Z3M Coupe

[Chris tii]

Recently bought a Z3M Coupe with my dad. The cars a bit of a lemon. Though we knew it was a lemon but it was too much of a bargain to turn down. Theres a long list of issues with the car but the main one is the dreaded rear subframe failure.
I'm 90% sure my cars got it. I can't see any failed spot welds on the boot floor and when on the ramp, you can't see any cracks. Though its hard to see properly unless you take the diff off. The reason I think its got the issue is the creaking noise coming from the rear. I've watched a couple of youtube videos of cars with the issue and the noise is identical to mine.
So can anyone recommend a garage that has experience with fixing this issue? I'm guessing some of the e46 M3 guys might have had this issue in the past and had it fixed? Don't really want to take it to BMW as it will have that dealership premium.

 

[Woodcutter]

Awesome cars, I used to have a Sapphire Black S54 Z3MC, the only car I kick myself for selling.

Jonny at AI Autosport I think has done various E46 M3's, so worth giving him a shout, also speak to a few bodyshops and ask if they've done any, as it's actually a pretty straight forward repair, it's just labour intesive with all the stripping and building back up.

Get some pics up!

 

[Chris tii]

Ok thanks, I've sent him a message on facebook. I'll share some photo's of the car in a bit.

Mines a 2000 S50 Silver. Black S54's go for big money now, I'm sure it stings thinking about your old one.

 

[Woodcutter]

Ok thanks, I've sent him a message on facebook. I'll share some photo's of the car in a bit.

Mines a 2000 S50 Silver. Black S54's go for big money now, I'm sure it stings thinking about your old one.

They look great in silver, especially with the wheels done shadow chrome as per the S54 models.

Looking forward to seeing updates on this thread.

 

[Lyons]

@Sailorbaz did a bit of a restoration on a Roadster too. Just in case he came across any of the same issues.

Looking forward to seeing some photos .

 

[Chris tii]

Plan to give it a full respray once all the technical gremlins are fixed.

 

[Woodcutter]

Awesome !

 

[pablo]

That's so cool

 

[rupertfinch]

Genuinely one of my favourite cars. Best of luck with the restoration.

 

[e90318]

The z3m is my dream car but doubt it will happen with the way prices are goinglooking forward to seeing the progress

 

[Graham]

I love these, was very fortunate enough to drive a couple regularly way back when they were almost new, would have one tomorrow but prices have gone mental on them

 

[big_pete]

Awesome! If I fitted in one I would own one by now lol

 

[j44nty]

One of my favorite bmw wheels of all time and that body shape is to die for one of the best chassis for what i would deem as perfect fitment. Not many cars have the inside of the back wheels outside the line of the side windows. Beezer

 

[Chris tii]

Plan to take it up to Bavarian on Saturday for the BMW NI end of season meet. Just hope a good drive doesn't make the creaking any worse.

 

[Woodcutter]

Plan to take it up to Bavarian on Saturday for the BMW NI end of season meet. Just hope a good drive doesn't make the creaking any worse.

Never worry about the creaking, it'll get sorted soon enough when you book it in somewhere, it's not going to come apart! Drive it and enjoy it, it's great to see one that's been properly used and enjoyed, rather than a garage queen!

Must pop over to Portrush on Saturday to see all the BM's when they arrive.

 

[trev 1515]

Class! Proper M car. Best of luck with it

 

[AlpineF30]

Is that the motor with the Nurburgring sticker near the gearstick?

If so I commented on your facebook post a few weeks back on it asking where you on here.

Awesome car, i’ve subscribed to this thread to see the updates

 

[Chris tii]

Yeah thats the one. Glad to say the sticker is gone!

 

[Chris tii]

It's got an AC Schitzer short shifter fitted as well. I'm not a fan. Going back to the original shifter is high up on the list.

 

[Neil_M]

Hi Chris,

I remember this being posted up on NI BMW's facebook page.

Absolutely lovely car. As @Woodcutter says Jonny @ AI should be able to sort the subframe or at least inspect it. I use him for anything I can't do on the E36, highly recommended.

I should be there on Saturday too, would love a nosy round it.

It may also be worth befriending a few parts guys while you are in Bavarian .

 

[Lyons]

I’ve seen that photo before on here, I think the car might’ve been mentioned when for sale maybe?

Fantastic looking Motor, so aggressive.

 

[Chris tii]

Say hello on Saturday and I'll be happy to show you around. The cars rough, but has loads of potential to be a show stopper! I ordered a load of stuff today from Bavarian and they gave me 10% discount. Is that the usual amount or can you haggle for more?

I've had a couple of messages from AI Motorsports saying he's done a few M3's subframes. Sent him a link about the issue and asked if he fancied having a go at doing the work, haven't heard back yet.
There is a reinforcment kit available in America that involves changing the diff cover to a double eared E36 cover. Its ment to be great but involves an estimated 32 hours to fit.

 

[Neil_M]

Say hello on Saturday and I'll be happy to show you around. The cars rough, but has loads of potential to be a show stopper! I ordered a load of stuff today from Bavarian and they gave me 10% discount. Is that the usual amount or can you haggle for more?

I've had a couple of messages from AI Motorsports saying he's done a few M3's subframes. Sent him a link about the issue and asked if he fancied having a go at doing the work, haven't heard back yet.
There is a reinforcment kit available in America that involves changing the diff cover to a double eared E36 cover. Its ment to be great but involves an estimated 32 hours to fit.

No worries Chris I sure will. I'll be down in an Estoril E36 Saloon.

Probably to be found feeding my face

Any discount is worth while and you can never have too much

 

[Gaz]

Awesome cars. I even wrote a short article on them for RMS

BMW Z3M Coupe - RMS Motoring

Was actually sniffing round a silver one 3 days ago and think asides from Estoril, it's probably the best colour in them. They have incredible road presence.

Look forward to reading more about this one

 

[Chris tii]

Awesome cars. I even wrote a short article on them for RMS

BMW Z3M Coupe - RMS Motoring

Was actually sniffing round a silver one 3 days ago and think asides from Estoril, it's probably the best colour in them. They have incredible road presence.

Look forward to reading more about this one

Great write up! Clearly I'm not the only fan of these cars. Really looking forward to giving it all the TLC it deserves and getting back to its best.