z3m roadster s54 (to purchase or not)

[nickjames]

Hello can some one help

I have a chance to purchase a 2003 registered z3m roadster fully loaded with hardtop only done 26000 miles in the uk. this was the very last made and BMW reg it in 2003. The car has full service history which I have checked with BMW. the car is concurs condition and for sale for £14400 pounds.

My problem is I keep reading the issue with bearing failure on this s54 engine, should I be concerned as the car has not been used for track days etc. The car never had the bearing changed, the cars sounds ok when started and all normal tempeatures etc.

can some one please help with some info before I purchase?

all the best

Nick

[knievil]

Do it. There may not be an opportunity like this again. The bearing issue affected the early S54's. Can do preventative fix.
The fella on here that has done a lot of bearing work is Randy Forbes (user name). Do a search and you will find what you seek. Check out his website - many galleries there www.rfdm.com site down for the mo' tho'.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...rchid=14341322

[2002Z3]

Hello can some one help
... can some one please help with some info before I purchase?
Nick

Hi Nick,

If I were you, I would check around to see if there are independent mechanics in your area that will replace the rod bearings. Get some estimates on cost and weigh this cost as part of the purchase price. If it meets your budget, then cool. You can neglect the bearings and maybe luck out, but if you search through these threads, you'll see a lot of S54 guys replace theirs as a preventive measure. I've seen Randy post pictures of suspect bearings quite a few times on engines that were not really abused. If I were going to buy a 2001/2002 M, I would have them replaced if they had not been already done. That's just me.

Cheers,

[anucci]

I would only buy it if is was Estoril blue.
j/k. I just bought a 2002 as a sunny day car and it is just a boatload of fun to drive.
I used to own a late production 2002 e46 M3 and never had the bearing problem.
And I don't expect to have one wit this car.
The car gets looks everywhere I drive it.
The M roadster is a rare car.
BUY IT.

[nickjames]

thanks every one, very helpfull I will ask my local dealer the cost to change these bearings. But the overall opinion frm every one is that they probally will fail at some piont, so best to change them

[onboost]

I thought that's recall?

[Randy Forbes]

I thought that's recall?

For an S-54 M3 it is, for an S-54 M Rdstr, it is not.

What is darka yellow?

[knievil]

There's light an' then Darka yellow - c'mon Randy - wassup!

[Randy Forbes]

There's light an' then Darka yellow - c'mon Randy - wassup!

[onboost]

For an S-54 M3 it is, for an S-54 M Rdstr, it is not.

What is darka yellow?

It's Dakar yellow not Darka anyhow that's bad for the Roadster with S54, but it all depend on luck right?

[BobSarley]

Back to the question... I would have to say buy it. However, I would negotiate the cost of the bearing change with the seller.

Gotta love an "M".

[Randy Forbes]

It's Dakar yellow not Darka anyhow that's bad for the Roadster with S54, but it all depend on luck right?

Your profile (upper right corner of every post you make) says "Darka Yellow M RoadsteR."

[onboost]

Your profile (upper right corner of every post you make) says "Darka Yellow M RoadsteR."

Typo

[Donlundm3]

But does he really have to worry about the bearings with that late build date? Randy did mine becasue it was a 5-01 build right in the middle of the problem period. Don't make a problem if there is none. They're fantastic cars. I'd worry more about what may happen to your boot floor, and Randy has afix for that too.