2nd choice purchase advice needed...

[ZimZimmer]

Hi guys,
The established forum users will know I'm new to the forum and last week posted a thread about a car I was potentially going to buy and got some great advice.
The car was at a friends used car garage so was able to give it a good looking over.
It was a 2002 2.2 sport with 55k advertised for 5.5k but I could have got it a grand cheaper.
Unfortunately finance has proven to be difficult so looks like a non starter...although I'm still trying to work something out.
I have however been looking around for something I could buy cash.
There's quite a bit about in the price bracket I can afford but not much in the way of 2.2s, which is what I want.

I've come across a 2001 2.2 with 126,000 & part service history for £1500 online and thinking of going to see it.
It's in Manchester and I'm in Northern Ireland so it's a fair trek to view so I want to get some further advice before I decide if to check it out further.

Looking st the Mot history, the advisories state:
the break pipes slightly corroded
2x "road wheel with a slightly distorted rim"
Oil level low
Engine management light on.

So in respect of that my questions are:
Are the brake pipes expensive to buy and be replaced?
What is a slightly distorted rim? I assumed they mean the part that typically gets kerb damage.
Should I worry about the Engine management light? It seems it's had this advisory for the previous two MOTs also!

That advert describes the car as
"Long Mot project car, drives really nicely and is in full. Working order"
It also says " only selling as I have upgraded my car and looking for someone who wants to restore it to its former glory"

Looking at the pics, the car doesn't look too bad, I can see the steering wheel will need replacing and could do with a full detail, which is what I do for a living so that's not a problem, but any other work unless is basic I'd need to get someone to do for me.
The BMW badges all round have been replaced with AC Shinitzer badges.

Any thoughts or advice?
TIA

 

[raymond]

I would avoid this car for many reasons. Low oil indicates a careless owner. Engine management light could be many things and could prove costly to correct. Wheel problems and brake pipes are easy to fix but all these costs mount up. I would advise that you take your time and wait for the right car. Buy one from the forum by putting a wanted add in the classifieds. Also some forum members will look at a possible purchase for you. Good luck

 

[Nodzed]

Any forum members close enough and willing to go take a gander for @ZimZimmer

 

[colb]

Sound advice from raymond, I would add advisories listed are all fixable on a diy basis. The MIL light on will probably be a duff sensor, a code reader put on it would reveal the likely culprit. Sensors are not cheap, always use oem sensors don't waste money on cheap pattern parts. The MIL may also be due to air leaks from split rubbers on the engine intake side, visual inspection of all rubber pipes should reveal any splits. Wheels have been kerbed if they are that bad you could always pick up a new set, ebay has loads on offer. Low oil not a good thing, sign of poor maintenance by previous owner, ask yourself why is it low, is it burning oil or has it got leaks. If burning, engine may be worn, valve stem oil seals at high mileage is often the cause of oil burning.
Probably better cars out there with better history, have a look on the forums for cars for sale by members.
You say the MIL has been on for the last 2 MOT's, wonder why the owner never had this fixed?

 

[Cooper]

My 2 cents worth......If you don't feel really good about it, don't do it. There are plenty of Zeds up there coming on the market from time to time. Wait for the one for you. From what I understand winter is a good time to buy, not summer.

But what do I know, I am an aussie! lol

 

[Poprin]

My advice to you would be to buy a really nice 1.9 16v with your £1500 rather than a ratty 2.2. A 1.9 in top condition will be going faster than a 2.2 with a cloud of black smoke coming out the back of it!

 

[ZimZimmer]

I really do t want a 1.9 I like the 2.2 6 pot.
I spoke to the owner about the engine management light, he had it checked and was told it's probably one of 4 sensors, and they wanted to change all 4, but said as it was not affecting the drive in any way or mpg he didn't bother.
He's just bought a 1 series as needed more space and said if he had room he would keep it and do any bits and bobs and keep for summer fun.

I don't mind doing various bits, just don't want the engine or gearbox or something major going on it!

I don't intend using it much either but would like to do what's required and get it looking as good as possible.

It sounds like it's worth a look to me, but I'm no expert!

 

[GazHyde]

The problem with the sensors is that they can be expensive from BMW, think I paid around £80+ for the last CAM sensor I bought (there are 2 on the 2.2i one for the inlet and one for exhaust). You can by cheap ones off eBay etc, but as to how good they are is anyone's guess.

The CAM sensor on my 2.2i did affect MPG and performance, but of course it may not be the same one as this car your'r looking at.

 

[Dino D]

Is it a sport model?
At £1500 it's probably worth that in parts especially in NI so if it's not worth saving come end of MOT you won't lose anything assuming you can break it.

 

[ZimZimmer]

Is it a sport model?
At £1500 it's probably worth that in parts especially in NI so if it's not worth saving come end of MOT you won't lose anything assuming you can break it.

Yes it's a sport.
My way of thinking is for the price, even if I have to spend a few quid to get things done, it would be just like me paying a monthly finance or less. I'm in no mad rush to get it spot on so a couple of jobs a month on it would be ok.
As long as the engine, gearbox and other major components are ok.

 

[ZimZimmer]

My advice to you would be to buy a really nice 1.9 16v with your £1500 rather than a ratty 2.2. A 1.9 in top condition will be going faster than a 2.2 with a cloud of black smoke coming out the back of it!

Obviously if it runs like a bag of sh*** I'll pass.
No disrespect to any 1.9 owners, But I really want 2.2sport I love the engine sound and extra grunt. Given I'm having problems getting finance this is the only one currently available that I would be able to afford.

 

[t-tony]

As long as the engine, gearbox and other major components are ok.

I can't remember anyone posting that their engine, gearbox or any major part of a Z has failed. I have read that the 2.2 can sometimes have a tendency to use oil but is usually breather related issue not internal problem. You can get OEM quality cam sensors for less than dealer prices, but as said do not buy cheap crap.
I test cars for a living and quite often you get vehicles in which pass the emissions test with the Engine Management light on so don't get too hung up on that.
Oil level low is another red herring, someone close to me will put that on most certificates because it's below maximum. It is only LOW if it's below minimum. Between min and max is the operating range. Go and have a look and go with your instincts.

Tony.

 

[lightning]

I don't think you will do better for £1500

 

[daverav]

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222532450140
May be worth a look ?

 

[raymond]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-2-...450140?hash=item33cff7b75c:g:CmMAAOSwX9FZMKcj This one ?

 

[Ianmc]

Don't worry about the EML light. The MOT advisories seem minor. Service history, general condition are key. Go with your instinct.

 

[ZimZimmer]

I think the one I'm looking at is better than that one ebay tbh. But again I'm no expert!

 

[N4LLY]

Re the EML, i had it come on for a while. Stopped using supermarket unleaded and it went out.

Using only BP Ultimate now.

 

[ljauto]

if it looks cheap there will be a reason , this one doesn't sound looked after so personally would walk away , eml could be a sensor or even the wiring loom itself so again dodgy

 

[lightning]

What do you expect for that price!

It's worth a look at £1500, that's practically banger money, if you want a minter it's going to cost you three times that price.

That amount will only get you a tired and slightly scruffy MX5.

If the Z3 drives OK is not rusty and passes HPI it's worth it.
lt's got a ticket until Jan 2018.