Hello from the Pacific Northwest!

[Courtney Allen]

Just joined; I have been on a quest for a convertible and for the past month or so just doing the necessary research. I've been a BMW motorcycle rider for years so it was not surprising to me that the list has been pared down to a 2000 - 2006 BMW Z3 or 4. So what's it going to be? Definitely on a budget so the 'M's are out investment potential or not. I'm not a racer anyways - some one else was talking about filtering along the green lanes with the top down. Yep, that'll do it for me too. This car will (probably) not be a daily driver.

Surprising how many Zs are available in this general area. I'm focusing on manual transmissions, 2.5 or 2.8l motors. Using the bmwarchive.org vin decoder to sort out the equipment and values. There are too many to see them all!

Today was a beautiful day (60's in January - wow) so I decided to go out and test drive one on my short list - a 2005 Z4 with Sports and Premium packages, 2.5L, manual trans. It had 65K miles on it and looked to be in great shape. OMG - did I love how that drove? But the carfax and maintenance history has me somewhat concerned. 4 owners, and the current dealer spent $3000 getting it in shape for sale (mostly sensor replacements). Oh well, loved the car, but maybe not THAT car. Next up will be on the other end of the scale - a 2000 2.8L manual trans with sport package 88k miles. I think I prefer the looks of the Z3 - kind of Austin-Heally-ish. We'll see what the seat of the pants has to say about that.

I would be happy to hear your opinions about good year and/or equipment combinations, even pro/cons of the Z3 vs Z4.

Thanks!

 

[Shelly]

Welcome to the forum Courtney
Glad you found us , lots of advice and good knowledge on this site
We're owned both a Z3 and now have a Z4 I luv them both to bits and I think it's very hard to choose between then , I think it's down to your own taste as both have lovely features on them ,
Good luck in looking for your Z
Hope you find what your looking for

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome Courtney,

I'm glad you have plenty to choose from in your area, should make sure you end up with the one that suits you best. I'm running a 2.2i Z3 which shouldn't be too far off the performance of the 2.5i. All the 6 cyls are good strong engines, so whichever you choose then you should be ok.

I've had 2 Z3's and a 2004 3.0 Z4. Loved the Z4, but for me it's more of a cruiser than a drivers car. The Z3 always put a bigger smile on my face driving it.

The number of previous owners on cars hasn't bothered me on past car purchases - think my current one had 4. The 6cyl engines are prone to sensor failures at some stage in their potentially long lives (mine is reporting one using a code reader at the moment). If they have been changed then that's a good thing as they can be rather expensive (the one I need is £110/$160 and it's the second I will have changed). They only tend to go once in the cars lifetime though!

Gary

 

[jonco]

Courtney. Personally I prefer the more classic lines of the 3 but it's all about personal choice.
That seems a lot of money on sensors for a relatively low mileage car - agree steer clear.
If you are on a budget then the 3 is relatively easy to maintain but if sensors do need changing stick with OEM.
Good Luck with your search.

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[hard top]

Welcome from the Netherlands.

 

[t-tony]

Hey Courtney welcome from Lincoln UK. Mine is a 2000 2.0 auto (6 cyl) and I love it to bits. You will love which ever Z you choose, loads of info and fun on here too.

Tony.

 

[Mint]

from me too in Stafford UK

 

[Courtney Allen]

Thanks to all of you for your replies and advice. Gaz Monkey, thanks - your logic with respect to the sensors makes perfect sense! By the way, one of my favorite TV shows over here is Gas Monkey Garage - http://www.gasmonkeygarage.com/

 

[oldcarman]

Welcome from north east of Winnipeg. JIM

 

[Jack Ratt]

Welcome from Cornwall. Have always liked the Z4 but deep down I love the classic retro looks of the Z3. It's all down to personal choice and they are both great cars. Which ever you decide to get, it'll be a good choice

 

[BMBabe]

Welcome to the group and good luck with your search