "Girly Man" car. No offense new friend.

cgryphon · #3 08-07-2013, 11:17 PM

Well, I consider that an expert opinion as the owner of a CLK............

No offense intended

Glad to make you acquaintance!

It probably would not help if I told you it has the Red/Black interior.............

Anyone else with direct experience?

Jim B. · #4 08-07-2013, 11:52 PM

I'm sure you'll love it, especially with the "M" ("Motorsport") high performance, AMG equivalent.

I have the new 2013 5 series with the M Sport package, (except the V8 and double clutch transmission/paddle shifters) which is everything basically the M5 V8 has and the performance is stupendous, by any reasonable measure. I can't believe a car this big handles, corners this crisply and goes this fast. (Twin turbo Inline six)

But, these are not called "the ultimate driving machine" for nothing.

The Z3 "M" Sport" is a true sportscar, modern day version, and the M package makes it even better.

You can throw it around like a prison b*tch in a cell block riot!

You'll LOVE it.

So go for it, you only live once.

So when you are 85 years old, tired, worn out, lying in bed with a testosterone habit, you will remember this car and have *TWO* choices.

1. "Coulda, woulda, shoulda"

2. "cgryphon, remember THIS !!!!!

So, what'll it be?

*****

Your move, man..

Your move..

lorainfurniture · #5 08-08-2013, 12:22 AM

BMW is a fantastic car. They claim to be the ultimate driving machine and largely deliver on that. I have yet to even turn on my radio in my 540i in fear of drowning out all of the wonderful engine and exhaust noises it produces.

If the m roadster if half the car my 540/6 is, I'd say do it.

They are needy in the service department, but its understandable for how it performs. Parts are noticably more expensive than the MB.

spdrun · #6 08-08-2013, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Clk Man

They remind me of a Miata which is in my opinion a "Girly Man" car. No offense new friend.

Drive a Miata or watch Spec Miata and you'll likely be singing a different tune.

Honus · #7 08-08-2013, 01:07 AM

I am not familiar with that specific model, but I think that was a good era for BMW. My daily driver is a 1999 528i. It might be the best car I've owned. I bought it from a friend who replaced it with a new 2011 500 series BMW. He and I both prefer my car to his. Starting in 2004, plus or minus a year, BMWs started getting more complicated and more high tech, which is not a good thing, IMHO.

I agree with the other fellow who praised the Miata. It's one of the few sports cars that is worth having and that is also suitable for daily driving, again IMHO.

DieselPaul · #8 08-08-2013, 03:33 AM

Are you talking about a BMW Z3 2.8 - with an M-sport package or a BMW M-roadster?

Very different cars, if you're looking at actual M-roadsters, go look for a 01-02. There is a 75hp difference between 2000 and 2001, S52 vs S54. The early cars are still fun, but the later ones are significantly fun-er.

t walgamuth · #9 08-08-2013, 11:31 AM

I think that bmw is a good car. It should handle very well and be reasonably reliable and serviceable.

The Swede · #10 08-08-2013, 12:17 PM

I'd check out some of the BMW forums and see what owners have reported as problem areas and things to watch out for. Cooling system, Rtabs, etc

I have a friend with a Z coupe (M version) with close to 200k miles, daily driver and track car. Stout little car, but not a bargain to maintain unless you DIY. I've also read that the convert Z has a lot of chassis flex and cowl shake and not nearly as much fun compared to the hardtop.

If I were buying a convert, I'd check into a Miata or S2000. Hardtop. I'd go with the Z.

Honus · #11 08-08-2013, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Swede

...If I were buying a convert, I'd check into a Miata or S2000. Hardtop. I'd go with the Z.

x2 on that.

t walgamuth · #12 08-08-2013, 01:13 PM

I've owned a Miata a 99. It had cowl shake too. I have driven the s2000 not the bmw but I would expect similar stiffness in the chassis for those two. I think either would be a little more rugged than the Miata especially in the drivetrain. The Miata is rugged but the 99 had thrust bearing issues on a lot of cars and the transmissions are a little weak imho.

Honus · #13 08-08-2013, 01:46 PM

I got some good info about my 528i from this forum: Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

engatwork · #14 08-08-2013, 02:22 PM

I could bend ya'lls ear with the problems BMW's have. If you live out in the middle of nowhere make sure you do NOT get one with run flat tires. I have driven a lot of different cars over the past year and in my opinion the Miata had to be the most fun car to drive I have driven during that time. This included a little time with an 04 sl600', 01 Ferrari 360 spider and a 911. The Miata was more of a worry free car if you know what I mean.

cgryphon · #15 08-08-2013, 03:01 PM

Thanks for all the responses. This car is a "real" M with the 3.2.

We have a BMW stealer here, as well as 2 indies that specialize in BMW.

I understand that these are the type of cars that demand a fair share of wallet time. If you think economy then this is probably not the car for you. This would certainly be a weekend nice weather car for me. The 95 MB Wagon is my DD.

I had considered the Honda, but..............it's a Honda.

Please add more!

Clay