firebobby wrote: ↑Mon Sep 11, 2017 7:42 pm
Why did BMW build such a fickle engine, reminds me of the Triumph Stag in the early years. These engine issues and the sky high road tax just don't appeal to me on the M cars.
I'll bite too
I agree about the road tax
The engine however is superb, I see them raced every month in E46 M3 with no engine failures that I can remember in the last 5 years (30 min qually and 40 minute races). Most of them have standard internals save for rod bolts (ARP) and bearing shells every year or two years as a precaution. These are race winning cars. I compare this with most other makes and models that race at the front of the grids and most have to uprate crank, rods, pistons, cams and more and even then they break.
It's impossible to know what percentage of Z4M have worn their engines sufficient that replacement parts were needed but I have a strong opinion that it is considerably less than the equivalent Porsche engine. When the followers or bearing shells have needed replacement at least they haven't damaged the block or head in the process.
For a road car engine producing more than 100bhp per litre, revving to 8000rpm with a wide range of care and treatment I think they are pretty tough.
Just IMO, will take you for a spin in mine next time we meet