1997 Z3 BMW 2.8 just purchased

[Smiling Z3]

Good evening, purchased my car a few days ago, collect it next week. Never been on a forum before.
Very nearly gave up after looking at far to many examples that I felt were over priced for their often poor condition.
I had dismissed the car I have purchased initially because if it's colour, 2.8 engine and when I did pass the garage after viewing another Z3 a few miles away the car was locked away. Felt sure it wasn't meant to be.
After looking at a 2.2 M Sport in pretty shocking condition and being told it was worth 4K, I went to look at the one I had dismissed and hadn't seen as my last attempt to find one.
The car was in front of a pile of tyres, covered in tree sap and bird droppings and hadn't been started for months. But, I still smiled.
The only issue I could find was a hole in the rear window that the garage had already highlighted. The car sounded like a dream after jump starting, the binding brakes released after moving her back and forward on the spot, but she broke down on the test drive. Not a good start. The battery was just not up to keeping the car running.
Booked a valet, pondering changing the rear window for a slightly larger zipped window. Is this a good idea on such an original condition car? The car is a total credit to it's previous owners.
No idea what the 'poll' part of the forum requires...sorry.

 

[t-tony]

If it got you smiling even covered in bird crap that's the car for you. Lots of info on here re rear windows and hood repairs etc. Hope you took some "before" photo's to post. Where are you located? You will likely have some members close enough to help out, if it's needed, that is!

Tony.

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria. Soft Tops in Coventry will do you a new window, about £140 ish. Not sure where your based. There are a few others out there that will do the same for similar. Good luck with your Zed

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome from Truro. What colour is the chosen one then ?

 

[ZTec]

Welcome from South Wales

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[Smiling Z3]

Hi, just to let you know we are a nearly pensionable, married couple who have purchased the car to take on a road /camping trip through France. Also, to generally have some fun in a car we both admire and enjoy. We had a James Bond Atlantic blue 2.8 one some years ago, but never used it enough. This one is dark blue, with a black leather interior. We are based in in Gloucestershire.
Probably going to approach Attwools in Whitminster ( tent/ marque manufacturer) ( is it OK to name companies?) regarding the window. They have completed several unusual commissions for the family before from boat canopies to Classic van covers. Always superb and fabrics that repeal staining and faiiding. Thank you for the recommendations. We are going to put a new chrome pack on the car and possibly change the wheels. However, we initially intend to valet, change all of the fluids and assess her for corrosion. On initial inspection she was excellent around the sills and arches. We will be removing the door cards to check the condition of the wax and door metal. There was a tiny amount of water in the boot, no corrosion, but the hood windowseal is in a very poor condition. Can't wait to get our hands in her.

 

[Smiling Z3]

Before she was stored, I will add the photo's we took on the day at some point but I think they do not reflect how ' grim' she looked.

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome

 

[t-tony]

View attachment 37768 View attachment 37769 Before she was stored, I will add the photo's we took on the day at some point but I think they do not reflect how ' grim' she looked.

I think that looks like Montreal Blue, same as @Grumpy car, he gave it a good polishing on my drive last Saturday afternoon. Lovely colour, great shine in the sun. Thanks for the pictures, a great looking car, good find!

Tony.

 

[Smiling Z3]

I think that looks like Montreal Blue, same as @Grumpy car, he gave it a good polishing on my drive last Saturday afternoon. Lovely colour, great shine in the sun. Thanks for the pictures, a great looking car, good find!

Tony.

Hi Tony, it almost has a purple hue to it or the sap is having this effect?

 

[Low Rider]

Hello and welcome.
if you fancy meeting up tomorrow at Toddington Station on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire railway tomorrow at 11.50am it would be good to meet you

 

[t-tony]

Hi Tony, it almost has a purple hue to it or the sap is having this effect?

No, that's how that colour "pops" as the American's say! Dave's car was ready for a machine polish and Ant brought his for him to use while we did oil changes on Ant's car.

Tony.

 

[Smiling Z3]

Hello and welcome.
if you fancy meeting up tomorrow at Toddington Station on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire railway tomorrow at 11.50am it would be good to meet you

Sadly, not picking it up until next week. Thank you for the invite, have a great day.

 

[Smiling Z3]

No, that's how that colour "pops" as the American's say! Dave's car was ready for a machine polish and Ant brought his for him to use while we did oil changes on Ant's car.

Tony.

Thank you, we did wonder.

 

[Low Rider]

you can still come and say hello

 

[Smiling Z3]

you can still come and say hello

Sadly car less until the Zed arrives.

 

[Low Rider]

that's a shame

 

[Antm72]

Nice car and a great engine choice hello and welcome from me in South Yorkshire

 

[Grumps]

Hi Tony, it almost has a purple hue to it or the sap is having this effect?

Welcome to the forum from Mansfield. As Tony said mine is Montreal blue and yes it is almost purple. It's great in the sun but a little dull on a grey day. It had gone really flat but much better after a machine polish.