Buying a Japanese Import: What are the priority jobs?

[Clockwatcher]

Hi all,

As a long time BMW owner, my wife and I have just bought our first Z3. It is a 2.8 auto, year 2000, rust free (as far as I can tell without removing the outer sill covers) 50K miles car imported from Japan. Before we take delivery the seller will complete a full service, including transmission oil, and seal the underside of the car. The car has just been successfully MOT'd.

The intent is it will be used year round, and not be a garage queen. However, we want to preserve it's cosmetic and mechanical health as best we can. My priority jobs, are:

Immediate Jobs on delivery:

Weather proof the hood
Gummi Pflege the seals
Ensure the sills are rust proofed
Take her for a drive or 3!

Longer term jobs:

Change the thermostat
Change the water pump
Investigate strengthening the Diff mounting
Figure out what to do with a Japanese business radio and CD Changer!
Investigate changing the rubber bushes for modern silicone ones
Find a hardtop for winter
Get winter wheels and tyres

However, recognizing the wealth of experience on this site, if this was your car, what changes to the above list would you make?

Regards, Clockwatcher

 

[Slam]

Hi and welcome from London, you pretty much have it covered. Getting it waxoyled or similar underneath is a priority in my opinion.

 

[Low Rider]

Welcome aboard Clockwatcher

 

[mrscalex]

When you say rust proof the sills.

The parts on the outside are sill covers. These should be removed and the rears treated. This will expose the structural sill which should also be treated.

 

[Grumps]

Hi from Mansfield. Most zeds are 20 years or so old now and suspension is massively overlooked. May well be worth investigating.

 

[Clockwatcher]

Hi again. In terms of rust proofing, is there any strong preferences for Waxoyl or Dinitrol?

Many thanks for the advice given so far. CW

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria .

 

[Althulas]

Por 15 is a appealing product as the claims are it reacts against water https://www.por15.com/POR-15-Technical-Information_ep_62.html

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome to ZroadSter

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[Mint]

Hi @Clockwatcher, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire.

 

[Tom Martin]

Hi and welcome from Oz.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I was in Middlesbrough recently and had a look at a couple of ex Japanese Z3's at an importer.

 

[James S]

Hello from London.

I'd check coolant hoses and monitor coolant levels for signs of leaks in case they need doing at the same time as the water pump and thermostat.

James

 

[Shieldz]

Hi from North Somerset.

 

[Clockwatcher]

Gentlemen, thanks again.

Althulas, Thanks for the tip on POR15, that is a treatment I have never heard of.

James S, Good call on the hoses. I remember being caught out after I finished an engine build on my first BMW, an E21. I never changed the hoses and one split on the first long drive!

Grumps, The suspension is definitely on my list. She drove sweetly during the test drive, 16 inch wheels and sport suspension so a very compliant but composed ride. Although there was no sign of weeping from the dampers, I have changed my fair share of rubber bushes that have aged terribly on older BMWs.

mrscalex, Are there any other areas you would pay close attention to?

And to all those that welcomed us, thanks

Looking forward to this list of tips growing!

Best regards, CW