New owner of a poor little Z3 who needs lots of TLC...

[DirtyDog]

Hi all.
My names Mark and I live in Aylesbury Bucks.
I have just been given a 51 plate Z3 1.9 53,000 mile car which is in a bit of a sorry state.
She is a Cat D write off, has sat in a barn for the last 4 years and is in need of some love and TLC.
Its my plan to try and get her back on the road without spending a fortune.
i haven't really worked on a car before so its a bit overwhelming, I think its going to be a long term project with a big learning curve.
Structure wise she is sound as well as a good sounding engine.
Body wise, ouch -
Front and rear bumpers damaged, nearside sill, both front lower wings, passenger door, bonnet of which all really need replacing, for a body work shop probably all repairable, but im probably just going to buy second hand and replace.
Interior -
Cars got damp in the past with mildew etc. Electric seats work but will need some major overhaul work doing to try and get clean or coloring.

So that's a little about me, I have so many questions to ask, but i guess i should search the forum before asking too much.

 

[t-tony]

Welcome from me near Lincoln. If you're going to save another Z from going to the scrappy you can ask as many questions as you like. Plenty of info on here, just ask.

Tony.

 

[Grumps]

Hi all.
My names Mark and I live in Aylesbury Bucks.
I have just been given a 51 plate Z3 1.9 53,000 mile car which is in a bit of a sorry state.
She is a Cat D write off, has sat in a barn for the last 4 years and is in need of some love and TLC.
Its my plan to try and get her back on the road without spending a fortune.
i haven't really worked on a car before so its a bit overwhelming, I think its going to be a long term project with a big learning curve.
Structure wise she is sound as well as a good sounding engine.
Body wise, ouch -
Front and rear bumpers damaged, nearside sill, both front lower wings, passenger door, bonnet of which all really need replacing, for a body work shop probably all repairable, but im probably just going to buy second hand and replace.
Interior -
Cars got damp in the past with mildew etc. Electric seats work but will need some major overhaul work doing to try and get clean or coloring.

So that's a little about me, I have so many questions to ask, but i guess i should search the forum before asking too much.

Hi Mark, good for you mate for having a go! Lots of free advice on here so don't be shy to ask how ever small, ooh and your on the doorstep of our resident stalker @BMBabe. Good luck with that one lol! . Sorry Stacey couldn't resist! She's lovely really!

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria. Great job and good luck, be interested with progress and before/after photo's

 

[pgunter]

Hello and welcome.. @BMBabe One you missed... hahaha

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome from Truro. One of the best things about the design of the Z3 is that you can remove all the outer body panels with hand tools and there are a number of Z3 breakers around who could supply you with all the parts you need.

Don't be worried about asking too many questions, advice here is free and is readily available

 

[One Spanner Frank]

Welcome to the forum from Nottingham. Save the sills they are as rare as rocking horse droppings.

 

[Antm72]

Hello and glad you found this place a wealth of info and more than a few that will give you the time to answer your questions.
Great that your saving another zed and it will be rewarding as your project gets under way a great time to do it over winter ready for next years roof down fun.
As said ask away if answered someone will point you in the right direction if not lots of help will be at hand. ......... enjoy !!!

 

[BMBabe]

Hello @DirtyDog and a BIG welcome from your home town Aylesbury!!

Iv learnt a lot from the Zedders on here and myself and @Mnbrennan will be more than happy to help you!!

Where abouts are you?

Cheers from Stacey aka resident Zed stalker

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome from me too

 

[Bazza]

Mark that should keep you busy but well worth it when shes finished

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[M666BMG]

Welcome Dirty Dog, from another Dirty Dog

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome on board! We like project cars

 

[DirtyDog]

Thank you for the warm welcome.
I did feel very overwhelmed with the project today when I had a proper look around the car .
But from the response I have had from you guys/girls everything looks a lot brighter.
I will try to get some Pics up of the car all around so that you can see the project in front of me....

Now to dark night in the garage tinkering.....

 

[Mint]

Hi @DirtyDog, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. Great to see another Z3 being saved. Best of luck and don't forget to take plenty of pictures.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Hello and . Good luck!

 

[oldcarman]

Hi and welcome from Canada! I may just be able to help you out big time with your project as I have a 98 1.9 z3 for breaking available that could supply most everything you'll be needing to put your car together as well as some rare extras. Please view my thread Reluctant Sale 98 1.9 or the for sale forum for info. JIM

 

[MartinN]

Have fun, the mechanical bits & body panels are the right side of modern, I.E still able to fix them with out a computor.
And a warm welcome from North Hertfordshire

 

[Rha]

Hi and welcome from me in Hertfordshire, good luck with your restoration. Rha Roy.