I need some help with car choices

[Zephyr]

The 2.2 has to be a newer model.
the 2.8 has the M52 engine and and the 2.2 is the M54.
So unless you people in UK had these models in parallel the 2.8 is a 99 model and the 2.2 a 00+
and they have to be a pre-facelift and a facelift model. Both widebody but with differences in rear headlights and interior.
so there have to be many differences between them unless UK is a totally different market than the rest of us.

 

[andyglym]

There really isn’t much difference between the 2 cars other than the engine size and 1 has air con. I’m actually surprised and the paint condition on both of them given the price range I’m looking in and the mileage isn’t too bad considering they’re both 24 years old. Rebuilding engines and mechanical work isn’t beyond me so I’m not really asking about that aspect. I’m just trying to see if the 2.8 is worthy for f the £500 mark up and stretching myself for it.
I am leaning towards the 2.8 for a few reasons, air con aside it is so much closer and my dad has offered to pick it up for me until I can fly over and bring it back to Northern Ireland. Also bodywork wise I think it’s slightly better, and in my opinion the 2.8’s seem to hold value more over the smaller engine sizes. (Please correct me if this isn’t true) not that I’m buying it t thinking of the next owner anyway. I’ll keep you all updated and share some pics of the one I go for as I’m sure you are all on the edge of your seats

Whilst there's not much in it the 2.2 needs to work harder than the 2.8 on a spirited drive. Good luck

 

[Ado1379]

I apologise I was talking about comfort and added extra wise, not cosmetic. They’re both listed as ‘99’s though?

 

[t-tony]

I started with a 2000 Z3 2.0 Auto, I wanted a straight six but I soon realised I should’ve bought a 2.8 or a 3.0. My next car was an E85 Z4 3.0 and now 8 have an E89 Z4 23i 2.5. Buy the 2.8 and save the “ I wish I had”.

Tony.

 

[Z Victor 1]

1999 2.8 s are more likely to be facelift models with the twin vanos engine like the one I had, but some were still pre facelift. Seems more sensible to buy one in N.Ireland unless there was something really special elsewhere.

 

[Zephyr]

1999 2.8 s are more likely to be facelift models with the twin vanos engine like the one I had, but some were still pre facelift. Seems more sensible to buy one in N.Ireland unless there was something really special elsewhere.

Aha! So you had the M52TU… hmmm. We never did. Makes sense.

 

[Ado1379]

There aren’t many Z3’s this side of the water mate plus I get free ferry travel and flights with work so it makes no difference to me

 

[Z Victor 1]

Just seen one on fbook marketplace near me @Ado1379. Sutton in Ashfield, red pre facelift 2.8 with sport seats and spare set wheels. 1999,120k miles £2500. Is that it?

 

[Delk]

I agree with Woodsta888. The condition of the car is more important then the engine. You can always do something with the engine if you wish but its really hard to make rust shiny.

To me vehicle condition and the seats are important. AC I dont worry about but thats only me.
My car is in good condition but had standard basic seats. Drove it from Norfolk to Liverpool and back. Seats were replaced as soon as I could after that. Mine is a play toy but my misses is a nice clean car with sport seats, AC, quiet exhaust and the lot. Both cars started as identical 2.8TUs but are completely different now.
You can make a car as you want but you have a good base.

 

[Ado1379]

Yes don’t steal it

I agree to some extent but as I can do everything but paintwork I can overlook rust for the right car to some extent. That being said the car is in decent shape for the money. My dad is going over to look at it Sunday so if he ok’s it then he’ll be driving it away.

 

[Jam03]

If you’re looking at the bottom end of the market, watch out for tyres brakes and suspension. Cars can become not much fun if those are lacking and it can easily cost £1000 to sort and you’re unlikely to recover that cost when you sell on.

 

[Ado1379]

Yes I agree, I’ve owned classic cars for 15 years now and this is hopefully my second Zed. Im an aircraft engineer by trade so have access to most of the bulky machinery if I need to lift engines etc (hopefully won’t come to that) and my brothers a mechanic so anything that I haven’t done before he will have.

 

[Woodsta888]

Well, with your brother, and your engineering profession, you're golden. Plenty of help on here too of course if something crops up.