Buying advice

[Alastair Chandler]

Hi all
I have just joined and hope to participate and contribute in the future however, I am literally just starting out and looking to buy a Z3.
I have done some research and there’s a lot of information out there but, given this forum is for actual owners, rather than dealers and sellers I thought it would be a great place to get some advice before I buy.
After research I don’t think I want a 1.9
I have honed in on some 2.2s and they seem to have what I’m looking for however I have a few queries.
Given their age there are quite a number over the years 100k mileage however, given the build quality I am assuming there’s still a lot of life left in them. But is there anything else I need to watch out for and how to avoid them? ie. electric roof issues
Suspension and dampers
Cam belts etc
Also are then any good places to search for owner/sellers rather than the usual eBay or autotrader.
I realise that there are a lot of preferencial choices but I just want to get a good decent and fun car.
Many thanks and all the best
Alastair

 

[Slam]

Hi and welcome from London. Have a look in the for sale section on here there are a couple of 2.8s in there. The later engines cars drink a bit of oil rust on the outer panels but not the end of the world as they all bolt on. Boot floor can crack at the welds on the bigger engines cars. Bushes wear but generally everything else is like an ordinary 2nd hand car. Build quality is pretty good.

 

[Mazza]

You dont want a 1.9lt?..................they are lovely cars.....

If you can find what you want through this forum, you will know that the car will have been well looked after and you will get a true appraisal of the cars condition, and not all the usual car salesman guff !!
Or, If you do find one elsewhere, see if there is a forum member in your area, who could go and look at it with you.

 

[Alastair Chandler]

Hi and welcome from London. Have a look in the for sale section on here there are a couple of 2.8s in there. The later engines cars drink a bit of oil rust on the outer panels but not the end of the world as they all bolt on. Boot floor can crack at the welds on the bigger engines cars. Bushes wear but generally everything else is like an ordinary 2nd hand car. Build quality is pretty good.

Many thanks for the sound advice. Greatly appreciated

 

[Alastair Chandler]

You dont want a 1.9lt?..................they are lovely cars.....

If you can find what you want through this forum, you will know that the car will have been well looked after and you will get a true appraisal of the cars condition, and not all the usual car salesman guff !!
Or, If you do find one elsewhere, see if there is a forum member in your area, who could go and look at it with you.

Thanks I do appreciate that I am judging the 1.9s with out any prior knowledge or experience. Just from what I’ve seen on other sites. I really appreciate your reply and great suggestions. Thanks

 

[Mazza]

I should have also added.....Hi and welcome to the forum from Bognor Regis

 

[BMBabe]

Welcome from Aylesbury
You won't go wrong with a 6 pot

 

[BMBabe]

https://zroadster.org/threads/bmw-z3-2-2-2002-titanium-silver.27297/

 

[Alastair Chandler]

Looks like what I’m after.
Thanks for the link

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome to the forum

 

[Alastair Chandler]

Hello and welcome to the forum

Thanks Jack great to hear from you.
I’m in Surrey

 

[Ianmc]

Welcome, no cam belts to worry about, all are chains. I'm with @Mazza. M44 is a fine car.

 

[benf]

Hi and welcome from Leicestershire, best buying advice I can give you is buy a z4(I've owned both)

 

[Mint]

Hi @Alastair Chandler, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. Sorry, I don't agree with Ben as I also have had a Z4 and have now got two Z3s and no Z4. The 3s and 4s are totally different cars. The best advice is to drive the different varieties and see which you like best. You may also want to have a read of this Z3 buying guide: https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-general-information-for-potential-buyers-by-mike-fishwick.15/

 

[bp;ptxus]

Hi all
I have just joined and hope to participate and contribute in the future however, I am literally just starting out and looking to buy a Z3.
I have done some research and there’s a lot of information out there but, given this forum is for actual owners, rather than dealers and sellers I thought it would be a great place to get some advice before I buy.
After research I don’t think I want a 1.9
I have honed in on some 2.2s and they seem to have what I’m looking for however I have a few queries.
Given their age there are quite a number over the years 100k mileage however, given the build quality I am assuming there’s still a lot of life left in them. But is there anything else I need to watch out for and how to avoid them? ie. electric roof issues
Suspension and dampers
Cam belts etc
Also are then any good places to search for owner/sellers rather than the usual eBay or autotrader.
I realise that there are a lot of preferencial choices but I just want to get a good decent and fun car.
Many thanks and all the best
Alastair

Suggest you look on the forum because most people on here really do love their cars, and want them to go to a good home. Look at the service history, if there is one, and check shocks and tyres - will give an indication of how its been driven. I personally like the 2.8 wide body - good looks, reasonable fuel consumption, and fast. Good luck!

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[benf]

Hi @Alastair Chandler, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. Sorry, I don't agree with Ben as I also have had a Z4 and have now got two Z3s and no Z4. The 3s and 4s are totally different cars. The best advice is to drive the different varieties and see which you like best. You may also want to have a read of this Z3 buying guide: https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-general-information-for-potential-buyers-by-mike-fishwick.15/

Thought that would go down like a sh!t sandwich

 

[Redline]

Hi and welcome.
The thing that no-one has said is go and drive both the 1.9 and the 2.2. Yes, there will be more torque in the larger engine, but, many rate a good 1.9 as a nicely balanced car compared to those with more weight. You might be surprised.

 

[mwpe]

Hello and from Surrey, the link that Dave @Mint gave you is a good start, as for build quality, they are pretty good. Mine has done 134,00 miles of which I have done 113,000 and it is still great. I think one of Mints is over 180,000.

 

[Mint]

...I think one of Mints is over 180,000. ...

Correct Mike, my 2.2 has just over 186,000 on her now and that's miles not Km