Fixing It - Cheap Sports Car Challenge 02 - Inspection & Updates | Everyday Driver
Vložit
- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- Now that we have our Cheap Sports Cars, we have to fix them. The guys spend a day in the garage, discovering what's wrong, what can be updated, and what they might ignore. This is the second video in our Cheap Sports Car Challenge, and we're excited to drive this Z4 and SLK for the next year thanks to AutoTempest.
00:00 - 1:18 Intro
1:18 - 2:48 Purchase Price & Condition
2:48 - 4:45 BMW Z4 Problems
4:45 - 7:02 Mercedes SLK Problems
7:02 - 7:30 Conclusions
7:30 - Next Time
Do your own Cheap Sports Car Challenge and tell us what you'd buy for less than $7500 by using this link:
www.autotempest.com/results?m...
And find the perfect brake kit for your car at:
www.powerstop.com/
#CheapSportsCarChallenge #BMW #Mercedes
All our TV shows with full car comparison episodes can be found on Amazon and Vimeo, and films on all formats available here:
www.everydaydriver.com
Our Podcast, "The Car Debate", can be found every Tuesday and Friday wherever you get Podcasts.
New videos here on Thursdays.
Subscribe and hit the Bell - lots more on the way! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
![[柴犬ASMR]曼玉Manyu&小白Bai 毛发护理Spa asmr](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0TsXQ7z2Dh4/mqdefault.jpg)
As one of the folks who submitted these two cars for the "Car Debate," I just wanted to say thank you for starting this series. I am really looking forward to seeing how these two cars perform and how their overall ownership experiences turn out to be. :)
instablaster.
I went the mx5 route... the z4 is gorgeous. The merc wasn’t even on my radar
If I remember correctly in their first video in the series they purposefully went with something other than an MX5 because MX5 has long always been the good default choice.
@@Shane-Singleton yep I think they eliminated the Boxster as well.
I have a NB for future track toy and e85 for daily. They are both so good
As a BMW Fan, I'd say that the SLK with a V6 and a Manual is underrated. They are pretty good Sports Car/GT Hybrids!
I own a Z3M and an SLK230 (Not a V6, but i've had encounters with a few) and I'd say that the SLK is great for people who sometimes want a Convertible while the Z is better for people who want a Convertible and to enjoy a great engine.
Fun series. I have the Merc SLK280 (2006 model) that I bought in 2016 with 83K on the clock for about $9500. It was in cleaner condition than the one you got, but it had been neglected a little, mechanically. I went through it and have kept it up since. I did two upgrades - moved to the AMG 17" wheels (refurbished at $200 each) with matching tires, and tossed the OEM stereo system in its entirety, installed a modern Alpine head, much better power amp and speakers, all Car Play operation; perfect. Now at 129000 miles, it continues to run like a new car, and it has remained remarkably inexpensive to run.
BTW: While the 3.0L version of this engine was included in the class action suit for the balancer shaft problem since it's the same engine family, records show that very very few, if any, of the 3L motors were actually affected by the problem. None of the Mercedes specialists around here (and there are a lot of them) have ever seen a 3L with the issue; all have seen several 3.5L with the problem... That's one of the reasons I chose the 280SLK instead of the 350SLK when I was looking. The difference in power is a minor concern to me.
BTW2: I had my choice of both a six speed manual and a seven speed automatic version when I was looking ... comparable cars in every other way on condition, finish, performance, etc. I chose the 7 speed auto because it simply worked better for my driving needs, although the manual was indeed a delight to drive with. Once you get the hang of how to use the automatic to best advantage, it gives up practically nothing to the driiving experience of the manual, and is far more useful when dealing with urban traffic situations.
BTW3: The absolute worst thing about the 280SLK is the Mercedes standard programmed throttle response, which even in "sport" mode proves laggy with poor responsiveness. A very cheap and complete solution to this problem is the Sprint Booser III programmable throttle actuator accessory. Its a little box that goes between the throttle-by-wire pedal and the engine computer: it provides access to the standard actuator programming, Sport settings from 0-9, and Race settings from 0-9, with a switch for manual or automatic equipped engines as well. The difference in responsiveness is night and day: now, with the control set to Sport #5, the responsiveness in "Comfort" mode on the transmission is better than the OEM Sport responsiveness. Set to Race #4-5 mode, with transmission in Sport mode, the responsiveness is almost too much and it makes shifting manually, even with the automatic transmission, virtually instantaneous and a giggle on curvy mountain roads. Not bad for $250, half an hour to put it in, and everything else left 100% stock.
