- Joined
- Feb 18, 2016
- Points
- 231
- Model of Z
- Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)

M specific things
Check the boot welds (diff hanger) lift the carpet and make sure there are no cracks or popped spot welds.
Make sure there is no Vanos growl (rev up ---when its warmed up--- and if there is a problem the vanos will growl as the revs drop (will affect performance and drive you nuts)
Rear springs can snap worth checking sometimes difficult to see until removed
I understand the S54 has issues with the big end shells?? not sure how you check this
Get it up to temperature and make sure the water temp dial sits in the middle and doesn't fluctuate.
Other stuff:
If it has aircon check it works the condenser rad is very vulnerable to stone damage (overhaul of mine was £680)
Seat bushes (seat rocking, will need bush replacement)
Front end of sills rusting (huge problem with all Z3s)
Suspension and bushes in general, the M stuff is not the same as the non M z3s and its all darn expensive, (ask me how I know!)
Out of line stick is the detent pins (box out job) I would live with it until you need a clutch change.
First jobs if you buy
Change the gearbox oil will help a ton with the gear change
Change the diff oil
My top tip
Don't ever drive it hard (I don't go over or usually close to 3k rpm) until the OIL temp is around the 80 to 90 degrees
Heres the Z3M register
https://bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=16


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