Researching for BMW Z3

[Up North]

Looking for a Z3 to replace my 1973 MGB. Cannot be without a summer roadster. Narrowed my list to cars that will fit my MG winter storage spot in my garage. The Z3 and Miata are the right size for that space. I've owned numerous Mazdas over the years but never the Miata. Only owned one BMW, a 1974 2002 as my every day driver back in the late 70's. A wonderful experience. Always wanted to have a 6 cylinder BMW. In fact, have only had one other straight 6 over the years, a 1971 Datsun 240Z. That was also back in the late 70's
So I've narrowed it down to 2001 or 2002 six cylinder Z3. Question is, what displacement should I be looking for 2.5, 2.8 or 3.0?
Thanks so much for the assistance. Also, if anyone is interested in the MGB, it's been in the family for 49 years, the last 25 years under my care.

 

[t-tony]

If your considering a 2.5 Z3 I assume that you're up north in the USA and not the UK? In the UK you are limited to 2.0, 2.2, 2.8 and 3.0 in the 6 cyl. cars.

Tony.

 

[Up North]

Yes, Tony. Northern Michigan where I'm currently driving my 1973 MGB. My compliments to British Leyland.
Cheers, Craig
P.S.
Lucas electrics aren't all that bad, although I did convert to breakerless ignition.

 

[Zephyr]

hello,
You are looking for an M52TUB25 and M52TUB28 engine Z and the later M54B30 that is the facelift model, with different rear lights and a wider rear body.
The 2.5, was a US only model and I have no idea if it was a wide body also, but the 2.8 and 3.0 are.
So lets call the 2.8 MK1 and the 3.0 MK2 from now on.
One major improvement of the MK2 is the hood insulation. It has 3 layers (versus 1 in the mk1) that are a great change in terms of noise reduction, and outside temperature protection, so if you want less wind noise the later models are the ones to get.
In terms of power the 2.5 is more or less what the 2.8 is and the 3.0 is a totally different league.
the better car is the 3.0 with the modern double vanos and heaps of power to play with.
whatever you pick have a ppi, ask for some sort of warranty and drive the hell out of it within this warranty period.
cheers

 

[Up North]

Thanks so much for your insight. Great info to have as I search.

 

[Shelly]

 

[colb]

I went from an MGB GT to the Z3, a 1.9 4 pot and never regretted it, love the Z3 had it for 10 years now and not had any major problems with it, biggest expence was for a new oem Maf which sorted a running problem I had in the early days of ownership. Once there was nothing else to do I added a 2.5 Z4 to the fleet and set about sorting problems I found with that, its needed more attention than the Z3. Nice and powerful as it is I prefer the looks of the Z3 over the Z4. In your search look for a 3.0l or a 2.8 Z3 if you want 6 pots. Do check the sills and underside of the car for rust a lot are nice on the top but not so good underneath.

 

[Up North]

Thanks, I really appreciate your input.

 

[Althulas]

Hi and welcome from me. I would also take a rainy day fund for replacing rubber bushes on these older cars unless your lucky enough to buy one from a enthusiast. Depending on your budget there’s the /// M to take into consideration but the early version came with the S52 engine less power than the Euro S50 but the later version S54 is the same and comes with the insulated soft top but what ever you choose enjoy your search.

 

[hard top]

to the Forum.

 

[Up North]

Hi and welcome from me. I would also take a rainy day fund for replacing rubber bushes on these older cars unless your lucky enough to buy one from a enthusiast. Depending on your budget there’s the /// M to take into consideration but the early version came with the S52 engine less power than the Euro S50 but the later version S54 is the same and comes with the insulated soft top but what ever you choose enjoy your search.

I'm planning on searching something below the M's to avoid the added complexities of that model. I'm willing to take my time looking for a well cared for, low mileage 2.8 or 3.0.

 

[Richard29]

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[ljbmwz3]

Your doing the right thing with a 6cyl , they all have a lovely burble, if your not a speeder then don't worry about the smaller engines we went from a 2.8 to a 2.0 6 pot auto... and for a relaxed Sunday run its still is fun and the auto we now actually prefer

 

[Up North]

Your doing the right thing with a 6cyl , they all have a lovely burble, if your not a speeder then don't worry about the smaller engines we went from a 2.8 to a 2.0 6 pot auto... and for a relaxed Sunday run its still is fun and the auto we now actually prefer

Surprised you found an auto trans over there.
Over here they prefer them, but not me.