Buying a BMW Z3 for honeymoon

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RossJ92

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Oct 12, 2025
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Morning all,

I hope we’re well.

I’m looking at buying a BMW Z3 for my honeymoon next year, slowly driving down France to Spain and back again next August.

I’m looking at a 1.9 litre auto with 70,000 miles on the clock.

Any initial advice/thoughts here please gratefully received!

Thank you,
Ross
 
Personally, having done Fench/Spanish trips I'd look for a 6 cylinder model for sure. 2.2, 2.8 or 3.0. They are all decent enough on fuel and give you a much nicer drive, and I'd definitely be looking for one with cruise 👍
 
The later 5 speed/triptronic auto is much better. I agree that the 1.9 may lack the power you need for such a trip. My 3.0 auto (in the hands of the previous owner) regularly wafted to Portugal and back without breaking a sweat. Watch the Top Gear Middle East special ..James May was quite vocal about that engine/gearbox combo. 😎
 
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I did a similar pre-honeymoon trip some years ago in my 1.9 manual. It was a blast, couldn’t have been better.
You are going to have to have a frank discussion about luggage. For our 2 week trip we managed with a rollaboard and a squashy bag for the duration.
Get confidence in the reliability of your vehicle before setting off too. My vehicle was a year old when I travelled around Europe, I’d think twice now that it's 27 years old. I’d still do it though - a bit of pre-planning and you’ll create memories for a lifetime.
 
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Morning all, and many thanks for the welcome and thoughts so far.

in terms of engine size and looking at a bigger one, is that thinking mostly in terms of speed? We’re looking at taking 2 weeks, so it would be a slow trot down keeping it scenic with relatively short driving days.

I’ve also read the 1.9 is simpler mechanically - and so I thought a good idea for this trip. Is there any reason why mechanically you’d be worried about it staying the distance, if pre-emptive checks were done before setting off?

thanks all,
Ross
 
Hi Ross..the engine in the 1.9 is generally very solid and reliable. Non of them are complex by today’s standards. They are prone to the same age related issues as any other engine in a 20+ year old car. Check for leaking rocker cover gaskets, perished air lines or intake rubbers. I’d do all the fluids, plugs and filters before you go just for reassurance.
 
I drove my M44 (1.9 twin cam) to southern Spain a few years ago without issues. Aircon and cruise are essential for me. Returned over 40mpg for the trip. Have fun! :)
 
Over the years we have done a number of road trips to Italy, Switzerland , France and Spain in our '98 1.9 auto, which at the time had 70k+ on the clock. All checked out and self serviced beforehand.
No problems at all you don't need the bigger engine, the M44 copes well.
Need to plan your luggage carefully - we have the tailored BMW boot luggage and utilise space behind seats with hanger bags.
 
Hi Ross and :welcome: to the forum from me too in Stafford. Good luck on your trip. :thumbsup:
 
Good luck with your trip, we did the same bought a Zed 4 for our honeymoon to Italy.
Make sure you get a Z3 with A/C and get the A/C serviced before you go. You will need it, even with the roof down its a life saver. 😉
 
We drove from the UK to Florence in Italy in a 1.9 z3 auto. Came back up via Switzerland, Germany, france, Luxembourg and Belgium. No issues at all. Nowadays we go to Southern Spain in our motorhome, but to cut france out we go Portsmouth-Santander and spend 2 nights on the ferry with a cabin.
 
Thank you again for all of the comments and advice so far, all greatly received.

Update here is that I am due to pick up a 1997 BMW Z3 1.9, with cruise control, this Friday.

I've bought the Halfords x-small cover, as it will be kept outside on my dad's drive for the time being.

Will update again once all sorted.
 
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