On the hunt for a Z3

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[Geophys]

I run a 2001 2.2 sport, in the real world it has plenty of power for normal road driving at 170bhp, and you're likely to get a better example for your money than holding out for a 2.8 that may become a money pit.

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

If you fancy a bit left field, I've a 1.9 that has been slightly track prepped - coilovers, brakes, braided hoses etc.

https://zroadster.org/threads/the-track-journey-begins.12647/page-5

 

[t-tony]

Not sure why you would think a 2.8 might become a money pit to be honest, mechanically they're as bullet proof as any other. The main difference is likely to be the prices between a 2.2 and a 2.8 in similar condition.

Tony.

 

[Antm72]

My 2.8 was 2200 the only money spent in 2 years has been servicing and modding but it was 100 % just needed to make it mine

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Hi Jack. Welcome to the forum from me in Cardiff. Enjoy the banter.
Don't forget the pictures when you find your new Zed.

 

[Mint]

Hi @Jack Cave, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. I also run a 2.2 Sport and the only time the 2.8 boys get away is on the straights, but then only slightly. I have no problems in the twisties. I would recommend you having a drive in a few different Zeds to see which you fancy. As said above you may have to play a waiting game if your definitely settled on a 2.8 but for your budget a really good sorted 2.2 is already for sale on the forum. Best of luck

 

[g8jka]

I had a 2.0 for 6.5 years and coming from an E36 325 I always thought it was a little under powered but it was still good enough and performed pretty well on the Welsh cruise last year. Around the corners it performed just as well as any other but its obviously a different story on the straights. It wasn't to be laughed at though.

I now have a 2.8 and the difference is pretty big so I would suggest if your after a bigger engine then hold out as you will find one cheap, although probably not a decent 3.0 I got lucky with mine and paid £1700 for it and it was in decent condition after a bit of TLC. There are bargains out there you just need to take you time and look at a few. I have never driven one but people say the 2.2 is one of the best all rounders and certainly gives the best exhaust note out of the lot.

 

[Nodzed]

 

[Rha]

Hi and welcome from me in Hertfordshire, hold out for a 2.8 if that's what you really want, there's one out there somewhere. If you can't wait then get yourself a 2.2 and maybe have some change left over to pamper it.
Good luck.
RHA,ROY.

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome from me too

 

[Synclare]

I've had a 2.0 and it performed no better than my 1.9 4 pot which being lighter at the front made it more nimble. Have another 2.0 and a 2.2 sport and the 2.2 has a wonderful sounding engine, drove bozzys 2.8 and you can tell it has more horses. You won't go wrong with a 2.2 but just don't fall into the trap of wanting the next size up after a while, next you'll be wishing you'd bought a 3.0 !! Just go for the best example that presents itself for the money (not a 2.0 though). I really like my 1.9 but it just doesn't have that lovely six pot grumble which always niggles me, just don't want to have to paint another!

 

[handsomejackuk]

Hi jack i got a 1.9 last year pretty pleased with it so far... just been quietly going around it, but wish i had held out for a bigger engined car but hey cheaper tax cheaper insurance and better fuel economy rules for me...

maybe if i can sell my other car this year i may look at upgrading....

get to a meet and see if you can blag a ride in a few different cars you can make your mind up then,

 

[t-tony]

get to a meet and see if you can blag a ride in a few different cars you can make your mind up then,

A very good suggestion.

Tony.