ZM Roadster

01/02 got the E46 M3 engine at 325bhp as far as I am aware, couldn't get the full house 340 odd as the exhaust wasn't long enough or something.

Admittedly I haven't driven the M variant but the Z3 was a letdown in feel and feedback.

I like the breadvan personally!

GT Ind wrote: Breadvan ?????

A van, for delivering bread.

Steve.

The late ones definitely did have the E46 M3 engine, and it was indeed limited by the exhaust to 325bhp (although I don't know what date these ran from). Before this they ran the E36 M3 3.2 lump, which will attract the usual worries i.e. Vanos/oil leaks/etc.

I remember Evo magazine ran one as a long term car for a year and absolutely loved. Its a car I would love to own myself.

Ok here we go

Early ones, 699 imported into the country out of 918 (I think) RHD made, S50 engine from the E36 M3 Evo, 321 bhp, No traction control of any kind. Some had cruise control, and all have Aircon as standard. Differences from a standard Z3, different interior dials and seats (heated) uprated suspension, Special M Wheels, which will only fit the M as the axle is narrower on the rear. The position of the number plate was changed to the bootlid rather than the rear bumper, M side grills to the bonnet. Best of all though is the 4 pipes out the back. I could go on with every difference but i wont  

Later ones, only 79 RHD made, E46 M3 S54 Engine 325bhp, DSC as standard, some with cruise control again. Aircon as standard, some interior as the S50 except the speedo dials are Grey and have the M logo on them,black and M Roadster on the S50's, Same wheels but a slightly different colour. The suspension was changed to the Coupe version, It does handle a little better than the S50's.

All the Z3's including the M's benefit from adding a front strut brace as it stiffens the front, the rear brace (called a butt strutt) stiffens the rear, there is also a body brace which runs from the butt strut to the wishbone mounts which further strengthens the car.

By the way did I mention I have an S50? Anyway if you want to know more there are a few sites you can look at with a load of info.

http://http://www.bmwmregistry.com/

http://http://www.zroadster.net/forum/portal.php

And my site (click on the www button below this post)

You would not regret buying one Its about as much fun as you can get with your clothes on

Thanks for your help Tony, The registry site answered all my questions! Just one last favour, can you buy my M3 GT off me, then I can get one   

One of the better places to look would be the BMW approved site, but you would pay a premium as its a BMW dealer, at least you get 12 months warranty included which can be renewed each year.

Later ZM roadsters are few and far between though, only 79 RHD made remember, not sure how many came into this country out of that number.

How long did it take you to find it? Is it worth looking to import one, or do you think most of the RHD's would have come here. I saw a 2001 model for £18.5k last week, shame it was in that awful Yellow. When do you think you will go for your next car?