Buying an M Roadster

[Ibanez]

Guys looking at a 98 M Roadster, the whole subframe thing had me worried. I"m not a subframe expert so I had the dealer snap some photos. Looks really clean to my eyes. Just wanted to get some expert Z-guys opinions since I'm new to the car. Please share me your thoughts. Thanks in advance!

One shot had me a little worried since it looked a bit odd, but overall pretty clean for 16 years old.

 

[swamper]

the Imola off ebay?
have you checked the boot floor / diff hanger?

 

[Ibanez]

the Imola off ebay?
have you checked the boot floor / diff hanger?

I didn't see this on ebay. It's from PA Auto Select, 52K on the clock. Saw it on cars/autotrader.com

 

[swamper]

must be a different one..the ebay one is 73k

what was the shot that got you worried ?

 

[GazHyde]

I take it they are a distance from you hence them taking pictures? They really need to get the camera in on the diff mounts if you are going to make a decision to view based on any pictures.

The boot welds in the boot under the carpet are the easiest thing to look at and photograph. They are also relatively simple to get sorted if they need doing. A few on here have had them done relatively painless.

 

[Brian H]

Looks very clean for 16 years old, The diff hanger as others have mentioned is the weak spot.

 

[Aceman]

I agree it looks pretty clean under there and wouldn't take much to make it look pristine. As the others have said you need to get right in and inspect where the diff hanger is welded to the beam running across the width of the boot floor and also check the seams of this beam have not pulled away from the surrounding floor. Get them to remove the carpet in the boot and also take out the tool tray (2 plastic nuts hold it in) and take a pic then post up here and we can advise you. However proper inspection by someone who knows what they are looking for would be better. Where is the car located maybe someone could go and have a look for you if you are too far away.

 

[Aceman]

There should also be an undertray covering the gearbox and centre exhaust section up which you should ask if they have removed to take pics otherwise that is missing.

 

[Ibanez]

thanks everyone, i went to see the car in person and everything was super clean. I didn't get a chance to pull up the rear carpet, but ill be doing that this saturday when I go to pick it up. They assured me that it's ok, so i'll get my deposit back if the welds are shot. in person the diff hanger was perfect, no issues, clean.

Not sure how active this community is, I also have an E90 M3, so i'm active on M3Forum.com. So looking for a place that people have get togethers with their cars, etc. Let me know if you recommend this site or the Z section on places like bimmerforums. I'll post up the full load of photos from the car.

I'm getting it from Autoselect in west chester PA.

 

[Aceman]

Hi Ibanez,

Good to hear that this one looks like a good example and all the best with the purchase.

With regard to meets etc. This is predominantly a UK based forum so most of our members are based in the UK. We have plenty of cruises and meets throughout the year but obviously mostly in good old blighty. It would be good though to get some USA action so as and when you get your Z please post up your stories I am sure we would all like to see and hear what the Z scene is like state side.