I love the car: It's proving very reliable, very inexpensive to run, and has both great economy and a HUGE range due to the 18 gallon tank and 29-32 mpg highway cruising fuel economy. The handling isn't boy racer toss about, but more 'gentleman's express" due to the car's weight, but that's good enough for me. :)
Im very impressed with the quality of production these guys have. They're up there with SavageGeese.
Some of those SavageGeese videos be lookin' like they were filmed by Francis Ford Coppola! ;-)
They’re on Amazon prime video ffs, they’re above savage geese in many ways. Obviously they aren’t seeking to be film quality like savage geese but still
@@Fee.1 also actually on the motor trend TV channel
@@revolutionday1 Even the music on Savage Geese makes me think there's a whole production company behind them.
Luv and Peace.
Yeah, these guys are actual TV people who started on CZcams. Great show and listen to their podcast religiously.
I have a 1999 $3,800 slk 230 and i absolutely love it yes it has 180,000 miles but looks brand new and runs like a champ even the top works only thing ever done was break pads general fluid and tires and new motor mounts at 150,000 miles slks are incredibly reliable
Autotempest is doing awesome work promoting these CZcams channels. Amazing content as always. 👍
I bought my red 97 NA Miata (1.8, 5mt, LSD) with 110k for $4k of FB MP right around the time you guys revealed your cars. It's my first real sports car. So far I've just done an oil change, new air filter, pads and rotors and brake fluid flush. She's a hoot! It makes it so fun following along with you guys!
This is pretty fun. You guys are doing in 2020 what you encouraged me to do in 2012 when I bought my 21 year old manual V6 front engine rear drive sports car (1991 300zx). OK mine was Japanese but it's older.
Well done, the brakes (and tyres) are the most important things in road holding and safety.
Every car I ever bought second hand gets the same treatment, at least new fluids (oil, coolant, transmission, brake and clutch fluids), new filters (air, oil, interior) and new Sparks and wipers, always.!
It's cheap to do really, few hundred bucks or much less if you can do it all yourself.
Any car older than 10 years and/or over 60K Miles on it also needs a proper suspension check, bushings, rubbers, dampers etc
Awesome, I’ve been waiting for more on these. I like this series, keep it up! Definitely appeals to us “working class” enthusiasts! 👍👍
Great work guys, love this. I loved the Phaetom/QP series too.
I literally couldn't keep myself together when ol' boy was doing that "rotor curl".... >X-D
I had a TERRIBLE f***ing day today, so....the laugh was much-needed!
Yay! Thanks for the update. Can’t wait for the road trip.
"We have to put some miles on em" ...GIANT SMILE! Great cars guys!
Can't wait for more on this series. ALL CAPS EXCITED!!
You guys should do the Saturn Sky next as a cheap sports car.
That Z's license plate.... LOL
That was me and my friends going the other way at 5:38.
It was cool that we captured you guys the day before we actually met you. Thanks for watching!
Very cool cars on the roads of Utah
I bet the guys were wishing they were in their sports cars!
@@MrBirgerB This was actually Colorado
Do I spy a Rosso Dino F430 Scuderia in that group?
Looked up the PowerStop Z26 pad and rotor kit for my car and it's almost $900 But if you think that's bad price OEM replacement parts from Chevrolet, lol.
Had a SLK280 edition 10 (auto)for 12 years. No problems but low miles (17500) Traded it in for a 20BRZ TS for its trans and handling. Excited to see how he MB holds up in your future videos.
Love the video! Keep up the good work!
I like the different way you filmed and shared your thoughts, but don’t get me wrong, I also enjoy the traditional “in the car seat” off the cuff impressions.
I can't in good faith recommend drilled rotors. Surely PowerStop could've sourced you some of their blank rotors. I run Centric blanks on my track car and they've had zero problems.
and grooved feels and sounds weird too, why do it to yourself?
Instal superpro front lower control arms and powerflex rear trail arm bushes and enjoy! I've just installed them along with KW V3 + clubsport topmounts and superpro rear lower control mounts and my car was transformed - It was on a BMW e86 coupe 3.0si though!
Damn you guys bought endless money pits. :D
Not so my friend. I would be happy to buy that Z4 for a 1500 dollar profit today. So its not an endless money pit unless your really trapped into it. At least financially. The Mercedes is not a bad car.. with the manual.. but the Z4 with the straight 6 just makes me smile.
