Thanks for the tips. I couldn't resist a low miles (28.5k on an '05) unmolested z. Epstein, the door sticker is '04, so I wonder if I got the questionable tranny. It seems ok, but how would I know which version I have? The noisy front end is probably the oem tires, but has anyone heard of early wheel bearing failures? Also some engines have oil consumption problems but hopefully not my version.
Other concerns are the 6 spoke touring wheels (aesthetics) and the cd changer which doesn't play mp3's. I'll check with the audio experts, but preliminary research indicates the Bose stuff is somewhat incompatible with aftermarket gear such that it's all or none on upgrades.
The door sticker should have a date stamp like 6/04 or 6-04 or something of the like. I can't remember what it was on my 03.
With regards to early wheel bearing failures. Yes. I had the front wheel bearing on the passenger side replaced. I started noticing a strange pulsating noise which I thought was related to the tire roar due to the feathering issue, but this noise was different because it was constant no matter what speed I was driving as opposed to the tire roar at slow speeds.
I had a mechanic friend check the tires and he noticed the right front bearing was bad so he replaced it. After that, the noise was gone. He saved me a lot of $$$. Paid him $270. I'm sure it would've been a lot more if I had gone to the dealer.
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JT
2010 BMW 335i
Monaco Blue, Premium+Sport package, Steptronic shift
2005 Ford Mustang GT
Redfire Metallic
5-spd
IUP
Diablosport Tuner
Ford Racing silver Bullitt wheels
K&N
Car Domain - Ford Mustang GT
1997 Toyota Corolla
1983 Mercedes 380SL roadster