Advice welcome

[William Townsend]

Hi all I’m Rob, based in England. New to this club having just bought a Z3. I’m 29, when I was 6 the release of the car in the bond movie at the time I nspired me and I’ve wanted one ever since, my late grandmother kindly bought me a model of the car back then (97) which I still have to this day, she said one day I’d get the real thing - and now I have so the Z is pretty sentimental for me. But I don’t know a lot about this model and I’m not mechanically minded. It was bought from a dealer in Southampton, I bought it without viewing it which I know is crazy but it was a good price and it’s been fine in the few months I’ve had it. If anyone has any more info on this particular model or advice to a new Z owner I’d be glad to hear. I’m particularly interested in hearing arguments for or against a retrofit hardtop for winter, roll bar hoops (why get them?) and whether the tonneau cover and luggage rack make a worthwhile addition? Also I think changing this hood to a beige one might look better - anyone agree? I’ve put some money aside so I can make any adjustments to it, it’s done 90K Miles, how high is that for one of this age? And how many can they go for when correctly maintained? Thanks, Rob.

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria.

Hard Top - looks great but personally I don't see the point on a rag top

Roll hoops - they make the car look better, in my view, and add additional roll-over protection

Tonneau cover - looks better with it on, in my view, but only put it on if it's staying on and the roofs not going up whilst I'm out

Boot rack - a good addition for long distance touring.

Beige roof - will look good, in my view, against your interior.

We're all happy to help you spend your money good luck

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I retro fitted roll hoops and also have a hard top that I use for winter ride outs. Colours of trim and extras is a personal thing and if I liked something then I usually do it. 90k miles is not a high mileage, there was a car featured on here recently with over 300k on it and loads of members cars are showing 120k plus and still going strong.

 

[Mazza]

Hi and welcome to the forum from Bognor Regis.

Nice looking car.

I retrofitted Roll Hoops to mine and picked up a tonneau cover, and does improve the look.
90K miles....just run in
We have three resident breakers who could help with parts, and for anything else, just ask and help is at hand

 

[Slam]

Hi and welcome from London, nice looking zed. Beige roof would look smart, I bought a 1.9 a while ago for the sports seat and that had 158k and still drove very well.

 

[Mr C]

Hello and welcome from Southampton

 

[t-tony]

Hi Rob, welcome from me near Lincoln. Loads of help and advice on here for the asking. Enjoy.

Tony.

 

[Redline]

Hi Rob and welcome from Warwickshire.

Nice looking car you've got there.
90k is a low mileage example you've got. Should be no worries.
Am sure there will be much advice available to help.
Got to agree with @andyglym regarding the change of soft top colour. Would look great.
I use a HT simply to protect the soft top during winter months. That comes unstuck on days like we've just had though when I've got no-one to help me take it off.

Never had a Z3 but, there are a number of reoccurring things to look for. One of the most common is the cills with rust forming behind them.
Am sure others will be along with other helpful hints and guidance.

Ian

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome to ZroadSter

 

[mwpe]

Hi and from Surrey, nice looking car, I agree a beige roof would look good, roll hoops are a good idea and not hard to fit. A hardtop looks great but I hardly ever use mine as I like the fresh air too much.

 

[gookah]

welcome to the site

regarding your questions

Hard top gives a different look, gives a glass rear window which is heated, and so great for winter, and gives a more rigid car
I have one and use for 2 or 3 months every winter. but have a cheap hoist so on a sunny winters day, 5 minutes and its off.
You have to store somewhere the rest of the year though.
Wouldn't be without mine, if just for the different look and heated window..

Roll hoops look better, and you can fit a wind deflector more easily.

Beige hood will look good, but I imagine be a pig to keep clean, and look bad when it goes dirtier.

Tonneau tidy's up the back up and looks loads better, a couple of minutes to remove, or fit, even if it starts raining, but need to have room in the boot or passenger seat to store it if you are out and about.
I use mine for summer days when no rain is expected, and I want to pose...

depending on whether yours is the eight valve or sixteen valve engine the 1.9 can have a head bolt at the back shear around about your mileage (8 valve), and then the head gasket blows, meaning head skim and new bolts etc
(Ask me how I know..)
If I had a 1.9 again I would get new head bolts fitted to prevent it happening,
Wouldn't cost much as they can be done one at a time without disturbing the head.
Also worth spending a bit of money changing the thermostat and water pump and maybe the radiator fan, they can fail if not already done. Not too expensive but worthwhile.

Sometimes you can get an oil leak from where the oil filter housing bolts to the engine. The gasket is about £4 but makes a right mess if its leaking, so looks a lot worse than the cure actually is.

 

[Bonzeau]

Did they make a 1.9 ///M?.........

 

[gookah]

Oh yes, by the way you will get stick for having an M badge when its not actually an M
But its your car so you can do what you wish with it, but be aware there is M snobbery about...

I would hate to see a new member leave because of it.....

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi Rob, and welcome from me in Cardiff. If your car lives outside then a hard top is a great idea. Mine lives in the garage along with the hard top which is covered up on it's stand. I do like the look of the hard top though.
It's your car and your choices Rob, just make sure you get out and enjoy it.

P.S. I love your wheels.

 

[Sean d]

I bought a hardtop and instantly regretted it as I love top down motoring summer and winter alike, it didn't half look good though

 

[Mint]

Hi @William Townsend, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire.
I did have a hardtop on the 3.0 but sold it as I like to get the top down too much. I did like the look with it on though. If you're going to use your Zed as a daily in the winter, I could understand having one. Tonneau really tidies up the look with the top down. As for roll hoops, I have them on both mine and think they look good. Beige top, as with all colours it's up to you, but beige wouldn't be in my list. Lots of help spending your money available here

 

[2DunnsZ3]

I bought a hardtop and instantly regretted it as I love top down motoring summer and winter alike, it didn't half look good though
View attachment 96990

I must say Sean your old Z was also bad ass looking. you have a good eye for coolness my friend

 

[2DunnsZ3]

Hi Rob and welcome to the site from across the pond in Canton Ohio USA. Just purchased a tonneau cover and it looks great. If you have to remove it during your trip and don't have room in the trunk, I learned from one of the fellas that you can just slide it down behind the seats. I have a 97 and I do not have roll bars. I personally like the look of not having the bars, but it is a personal choice. Tan lid would look cool just more work. I love the look of the hardtop. I do not have one because my Z doesn't come out in the winter. Don't worry about the miles as long as you keep on top of the upkeep. You are in the right place for knowledge and help. I have only owned my 97 since May and this group has filled my head with so much knowledge. But I will warn you,,, They enjoy sparking ideas to spend your money!!!