Bought a Z3 as a runabout, quite like it!

Sips

Newbie
Joined
Jun 21, 2016
Points
3
Location
Bristol
Model of Z
Z3
Hi All,

As the title says, i bought a 97 1.9 Z3 as a stopgap between company cars and because it had a private plate with it that was worth more than the car and were my Mum's initials so she will be getting it for her birthday!

I have always had mk1 MX5s so this was a bit of a departure, I am really impressed with it! Not as fun as my MX5 but a hell of a lot more usable!

I have given it a full service, replaced all 4 shocks, discs and the clutch. It is like a different car now! It was off the road for 4 years prior to my ownership and hasn't been "cherished" for a number of years but you wouldn't know that to drive it now.

I am liking it so much that I am going to start to restore it, does anyone on here know where you can get good quality replacement panels? I am particularly struggling to get sills for it as no one seems to stock them, even google doesn't turn anything up. I figure prior to respraying it I might as well replace all the "well used/rusty" panels!

Cheers Paul.
 

BMBabe

Zorg Expert (I)
Staff member
Supporter
British Zeds
Community Admin
Joined
Sep 4, 2014
Points
206
Location
Aylesbury
Model of Z
Z3
Welcome from Aylesbury

@spurs fan in a coupe breaks Zeds and always has plenty of parts available

Good luck with the project Any pictures of your zed?
 

Low Rider

Zorg Guru (V)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Mar 15, 2015
Points
191
Hi All,

As the title says, i bought a 97 1.9 Z3 as a stopgap between company cars and because it had a private plate with it that was worth more than the car and were my Mum's initials so she will be getting it for her birthday!

I have always had mk1 MX5s so this was a bit of a departure, I am really impressed with it! Not as fun as my MX5 but a hell of a lot more usable!

I have given it a full service, replaced all 4 shocks, discs and the clutch. It is like a different car now! It was off the road for 4 years prior to my ownership and hasn't been "cherished" for a number of years but you wouldn't know that to drive it now.

I am liking it so much that I am going to start to restore it, does anyone on here know where you can get good quality replacement panels? I am particularly struggling to get sills for it as no one seems to stock them, even google doesn't turn anything up. I figure prior to respraying it I might as well replace all the "well used/rusty" panels!

Cheers Paul.
I understand sills are £180 ea from BMW. I managed to purchase a pair in my cars colour for £10 for the pair. I'll ask round for you but can't make any promises
 

t-tony

The Legend
Deceased
Supporter
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
Hi All,

As the title says, i bought a 97 1.9 Z3 as a stopgap between company cars and because it had a private plate with it that was worth more than the car and were my Mum's initials so she will be getting it for her birthday!

I have always had mk1 MX5s so this was a bit of a departure, I am really impressed with it! Not as fun as my MX5 but a hell of a lot more usable!

I have given it a full service, replaced all 4 shocks, discs and the clutch. It is like a different car now! It was off the road for 4 years prior to my ownership and hasn't been "cherished" for a number of years but you wouldn't know that to drive it now.

I am liking it so much that I am going to start to restore it, does anyone on here know where you can get good quality replacement panels? I am particularly struggling to get sills for it as no one seems to stock them, even google doesn't turn anything up. I figure prior to respraying it I might as well replace all the "well used/rusty" panels!

Cheers Paul.
Hi Paul, welcome from near Lincoln. I just read your post re stuck seat motors, and sorry I can't offer help with that particular problem, as Stacey has said Andy @spurs fan in a coupe breaks cars so does @Synclare either or both may be able to advise on the seat issue and be able to offer replacement parts should you need them. Good on you for bringing a Z back to life too.:thumbsup:

Tony.
 

Tearoom

Zorg Guru (III)
Supporter
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Feb 3, 2016
Points
135
Location
Bristol
Model of Z
1.9 M44
Welcome neighbour.
I'm in your neck of the woods.
There is a BMW event at W-S-M on the 10th July.
Should be a few zeds there. A chance to meet other owners and talk shop.
 

Bazza

Zorg Guru (IV)
Supporter
British Zeds
The West Country
Joined
Oct 15, 2013
Points
156
Location
Verwood Dorset
Model of Z
2.8 Roadster
:welcome:from me always good to hear somone is saving a Zed from the scrap heap:thumbsup:
 

DavidM

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Apr 25, 2013
Points
208
Location
Ireland
Model of Z
2.8 Roadster
Welcome from Ireland! So sounds like an interesting project - good luck with it!
 

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)
 

GazHyde

Administrator
Administrator
Global Moderator
M Power
Joined
Dec 2, 2011
Points
226
Location
Berkshire
Model of Z
Z4 MR
Welcome Sips,

I believe sills are still available from BMW, so you could try Soper BMW Lincoln for a forum quote. It's getting harder to find good ones from breakers sadly as they are now getting to the same state.
 

Antm72

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
May 4, 2015
Points
246
Location
South Yorkshire
Model of Z
2.8
Welcome from me too. Sounds like this great little car has hooked another !! Enjoy it no better car for smiles per miles :thumbsup:
 

Redline

Zorg Expert (I)
British Zeds
Joined
Mar 10, 2015
Points
208
Location
Nuneaton
Model of Z
E89 20i msport
:welcome: from Warwickshire. Has anyone asked for photos of your car? We all love photos, especially before and after if you're doing some refurb work. You're definitely in the right place for advice and help.
 

Jack Ratt

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
The West Country
Joined
Dec 3, 2013
Points
200
Location
TRURO, CORNWALL
Model of Z
2.8i AUTO and 2.8i MANUAL
Hello from Truro. You can get pattern sills from a member on here. I think it's @Stormy_be

I believe he produces top quality replacement panels in GPR
 

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 from Gloucestershire (just up the road :thumbsup:)
 
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