I currently own a Honda S2000 and am thinking of changing it for a ZMCoupe. I will either buy a v or w reg for about 22k or a newer post 2001 car for 28 - 30k. Any tips on what I should look out for, which options I need, what goes wrong, how expensive they are to run, private or main dealer etc etc I would be grateful. I am particularly interested in whether it is worth buting from a dealer as the car will be used quite hard and I have heard that new engines cost 10k!

All help will be appreciated.

If you have no luck here try also posting on the  Roadfly forum , although its an American forum they will be able to help with anything technical .

http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/z3-coupe/">http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/z3-coupe/

Things to look out for - mine seemed okay but did go through a vanos unit so my key tip would be to ensure you have warranty left and if not then think seriously about extended warranty from BMW Dealer.

They come fairly well specc'd anyway so no real worries there.

My question would be why change - I tested an S2000 recently and fell in love with it.

pottsy,

i am thinking of changing as i want something else that is fast and not too common. i am also sold on cars because of the engine. s2000 and zmcoupe are two cars with amazing engines.

how much do you think you spent on tyres and servicing in a year, and is the used bmw warranty worth the 3 or 4k that approved cars seem to command over private ones?

Servicing was standard BMW M servicing - ie not too bad for an Inspection 1 but flinching for an Inspection 2. Like £600+, and they need the car for 2 days because they set the shims which requires the car to be totally cool.

Tyres seemed to last a reasonable amount of time given the cr*p I gave them.  Mine had no traction control (98 model) so wheelspin was an enjoyable evil rather than an avoidable cost. No, thats not fair it is avoidable.

The reason I got rid was I was starting to drive like a 19 year old again cos the cars are such good fun.  But todays roads and my increasingly boring adult attitude persuaded me that driving to work sieways everyday (particularly in the wet) was an accident waiting when to happen rather than if and I didnt want anyone else involved in my accident.

My SO2s lasted well, given their excellent grip.

As I mentioned on a previous post - I loved the car, loved the looks (and the fact that many didnt) and could even live with my best mates calling it an allegro.

A testament is that I would have another! But I would have to be more in control of my teenage right foot.

Still wish my other half had bought the S2000 though - excellent machine and a fabulous noise.

Oh thats one other thing about the coupe - the Yanks love doing it up so there are quite a few aftermarket exhausts, supercharger kits (ott) and styling kits (not my cup of tea) available.  And Birds had a secondhand Scnitzer suspension kit whihc they were selling for a customer - wouldnt be surprised if they still have it.

On the track it was more fun than I envisaged but the seats could do with more lateral supoprt. 162 on the clock though.

Can't fault it ~ i t's a fantastic motor. Plus the fact u never see any others is so nice ~ real head turner.  I've had mine over 12months and I've only seen one other.

I got mine from a main delear, paid about 2k over the odds for it but well worth it.  The engine went a few weeks ago, they're 12k a go!

BM will quote you £190+VAT for each rear tyre! I'm currently looking for a new set myself so if anyone has any suggestions....

Things to look for? Well, if you go to a main dealer you shouldn't have anything too much to worry about.  I got an inspection II out of them first as that's the pricey one.  Also got the wheels refurbed aswell.  They should also guarantee your first MOT.

Not sure what your colour preferences are but the black and silver appear to hold their value better.

I'd been quite careful with mine over the first few months but the move I have it the more I push it.... great fun.  Hopefully a track day or two this year.

If you are looking for 245/40 Z17 then http://www.mytyres.net">http://www.mytyres.net can do Vredestein Ultrac for £115 (very sexy tread pattern).

If you want a more well-known brand then they have Conti Sport-Contact 2, Pirelli P-Zero Rosso & Nero (newer), Bridgestone S-03, or Yokohama A022 all for around £130 (inclusive).

Finally, the new Michelin Pilot Sport 2 for £150 (supposed to be based on the very sporty Michelin Pilot Sport Cup racing tyres)!