2001 Z8 (#60508) sale withdrawn, owner keeping car

[ZMates]

I am in the process of moving back to the US and decided it makes too much sense to leave my Z8 here. I went to a lot of trouble and expense to get this car registered in Zurich with all the upgrades that have been done to the car. If I bring it back to the US, it is all for naught. In addition, I am planning on doing some more major upgrades and it makes sense to start again with a stock car. Here are the upgrades that are homologated on the Swiss Registration:

Dinan S2 engine package:
Lightweight flywheel
Hi flow air filter and carbon filter box cover
Hi flow MAF sensor
Enlarged throttle bodies
Ceramic coated headers
Together good for 461HP

Suspension:
K&W Competition three way adjustable monotube dampers, adjustable monoball mounts
http://www.bmwz8.us/forum/bmw-z8-cha...n-z8-2497.html

Wheels:
BBS Forged Individual
http://www.bmwz8.us/forum/tires-whee...dual-2397.html

Battery:
Lithium Ion

Differential:
Quaife Limited Slip Differential
3.64:1 final drive

In addition, I have Dinan branded Brembo brakes and Meisterschaft titanium exhaust, but these are not homologated in Switzerland. Getting the certificate for the brakes would cost around 3k CHF. The exhaust will never pass the Swiss tests, but adds another 10hp and oh the sound!

The car itself is in truly excellent, nearly like new condition. 8k miles. I have attended to all the idiosyncrasies that the Z8 exhibits except for some mild bubbling of the dash leather and the radio popping (I don't use the radio). The headlights, MAF sensors, and cam sensors have been replaced. The convertible top strings have been repaired. The performance package has been installed (no warpage). Various glue failure points repaired. Regular fluid changes during my ownership (since 2009 and 5k miles). Confirmed with BMW NA that the car was a creampuff with all maintenance prior to then. The car was manufactured in Dec 2000 and has the important addition of the pressure valve on the VANOS. Also, the Dinan kit was installed in 2007 and there was no modification of the frame in the process. I have a clean Carfax for the car during the time it was in the US.

I can be contacted at +41 79 207 3604

thanks and regards, John

[Z8Mania]

Such a well sorted and beautiful car, is there any chance you'll be going back to Switzerland?

Just out of curiosity, what would it cost to bring this car to the US?

[macfly]

Which coast are you returning to, and will we get to see you out on any of our drives?

[ZMates]

is there any chance you'll be going back to Switzerland?

Just out of curiosity, what would it cost to bring this car to the US?

I'm not likely to return, but you never know. It's a nice place to live, but the school system is a little "unique". I don't want to subject my 10 year old daughter to certain aspects of it. She's too young to start stressing about her career.

It would only cost a couple thousand to bring it back.

[ZMates]

Which coast are you returning to, and will we get to see you out on any of our drives?

That's a long story Andrew . My wife agreed to my choice of country (US), but she is picking the city. Looks like Naples, FL is going to be the place. God I hate humidity. I really tried doing a sales job on California, but in the end the earthquakes killed it .

Is there a Florida contingent here? I saw a black Z8 on St Armand's Circle in Sarasota while I was there.

[macfly]

There's a lot of Z8's in Florida, but all the great roads are in Cali!

[DirkZ8]

... Looks like Naples, FL is going to be the place. God I hate humidity...
Is there a Florida contingent here? I saw a black Z8 on St Armand's Circle in Sarasota while I was there.

Stay in Naples for a while before making that final decision. You may regret it.
Many Z8's in Florida but we never get together, because WE HAVE NOWHERE TO GO !

[Z8Mania]

I love Naples, but thats just as a visitor. Things are often very different as a visitor/ vacationer than when you live there. Either way its an exciting time for you so I wish you only good things on your move. I think protecting your daughter is the right priority.

[macfly]

Did you sell your car yet?

[ZMates]

Hi Andrew,

I haven't sold it yet. Now that it is spring I need to advertise it here. To be honest, I am really torn about selling it since it is a great example and I am emotionally attached. However, I went to great pains and expense to get it homologated in Switzerland with all the performance upgrades. It just makes too much sense to leave it here and start from scratch with a new stock example when I get back to the US. Asking price is 180,000CHF.

A request for you, Andrew: would you change the title of the thread to for sale in Switzerland rather than the EU?

thanks, John

[ron's rocket]

Any interest in selling your not yet installed exhaust system ? Is it the "Z8 Forum" edition that was made a little extra loud? I'd like to step up from my Einesmann (sp?) race exhaust and that seems to be the only direction to go in. Ron

[Musta10000]

Any interest in selling your not yet installed exhaust system ? Is it the "Z8 Forum" edition that was made a little extra loud? I'd like to step up from my Einesmann (sp?) race exhaust and that seems to be the only direction to go in. Ron

Ron - if you end up doing this, I would like to get first dibbs on you Eiseman (sp?) exhaust.

[ZMates]

Hi Ron,

I'm going to keep the exhaust for my next Z8.

John

[macfly]

Just checking if this car is still on the market, or if it sold.

[ZMates]

Hi Andrew: not sold, but at this point I think I'll keep it. I am panicked, though, at the thought of going through another homologation exercise: this time in Portugal.

I had the car advertised on Autoscout.ch for 4 months at a very reasonable price relative to other Z8s and only got one call: from an Italian running a money laundering operation. I also noticed that the same cars have been for sale for months and in some cases years without moving. Is the bubble about to burst?

[macfly]

The bubble I see bursting is far bigger than just a Z8 one!

Cars are currently selling over here for sure, I've sold four already this year and we're only just entering 'convertible season'.

[Z-acht]

Since last summer the market in Holland is running smooth: sometimes cars are sold within a month. I think you narrowed your market within the EU because of the all your modifications: an original car with all the papers, books etc. is what the market wants in Europe.

[macfly]

Should we keep your car for sale here, as I believe its now in Portugal with you?