#zegermanz
can we get a look at the cars going the other way @5:39? lol
I'm in negotiation with the Minister of Finance for a Z4. I'm not getting very far. 😒
Hum you know it's a very safe car - also perfect for shopping - I mean you would love to go shopping for her :)
@@bavariancarenthusiast2722 I use mine for costco runs all the time. It has a surprising amount of trunk space, almost as much as the three series of the era, no lie.
Men referring to the minister of finance, the über command, and the like, tend to get replaced.
@@NateDawg0007 Yes I like the Z4 too - for a single household it's perfect - or 2nd car for a family. All the modern cars grew so big an heavy - except the Boxter which I like a lot.
@Rubedo Alaberti that sounds like fun every day does it? I assume its not a family car too, meaning it's your personal car. For this it's great.
I didn't realize the Z4 was a 3.0i. That is a killer deal. I can't find a decent one for less than like $12K.
Keep looking. I got mine for 10k, 80k miles 2008 3.0. And I’ve seen them for less than that
@@Eastcoastcarclub 2008 m54? Or 3.0si with the n52?
@@Krezo200 m54 z4 was from 03-05. 2006 to 08 they were all n52’s. The Si was just a tuned version of the n52. It’s like the difference between a 328 and 330i e90 with the n52
@@Eastcoastcarclub okay thats for US only i guess
Here in germany its a bit different
All 3.0i are m54
All 3.0si are n52
👍🏻
@@Krezo200 yes you’re right I am referring to us market, sorry for my ignorance
Those roads look incredible
So you're not mechanics, yet you performed work that most people wouldn't hesitate to pay someone else to do. :D
Do it right ,do it yourself, I’ve been screwed so many times by pros even the dealership that can’t fix shit.
Power stop brakes rock! Awesome. The tires might be runflat which would make the ride rough. ?
Wow. Great roads!
Great content!
Nice vid. I want to know about those Bmw bushes, which ones were replaced?! + It wouldn’t have hurt to polish those pad pins... ;-)
Great series outstanding channel
Great video very interesting and entertaining, and it’s ZED..🤪
There’s a focus club for Z model BMWs you should check out at zscca.org. Also, go to bimmerbum.com for parts and technical advice from a z owner and BMW expert. He can really help you sort out the suspension issues and identify any type-specific problems to look out for.
5:39 What a symphony!
I own a 2003 z4 2.5i and it has been fantastic. Bought it 4 years ago for about $12K with 41K miles and it has been great. I do most of the service work myself and it is super easy to work on. Biggest problem is the electronic power steering in hot weather, but I changed the belts and it improved markedly. Would I buy another? - yes - but M or at least 3.0L version for a little more go.
I have the same year, model and engine... But I made sure it has the Sports Package... I drove cars with and without it... And I can't stand the electric steering without that button. I drive with the button on all the time... The car had 12,500 miles on it when I purchased it in 2006 and just went over 94k 2 weeks ago. Still love it and gradually customized it over the years with suspension upgrades, M seats, Dinan S Package...
7:23, that has to be the million-dollar highway just north of Durango in Colorado right? I'd like to think I could recognize that section of road with the tunnel and the corner that bends around the mountain. I got to drive that fantastic piece of road this summer in an audio RS5 and it was FANTASTIC! Can't wait to see what you all think of it!
I took a look. Around me the best options are a mx5, FRS, and several porsche boosters. I am taller so I'd hold my nose and get the porsche.
Another great video. But seriously, use a torque wrench when replacing the calipers!
I'd say you got ripped off on the Z4, you probably could have negotiated $500 - 1000 off down to around ~6K for the crappy interior and not doing the bushings or shocks. Also there isn't any cheap quick fix for the lack of steering feel. If it really bothers you, you could have opted for the z4M bushings which would have added camber and given the appeance of better feel. Plus opting for the bilsteins was a bit excessive as non worn oem shocks are actually really good.
Sight unseen
At that mileage both struts and shocks are toast, OEM Sachs struts and shocks are inferior to the Bilsteins . Run flats are horrible on the Zeds and tramline like crazy. Replace shocks and tires and you have a new car. Have a 3.0 si Coupe and I know
At 6:14 the mysterious fluid is top hydraulic fluid. Its leaking from the front latch cylinder and pools on top on the headliner.
Was just going to say exactly the same thing!
Wait till they find out the cost of a replacement cylinder......
