Should I buy a Z8?

[BeemrBen]

I have always loved the Z8, but never owned one. Now I am looking for a new car and there are several under consideration.
Z8 (of course-but obviously used, none picked out yet)
New Corvette (supercharged, if I can get one)
New Jag-XF-R or XKR (both supercharged)

Can some Z8 owners give me an idea of what to expect maintenance cost wise and potential major expense? (No warranty, of course)

What would you do in my position, and why?

Thanks a lot,
Ben

[metzger]

I've had mine for two years without any major expenses. Now thinking of selling, but that's because retirement is looming and one of the downsides of a "collector" car is that you don't want to put a lot of miles on it - so, I'll eventually need to get something I don't mind consuming (plan to spend several months a year away from home after retirement).

One point that has obviously occurred to you is that the other cars you mention will depreciate dramatically in the first year or two after purchase. That depreciation can cover a lot of maintenance expenses. Z8 prices are headed back up. This trend started a couple of years ago both here an in Germany (a friend there tells me). It appeared to stall briefly with concerns over frame damage, and now that BMW has come up with a fix, seems to have taken off again (fueled at least in part by Europeans buying American cars and shipping them home to take advantage of the weak dollar). Z8's are classically beautiful with contemporary performance and they aren't making any more of them. This ultimately points in the direction of price appreciation. that being said, there are some issues to watch out for if you decide to buy one. Frame damage is a major one, as are fogged headlights, dying tailights (expensive neon technology) and central heater control units failing. the other Z8 cite (www.bmwZ8.us) is a rich source of info about these problems. I'd advise informing yourself thoroughly if you're still interested in one of these cars. Good luck!

MikeMike Metzger
2002 Z8 (silver/black)
2006 650 sport coupe (silver gray/chateau)

[orcatek]

I would not hesitate to a get a Z8. An exotic that you can get serviced in any major city. Timeless styling.

Maintenance is very typical of any BMW - higher than domestic cars, but not insane like some cars.

Potential major is the VANOS system. Rare but can happen.

Dean

Orcatek<table><caption align="bottom">Chandler, AZ<caption><tr><td><img src="http://members.roadfly.com/orcatek/signature.jpg" alt="1997 840Ci Alpine White/Parchment 2003 Z4 Maldives Blue/Black"></td></tr></table>

[scottpettit]

I understand that the performance package is a must. Is that due to the aluminum body? What is included in the package?

Also, a few sellers have said that they had the clutches upgraded during a BMW recall. A Z8 owner friend has said that he knows of no recall. Have you heard of one?

Scott Pettit
President
Z Series Car Club of America