Back to a proper BMW

steveyorks

Dedicated Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2016
Points
30
Location
Huddersfield
Model of Z
2.2 Z3
I am probably one of the older forum members at 50 and while that means I generally drive slower, listen to Radio2 and have hair in my ears it also means I have had the pleasure, as a true petrolhead, or owning a number of nice cars over the years. The emphasis for me is on "nice" and not necessarily expensive.
I have had numerous BMWs from the 80's , 90's and later including 2 Z4s and another Z3 2.8.
I bought a 2.5 Z4 earlier this year and hated it until I changed the tyres from runflats. Then I didn't hate it but merely disliked it. I had hoped it would be better than the troublesome first Z4 and it was, in that it wasn't unreliable but I disliked the electric steering which needed constant correction on the motorway, I disliked the tinny doors too and the aluminium dashboard that always looked dirty. So I sold it with the idea that I would run just the one car which is a big comfy twin turbo Volvo estate that I use for my motorway trek to work. I lasted two months before deciding to buy another Z3 but when I started looking all the 2.8s were miles away. After a couple of weeks I found a very local 2.2 which looked interesting so I went to drive it. I wanted to be sure I would not regret the lack of horsepower by not buying a 2.8. The car was black with a red hood and a red and black interior, was a 2000 facelift model with sports, heated seats and a quick drive was quite interesting. Immediately it became apparent that it lacked the huge torque of the bigger engine but what it did have was a great sound when revved and it did like to rev! It also popped on the over run and to cut a long story short I bought it. It needs some stitching around the back window and has the abs and dsc light on which I think might be a sensor. The interior quality is miles ahead of the Z4 and it feels more solid. I also prefer the driving position and certainly the power steering which is actually quite heavy compared to most cars, probably as the tyres are wider than standard. If anyone can recommend someone to repair the hood in West Yorkshire I would be grateful.
 

ZTec

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Oct 18, 2014
Points
171
Location
Llantwit Major
Model of Z
Z3
Welcome from South Wales.
 

steveyorks

Dedicated Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2016
Points
30
Location
Huddersfield
Model of Z
2.2 Z3
Thank you. What I didn't mention was the Z3's wireless! Nowhere to slot in my CDs but the front folds down and a tray comes out presumably to put your I-pod on and a there's a wire to connect it. Total rubbish for an old fella like me. it will have to go.
 

Paul Rice

Zorg Guru (V)
Supporter
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Sep 7, 2013
Points
198
Location
Doncaster
Model of Z
Z4 2.5 E89 23
Stockport's not too far and they can replace a roof in the day for about £600
Sorry just re read post its just a repair your after
 

Bozzy

Zorg Guru (V)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
May 21, 2015
Points
191
Location
Long Eaton.
Model of Z
3 2.8
I am probably one of the older forum members at 50 and while that means I generally drive slower, listen to Radio2 and have hair in my ears it also means I have had the pleasure, as a true petrolhead, or owning a number of nice cars over the years. The emphasis for me is on "nice" and not necessarily expensive.
I have had numerous BMWs from the 80's , 90's and later including 2 Z4s and another Z3 2.8.
I bought a 2.5 Z4 earlier this year and hated it until I changed the tyres from runflats. Then I didn't hate it but merely disliked it. I had hoped it would be better than the troublesome first Z4 and it was, in that it wasn't unreliable but I disliked the electric steering which needed constant correction on the motorway, I disliked the tinny doors too and the aluminium dashboard that always looked dirty. So I sold it with the idea that I would run just the one car which is a big comfy twin turbo Volvo estate that I use for my motorway trek to work. I lasted two months before deciding to buy another Z3 but when I started looking all the 2.8s were miles away. After a couple of weeks I found a very local 2.2 which looked interesting so I went to drive it. I wanted to be sure I would not regret the lack of horsepower by not buying a 2.8. The car was black with a red hood and a red and black interior, was a 2000 facelift model with sports, heated seats and a quick drive was quite interesting. Immediately it became apparent that it lacked the huge torque of the bigger engine but what it did have was a great sound when revved and it did like to rev! It also popped on the over run and to cut a long story short I bought it. It needs some stitching around the back window and has the abs and dsc light on which I think might be a sensor. The interior quality is miles ahead of the Z4 and it feels more solid. I also prefer the driving position and certainly the power steering which is actually quite heavy compared to most cars, probably as the tyres are wider than standard. If anyone can recommend someone to repair the hood in West Yorkshire I would be grateful.
:welcome: from Nottingham :)
Enjoyed reading your intro thread and good to see you're back in a Z3.
I have 2.8 pre face lift and while it is very torquey,when following @Mint in his 2.2 he's not exactly holding me up......in fact quite the opposite and it does have a nice exhaust note .
I don't know of any where in your neck of the woods to get the hood restitched but someone else on here will likely know some where to recommend.

Steve
 

andyglym

Shiny Dust Caps Make Your Zed Go Faster.
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Feb 20, 2015
Points
231
Location
Moresby, West Cumbria, England
Model of Z
2.8 Roadster
:welcome: to the forum from West Cumbria, another 50 year old. We are babies in comparison to some of our more senior members. 50 ish is probably the average age. Got any pics of your steed?
 

Mint

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
Joined
Sep 23, 2012
Points
222
Location
Stafford
Model of Z
2.2 Sport Individual
Hi @steveyorks, :welcome: to the forum from another 2.2 owner in Staffordshire. I think at 50 you're in the younger section of the forum;). As Steve (@Bozzy) says I'm not a roadblock.=)), the 2.2s are are good motor. Best of luck getting your roof fixed.
 

ZTec

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Oct 18, 2014
Points
171
Location
Llantwit Major
Model of Z
Z3
Hi Stevey and welcome, if your willing to take a trip to softops in Crydon you can get a new roof for three hundred and something there's been recent threads on this topic lately as what you might pay for a repair it might be more economically to go for a new roof.
And you can choose a different colour.
 

pgunter

Zorg Guru (V)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Aug 15, 2014
Points
185
Location
Winchester
Model of Z
2.2i Sport Zedshed Special
Hello Steve, from a new 50 year old lol.. And a 2.2 sport owner too.. In my mind the z3 is the better car without a doubt, good choice in returning to your dreams.
 

Nodzed

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
M Power
Joined
Feb 18, 2016
Points
231
Location
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Model of Z
Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
Welcome to the forum (and back from the dark side :whistle:) from Gloucestershire
 

Antm72

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
May 4, 2015
Points
246
Location
South Yorkshire
Model of Z
2.8
Hello and welcome from me in South Yorkshire not needed to search out any auto trimmers this way but i dare say there are one or two but most work seems to be done and recommended the other end of the country.
If its stitching around a window soft tops in Coventry is probably the closest i know.
 

Shelly

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
Joined
Jul 9, 2013
Points
201
Location
Norfolk
Model of Z
Z4 2.0 20i M Sport sDrive
:welcome: Hi and welcome from me too :coolsteer)
 

Gail

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Jan 23, 2015
Points
152
Location
Nuneaton
Model of Z
Z4 20i MSport
:welcome:Welcome....at 50 you are a youngster around here!
 

Zeti

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
Romanian Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Oct 9, 2013
Points
167
Location
Bucuresti/ Romania
Model of Z
Z3 roadster 1.9
Welcome Steve!
Good choice!
Dan
 
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