Although if your clever, they can be opened up and the seals can be replaced.
I always fond of these 2 cars
Aside from the great intended content, I love, and am stealing, Paul’s idea of using rotors as weights to make some dumbbells. They are incredibly hard to find these days.
What audio recording equipment do you use for vocals?
Those yellow Bilsteins (B6 here in Europe) are significanty stiffer than the factory damspers. That'll be why the car feels so stiff. (tried them for a while on my e46 330ci before swapping back to OE MSport)
Bilstein isnt good at all in germany, dont last long and not great quality overall
Todd....or guy who isn’t Todd, did you say Billshteins? How cultured!
I just had a charman toilet paper commercial play during the video that used the EXACT SAME stock music!!!
I wish they mentioned the price of all the updates/repairs, I guess they'll show a sum at some point.
As for the Z4 engine, the 3.0si is better than the 3.0i, worth paying a little more.
You won’t get a 3.0 si that cheap 260 horse power in a Zed is lots of fun 2006 to 2008
Z4 was known to ride unnecessarily stiff as Clarkson initially test drove it on Top Gear. However I wonder if you should've gotten bilsten touring shocks instead of yellow bilsteins.
In the best case nothing from bilstein
I've been looking for a z4 but I cant find any with manuals. Is the SMG 6 speed really bad?
We would not recommend the SMG. BMWs DCT is excellent, and their 8 speed automatic is also good. Thanks for watching.
@@EverydayDriver What about the 5 speed auto on a E85 2006 z4? are those reliable? Thanks for replying.
@@lwh4566 its not great I would recommend the 6 speed auto in the 06-08 z4 if you need an older auto
Please do an early 2000s thunderbird
When I first heard the music at the beginning, I thought I had the wrong video 😉
Why didn't you buy a Z4 with the Sports Package? The steering feel is much better....
I love working on my own cars because I seem to develop a better connection with that component once I’ve worked on it. I’m more aware and in tune with how those components are functioning. Do you guys notice that?
yeah, so every noise in my car makes it cringe and think what horrible job is upcoming lol
However I did pay for the clutch in the gt4 to be replaced as it was winter and didn't want to do a first-time-on-the-st205 big job in the snow and ice
For a little more money you can get a Z4 coupe. They drive nothing alike. I should know I have both! Awesome cars
Buy that coupe now because their going up in value
@@anthonygillesse7242 I have a z4 coupe, and now trying to get my hands on a z3 coupe!
Love the Z4... not sure if I fit in one, but I like. I just fit in my E36 325i .. that is tight but ok for 6 hours at least. Is the Z4 a lot smaller near your knee area ??
I assume you have changed engine oil and coolant and brake fluid at a minimum.. A used car requires at least that.
I love this series you are doing. I have some money burning a hole. Just need to find a decent used manual sports car that I fit into ok.
Fun fact: I helped work on the development of the original Z3 and M3 roadsters, back when they were still in the test-mule stage(s).
I....don't think they took any of my critiques or suggestions to heart, though. *sigh*
Yes, we did oil, coolant and brake fluid between buying these cars and this video.
And if you watch our first video on these, Todd discusses how surprisingly roomy the Z4 is for tall drivers. It is a genuine surprise. Thanks for watching, happy shopping!
I’m 6’3” and fit great in my ‘06 Z4. I seriously love that car.
@2:40 What do you mean by saying that the previous owner wasn't really hard on the car? How is this related to the soft brake pedal?
Paul is pretty sure the prior owner of his Mercedes only drive it around slowly, cruise style, and probably never needed good stopping power. Since we have lots of hard driving coming for these cars, the brakes needed serious improvement. Thanks for asking and watching!
@@EverydayDriver thanks for the response. I thought that because the prior owner was not hard on the car, the brake pedal got soft and unresponsive, but what you mean is that he just didnt need strong brakes :)
Would’ve been nice to see an mr2 spyder as a cheap reliable fun sportscar
Woo!! Finally!!!
Didn't know you guys did any kind of wrenching.
When is Mr Wilman going to give you a piece of paper with a challenge written on it?
I did a quick search and found a 2012 Fiat sport in black with red leather interior. 36k miles for $7,000. It can be found at Chris Nickel in Broken Arrow Oklahoma if anyone is interested. Happy hunting.
z3 or z4?
EverydayDriver: "We're Americans, so it's Z, not Zed """.
Americans: "Who's Zed...?"
