cobalt

Well if we are getting into these categories how about the new F 599 GTO. there was the first one in the country at our cars & Croissants this past weekend. Talk about over the top. Play station took over 15,000 photos of the car while there.

I have two friend with Z8's very nice car but not a drivers car like the 928. Funny how tastes differ. I hate the 512TR but love the 512BB. My cardiologist has a beautiful black over Palomino 512TR custom set up by his friend Enzo. with 500 hp and light weight parts. Very nice car but still would hesitate to own it. Not as exciting a car to drive as it looks.

hacker-pschorr

One of the first Z8's we looked at belong to a self proclaimed BMW guru. Had the club shirt, hat etc.. on. Claimed the frame issue was blown way overboard.

I didn't have the heart to tell him that from what I could see (panel gaps, and the inside suspension mount) his looked bent.

BMW's attitude about the problem was the final straw for my father.

+1
996's getting their engines replaced, my friends with 40k needed new cams and other various issues and some 928 guru on Pano claiming our engines are all going to crack......
Meanwhile any Ferrari guru will proudly explain how the Testarossa / 512 engine is nothing short of bullet proof, the electronics are the same family of Bosh as our cars. Yes there are trannie issues that will get expensive if you do not do a simple adjustment when the problem first starts.

I'm still trying to figure out when my fathers 355 will become an unreliable POS like some claim it to be.


This goes back to our discussion about GT's in OT.
As you know, the 512 has never been considered a "sports car" and neither is the Z8. Great cars yes, but more setup for boulevard cruising and blasts down the autobahn versus a back country road.

cobalt

Of both Z8's I have seen and judged for full concours both were flawless. No issues whatsoever. In fact some of the finest fit and finish of any BMW I have seen.

Most 996's have issues although the TT's GT3's and GT2's are another story. based on the same engine as the 964/993 they are relatively bullet proof.

As far as TR motors being bullet proof, I doubt that. I have over a dozen engine case halves in my metal scrap bins from the TR. They have issues with pulling studs and not being repairable so you need to buy a new case and rebuild them. Costs more than a average 928.


I agree 100% there.

hacker-pschorr

From what I've learned it's one extreme or the other. The cars are perfect, until the front sub-frame starts to buckle. There is a fix from BMW (finally) that adds a cross brace in front of the motor.
I'm sure the majority of Z8's are not "damaged".

Early / late or doesn't matter?

cobalt

Not sure, good question.

I would have to look at part numbers. I know the mechanic who brings me the stuff said this is a common problem but did not mention if they ever fixed it. I trust his comments and know he was the foremost authority on Lamborghini's and started life working for Ferrari.

anonymousagain

interesting Z8 facts Hacker - learn something new everyday.

Seems the majority of owners haven't encountered the buckling, nevertheless it has occurred...enough for BMW to finally issue a corrective action.

I'd sort of see this like the lower aluminum ball joint for OB's. There were few reported catastrophes due to it's failure, but still a known weakness that eventually Porsche addressed, and more importantly owners should take note on their own to address it with a known fix.

Have to add regarding the Testarossa - I don't care for the look too much and performance is just okay IMO, but there's something about owning THAT model Ferrari !! Maybe it's pretentiousness, but the iconic sense of that car makes it way more attractive than it actually is, to me. If seeking a Ferrari, I'd probably look at a 328GTS or front engine like the 599, however if a Testarossa 'found me' and I could afford it, I think I'd buy it in a heartbeat That car just screams "look at me"! Now!!

gutMD

[QUOTE=Hacker-Pschorr;7976466]From what I've learned it's one extreme or the other. The cars are perfect, until the front sub-frame starts to buckle. There is a fix from BMW (finally) that adds a cross brace in front of the motor.
I'm sure the majority of Z8's are not "damaged".

Agreed,

Most are not but some are. Easy to see when present.
The "performance package" (strut brace) and removal of the stock run flat tires avoids any future issues.

A very, very different car than our beloved 928.

hacker-pschorr

Well, there goes my plan to drop a flat 12 into my replica Cobra

Shark Attack

I gave it up for a 996 (911) only becasue I wanted somethign newer

hacker-pschorr

Fixed that for you



/sorry, I had to......

worf928

Really.

Umm... so, like what folks said about the 928 all those years ago...

That's why I posted a picture of the v10 model.

I believe that the R8 v10 is the least expensive (new) exotic(*) that can be purchased. (If I'm wrong someone will let me know I'm sure). Basically the performance of a Gallardo for about $100k less.

* Exotic, in my book is: mid-engined, 500+ hp, near-zero utility for anything other than driving around, and polarizing take-it-or-leave-it looks.

Marine Blue

I have to agree on the R8, it is an amazing package and nice looking car. I would choose it over many of the Ferrari's being produced these days.

But I still want the Spyder, I think its the sports car bargain of the decade.

hacker-pschorr

That about sums it up, except for the HP figure - excludes too many vintage exotics


+1
My only complaint is the weight, IMO it should be closer to 2800lbs. It is nice to see Porsche still knows how to built a sports car.
Starting at just over 3,000lbs, it wouldn't take much to shed a few for one hell of a track car.

I would be happy with an RS60 Spyder too:

http://www.seriouswheels.com/2008/no...r-1280x960.htm

That's one sexy interior......

Marine Blue

If you don't put any options in the Spyder it weighs 2820 Lbs. Add A/C and Radio and your adding about 80 Lbs back into it. Still not bad.

RS60 Spyder is my second choice at the moment.

hacker-pschorr

Didn't know that, very cool.

IMO they should have waited to release the RS60 special edition as a version of the Spyder.