Low miles Z3

[Space_coyote]

Hi,

I have an opportunity to buy a post-facelift Z3 with only 15,000 miles on it (verified). As far as I can tell it’s been well looked after and garaged throughout its life. Is there any issues I should keep an eye out for given it’s had so little use?

Thanks,
Tony

 

[Richard29]

Time perishes parts but at 15000 miles it shoukd be better than most, what engine gearbox?

 

[Space_coyote]

M54B30 and manual

 

[Zephyr]

hello and welcome.
decide after you take it on a veeeeery long ride and then check it thoroughly.
i bought a similar case (stored for ten years low miles blah blah) and had to replace literally every hose and gasket after driving it for some miles.
Although kept in a ventilated and heated garage, time took it toll on the parts and they perished to dust. (They have to be driven, not stored).
finally sold it, got tired fixing a new issue every day.

 

[colb]

@Zephyr is correct about all the rubber parts probably needing replacement, they do go hard with age and the smaller vaccum pipes rot. These cars rely on a good sealed vaccum system across the engine splits in the intake bellows after the Maf are the first things to check. If you go ahead with the purchase I would advise a good oil service and also do the gearbox and Diff oils then you know whats in there going forward. Do not believe in the fill for life BMW would have you believe regarding the gearbox oil. Also give the rubber brake hoses the once over to see what state they are in.

 

[t-tony]

And, if its a UK car check the MOT history thoroughly because if has been tested by the same person (not just the same garage) it won't have had the same standard of test year in, year out, I will guarantee it.

Tony.

 

[Althulas]

Apart from buying the car make sure you have a budget for replacing all those potential hoses and service items but you’ll have a nice toy at the end of preparation for the