As someone who’s purchased Power Stop brakes let me just say that they don’t age well. Lots of vibration under hard braking.
Thumbs down 👎🏼 for 4 ads for an 8 minute video
Daaaaaaaaamn!! And people give me grief about using a blocker.....
@@revolutionday1 - don’t minds the ads. Just feel the frequency of 4 interval ads are disproportional to the length of the video
This only has 2 ad breaks, we're sorry CZcams somehow crammed 4 ads into it. Thanks for watching.
Grief... We've been on CZcams longer than most and never seen more than 1/2 our views get monetized because of ad blockers. We know you've watched a lot of our work, and we appreciate it, but it does genuinely affect us when people run ad blockers.
I think, I am beginning to realize the reason for poor reliability of German cars in the States: hack mechanics and aftermarket replacement parts.
On topic, very good video. Great production value, looking forward to the road trip.
I honestly feel like they both paid too much for the cars. I was in the market for both cars and found deals that were a lot better on cars that were cleaner. I bought a 2005 SLK350 for $4800 with only 100k miles. They should’ve looked at California cars. They’re cheap and abundant here
The Z4s steering column has a very bad bearing and cheap lubricants which melt and disapear. It makes the steering "stick" when it´s hot outside and generally causes a "loose" steering feel. I live in Germany, where an expert (yes, he is the only one in the world, sorry) can fix that with a different high quality bearing. It transforms the Z4. BMW does not offer a fix, just a new column with the same cheap bearing inside....for 6 times the money of course. I had my Z4 fixed, and the steering is much more precise now. If someone needs the adress in Germany, just ask. The seats are of very good quality, don´t know what happend to yours. 2003 Z4 3.0 with 222.000 km. (137.944 miles)
There is a cheap fix for sticky steering on the internet. I required drilling a hole and adding lubrication, you can also add a grease fitting and pump some grease into it once in a while. Worked for me 06 3.0si coupe
@@anthonygillesse7242 This is not fixing the problem unfortunately. I thought so too. I was present during the repair of my steering column and the expert showed me why. Yes, you also need a better heat resistant lubricant but the main problem is a very bad ball bearing which HAS to be replaced to make it work save and perfect. He gave me the old one to try and turn it: It moved like the outer ring of a dive watch, with or without new lubricant. The bearing can not be filled from the outside, no matter what. And there is no spare part on offer, he manufactures them. Trust me, I have seen the whole process with my own eyes. Also the play of the internals is wrongly adjusted, and has to be fine tuned. You wont believe the difference it all makes.
5:53 bruh wyd
me jelous? naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
ok maybe a little
That fucking 944... GIVE IT TO ME
First, love the channel. I was introduced by a friend and have turned about a dozen to this channel too. But I didn't care for this. The voice over was, off. It felt like you two were in a booth reading from a script. Usually it seems more natural. Seemed like both of you were talking much faster as well. Still gave you a thumbs up. Ive been watching for years and the first time I can say any of this.
We appreciate you being a long time viewer and sharing your thoughts here. Voice over was the best way to get this update done efficiently, but we do realize it's a departure from our normal style. You'll be pleased to know that our next piece, and the rest of the videos in this series will have our traditional in-car style. Thanks for enjoying what we do and sharing it with others!
why anyone puts groved rotors on a road car is beyond me. the noise and pedal feel is horrible.
Best rotors to use are solid. Drilled maybe.. Never slotted.. Stick with factory solid. For pads, use Akebono or EBC red stuff . Enjoy...
I just-recently had to resist the temptation to put some cheapo slotted rotors on my Jeep project.... Went with some solid rotors, with "E-coating" on the hub surfaces, because....well.....I live in the rust belt.
Got brand-new PowerStop rear calipers and front hub/bearing assemblies, though!
That's actually debatable and subjective at this point. There are huge forums filled with this subject. You do not have the answer. That's for sure.
I’ve always had warped rotors in time with solid rotors, installed drilled and slotted rotors and after many miles problem gone, guess I’m lucky🇨🇦
@@anthonygillesse7242 Drilled and slotted will last longer with bad shoes. I do not like the noise, feel of slotted
Your Videos didnt show up on my subscriptions wtf
i have alerts turned on. F youtube
Glad you found it. Sorry you aren’t being notified!
This was nothing but a brake commercial
The periodic christmas perinatally exist because garden nomenclaturally invite until a purple illegal. humorous, demonic minute
This is another car parts commercial disguised as content.