BMW Z8 issue, MB owners can laugh - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Gigtime · #16 01-21-2006, 12:50 AM

The power of the Internet at work. I've seen similar talks of a class-action lawsuit among Z3 owners. Without forums where users could swap info and post photos of what to look for, that probably wouldn't be the case.

Bill

Mitch H · #17 01-21-2006, 07:42 AM

How would you like to pay $7k in 1965 dollars for a 427SC and have one of those huge tires throw a stone THROUGH the aluminum fender? At least Shelby marketed those things as race cars.

Nabeel · #18 01-21-2006, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gigtime

Nabeel, the Z3 is built on the 3 series chassis but I didn't realize they were having this problem with all 3 series. Some of the dealerships are repairing them but BMW as a company seems to be in denial of the problem. A potential class action lawsuit is in the works.

The differential mounts are cracking, many welds are failing and the trunk floor is separating from the subframe.

From what I've seen, most of the cars having problems are where the owners have worked to increase horsepower. The M version of the Z3 has a reinforced subframe so I don't think it's had the same problems.

Bill

Yup, all of the non-M E36 cars ('92-'98 318/323/325/328) have this problem. It seems to happen most frequently in cars that have been lowered or have aftermarket wheels, or both. Since so many of these cars are owned by younger people who like to do lots of mods, this problem seems to pop up more than it should. The M3 has the reinforcements, so no problems there. The Z3 rear suspension has the trailing-arm type suspension from the E30 3er I believe. I wouldn't be suprised at all if the rear subframes are tearing out on those cars as well, because like you said, it is built off the 3-series chassis.

Nabeel · #19 01-21-2006, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmac2012

This reinforces some of what I've gathered from reading Roundel when I used to get it. I gather that the E-30 (my rig) has a better reputation among many, or at least some, BMW enthusiasts than subsequent 3 series. I've driven a couple of later model 3 series (not sure which ones -- I wasn't as up on it then) and I didn't like the feel as much as my car.

Anybody know much about the E-39 5 series? My mom likes my Beemer big time -- 5 speed and all -- she loves to borrow it and go visit her friends, and if I can pull it off, I want to buy her an E-39 to try to make up for all she had to put up with around me. Hell, I'd just give her the 325i but it has almost 250 K.

I remember Mike Miller of the tech talk section of Roundel used to constantly praise the E30's durability over that of the E36. Personally, I love all the 3-series cars, especially the E30. I think I also prefer the E30 over the E36.

The E39 5-series is a gem. They are fairly reliable, and more fun to drive than a W210 MB. The materials and construction are very high quality (I'd avoid the first-year '97 model though) and the car should last a long time. The 528i and 530i are probably the most reliable of the bunch, due to the relative lack of electronics, etc. compared to the 540i. The 6-cylinder versions also get a rack-and-pinion steering setup, which is more accurate and gives more road feel than the recirculating ball setup in the 540i. I'd definately reccommend an E39 5-series, assuming that a pre-purchase inspection reveals no major flaws.

Ethan · #20 01-21-2006, 03:07 PM

this months 'CAR' magazine U.K. - Ferrari FX on the cover, has a comparison of the Mercedes 210 and BMW E39 as used cars potential.

They do mention that work on the heads (head gasket?) on the BMW is a car killer (price?) whereas on the 210 a doable repair.
They also say the diesel injection pump on the BMW is rebuildable while a replacement on the 210.

I need to go back to Barnes and Nobel reread the article to make sure I got it right, but basically that's what they said.

Hatterasguy · #21 01-21-2006, 05:23 PM

Wow I didn't know the 3's and Z's were having major structural problems like that!

Bash MB all you want but you never hear of problems like that.

Hmm maybe MB is playing conservative with the new W221 and W211 by sticking to tried and true steel.

Nabeel · #22 01-21-2006, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Wow I didn't know the 3's and Z's were having major structural problems like that!

Bash MB all you want but you never hear of problems like that.

Perhaps not to the same level, but the rusting spring perch problems on the W210 cars certainly was not a high point for MB.

Hatterasguy · #23 01-21-2006, 07:53 PM

True but still not at the same level. The spring perches are pretty straight forward to inspect an fix. Also MB will cover the repair if you play your cards right.

deanyel · #24 01-21-2006, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethan

I need to go back to Barnes and Nobel reread the article to make sure I got it right, but basically that's what they said.

Just an FYI - Barnes and Nobel actually sells those magazines too. Pay the amount shown on the front cover and you get to take them home and read them there. Get a little short stool, put it in an obscure place and and it will be just like reading them at the store. Just kidding, I haven't actually bought a car magazine since the late 70s.

Ethan · #25 01-21-2006, 09:26 PM

deanyel.

That's funny and your right.
I had subscribed to CAR for many years and recently have been buying it. Thing is past few years CAR hasn't been such a good read.

This forum is actually more rewarding to read than most car magazines on the store shelf.

After seeing Mercedes Benz Classic at barnes and nobel I subscribed, got my first issue in the mail last week.

Do miss the people watching at barnes and nobel however.

cmac2012 · #26 01-22-2006, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nabeel

I remember Mike Miller of the tech talk section of Roundel used to constantly praise the E30's durability over that of the E36. Personally, I love all the 3-series cars, especially the E30. I think I also prefer the E30 over the E36.

The E39 5-series is a gem. They are fairly reliable, and more fun to drive than a W210 MB. The materials and construction are very high quality (I'd avoid the first-year '97 model though) and the car should last a long time. The 528i and 530i are probably the most reliable of the bunch, due to the relative lack of electronics, etc. compared to the 540i. The 6-cylinder versions also get a rack-and-pinion steering setup, which is more accurate and gives more road feel than the recirculating ball setup in the 540i. I'd definately reccommend an E39 5-series, assuming that a pre-purchase inspection reveals no major flaws.

Wow. Great feedback on the E39. I was thinking of the 528 anyhow as it will be plenty fast enough for her. It sure is a fine looking Bimmer, just about my favorite.

My E-30 does seem to be a durable and fine rig. I bought it with 214 K for $3400. Talked him down from $3700. 34 is below blue book -- seems high for that mileage but the guy had a stack of service records from one of the most reputable BMW garages in the area. Plus it ran great.

Still runs strong at 245 K. Nothing too annoying -- new clutch and driveline but what do you expect at that age? Replaced timing belt and water pump, all normal; new heater core, secondary fuel pump, perhaps called the sender (under the back seat) and that's about it. I've heard that engine described as bullet proof and it does seem to be pretty strong.

pentoman · #27 01-22-2006, 12:58 PM

I'm not laughing???

The Z8 is a great car. As much as I like the SL, the Z8 is a truly different car and very rare. I would like one.

If this ends up costing BMW lots of money, they will not produce a unique and specialist model such as this again.

How can that be good for us, the car enthusiasts? If it wasn't for interesting cars like the Z8 none of us would be interested in cars and we'd all be driving a Honda Civic because they're cheap and reliable. It's a sad day if a quality engineering company like BMW can't cost effectively produce an interesting car like this these days.

Russell

t walgamuth · #28 01-22-2006, 02:23 PM

i agree. i am not laughing either.

tom w

EricSilver · #29 01-22-2006, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethan

Seems the aluminum frame into the shock tower structure can deform when hitting a severe pothole. The warpage causes the hood to deform - noticeable by a change in the closure gap.

Now I know why I have a driver's side gap in my hood closure.

EricSilver · #30 01-22-2006, 04:19 PM

For $160K, I would opt for an Aston Martin V8 Vantage.