New to the Z3 world.

[CokerAir]

After rebuilding a botched 1973 Triumph Spitfire/GT6 conversion, I sold it on to a fellow from Florida who gave me my asking price of $7000 and drove 10-1/2 hours home. He had no issues and got 32 MPG. I was pleased and I believe he was as well.

I took the cash and found a 2000 Z3 2.5 for $6K. In one weekend, after replacing the tires with Hankooks, I replaced the front A-arms and all bushings up front and had an alignment done. Then I replaced all four brake rotors and pads along with a new guibo. As well, I did an oil change.

She handles quite nicely now, but I am waiting for the weather to warm up to replace the rear shocks (dampers) with new Bilsteins along with new rear bushes I purchased. There is a horrible rattle that developed behind the seats. I pray it is not the gas tank rattle outlined elsewhere on the forum. We shall see...

 

[oldcarman]

Welcome from the frozen wasteland in Manitoba Canada. Nice looking car, and plenty of work done and still too do. Any questions?? Ask away, someone from this insane group will show up with an answer!! JIM

 

[Zeti]

Welcome @CokerAir !
The Triumph was great but you made a good deal in exchange with the Zed! Is it a Boston Green?
After "cleaning all the bugs", you will never leave the Zed.
Check the forum and you will find most part of the answers. The Zed has some "classic" problems you should take care.
Some of them you already spotted!

 

[Shelly]

Welcome to the forum CokerAir
From Bradwell near Great Yarmouth

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome CokerAir

Great introduction, and lovely to see pics of both your zed and your ex-Triumph!

There is a horrible rattle that developed behind the seats.

This could be the shock top mounts, not sure if those are on your list of bits to change yet.

Enjoy your time here, Gary

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome from Cornwall. I always wanted a Triumph Spitfire when I was a youth but it never happened. You've made a good choice with the Zed though mate. Once you've sorted it to your liking you'll love it

 

[CokerAir]

Thanks for the warm welcome!
I believe my car is Dunkelgrun.
I have also found another possible source of the rattle I mentioned. I will investigate further once I have it up in the air again.
Axle Carrier Bush
I will check the shock mounts as well.

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[jonco]

from me too. Nice pics of both cars. Your car colour code should be on the suspension column under the bonnet. Manufacture date is on the other one.

............. I always wanted a Triumph Spitfire when I was a youth but it never happened. ..................

I had the same ambition as Jack but marriage and then kids got in the way . Had to wait a long time for the Zed but it was worth it - hope you will feel the same.

 

[POG]

Welcome from Portsmouth (UK) and a 2.8 ZED

 

[CokerAir]

Thanks, gentlemen!
I looked up the color code before. I just don't remember...

 

[t-tony]

I had a Spitfire but the value of it now firmly resides in the house where I now sit and type this message. I do have some old photo's and one day I will scan them and show you all.

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

Looks to be Boston Green! Paint code 275 I believe. If it's oxford green it's 430 JIM

 

[FRANKIE]

After rebuilding a botched 1973 Triumph Spitfire/GT6 conversion, I sold it on to a fellow from Florida who gave me my asking price of $7000 and drove 10-1/2 hours home. He had no issues and got 32 MPG. I was pleased and I believe he was as well.

I took the cash and found a 2000 Z3 2.5 for $6K. In one weekend, after replacing the tires with Hankooks, I replaced the front A-arms and all bushings up front and had an alignment done. Then I replaced all four brake rotors and pads along with a new guibo. As well, I did an oil change.

She handles quite nicely now, but I am waiting for the weather to warm up to replace the rear shocks (dampers) with new Bilsteins along with new rear bushes I purchased. There is a horrible rattle that developed behind the seats. I pray it is not the gas tank rattle outlined elsewhere on the forum. We shall see...
View attachment 12790 View attachment 12791

Hi, CokerAir and welcome to the forum from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Couldn't quite make out the tags of the car in the garage in the first picture but I'll bet you're fairly close to me. Got a 1.9 L '96 Boston Green myself. Glad to have you with us, Frankie

 

[Mint]

from me too in Staffordshire, UK. Good looking Zee.

 

[CokerAir]

I took a look and the paint is Oxford Green.
Frankie, as for proximity, I see you are in New Jersey. I am in Atlanta, Georgia. You could be here for dinner... Tomorrow. We have an extra bedroom.

 

[t-tony]

I will be nearer than Frankie in April, we will be at our villa in Kissimmee, Florida. Just in time for the Goodguys All American Custom show.

Tony.

 

[FRANKIE]

I took a look and the paint is Oxford Green.
Frankie, as for proximity, I see you are in New Jersey. I am in Atlanta, Georgia. You could be here for dinner... Tomorrow. We have an extra bedroom.

About 750 miles. I was looking at a car in San Diego. If I buy it and fly there and drive it home I probably would take the Southern route, perhaps route Interstate 10. Maybe stop by on the way home? Don't know if I'm going to buy it though. Called my cousin who lives near there to go and take a look at it. Then I'll take it from there. Here's the car:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/4891770452.html
Miller 1098 and some others got me spoiled when i was in England last June driving in their 3.2's. We'll see.

 

[Zeti]

Frankieeeeeeeeeee it's a red M!!!
And you're keeping quiet?
Seems you will get a beautiful car and finally a Zed friend, in the same time!
Good luck with both! (The friend is certain already...)

 

[CokerAir]

Frankie,
If you come through here, we've got a nice room and good food!
Is your cousin a gearhead? Will he know how to look at a used sports car?
I get more nervous looking at a car being sold through a dealership than I do from an individual.