New project 2.8

[Sean d]

Here we go again, 2.8 prefacilft with m52tu 1999.
Recently purchased off here and arrived today, to say I am over the moon would be an understatement and James really did this down on his add,
It has 79k miles, history up to 66k, stacks of paper work including all the bmw booklets, tool kit looks like new, first aid kit and wheel bag, interior is in top condition, roof is great, body work is as you would expect of a 20 yo z3, barley any rust with lots of knocks and dings, it's also been owned by james and his dad since 2001, if I had storage I would put it away as it is.
So my dilemma is what to do with it, without doubt it's getting a full panel off respray, needs at least one new sill and one mirror,
Oh, engine and gearbox are as sweet as, however it needs a suspension upgrade as it makes my 2.8 feel like an f1 sports car.

 

[andyglym]

View attachment 120065 View attachment 120067 View attachment 120069 View attachment 120071 View attachment 120073 Here we go again, 2.8 prefacilft with m52tu 1999.
Recently purchased off here and arrived today, to say I am over the moon would be an understatement and James really did this down on his add,
It has 79k miles, history up to 66k, stacks of paper work including all the bmw booklets, tool kit looks like new, first aid kit and wheel bag, interior is in top condition, roof is great, body work is as you would expect of a 20 yo z3, barley any rust with lots of knocks and dings, it's also been owned by james and his dad since 2001, if I had storage I would put it away as it is.
So my dilemma is what to do with it, without doubt it's getting a full panel off respray, needs at least one new sill and one mirror,
Oh, engine and gearbox are as sweet as, however it needs a suspension upgrade as it makes my 2.8 feel like an f1 sports car.

Nice one mate.

 

[t-tony]

Looks like a great car Sean.

Tony.

 

[Paul Rice]

You really need to see someone about this addiction Sean.
Looks to be in better nick than your starting point last time, so who knows how well this will turn out.
As ever sure it will make a great progress read over the coming months.

 

[Sean d]

Looks like a great car Sean.

Tony.

It is mate especially considering what I paid for it, now the big problem, how much do I spend,

 

[Sean d]

You really need to see someone about this addiction Sean.
Looks to be in better nick than your starting point last time, so who knows how well this will turn out.
As ever sure it will make a great progress read over the coming months.

I hate to admit that it is a lot better base then my current one and I am even thinking of selling the yellow one and keeping this one

 

[Paul Rice]

Just a thought, what about nut and bolt resto to factory spec?

 

[Sean d]

Just a thought, what about nut and bolt resto to factory spec?

Considering it Paul, if it where closer to 50k miles it would be an easier decision, in fact it was my first plan when I looked at the pics

 

[mrscalex]

Well if I was you Sean I may be looking to do something different this time. If it's that nice/original perhaps you'd consider a factory spec makeover but without going full concurs? Just restoring it to a 2-3 year old appearance if that makes sense.

Personally I might save another radical make over like your Austin Yellow for a 3.0 next time. Or a nut and bolt concurs restoration of a Z3M.

I'm realising I'm at risk of repeating myself with the cars I have (well I have gone through 10 and still have 6). So if I ever buy another as a project it will have to be a new direction like a nut and bolt Z3M rebuild.

Trouble is in finding something new, you kinda done much of what there is to do already to a car due to your thoroughness.

 

[Althulas]

Just a out of the box thought.

Advertise it to a build spec to a member on here at a agreed price that makes a worth while profit for yourself and a top car for the buyer.

 

[Sean d]

Well if I was you Sean I may be looking to do something different this time. If it's that nice/original perhaps you'd consider a factory spec makeover but without going full concurs? Just restoring it to a 2-3 year old appearance if that makes sense.

Personally I might save another radical make over like your Austin Yellow for a 3.0 next time. Or a nut and bolt concurs restoration of a Z3M.

I'm realising I'm at risk of repeating myself with the cars I have (well I have gone through 10 and still have 6). So if I ever buy another as a project it will have to be a new direction like a nut and bolt Z3M rebuild.

Trouble is in finding something new, you kinda done much of what there is to do already to a car due to your thoroughness.

My plan at the minute is to do as you say, give it a service, full paint, thorough clean of interior and engine bay,

 

[Sean d]

Just a out of the box thought.

Advertise it to a build spec to a member on here at a agreed price that makes a worth while profit for yourself and a top car for the buyer.

Thats not a bad idea, however I recon I have put 400 hours into my current 2.8

 

[mwpe]

I would hang on to that wheel bag Sean, you never know when you might need it.

 

[Dino D]

As long as it’s BLUE crack on!

As for doing it stock that’s a nice idea...but the Z3 was always an unfinished article just waiting for people like us to do the proper job the factory never did

 

[Paul Rice]

Thats not a bad idea, however I recon I have put 400 hours into my current 2.8

Bit like wheeler dealers they never cost in labour, I am aware of a 2.8 with 49k for sale at £8750 in excellent condition in the same colour trim combo, but it is still for sale.
Sean your work is a labour of love, would you enjoy doing it as much if it was strictly to order and would it be financially viable with Zeds not fetching the prices of 12 months ago?

 

[Grumps]

Oh god!

 

[Sean d]

Bit like wheeler dealers they never cost in labour, I am aware of a 2.8 with 49k for sale at £8750 in excellent condition in the same colour trim combo, but it is still for sale.
Sean your work is a labour of love, would you enjoy doing it as much if it was strictly to order and would it be financially viable with Zeds not fetching the prices of 12 months ago?

I enjoy the creativity of building my own pal, I wll do this one as per stock

 

[Sean d]

I thought of you as soon as I see it Mike

 

[Mint]

Now that looks one fine motor as it is Sean. You'll make it even better what ever you do

 

[Paul Rice]

I enjoy the creativity of building my own pal, I wll do this one as per stock

Looking forward to calling in