Another new guy...

[Tom Williams]

I appreciate the welcome - don't have one yet, but very interested in the 98-99 model years with 2.8l and 17" 5 spoke wheels. I'm looking at one right now that fits that description but has 114,000 miles on it. Any recommendations or advice for high mileage 2.8? Thanks!

 

[hard top]

Welcome on the forum, sorry, I know nothing about the 2.8 as I only know about the M44 but someone will be on soon to help you out.

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria, England. I have a 2.8 with 75k miles on it, I would buy on condition as apposed to mileage. 114k miles is not excessive by any means if it has been maintained well and has a service history to support it. The 2.8 appears to be fairly bullet proof by all accounts. Just ensure everything works as it should. Check for when the water pump was last exchanged (if it has).

Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[Zeti]

Welcome Tom! I totally agree with Andy. Check with your eyes and heart and make a good bargain!
Good hunting and awaiting for good news ,
Dan

 

[Grumps]

I have a 98 2.8 with 93000 on the clock and it runs and drives like a dream. One of our regular members has a 2.2 with 150000 on it and it runs spot on. So I short as long as it's been looked after go get! Oh and welcome aboard by the way!

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome from me too
I hope you find the Z you are looking for

 

[Low Rider]

Hello and welcome Tom to Zroadster.org

Regards
Low Rider

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome. You should be looking out for rubber suspension components being old and worn. Check the rubber engine hoses for leaks - both coolant and air intake. Useful to take a code reader and make sure there is nothing obvious showing there. Otherwise should be looking at anything you would normally look at for a car if that age

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome from Truro, Cornwall. My 2.8 has 100k on it and runs like a watch. The BMW 2.8 six potter has a long history in lots of different cars doing lots of different types of motoring.

They are ultra reliable as long as they are regularly serviced and maintained. You can drive them hard too as long as you stay within the "rev range"

Try as many as you can, do your due diligence and enjoy these great cars

 

[One Spanner Frank]

Hi Tom, welcome from Carlton. Service history is likely to be of more use than actual mileage. I run a 2.8 and have no complaints about it. But take notice. All Z3 owners are belt and braces men. They fit run flats to their wheels AND carry a spare!

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland! Take your time when looking around - check sills, and bodywork in a general sense. The 2.8, as with all Zed models, is extremely reliable, and drives very well. Check suspension all round and bare boot well areas carefully. Good luck!

 

[Tom Williams]

Thanks guys - great insights. Thanks for taking the time to respond.

 

[Bazza]

Tom you will enjoy what ever you end up with

 

[t-tony]

Hi Tom, good luck with whatever it is you end up having, but above all enjoy owning a Z. Welcome from me here near Lincoln UK too.

Tony.

 

[Tfp]

Welcome Tom, I'm a new member also.

You'll find this forum very friendly.

Put up your location, you may have members near you that might come along to view any potential purchases.

My advice as always would be to take an expert with you when buying a car, even if you have to pay.

Tim

 

[Bond]

Hello welcome along

 

[Jonno Bee]

Welcome along Tom. I have a 2.8. I would look for good service history with evidence of regular oil and filter changes. Check the forward and aft end of both sills for evidence of rust and the inner lips of the wheel arches.
Allow some cash in your budget for any minor tweaks you may want to make after buying the right car.

Cheers,

Jonno

 

[oldcarman]

Welcome from Canada!! Pretty much all has been said advice wise so good luck with whatever you purchase and ask away if you need help!! JIM

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Hello and

 

[FRANKIE]

I appreciate the welcome - don't have one yet, but very interested in the 98-99 model years with 2.8l and 17" 5 spoke wheels. I'm looking at one right now that fits that description but has 114,000 miles on it. Any recommendations or advice for high mileage 2.8? Thanks!

Hi Tom and welcome to the forum from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. I have often looked for cars in the warm states as they don't use salt on the roads. Florida always has a nice supply of Zs available and is a good place to start looking. I've purchased several cars from the deep south and one in California. I don't know your location but if you're near me, and you happen to buy one in the south, I'd be happy to go down with you and drive it back. I've often looked on Craigslist in Florida and other southern states and California. Many people list on there because they don't want to pay E-bay's commission. I usually advise people to take their time when looking for something as what you want always shows up given enough time. Unfortunately, the time for convertibles will be here soon and the next 2 or 3 weeks may be the last time to pick up one at a good price. The squeeze is on!!!!!!!!! Let me know if I can help you with regards to any of this. Frankie