I got the minutes of the annual Z8 club meeting:
Taillights:
A new manufacturer for neon tubes has been contracted for the future production of taillights. Delivery will restart in May 2014. Unfortunately, the price per taillight will rise to EUR 3,000. BMW guarantees constant availability again.
BMW Classic and Z8:
In 2013, BMW Classic has taken over responsibility for the spare part supply. They also commit to the "50 year warranty“, and to the supply of parts necessary for keeping the car in operation. However, this warranty is not a 24 hour spare part guarantee and not to rates as it is the case with new cars.
Individual initiative will be required for:
– leather work (steering wheel, interior)
– cushioning (seats)
– carpets (all colors except black)
Collective orders or the coordination of orders can be arranged via the club, e.g. for carpets.
Price development Z8
In the last year rates have risen considerably. ECE cars in good conditions are hardly available below the originalretail price. At the show “Techno Classica” six Z8 were offered. The most economic Z8 with high mileage and inaverage condition was offered for EUR 135,000. Apart from that the prices amount to EUR 170,000 to 200,000 partly US cars, partly with added value tax.
Conclusion: High interest exists in purchasing Z8 and a lot of inquiries for purchase advice reach the club, also at the “Techno Classica”. Realistic prices range from EUR 120,000 to 170,000 if the car is in an appropriate condition. Dealers try to push up the prices.
In addition, BMW does not support the conversion of US cars anymore because of legal concerns. At the end, a US Z8 is simply not an ECE Z8. There are safety-related software differences which cannot be eliminated. Presumably, the price curve of imported US-Z8 will permanently be somewhat flatter.