Hello

[David Sims]

Hello!
I've just joined, so please treat me gently.
I am looking to purchase a Z3 for myself & my wife as a summer toy.
I'm hoping to find some buying advice on your site.
To be honest I'm not 100% sure what I'm looking for, but would definitely prefer one of the 6 cylinder engines.
I would prefer lower mileage if possible, but mainly no rust, as I would be happy getting my hands dirty with mechanicals.
The missus says it's a mid life crisis! but this applies equally to her and hopefully will mean cheaper insurance.
While I think of it, any advice on insurance? It wouldn't be a daily driver, probably 3000 miles / yr max, we're both over 50 and have other vehicles in the household.
Any advice (buying tips, what to look for, test drive adcvice etc.) gratefully received.
Best regards to all
Dave

 

[ZTec]

Do it, you know it makes sense. Welcome to the forum from Llantwit Major near Cardiff. A six cyl would be great, I have a 1.9 myself and am very happy, being a weekend car it suits me. Whereabouts are you?
Regards
Tec

 

[David Sims]

Do it, you know it makes sense. Welcome to the forum from Llantwit Major near Cardiff. A six cyl would be great, I have a 1.9 myself and am very happy, being a weekend car it suits me. Whereabouts are you?
Regards
Tec

Hi Ztec. Thanks for the welcome. I'm in Plymouth, Darkest Devon. Makes trips to view vehicles a bit of a long haul unless I can find something in the westcountry

 

[ZTec]

Hi Ztec. Thanks for the welcome. I'm in Plymouth, Darkest Devon. Makes trips to view vehicles a bit of a long haul unless I can find something in the westcountry

People on this forum will normally know what's on the market in their area, which is great as they might be able to point you in the right direction before you set out on a few hundred mile wasted trip.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Welcome from Truro. I bought my 2.8 Zed about 18 months ago. I'm insured with Saga, we to are both over 50 and I pay around £160 fully comp, 10k miles per year, although only done 5k since I've had it. Bodywork is good, no rust at all, interior is good, full service history, 88k miles and cost me £2995.

Have a look round and test drive as many as you can.

Enjoy your time here, the people on the forum are so knowledgeable and welcoming.

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[t-tony]

Hey Dave and welcome from here near Lincoln. Mine is a 2000 2.0 Auto (6 cyl.) daily drive all through summer and then we'll see this year how much more she get's used. Had it 5 years nearly and loved every minute. Take your time but get one as soon as you find the right one as you're wasting time for that mile wide smile.

Tony.

 

[Gail]

Welcome from the midlands.

 

[oldcarman]

Unless you're definite on a six don't write off the 4 cyl. With the number of miles per year you indicate it is more than up to the task and you may surprise yourself at the power. You'll know when you've found the one for you! I bought mine from eBay pics in the UK and shipped it to Canada with another being prepped for shipment. Both 1.9's and I'm used to driving big V8 cars and am amazed every time I punch the pedal and hit 6500rpm shifts. Good luck and welcome from Canada! JIM

 

[ZTec]

Unless you're definite on a six don't write off the 4 cyl. With the number of miles per year you indicate it is more than up to the task and you may surprise yourself at the power. You'll know when you've found the one for you! I bought mine from eBay pics in the UK and shipped it to Canada with another being prepped for shipment. Both 1.9's and I'm used to driving big V8 cars and am amazed every time I punch the pedal and hit 6500rpm shifts. Good luck and welcome from Canada! JIM

That's true, mines a 1.9 and it's got enough for what I want.

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome David,

You will certainly get plenty of good advice from this lot, and occasionally I don't talk too much rubbish either! There are some pearls of wisdom in the articles I've linked below to give you a basic idea on the car. It's a driveway mechanics dream as there are so few electronics in the car, you can maintain pretty much everything if you have the inclination.

https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-general-information-for-potential-buyers-by-mike-fishwick.15/
https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-history-by-mike-fishwick.18/

You will find rust a growing issue I'm afraid, and they are prone in the door sills directly behind the front wheel as that's where stones flick up. Also around the boot lock (if the chrome lifter is fitted) and the wing mirror bases.

Engine size will always provoke a hearty debate, I've personally only driven 6 pots and am happy with my current 2.2i.

Cheers, Gary

 

[t-tony]

I'm not knocking the 1.9 at all, it's just I've always loved the sound of a straight six since we were kids and had an old Standard Vanguard to thrash round some stubble fields.

Tony.

 

[roadvoyager1]

Don't be too concerned about the engine size range on the 6 cyl models, fuel consumption is very similar from 2.0 to 3.0 ltr, the bigger engines go a bit faster. If fuel consumption is of concern stay with the 4 cyl models.
At typically 16 years old you can expect to need to do some work on suspension and bushes unless they have been replaced recently. There is plenty of information on this forum about this type of work that has been completed by members.
Occasionally a member of one of the Z forums will offer their car for sale and these, if from established members, can be well worth considering.
You are looking for a Z3 at the peak time and prices will reflect demand. Good ones will also move quickly. If you see one that been hanging around for a while at a good price be wary; there could well be a reason.
Tell us where you are located and you may find a local member how would be willing to let you look over their car and point out the common concerns.
Hope that is of help and happy hunting

 

[GazHyde]

I hope @GazHyde will forgive me for posting this link

Always forgiven sir, but I had already posted the link to our article system with Mike Fishwicks info in it

I had forgotten though to post this link put together by the Bertini man
https://zroadster.org/threads/z3-and-z3m-buyers-guide-for-bertini-gt25.4910/

 

[oldcarman]

I'm not knocking the 1.9 at all, it's just I've always loved the sound of a straight six since we were kids and had an old Standard Vanguard to thrash round some stubble fields.

Tony.

I agree. A straight six with a split exhaust duall exhaust sounds way better than any V8! JIM

 

[billz]

Hi and welcome to the club

 

[David Sims]

Thanks all.
Points taken about engine size etc.
Like others, I particularly like the sound of 6 cylinders. (Yes I know)
To start another debate - what's the consensus on manual vs auto?
Also, I know that the cam is chain driven, but are there other similar specific mileage related issues that i should watch for?
I would just like to thank ALL the people that have responded, and so quickly!
Thanks again
Dave

 

[billz]

Don't be too concerned about the engine size range on the 6 cyl models, fuel consumption is very similar from 2.0 to 3.0 ltr, the bigger engines go a bit faster. If fuel consumption is of concern stay with the 4 cyl models.

The 3.0 if you can get one is a lot faster than any of the other Six Cylinders except the M and also the best all round car. The Mpg is the same if not better than the other six cylinder models and servicing costs are just a tad higher due to having to have the more expensive spark plugs. 0-60 just under 6 seconds and if you dont boot it everywhere then it will return between 30 and 34mpg on runs. I have heard of folk getting more if driven carefully.

 

[billz]

I bet if you test drove all of the six cylinder models then you would want the 3.0. That is exactly what we did. As soon as we drove our old Z3 we just had to have it

 

[t-tony]

consensus on manual vs auto?

That's a very personal choice to be honest Dave, obviously you know my preference. All of our 3 cars are all auto's my Z3, my wifes VW Eos 2.0 Diesel with the 6 spd DSG (an awesome gearbox) and my VW Touareg 2.5 TDI, 5 cyl . I f you like auto go for what you like not what others like, or vice versa.

Tony.