DILEMMA TIME

Redsheep

Zorg Guru (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
Scottish Zeds
Joined
May 2, 2016
Points
108
Location
Aberdeen
Model of Z
2.8
So I have seen a really nice Z4 Alpina Lux for sale within 10 miles of home.
86k with FSH and last owner for 12 years.
Looks fantastic but I would have to check full history regarding CH gasket, electrics etc.
For some reason it has had B12 suspension fitted & royal steering wheel re trim as extras.

Dilemma is I would have to sell my Z3 which I thought it would never come to - to get it in the garage.

My Z, for those that have not seen it - 2.8 pre-facelift 1997 with 68k, black with chrome.
AC Schnitzer hoops/recovered interior in Alcantara/full suspension replaced (standard shocks/springs/drop links/abs bushes/lollipops/control arms/rod ends) including rear beam bushes and diff bush/water pump, thermostat, belt & tensioners replaced/all fluids done/new alternator & battery.

So my Z I was hoping for about £6900 and the Alpina at £16k - am I mad?
Has the Alpina already risen in price with the 2.8 about to accelerate?
Any comments & opinions welcome - especially from @Nodzed who has experience of both.

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That’s a difficult decision 🌞
My Z3 was really special to me , I’d love to have it back 😊
But I do love my Z4 too 👍
If I had to choose between them , I wouldn’t know what too do 😲
I’m sure what ever you do , will be the right decision for you 😁
 
Hi Dave I was going to suggest that you talk Niall about it .
As far as I know he wasn't as impressed as he thought he would be with the Alpina.
Personally I would keep the z3 as its a nice one that you may struggle to replace with similar if your z4 experience is not what you had hoped.

Stephen.
 
No! You will regret it when it trundles off into the sunset at the hands of someone else.
 
A tough call mate, a different animal altogether. Fast, unique and nice looking though.
 
Hi mate. The Alpina is an incredible car. It's quick, up there with the Z4M and sounds amazing. To be fair they are the same as any other Z4 for issues. Steering can be problematic. And I found the electrics to be a weak spot. One thing about the hand built Alpina engine is the head gasket, they can fail between the cylinders due to the boring out to 3.4 ltrs, it narrows the distance between the liners. It would cost in excess of 2.5k to repair. Mine went but it had done 140k I have read of others going at a lot less mileage. To be fair the BMW spealist said once done the engine was in great shape so that reassuring that the motors are otherwise strong. If you hear any pinking from the engine it's a sign the gasket has failed causing pre-ignition. Walk away unless it's very cheap. One other thing, some parts are only available from Alpina, head gasket being one of them. Happy to have a chat if it helps.
 
Thanks Naill,
I viewed it today and although it looked great, there was just something that made me think - for £10k more than mine - really?
it was compression tested just 3k miles ago and everything was well.
It may sound a bit strange, but although it felt much more refined and modern, it missed that old school
“hud on” feel of the Z3.
I am yet to be fully convinced which is not a good sign, plus I know my ones history.
Beginning to think that this is not worth the gamble .
 
Thanks Naill,
I viewed it today and although it looked great, there was just something that made me think - for £10k more than mine - really?
it was compression tested just 3k miles ago and everything was well.
It may sound a bit strange, but although it felt much more refined and modern, it missed that old school
“hud on” feel of the Z3.
I am yet to be fully convinced which is not a good sign, plus I know my ones history.
Beginning to think that this is not worth the gamble .
Not many 2.8s around like yours mate.
 
Apart from its twin Andy😜
But yours has had the zedshed treatment!
 
No you won’t

but I will see you in the lakes in May👍
 
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