I have been very fortunate for the last 20 odd years to get nice shiny new BMW's as company cars. I am going to look at a Z3 2.8 1999 this weekend so not so new. My question is, I am thinking of getting the car checked mechanically, once I have driven it and checked what with my limited knowledge I can. Can you recommend someone to do an onsite check. I presume I'll have to get it checked for it's legality. I'm just really worried about spending thousands on a dog which will cost an arm and a leg to put right. Any of your experiences and advice greatly appreciated. If I get it I can join in at Zedfest. Thanks guys Phil
New purchase
- Thread starter thehunt
- Start date
The only ones I can think of are the RAC vehicle checks. A quick Google brought this... Cost depends on the level of checks you want done.
http://www.rac.co.uk/products-services/vehicle-inspections/consumer.html/
http://www.rac.co.uk/products-services/vehicle-inspections/consumer.html/
Ragtop
Zorg Guru (III)
As I'm a member of the AA I got them to do a onsite check for me. I got a 10 page report on the car, they couldn't find no faults at all, which gave me the confidence to go ahead and buy the car.
Almost 2 years on and I am very happy. Just passed it's MOT with no advisories.
Almost 2 years on and I am very happy. Just passed it's MOT with no advisories.
How did it go then have you bought it ?
I am usually like a cat on a hot tin roof when looking for a new car and have several restless nights as I am constantly thinking about buying the right one.
I am usually like a cat on a hot tin roof when looking for a new car and have several restless nights as I am constantly thinking about buying the right one.
Hi Aceman, been on Internet all day trying to find cars, my head is spinning. Looking at car tomorrow afternoon so really excited as it's my first Z. I'll keep you posted. Already thinking how to modify it so I suppose there will be more posts coming. Looking forward to meeting up at Horwood on the Friday before Zedfest. I may have one by then or maybe not but I'm sure you guys will have some nice cars to drool over. Watch this space tomorrow night... Phil
@thehunt - have a look at our site Wiki http://zroadster.org/wiki/bmw-z3/ , there's loads of info in there, including a buyer's guide
Knackered, just spent 5 hours in the car, battling my way through London and back. Car was a 2.8 indigo blue black leather interior and not too bad body wise just a few dents and scratches which could be sorted out but more worrying was the clunking sound changing gear and the whine of the power steering. Also ( excuse my lack of engine knowledge ) there was a cylindrical piece at the front left of engine bay when looking from the front which had rubber bushes underneath. But was just floating around not attached to anything. Brake calipers rusted and loads of rust under the bonnet and in addition most of the bolts were rusted. Battery and tyres were new but I thought not for me. Mind you I did get to drive it, heavy front end I thought but what a sound. So back to drawing board and start the search again. I may have to up my budget even more to get a good example. Phil
Snoops
Zorg Addict
Not to worry - you know when it's not right - one will come along that you'll be happy with.. :-bd
What was your budget and preferences again ?? Are you willing to travel to see or do you have a max distance you're willing to travel ??
What was your budget and preferences again ?? Are you willing to travel to see or do you have a max distance you're willing to travel ??
I would say that you are looking at the wrong time of year. They will be less expensive when the bad weather prompt a lot of people to sell.
The sound...... Now your talking I have a black 1998 and a Montreal Blue 1999 both are 2.8's and they sound completely different. If you have read the buyers guide this will make sense as the earlier 2.8 has single vanos (variable valve timing) which I think is on the inlet. The later one has dual vanos on inlet and exhaust and the exhaust is bigger bore and has a butterfly valve near the exhaust outlet at the back.
I hope that helps. Sometimes the 3.0 is easier to find as a dual vanos if you like the sound of the dual's
Regards
Duncan
The sound...... Now your talking I have a black 1998 and a Montreal Blue 1999 both are 2.8's and they sound completely different. If you have read the buyers guide this will make sense as the earlier 2.8 has single vanos (variable valve timing) which I think is on the inlet. The later one has dual vanos on inlet and exhaust and the exhaust is bigger bore and has a butterfly valve near the exhaust outlet at the back.
I hope that helps. Sometimes the 3.0 is easier to find as a dual vanos if you like the sound of the dual's
Regards
Duncan
Must agree with Duncan for that sort of budget you need to consider the 3.0 as well as plenty around for under £5k. I would also be a little leanient on the colour combo as trying to be quite specific will mean a lengthy wait it is just if you are prepared to wait then fair enough.
Now I know it doesn't meet your spec but if I was on the hunt then this one would be up there at the top as it looks a stunning example and rare to find an original ACS model.
http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classi...odel/z3/make/bmw/page/2/radius/1500?logcode=p
Now I know it doesn't meet your spec but if I was on the hunt then this one would be up there at the top as it looks a stunning example and rare to find an original ACS model.
http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classi...odel/z3/make/bmw/page/2/radius/1500?logcode=p