Hello everyone from Indiana.
My name is David and I live in Evansville, IN. I am a retired warehouse manager (Alcoa) and now have a hobby as a tennis official.
I recently bought my first Z. It is a silver 1996 BMW Z3 1.9 Roadster with about 170,000 miles. I would call it a rescue car. The previous owner left it for dead. I got her very cheap and I can understand why. The convertible top was very old and had holes not only in the top but also in the rear plastic window. This allowed all sort of critters in the car, trunk and engine. My son who is studying body and engine at Greenville Tech went with me to look it over before I bought it. He said there was no rust and the engine was in good shape (from what he could see). He said that everything else is cosmetic and we could fix it.
So far we have:
1) Replaced the Top
2) Changed oil and filter
3) Changed out rotors and brake pads
4) New battery installed
Things to do :
Coolant system overhaul
Add Roll hoops (if I can find a complete set)
Install bushings for seat rails
Replace Seats
Replace Windshield and wipers
Replace steering Wheel
Gut and replace the interior
It has been not only stressful at times, but also a money pit....HOWEVER, I have heard that the car will provide me years of enjoyment to come. I sure hope they are correct!!
My name is David and I live in Evansville, IN. I am a retired warehouse manager (Alcoa) and now have a hobby as a tennis official.
I recently bought my first Z. It is a silver 1996 BMW Z3 1.9 Roadster with about 170,000 miles. I would call it a rescue car. The previous owner left it for dead. I got her very cheap and I can understand why. The convertible top was very old and had holes not only in the top but also in the rear plastic window. This allowed all sort of critters in the car, trunk and engine. My son who is studying body and engine at Greenville Tech went with me to look it over before I bought it. He said there was no rust and the engine was in good shape (from what he could see). He said that everything else is cosmetic and we could fix it.
So far we have:
1) Replaced the Top
2) Changed oil and filter
3) Changed out rotors and brake pads
4) New battery installed
Things to do :
Coolant system overhaul
Add Roll hoops (if I can find a complete set)
Install bushings for seat rails
Replace Seats
Replace Windshield and wipers
Replace steering Wheel
Gut and replace the interior
It has been not only stressful at times, but also a money pit....HOWEVER, I have heard that the car will provide me years of enjoyment to come. I sure hope they are correct!!
to the forum from West Cumbria, England. I think all these Zeds (Zees) are money pits to a degree initially but once you've got all the basics sorted they will last a ling time and give loads of reward for your roof down drives. Currently parts are in plentiful supply and are not expensive less so if you can do a lot yourself. Good luck.
