NPoCP...THIS IS NOT A DRILL

"BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind" (briangriffinsprius)
10/26/2018 at 18:31 • Filed to: None

Z3 M convertible in what appears to be great condition. Am I nuts? I can get a non-M in similar condition for like half.

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DISCUSSION (19)

LongbowMkII > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
10/26/2018 at 18:49

High miles and no mention of any cooling upgrades.

WilliamsSW > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
10/26/2018 at 19:11

The M cars have a following - not sure the base cars do, especially the early 4 cylinders.

That said, this has the wrong engine and a lot of miles.

ihm96 > WilliamsSW
10/26/2018 at 20:18

I can’t stand the attitude that the S52 is the wrong engine because it’s really not. Just because the S54 was put in the last two years of Z’s doesn’t make an s52 z3 any less fun lol

ihm96 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
10/26/2018 at 20:19

You’ll prob have to redo a lot of suspension bits, valve cover and cooling stuff soon but those cars are a blast. I’m that kid with the 2.8 Coupe that fell apart but I never regret fixing her up because it’s such a fun car. If you like it it enough go for it, or better yet find a coupe lol

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
10/26/2018 at 20:30

Pretty nice price depending on how many needs it might have.

WilliamsSW > ihm96
10/26/2018 at 21:03

Well, it’s “ wrong” from a price perspective. And sure, 2 40 Hp is fun in that little car.

But dat 320 Hp and an 8000 RPM redline...

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > LongbowMkII
10/26/2018 at 21:18

So...no bueno?

AdverseMartyr > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
10/27/2018 at 00:16

I think you would need to check the records and see if it had the required maintenance being done at the required times. It sounds like the previous owner probably did since this owner is mentioning how the previous owner fixed a known problem. But it sounds like this owner probably hasn’t been careful with it, so... get it inspected by a mechanic who specializes in BMWs, maybe?

ihm96 > WilliamsSW
10/27/2018 at 10:06

The earlier ones are typically less expensive to make up for that difference. The speed difference between the two especially on the street really is a lot less than that HP jump makes it seem especially due to the differences in gearing and the diff. The S52 is also way way more reliable and can more easily be pushed to higher power levels safely if you desire. Plus its not drive by wire and doesn’t have the stupid clutch delay valve which in my book is a plus . Another note, the redline in the M Z3s is 7600. Either way, I think the cars should be looked at on their own merit. Speed is all relative anyways

WilliamsSW > ihm96
10/27/2018 at 10:12

The earlier ones are typically less expensive to make up for that difference.

That was really my whole point - I’m not claiming the S52 is a ‘bad engine’. And yeah, if you really want S54 power from that car, you’re only a supercharger away (and you’ll have better street torque that way, too)

Hell, I own a lame old M52, so either of these would be an upgrade for me.

ihm96 > WilliamsSW
10/27/2018 at 10:28

Who said the M52 is lame lol. I love mine. If I had more power I’d just get myself in even more trouble haha

WilliamsSW > ihm96
10/27/2018 at 11:30

Ha - mine is the 2. 5, so 170 Hp, and in a heavier car than your Z3 ( E46 convertible).

It’s saved by the short gearing and 5 speed.

Super reliable engine though.

ihm96 > WilliamsSW
10/27/2018 at 12:06

Mines the 2.8 and its got a Dinan Chip and Dinan CAI. Not fast by todays standards but plenty quick to have fun all day long.

WilliamsSW > ihm96
10/27/2018 at 12:16

Are you the one who chipped it and added the CAI? Curious what it added and how much it cost.

I have about 3400 lb or so for that 170 Hp- you have a way better power to weight ratio than I do.

ihm96 > WilliamsSW
10/27/2018 at 14:36

Nah it was the PO. The dinan chips arent too expensive though. I’ve been on their site and the one I have was like 200 and I plan on getting one for my E34 at some point and its only like 150. It doesn’t add a crazy amount of horsepower but from what I understand it gives you a lot more low end grunt in the 2k-4k rpm range which definitely helps make the car feel quicker around town. The CAI is like 200 I think and replacement filters are about 40$ but you can clean them as well so they last a while. I just put a new one on mine though cause who knows how old it was plus it looked good for radwood haha. There are supposedly some chips that get a little more power than the Dinan one but I like the fact that I’ve never seen a bad review or any reliability issues in my experience and research, plus they install them at dealerships with real warranties. I’m okay sacrificing a little more money and a little less power for the peace of mind as opposed to other tuner shops

WilliamsSW > ihm96
10/27/2018 at 16:02

That’s not a a lot of dough - I also have a Mercedes E550, and it seems like tunes for that car run $1500+, though they yield a lot more power thanks to the turbos. I’ve seen some tunes advertising 150 HP gains without opening the motor - from what I gather, the motor can handle that, but the rest of the drivetrain can’t.

My 323cic has 110k miles on it, and has never been apart. It runs great, but I wouldn’t want to put forced induction on it. Something cheap for a little extra grunt might make the car a little more fun - I’ll have to check it out, thanks!

ihm96 > WilliamsSW
10/27/2018 at 16:21

Yeah turbos always make tunes much more usable. I don’t like turbos for myself because it’s too much extra stuff to go wrong and I don’t have money to throw at issues. I’ve seen some crazy renntech and awe AMGs in my time working at Benz

WilliamsSW > ihm96
10/27/2018 at 19:12

The E class is only the 2nd turbo I’ve ever owned, and the first one (a Po ntiac Sunbird FML) was a complete POS.

Besides the reliability issues, I hate turbo lag with a passion, but this car doesn’t have any.

ihm96 > WilliamsSW
10/28/2018 at 12:09

Yeah plus you’re still on warranty so you’re good. I’ve never really been in the market for cars still on the factory warranty in my time so I’ve stayed away from any turbos. All of my purchases have been fairly bulletproof NA cars