Hi i was thinking about buying a 2001-2004 c5 possibly z06. My question is are these cars trouble some? Currently I own a 2002 BMW M3...so far I am happy with its performance but its a little too high maintence for me, not to mention the costly parts.
I have always love the vette but for some reason the M3 came out on top in my initial decision..but now im starting to think differently. I would really appreciate honest opinions on everyones thoughts and please dont just say get the vette because you hate the M3

Thank you
Dan

 

It's a high performance car which can get tempermental sometimes!i have an 01 6spd,22300 miles.very slight oil consumption,sometimes,usually after the oil change.2001's were prone to this because of bad seating in #2 ring.(or something like that)the blinkers act up sometimes,meaning they don't work till i hit the flasher button,then they work.different beast than an M3.You'll have a ball with it,no matter what year you get,since 01-04 were pretty much the same performance wise.

 

I haven't regretted buying the 'Vette and haven't had any problems, but it's early on (3000 miles). GM service isn't even close to what I was used to with the BMW, but that's maybe just the local dealerships.

 

Hi Dan, welcome to the BEST forum you will ever join!!! Now, I'm trying to think of how to answer your question;

I wouldn't recognize an "m3" if it ran over me. But, in answer to your question about troubles with a c5-I don't think I have had anymore troubles with mine, ('99 c5 a4 coupe), then I have had with any other cars/trucks/suv's I've owned. The one truly beautiful thing about owning a Corvette and belonging to this forum is that IF you have problems, you can voice them here, and somebody will come up with an answer to your problem! This forum has never failed me in that regard. I think you would have a real good experience owning a c5 or z06, although personally, I wouldn't buy a used z06 because I think there is more tendancy for them to have been used hard. Just be careful in your purchase.

Doug,(loudsam)

 

I have a 97(only 14000 miles) that only had the gas gauge problem which was taken care of with 2 bottles of Techron. Love this car. BMW's have a lousy reliability record. Buy the legend.

 

I have a 01 with 14,000 miles on it,(4000 by me) and have had 0 problems yet. The gentleman I bought it from had the alternator replaced because it made a whine. Other than that, nothing wrong. Get the vette, y ou won't regret it.

 

Buy the C5, you won't regret it. These vehicles are just like anything mechanical, they will break. However, with proper maintainence you will have minimal problems with the C5. I've had my Vette for about 5 years now and I've had very minor problems with it. You should be able to pick up a good used C5 for a fair price. Good luck on your search.

 

Thanks for the info guys....the more the better! I have another question. What kinda of 1/4 mile times are these cars running 6sp mt?the regular coupe that is not the z06. I havent been able to find any times other than the z06's 12.44@116

 

Here's some stuff to read.

All of this information is variously collected from the Corvette Forum message board, so do not take it as absolute gospel. However, it should be somewhat close. Sources: 1,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997

Completely new, redesigned Corvette. Base (FE1) and Z51 (FE3) suspension packages.
All Z51 cars include: Power Steering Cooler, xx, xx, ??
97-00 C5 LS1's produce 345 HP @ 5600 RPM and 350 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998

Convertible becomes available
Active Handling becomes available late in year
The two slots of a 1998 (and possibly late 1997s) curve toward the rear at the bottom. (versus straight down)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1999

26# injectors substituted for 28#
Fuel pump revised to reduce noise
FRC "Fixed Roof Coupe" aka the hardtop, becomes available. All FRC's are MN6 (6-speed) cars with the Z51 suspension package, and are about 60lbs lighter than coupes.
HUD introduced
only one line in driver's side fuel rail cover (no fuel return line?)
Power telescoping wheel becomes an option
? Steering hardware changed to combat wandering
door sill trim plates added

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000

Millennium Yellow available
? "Thin Spoke" versus "wagon wheel" design wheels become standard.
Pup cats added to CA models for LEV emissions requirements (5hp loss relative to 97-99)
Steel swaybar endlinks instead of plastic on Z51 equipped cars
Z51 swaybar diameters grow (25.4/21.7 to 28.6/21.7 to 28.6/23.6 (note: new rear same as Z06)
No keyhole on passenger side doorhandle
Passenger airbag 'off' switch added to console (light by TC/AH button)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001

