Buying an MC

[wadh0070]

I'm new (you'll be able to tell that). I looked at the forum at the start of the year when I was considering getting a Z3M Coupe but life overtook me and it became clear that it wasn't the right time.

But, maybe, now it is.

I've always loved the shape - reminds me of the old Reliant Scimitar (is that sacrilege?) and first thought about buying in 2004, but decided that I couldn't afford the £20,000+ that wsa needed at that time. Seems prices haven't come down much since, and it would have cost me no more than the Audi A3quattro that I settled for. Still, live and learn.

I've not driven an MC, and have a few basic questions before I thing about touring the country to try and find one.

1) I'm 6' 3" tall - have I got any chance of being comfortable?

2) Although I like to drive a car (I used to race karts) I regularly drive long distances - how comfortable is it going to be on long motorway runs (or will I need something else too - I must admit, I don't find the A3 that clever after 5 hours)

3) I'd really rather have the S54 (I'm going to be new to RWD and stability control sounds like a good plan). I know this limits significantly the number around - what should I expect to have to pay for a good condition / average mileage? Should I consider the S50 too?

4) What key faults should I be looking at (I'll have an RAC inspection if I'm actually going to buy one) but what are the key things to look out for first. I've picked up air conditioning and VANOS already!

5) Any other advice?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Jez, Tonbridge

PS There's an MC that I've seen near my office at Waterloo - anyone on here?

[russ3ll]

Hi - Think you're probably best using the search function as the question of what to look out for is asked quite frequently...if the search doesnt help or reveals particular concerns I'm sure most members will be happy to help. :yesnod:

[wadh0070]

Thanks - I've got a list of things to look for from the other threads. Any view on the interior space?

Also, has anyone compared the Z3M Coupe to the Z4M Coupe. I've not seen great reviews of that, but I'd be interested to hear from people who've driven both. Seems that you can get a 2nd hand Z4M Coupe for less than £25k from a main dealer, and that's a 2006 as opposed to spending perhaps £20k (or a little more) if current ads are realistic for a 2001.

Jez

[BEN]

I've not driven an MC, and have a few basic questions before I thing about touring the country to try and find one.

1) I'm 6' 3" tall - have I got any chance of being comfortable?
Im 6' 5", very comfy!

2) Although I like to drive a car (I used to race karts) I regularly drive long distances - how comfortable is it going to be on long motorway runs (or will I need something else too - I must admit, I don't find the A3 that clever after 5 hours)
Great to dirve on short and long, i drove back from lemans (8 hours) and was fine no back ache or anything!

3) I'd really rather have the S54 (I'm going to be new to RWD and stability control sounds like a good plan). I know this limits significantly the number around - what should I expect to have to pay for a good condition / average mileage? Should I consider the S50 too?
I turn my DSC off everytime i get in the car, it does my nut in, utter wank, the S50 had the right idea. the way i look at it when your driving something like that you should be able to react quicker than the car.

4) What key faults should I be looking at (I'll have an RAC inspection if I'm actually going to buy one) but what are the key things to look out for first. I've picked up air conditioning and VANOS already!
rear boot floor for cracks
5) Any other advice?
buy one!

[russ3ll]

Thanks - I've got a list of things to look for from the other threads. Any view on the interior space?

Also, has anyone compared the Z3M Coupe to the Z4M Coupe. I've not seen great reviews of that, but I'd be interested to hear from people who've driven both. Seems that you can get a 2nd hand Z4M Coupe for less than £25k from a main dealer, and that's a 2006 as opposed to spending perhaps £20k (or a little more) if current ads are realistic for a 2001.

Jez

Space wise ok (I'm 6'2) but I have previously moaned about the fact I've got long legs and big feet and that there's part of the body work intruding near the top of the accelerator therefore if I put my foot flat at 90 degrees to my leg I can get near the pedal.

As for £25k for z4m coupe...I think you'll find its just the coupe not the M version....although it'll still hit 60 in circa 5.7 seconds. Most on here arent a fan of the z4m's looks but I have to confess to liking it!

[Neil_M]

I've not driven an MC, and have a few basic questions before I thing about touring the country to try and find one.

1) I'm 6' 3" tall - have I got any chance of being comfortable?
Im 6' 5", very comfy!

2) Although I like to drive a car (I used to race karts) I regularly drive long distances - how comfortable is it going to be on long motorway runs (or will I need something else too - I must admit, I don't find the A3 that clever after 5 hours)
Great to dirve on short and long, i drove back from lemans (8 hours) and was fine no back ache or anything!

3) I'd really rather have the S54 (I'm going to be new to RWD and stability control sounds like a good plan). I know this limits significantly the number around - what should I expect to have to pay for a good condition / average mileage? Should I consider the S50 too?
I turn my DSC off everytime i get in the car, it does my nut in, utter wank, the S50 had the right idea. the way i look at it when your driving something like that you should be able to react quicker than the car.

4) What key faults should I be looking at (I'll have an RAC inspection if I'm actually going to buy one) but what are the key things to look out for first. I've picked up air conditioning and VANOS already!
rear boot floor for cracks
5) Any other advice?
buy one!

:iagree: Spot on, Ben.

[kwoffa]

Ive always loved the shape of the z3cm...found one and bought it ! ime 5 10..
ive had my car just over a year now..and love it,one of the most fun cars ive ever driven.........funny you mention a scimitar had one of those too....nothing like my coupe...somebody ran into the back of me...and cracked my bumper..and while it was being repaired.i had a new z4 as a loan car...and didnt like it at all..seemed a little to refined..cabin was definatly smaller..and didnt seem much fun !! as ive mentioned before...most car manafacturers are hell bent on beefing the look of cars(making them heavier)and adding all the safety equipment (traction control,this control,that control) if YOU like driving..get the earlier model..great fun,great car,classic design,will make you smile every time you see it !! i live in Epsom am willing to let you take a drive etc to see wether you fit ok...

[wadh0070]

Thanks for the replies.

1) It was a Z4 Coupe and not an "M" - my bad.
2) Melvin - thanks for the offer - I'll definitely bear that in mind if / when I get to that point.

One more question - lots of the people posting on here seem very knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the car. How much do I need to know to keep it going, at a manageable cost, or can I entrust repairs etc. to an independent garage without getting taken to the cleaners?

Jez

[Neil_M]

Jez,

The reason people are so knolegable about the MC is that there are very few cars and the forum actively encourages knowlege transfer. Ex-owners are also happy to continue contributing to the forum so very little escapes.

If you are not particularly mechanically minded, the usual advice would be to either get any MC checked by the AA/RAC or have it checked by an indy garage who understands M cars.

To answer your other question, I personally use BMW dealers to look after my car, but if you find a good indipendent who understands these cars you won't go far wrong. I suggest you take a look at the Good/Bad Dealer forum and also ask other forum members to recommend indy's in your area.