I finally got an M....I have a couple of Q's...please help

[AmirWRX]

Hey everyone,

I finally bought an M-Roadster; it's a 1998 cosmos black with 40K miles. It's got BTB warranty until 100k or 08/05. So far I'm very pleased with the car, however there're a couple of minor problems with it which should be covered under warranty. I've been spending lots of time on the forums and still need your advice regarding the following issues. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Problems to be addressed:

1. The inside cluster lights turn off when the headlight switch/knob is turned all the way to the RIGHT. Is that a common problem?

2. The #4 on the RPM gauge is not receiving as much light (missing pixels/dimmed).

3. The driver's seat rocks back/forth about an inch as I accelerate/decelerate.

4. When I try to roll the car in 1st gear by just disengaging the clutch slowly (not pressing on the gas) I hear a little rattling noise from underneath the car. Is that normal?

Other than the above issues, the rest of the car is in immaculate condition. Sometimes I wonder how the previous owner kept this car so clean; it looks and drives brand new.

I'd like to buy the S54 light assemblies all around to get rid of the amber lights. Where can I find a decent deal? I looked on ebay but I couldn't find much. I'm also interested in lowering the car, possibly without sacrificing ride quality (I think it's pretty stiff for STOCK) I'm not looking to autocross the car, it's gonna be for street driving only.

What do you guys think about this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33590

I appreciate all your inputs and apologize for making a long post.

Thanks,
Amir,

[kem]

Originally Posted by AmirWRX

3. The driver's seat rocks back/forth about an inch as I accelerate/decelerate.

Thats the seat bushings, notorious for going out on the mz3s.

Regarding that suspension on ebay, Bilstein sports are good shocks. Dont know too many people running the RD springs though dont know much about them. Most people have H&R or TCKline. You can get bilsteins and h&r springs for $750 new, so dont pay that much if you do bid.

THE most popular suspension for the MZ3's is definatly Ground Control Coilovers. They offer the most adjustability. TCKline kits are top quality too, but a bit more expensive.

Also, go on over to bimmerforums.com probably the most active Z forum.

[MarkS1382]

Hey welcome to the site. I just got my ride a couple weeks ago, used to have a '98 M Roadster too. Miss that thing too, but I guess it has its new happy owner. I had the Bilstein shocks/H&R springs on the Roadster...it looked and handled pretty well with those. Also try to get a Supersprint exhaust for it, I'm still kicking myself in the arse for selling mine for $750. Now I'm planning on getting another one, this time with straight tips, as well as the suspension kit, maybe the camkit too one of these days:-)
Hope you enjoy you ride, will bring you miles of smiles.

[AmirWRX]

yeah, I think I'll hold off on the ebay thing....I'd really like to lower the car though, how much would the Bilstein shocks/H&R springs lower the car? will it be an even drop? how's the ride quality?

also for exhaust, I've heard lots of good things about the Supersprint, but how is it compared to the EISENMANN? I want something that sounds nice and little louder than stock.

Thanks,

[MarkS1382]

Eisenmann exhausts sounds real badass, not to mention you get to have two sets of pipes:-)
Honestly I think Supersprint would be ideal for your car, especially with the top down. It also delivers the most horsepower, figure around 10-12, and sounds real sweet when warmed up and you really step on it. You can get the DTM style Supersprint for about $1,400, and the straight pipes for roughly $1,300.
On the other hand, Eisenmann wants around $1,600!!
In my opinion it's way overpriced, but if you want that extra race sound, go for it!
The H&R/Bilstein kit will lower your car by at least 1 inch. It takes some time for it to settle as well, so you have to give it time. The ride will be much more rewarding, especially on tight turns, ramps, and curves:-) Enjoy the ride man.

[kem]

The H&R's lower about 1.3". Doesn't seem like alot but these cars are pretty low as it is. However the wheel gap in the rear looks smaller then the front with that setup. Thats why I think Im just going to get GC Coilvers, so I can get the height just right.

The eisenmann is supposed to be one of the loudest exhausts... not sure thats for me. Im definatly going Supersprint.

[AmirWRX]

Thanks for all your help guys....I'm probably gonna go with the GC coilovers just because of the adjustablity on them....I just don't know how much stiffer it's gonna be compared to stock...(I think stock is very stiff). and I'm gonna go with the SuperSprint exhaust....gotta start ordering

Thanks,
Amir,

[MarkS1382]

Sounds like a plan Amir:-) Another thing to realize with coilovers is that everytime you adjust the height, you'll most likely have to get an alignment done. If that doens't bother you, then coilovers all the way....now that got me thinking into getting some. As far as getting your goodies, check out Tunermotorsport.com. They have a very good reputation and good prices.

[Vitolo]

Amir,

Definitely get the Supersprint. Hands down it is the best. The Eisenmann is louder(I have one now, but buying a Supersprint soon).

As for suspension, get the TCKline truematch coilover kit. I have it on my car and it rides smoother than stock. Way better than the GC kits ive tried.

Jonathan