return to 28# injectors for all models.
Second Generation Active Handling
Nassau Blue discontinued
Alternator 'clutch' pulley added on A4 cars
New soundproofing + foam in all cars
Smaller keyfob
electrochromic dimming rearview and driver's mirrors
lighter AGM battery
Thickness + Material in vert change
Chrome exhaust tips for coupe + vert
85MM MAF with integral temp sensor (versus 74mm with separate plug for IAT)
LS1 cam profile changed to: .500/0.500, 198/208 on 115.5LSA (From: 0.472/0.479, 202/210 on 117)
All Corvettes now have the LS6 intake manifold
All Corvettes now have the LS6 engine block (windage passages in block), which includes a beefier oil pump.
LS1 changes result in new output of 350 HP @ 5200 RPM and 375 Ft Lbs of torque @ 4400 RPM (MN6)
Hardtop/FRC discontinued
Pup cats added to all models
Stronger synchros in all transmissions
Exhaust manifolds revised (5hp regained) - thin wall cast replacing SS manifolds
metal valvestem caps (late year)
Torque Tube changed from metal-matrix composite to aluminum alloy 6061, increased in dia from 55 to 63 mm.
Driveshaft couplings have also been upgraded on manual-equipped models for additional strength and durability
Introduction of the Z06, which has as differences:
hardtop body style
rear brake ducting
screened inlets on front fascia, without foglights
F1 supercar tires 265-17 front, 295-18 rear, on 17x9.5 and 18x10.5 (one inch wider, respectively
new LS6 top-end with new style head design (10.5:1 compression, 64cc chamber), LS6 cam (0.525/0.525, 204/211 on 116) - 385hp
M12 transmission with shorter gearing (1-2-3 analagous to MN6 with 3.90 rear diff
Titanium exhaust system
lightweight windshield
New, stronger clutch with redesigned master + slave cylinder
Stronger rear differential (shotpeened ring gear)
Red brake calipers (otherwise identical)
Trans overtemp warning light on DIC
6500 redline gauges with special checkering + Z06 font
redesigned PCV system to help combat oil burning
Red LS6 Fuel Rail Covers (FRC's)
FE4 Z06 suspension - uprated springs, bars (30mm/23.6mm), shocks (note front spring and rear bar same as Z51)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002

Z06 Changes:
Z06 LS6 cam changed to: 0.551/0.547, 204/218 on 117.5
Less restrictive intake airbox lid
Descreened MAF
Removal of pup-cats (total with changes = 405hp)
Z06 shocks revised with less rebound for better launching
Z06 brake pads revised for better stopping (generate more dust)
Lighter, sodium filled valves w/ stronger valvesprings
higher tension rings installed to prevent oil burning problems
slight piston redesign *
clutch strength upgraded.
HUD available on Z06 (not avail '01 model year)
Wheel supplier changed to Speedline, moved from forged to cast. Weight nearly identical
Electron Blue color offered
Steel endlinks changed to aluminum
Aluminum automatic transmission cooler case (all models)
AM/FM stereo with in-dash CD player now standard on Coupe and Convertible
AM/FM/Cassette only available with 12-disc CD changer on Coupe and Convertible

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2003

Late model-year new fuel system design from C6's
2003 anniversary edition with Anniversary paint and decal option.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2004

Z06 shocks further refined. Accompanying upper front control arm bushing, and rear swaybar bushing changes.
2004 Commemorative Editions. CE Z06 comes with carbon fibre hood and has decal package.

I hope that all helps. The C5 is an awesome car you won't regret it guaranteed.

 

Welcome to the Forum ...and good luck with the decision.

 

2000 Coupe, A4 with 25K miles...not a problem, except the column lock ordeal and that was easily fixed with a $50 gadget bought from thunderracing.

Welcome to the BEST damn Sprots Car forum ever and the best forum anywhere! These guys and gals have helped me through many thigns, inlcuding my initial stage in to fatherhood when I had my first child, everyone on this forum was there with me, they all supported me through my deployment, hell a few of these folks emailed me updates, jokes and just words of support!

The people here have made my car that much mroe enjoyable and to be honest, it isn't just a corvette it is a way of life and a new addition to my family. I keep in touch with many people I have met on here and will continue to make more friends as my time passes, trust me the car is a performance beast. It will be a huge step up from the M3.

I hope you choose wisely, choose the vette and sell the Beamer. DOn't get me wrong, I love the beamer, my wife wants one, but I will never settle for another sports car!

 

 

There are a few areas where the C5 has problems (column lock, rear differential leaks, rocking seats, etc.), but for the most part it is a pretty reliable car. It gets great gas mileage and can turn into a beast on demand. Plus, the car is a blast to drive.

 

Hey, welcome to the forum. Got a 01 Torch Red Coupe, automatic. Never had any problems besides with keeping some rubber on the back tires.... But after you buy a set, or two, or three you'll see that that problem goes away quickly....

 

GREAT INFO

 

I have a 03 330CI and a 98 coupe the vette is fun to drive but when I get in my BMW the fit and finish is perfect!! I would think hard on this one.

 

welcome and good luck with your choice

 

Buy a Vette and be happy.I drive mine daily except in the winter months and I have 160000KMS and nothing drastic has happened yet.The tech section here is awesome and any weird noise or issue will most likely be responded to by someone who knows what is going on.Good luck in your decision.