Looking at my first Z3 - common issues?

[John_B]

Hi forum!

(Please forgive me if I have missed a sticky or have been looking in the wrong place, but I cannot find a list of common faults!)

I am planning on looking at a Z3 1.9i at the weekend. I am looking for a project car, so I am not too worried about a bit of wear and tear and specifically want something that needs a bit of work. (TL: DR I have fancied a project car for a long time and finally am in a position to get started. I had always imagined it would be an MX5 *gasp* but since getting a 535d (F11) as my daily, I am a total BMW-convert!)

The one I plan on looking at this weekend is a 1998 1.9i, 150k miles. The main concern is that it has been sat for 5yrs. Just from the photos there is some visible rust on the sills and wings, but presumably these are fairly simple to replace? I am more worried about what rust I might find on the chassis - are there any common/key areas to check? From the photos I can see the ABS & Traction Control lights are lit up - I have an OBD2 thingy and Bimmerlink/Bimmercode - will these work with a '98 Z3? And are there any codes to look out for that you guys would run a mile from?

I do plan on taking it for a test drive, although I will be wanting to keep it short and gentle considering it's been sat for so long. Is there anything Z3 specific to look out for?

Many thanks in advance and I look forward to contributing to the community :-D

 

[Sean Hilton]

Don't know where you are, but I have a complete prefacelift z3 to sell, would need to be recovered as non running, would come with spare engine and ecu, if your interested let me know

 

[PhilH67]

so you'll probably be looking at a full suspension refresh, a cooling system refresh, changing out some of the body panels (yes the majority are bolt on). my guess is that you're from the US?

 

[John_B]

Don't know where you are, but I have a complete prefacelift z3 to sell, would need to be recovered as non running, would come with spare engine and ecu, if your interested let me know

Ah thanks Sean, but I'm not ready for engine swaps just yet!!

so you'll probably be looking at a full suspension refresh, a cooling system refresh, changing out some of the body panels (yes the majority are bolt on). my guess is that you're from the US?

Haha no, Matlock, Derbyshire Why do you say that?

Suspension, exhaust, interior restoration/upgrade is exactly the sort of level I am looking for

Thanks

 

[PhilH67]

just when you said chassis

there's a blue one in Coalville that's up for a grand that might be worth a look at, I'd go for it myself only I've now got 3 and apparently I'm not allowed any more

 

[John_B]

just when you said chassis

there's a blue one in Coalville that's up for a grand that might be worth a look at, I'd go for it myself only I've now got 3 and apparently I'm not allowed any more

Thanks for the tip. Do you have a link for the ad?

 

[PhilH67]

it's on Facebook marketplace

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[John_B]

Great, thanks, I'll have a look. Do you know the owner/history, or is it just one you've seen when browsing?

 

[PhilH67]

just one that popped up, it's an mot failure on brake pipes, front tyres and emissions mainly. it's the colour that I want sometime but my wife's last word on the subject was "don't buy any more f&%$£*g Z3s"

 

[the Nefyn cat]

just one that popped up, it's an mot failure on brake pipes, front tyres and emissions mainly. it's the colour that I want sometime but my wife's last word on the subject was "don't buy any more f&%$£*g Z3s"

It's horrible how selective deafness can kick in at times of stress. Just a thought.

 

[Andyboy]

Hi forum!

(Please forgive me if I have missed a sticky or have been looking in the wrong place, but I cannot find a list of common faults!)

I am planning on looking at a Z3 1.9i at the weekend. I am looking for a project car, so I am not too worried about a bit of wear and tear and specifically want something that needs a bit of work. (TL: DR I have fancied a project car for a long time and finally am in a position to get started. I had always imagined it would be an MX5 *gasp* but since getting a 535d (F11) as my daily, I am a total BMW-convert!)

The one I plan on looking at this weekend is a 1998 1.9i, 150k miles. The main concern is that it has been sat for 5yrs. Just from the photos there is some visible rust on the sills and wings, but presumably these are fairly simple to replace? I am more worried about what rust I might find on the chassis - are there any common/key areas to check? From the photos I can see the ABS & Traction Control lights are lit up - I have an OBD2 thingy and Bimmerlink/Bimmercode - will these work with a '98 Z3? And are there any codes to look out for that you guys would run a mile from?

I do plan on taking it for a test drive, although I will be wanting to keep it short and gentle considering it's been sat for so long. Is there anything Z3 specific to look out for?

Many thanks in advance and I look forward to contributing to the community :-D

That needs to be cheap, as in £350, preferably less.

If you want a project then look for a facelift car, preferably a 6 cylinder one.

 

[ExMX5owner]

It's horrible how selective deafness can kick in at times of stress. Just a thought.

I honestly though my minister of finance said "just get it" , In my defense that does sound like "just forget it" . @purple_banana , nothing wrong with MX5,s

 

[John_B]

Oh absolutely not! I'd love a mk1, but they are just ridiculous money now

i thought "mx5" might be blasphemy around these parts

 

[AntStark]

i thought "mx5" might be blasphemy around these parts

Nah everyone is welcome ..even if you have bought the wrong car. I think most here have owned an MX5 at one point

 

[AntStark]

@purple_banana

Z3 2.8i Roadster

Good morning all, I am going to view a 1997 Z3 2.8i manual tomorrow 72k miles - looks tidy and lots of history - what are the main things to look out for please. New to the site so any help appreciated!

zroadster.org

 

[John_B]

@purple_banana

Z3 2.8i Roadster

Good morning all, I am going to view a 1997 Z3 2.8i manual tomorrow 72k miles - looks tidy and lots of history - what are the main things to look out for please. New to the site so any help appreciated!

zroadster.org

You are a star! Thank you!! Very informative

 

[ExMX5owner]

Oh absolutely not! I'd love a mk1, but they are just ridiculous money now

i thought "mx5" might be blasphemy around these parts

Well My screen name didn't get me banned, although I'm sure some of my jokes have come close... I had an NA, sadly it,s rust issues got the better of it. Z3,s don,t go rusty here. We do not salt our roads, I,m pretty sure that's the reason. But older MX5,s don,t need a reason, they just do it anyway..

 

[John_B]

Well I didn't buy the one I went to look at. Way more issues than the advert suggested, and the dealer would not take a penny less than the asking price. I was also going to need to mess around with a trailer to get it home.

I went to look at the one on FB Marketplace that PhilH67 mentioned earlier. It needs some work, but it's all the usual age-related stuff like worn suspension components and corroded brake lines - but aside from those it drove lovely and it is currently on my driveway alongside my 535d.

I have officially joined the club!!

 

[AntStark]

Congratulations..looks proper James Bond

 

[as400]

Nah everyone is welcome ..even if you have bought the wrong car. I think most here have owned an MX5 at one point

Yes re MX5, the first bend I drove around in my Eunos I realised I had a special car, reminded me of my Elise. Very "Jinba ittai"