BMW Z3 2.8 Or 3.0

[Nodzed]

The z3m I was looking at is on the auto trader site its done 82k and up for only £12700. It’s a 2000 model and they are claiming it’s a 325bhp. So I’m thinking this is an absolute bargain. Until I see the pictures of the engine and think to my self this is a s50 not a s54. This is being sold by a dealer. How can they get it so wrong.
dealers that do this waste people’s time and to me its false advertisement.
If it’s to good to be true it normal is.

As no one else has said it I will. You wont get an S54 for 12k regardless of condition unless its been a right off. so going forward if you see Ms at that price it will be an S50 and most likely won't be the best. If you want a good one you will still need 15k plus in your wallet. And low mileage is no indication of a good one. 2 years ago I drove a estoril blue S50 with 26k (genuine provable mileage) on the clock. It was that bad I wouldn't even part with the 10k he was willing to take and that was when M prices were higher. I rather a higher mileage car that had had loads of money spent.

 

[Cyruskint]

The car is nice but looking at all the advise I have had of all you kind people i think i will be looking for a 2.8 face lift or a 3.0i I would love the 3.0 sport but the price seems to be a lot more. I have found a Silver 3.0i with only 60k its up for £5900 if anyone has anything simulator I am very interested.
Thanks for all your help on this topic and i have learnt loads - like i must get rid of the joint account -

Kyle

Very reasonable price. Just for balance (hi Rob) I don’t have the Sport but never found myself yearning for it. Key differences are staggered wheels (not really fussed) and slightly lowered suspension (would be nice, but causes all kinds of ball-ache if you wanna replace like-with-like, cos only BMW sells the springs at silly £)

I believe the big ticket LSD was standard on all 6 cylinder facelifts (i.e. wasn’t limited to sport spec)

Well this and other comments lead me to believe my 3.0 is a sport as it has the staggered wheels, steering wheel "M" and electric sports seats - silly I know, but I didn't realise there was a Sport, just a Z3 or Z3M..........I just liked the look of the car and the glorious sound of the engine. It also turns-out to be a hoot to drive.
Another added bonus was that Mrs Cyruskint (who didnt speak to me for a week after I bought it) is always keen to go out in it as soon as the sun makes an appearance!

 

[Mint]

Well this and other comments lead me to believe my 3.0 is a sport as it has the staggered wheels, steering wheel "M" and electric sports seats - silly I know, but I didn't realise there was a Sport, just a Z3 or Z3M..........I just liked the look of the car and the glorious sound of the engine. It also turns-out to be a hoot to drive.
Another added bonus was that Mrs Cyruskint (who didnt speak to me for a week after I bought it) is always keen to go out in it as soon as the sun makes an appearance!

If you put the last 7 digits of your VIN into this decoder https://www.mdecoder.com/, scroll down to 'Editions & Packages' you're looking for code S719, Sports Edition.
This will also show the original spec of your car as it left the factory.

This my 2.2 but the 3.0 is the same

 

[Cyruskint]

"If you put the last 7 digits of your VIN into this decoder https://www.mdecoder.com/, scroll down to 'Editions & Packages' you're looking for code S719, Sports Edition.
This will also show the original spec of your car as it left the factory."

That was most helpful, thank you

 

[Cyruskint]

Judging by the "Only Z3" site, my Atlanta Blue 3.0 sport roadster with beige sports seats is quite rare. All I need to do now is work on the few issues it has (yesterday I did the window runners and slippers - much improved up & down-ness!)

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Blimey, a Z3 with issues. Who knew?

Don't worry, there's plenty more to go wrong yet. Go on, ask how I know this to be true.

 

[Cyruskint]

Blimey, a Z3 with issues. Who knew?

Don't worry, there's plenty more to go wrong yet. Go on, ask how I know this to be true.

Dare I?

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Had mine for over seven years, there's been plenty of fiddling about. Have a read of some of the rebuild/refresh threads on here, and break out the spanners. And sockets. And axle stands. And...........

Not complaining, it's a lovely car.

 

[DrWong]

Had mine for over seven years, there's been plenty of fiddling about. Have a read of some of the rebuild/refresh threads on here, and break out the spanners. And sockets. And axle stands. And...........

Not complaining, it's a lovely car.

Thing is, you don’t need much more than sockets, spanners and stands for these cars. They’re a joy to work on, simple big bolt engineering, minimum of modern electrics and generally cheap-ish (i.e. affordable) parts

 

[the Nefyn cat]

I feel that "joy" may be stretching it a bit far, but the rest of it is true.

 

[ljbmwz3]

Had a 2.8 and believe its a better engine overall but the shape is more unique ultimately needs 17 staggered rims though

 

[ljbmwz3]

If you wind up going for a 3.0, ask the seller just how much oil it goes through. Bl**dy M54s.

Heard that when got 2.8 off a respected dealer

 

[andyglym]

Had a 2.8 and believe its a better engine overall but the shape is more unique ultimately needs 17 staggered rims though

Or 18's

 

[ljbmwz3]

Or 18's

Nah prefer stock original personally but dont mean it doesnt look gud

 

[Cyruskint]

Well, mine does use a little oil, but less since I put a few miles on it. Like any engine I think, it needs to be run hot for a reasonable distance and fairly often. Aside from any other issues, you get condensation that gives you mayonaise (and not the Helman's variety )
I do wonder if the Vanos system on the 3.0 has anything to do with it, rather than just the oil control rings that I see lots of folks talking about

 

[Sean d]

3.0l doesn't have an ass like this

 

[the Nefyn cat]

3.0l doesn't have an ass like thisView attachment 142141

Hmmm. Saw something like that bending over a freezer cabinet in Lidl the other day.