new to Z3

[ZZZen]

I bought this Z3 3.0i in the summer of '17. Previously owned an S2000, and two Miatas. all have benefits but I like the torque this engine provides. I had grown tired of driving the S2000 on the edge all the time although I had my fun.
Now I just like to cruise and I dont worry about what gear Im in as I always have power. My wife and I drive exclusively in the foothills and mountains of the Sierras in N. Calif., and only on weekends. I now enjoy the view more as well as spirited cornering, except when the rear bounces over bumps. I had to put alot of $$$ into the suspension which didnt reveal till after I bought it,and a special kit to help the alignment, but it runs and handles great now.
I do worry about future repair costs, and I do miss the mileage of the Miata, but the power is a thrill.

 

[hard top]

Welcome on the forum @ZZZen.

I do worry about future repair costs

You should not, its never that bad.

 

[ZZZen]

Thanks for your confidence, Im new to BMW and hear both that they are well built and at the same time are costly to repair. I just hope it holds up a good long time, I have about 94k miles, and it runs perfectly (except that rear end bounce on rough roads. I also have developed a problem in the dash display, eep-1, my gauges dont work until I restart after a few miles)

 

[t-tony]

Hi @ZZZen and welcome from me too near LIncoln UK. Gauges going awol not uncommon but not a regular occurrence all the same. I had a Eunos which was the import model in Europe of the Miata, what a great little car that was. After which I bought a Z3, I now own a Z4 3.0i, I never wanted a n S2000 for exactly the reasons you quoted. At the moment the best of the bunch is without doubt the Z4. Keep shopping and enjoy.

Tony.

ps. I would love to drive my car through those mountains, so jealous.

 

[hard top]

Im new to BMW and hear both that they are well built and at the same time are costly to repair.

I don't know how it works in the States but no member I know of goes to BMW for parts/repair, they all use independent garages.

 

[t-tony]

............ or D.I.Y.?

Tony.

 

[Layor]

to the Forum from Mid-Wales. A rhino or elephant in the boot will cure the back end over the bumps

Colin

 

[Nodzed]

Welcome to .org

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome from me too

 

[Low Rider]

Welcome

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria, England .

 

[roadvoyager1]

Welcome to the forum. Great area of the country you have to drive your car in. We drove along the CA49 in a motor home a few years ago.
BMW dealer are certainly expensive for repairs. Some parts are only available in the UK from dealers (sill outer panel/rocker box cover), cheap aftermarket engine sensors are best avoided and OEM generally more reliable from all reports.
The Z3 is fairly easy to work on if you have the inclination. There is plenty of information on here and people are always ready to give advice if you ask. Also check out the diy videos at Pelican parts.
Enjoy your Z.

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi, and welcome from me in Cardiff.

 

[Slam]

Hi and welcome from London

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome to the forum

 

[Mint]

Hi @ZZZen, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire, UK.

 

[Stevo7682]

Hi and welcome from me in Scotland

 

[Bonzeau]

to the Forum from Mid-Wales. A rhino or elephant in the boot will cure the back end over the bumps

Colin

A Rhino yes.......but an Elephant?......now you are being silly!.

 

[Jjim]

Hi welcome from Mansfield