Honestly, not much. The coils get hot under the cover and are said to be considered a 30k maintenance item. If it causes misfires it can deteriorate the cat, which can get sucked back into the engine.

It’s a ZF transmission, most of the parts are Ford, Volvo, or Mazda. They’re supposed to be very reliable, especially compared to the other V12s but I guess I’ll find out how true that is. Only truly annoying maintenance are the coils, apparently they get mighty hot under the cover. So far it’s just been hilarious…

Just bought an ‘05 with a bit more miles in beautiful Blue Sapphire over Iron Ore Red. Was missing my 944 and was looking at other Porsches, but fell for the V12 noises and the timeless styling.

I had a 987.2 Boxster. It was… fine. When I realized I could pull in a few thousand after driving it for a year, it was sent on down the road. I don’t miss it. I did have an E92 335i for a few years after college which I kick myself for selling all the time.

Honestly the F87s seriously pop in classic Alpine White. Sunset orange, and LBB are better colors, but they don’t suit the car as well IMO. AW, and Mineral Gray show off the wider hips and subtle, yet striking, styling elements vs. just “wow look at that cool color on that 2er”. That said, mine has the m-perf…

You should buy one! The original F87 M2 is the closest thing to BMW’s best past models they could build during modern times. They’re a supremely balanced, capable, and fun car. Objectively speaking the Competition is even better, but the S55 is heavier, more complex, doesn’t sound as nice, and still commands too much…

Oddly enough BMW sold more MT examples than DCT in North America (52/48) split. It did flip for the small run of ‘18 LCIs. Never bothered to lookup data on the competition, but I’d bet it’s close to 50:50.

The F87 is a better performance car than the F22, even though the B58 is a better motor. The steering, suspension, rear diff, wider stance, internal changes to the M2-spec N55, it all adds up. Worth it for a daily driver? Nah, but reducing the comparison to B58>N55 kind of misses the point of the two cars.

I’m in-different about the Pentastar. I totally get your arguments. It’s a fantastic motor, especially for Chrysler. It does well in my Grand Cherokee TH. Averaged 26MPG from Central NY back to Texas this summer. Did about 20 on the way up with some stops for some medium duty off-roading. I love the drivetrain and…

Agree about the M54, it is a peach. I’ve owned an M52, M54, N54, and am hopefully going to buy an N55 equipped M2 soon. The M52/M54, and N55 are all way better engines than the N52 IMO. I’m not even going to mention BMW’s absolutely heavenly 6cyl diesels since only the M57 was sold in America.

Oh goodness, my family has had some interesting cars. Hard to choose just one.

I believe you’re right, no one is selling them and there’s still plenty of demand. Examples like this are destined to eternally trade hands every year or so, or an early grave due to neglect.

ZHPs never had a factory LSD. It wasn’t until recently (G-chassis I believe) BMW started offering them from the factory again on non-M models.

100% agree.

Had a ‘16 VR6 Touareg and it is a little slower than the Pentastar in my current Grand Cherokee. Hits peak torque a little lower in the rev range, but ran out of breath faster. Felt smoother than the Pentastar as well.

Early 90s here, you’re not alone.

My coupe is relatively rattle free given its age. The hatch is pretty hard to adjust, that’s about the only thing that I even notice making noise.

If I recall, the manual states 3yrs/30k miles for the timing belt. PCNA recommend checking the tension every 15k. Newer belt materials stretched it to 45k, and (IIRC) 60k for the 968.

My dad has a 968 cab, which were similar ASC hack jobs. It’s totally fine, still seals well. Squeaks and rattles about the same as any other period car I’ve driven.

Seeing as you were talking about lockers being available I just assumed you’d want to do more than graded roads. Agreed that having a low range isn’t super necessary, but it’s just so much easier to inch over things, and given these are independent suspensions it’s a nice benefit when you’ve got a wheel airborne. Also…