Considering one and wanted to hear opinions.
Never became an owner, but looked hard about 10 years ago and moved on due to the "hassle factor." Since so many components on the Z8 are unique to the model, sourcing parts might be onerous and discouraging to some owners. At least that seemed to be the situation back then; suspension items verged on unobtanium, especially OEM. Possibly the situation has changed with new vendor offerings. Thus, you might want to research that issue in 2025 before pulling the trigger if you want the car to be a driver. Otherwise, a nice car that seemed to be ahead of its time.
Agree and have considered one, kind of the final evolution of the classic post-WW2 drop top.....the scarcity of parts issue because of the rarity is of course one reason we want to buy cars like this, it is part of the value equation. I own a 2005 Ford GT (amazing car BTW), and it too suffers from parts availability....even though it is a FORD. My Diablo Roadster just got out of the shop yesterday after 3 months because of lack of parts, the work itself was like a 2-3 day thing. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I thought BMW said they are supporting parts for 50 years on the car? Expensive, but they can get it for you. Like the ridiculous neon taillights that fail. Yes...neon and not LED. Poor design imo. The biggest issue with this car is like other BMWs of that time...really poor chassis design and weak. E36 and E46 with their own strut tower and rear subframe support panel failed designs. The Z8 itself is a weak aluminum chassis to the point some owners had to get entirely frames due to the struts crinkling up. I do want to get a Z8 one day, but only an Alpina variant. It would have to have the performance package that includes the front strut brace and larger metal discs on the towers to spread the force on the strut bolts. Just like with the E39 M5 and even the regular M62 engine you need to make sure the timing chain guides are in good condition/replaced. edit: 2053 year for parts in press release https://www.presstopic.bmwgroup.com/en/bmw-classic-blog/buyme/text/LICENCE-TO-DREAM-9661.html
Original owner of a Z8 ask any questions you may have about the car. It is a roadster version of the E39 M5. I had the Performance Package installed in 2006 when it was released. I have not had any major issues with the car. I am surprised how few BMW Z8's have the Performance Package. BMW required the car to be inspected by a BMW Dealer to confirm the car was within factory specifications before you could order the Performance Package. I got an official letter from BMW with the inspection report confirming car was withing those specifications and eligible for the Performance Package.
