BMW s54 3.2

[tfmcmahon]

Looking for comments on the merits of the Z3 "M' with the S54 engine.I know this is a well received iron block that goes like heck.There some very low mileage ones I found in the low $30k range.Thoughts?

[LongRanger]

. . . Looking for comments on the merits of the Z3 "M' with the S54 engine . . .

The Atomic Breadvan --- see my comments/mis-adventures @post #31 . . .
http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...-Buy-NOW/page4

Things are wild


Pretty-much bullet-proof, mechanically --- garden-variety BMW bits = nothing really exotic . . . just need special motor oil = $$$. Otherwise? --- just remember to check/watch out for the rear floors . . .
a) in the process of tearing-out, or . . .
b) having been improperly reinforced/repaired

The rear structure-cum-suspension of these cars is more-or-less straight out of the e30 . . . and will eventually fail if you don't do something about it

Old Problem w/ several fixes/approaches . . . Dinan, Turner, et al



Personally? . . . .

Anything under $35k is a steal --- provided the motor + structure are sound

[Flieger]

I thought they were OK because they still had the semi-trailing arms from the E30. I thought it was the multilink E36 that had the subframe cracks.

[uai]

I think it's only a problem of the cars before the Facelift.

[Olivier]

Isn't this thing with a roof better?

I would DIE for a Z3M Coupé.... anything in "modern" mass production cars looks like this!!!

Olivier

[4SFED]

I had a 2002 M Roadster with the S54 3.2L.... it was a phenomenal car. Build quality was very good and the style really can't be beat. They are quite rare, as they only made 1500 or so for US consumption. The earlier cars from 1998-2000 (with the S50) were the chassis that had issues with the rear subframe, as I understand it. The later cars from 2001 and 2002 were updated to correct the problem.

If you find a S54, BUT IT. You won't regret it. I still regret selling mine. I've owned 8 BMW's including several M5's and M3's. This was, by far, the most exciting to drive.