Finally!

[garedden]

Hello from Niagara, Ontario, Canada!
There was an only one car that I have ever considered to be collectible, and only a one production year. I/we have just committed, but not yet received, to purchasing a 1997 BMW Z3 2.8l E36/7 Roadster in Atlanta Metallic Blue.
With 176,000kms it seems to have been well cared for, undercoated, and has all of the age related interior plastic failures common to the car. My intention is to preserve what exists, enjoy driving it, and restore as I go.
There are no service records and my first question is with respect to the timing chain, do I need to have it serviced now as a precaution?
Thank you!

 

[t-tony]

With regular oil changes these engines are bullet proof. Ask @Mint.
I think, looking at the picture that is Montreal Blue?

Tony.

ps. Welcome to the forum from me near Lincoln UK.

 

[garedden]

Thank you, Tony.
Two weeks ago I went to see a 2004 Z4 and experienced my first ever engine blow. The seller was driving, climbing aggressively through the gears, then the motor sized up with oil spilling over the road. His thought was that the timing chain skipped. It had me a little concerned.

 

[t-tony]

Don't get me wrong, you can kill any engine if you abuse it enough, but what I am saying is that IF these engines are maintained correctly they will give you very good service in return.
Was the engine in the Z4 a 4 cylinder or 6?

Tony.

 

[garedden]

Don't get me wrong, you can kill any engine if you abuse it enough, but what I am saying is that IF these engines are maintained correctly they will give you very good service in return.
Was the engine in the Z4 a 4 cylinder or 6?

Tony.

Thank you, understood! That Z4 was a 6-cylinder, imported to Canada from USA. Looked great sitting still, but that was no indication of the condition of the motor.

 

[Pond]

Hi and welcome.
There are a few BMW engines that have question marks over cam chains, but the M52 (in the 2.8L Z3), M54 and N52 (in the Z4 E85) are not among them as long as, as said above, they are not totally neglected maintenance-wise.

 

[Mint]

Hi and to the forum from me too in Stafford, England.
I have a 2.2 with the M54 engine [6 pot] and as long as they are serviced regularly as Tony says pretty bullet proof. I'm over 210,000 miles on mine.

If the picture you posted is the Zed you're buying it is definitely not Atlanta Blue. I agree with Tony looks like Montreal to me.

 

[andyglym]

to the Forum from West Cumbria, England.

 

[Shelly]