- Joined
- Dec 4, 2011
- Points
- 226
- Location
- Langley Mill
- Model of Z
- Z4 3.0si Individual Ruby Black Last one produced in this colour combo
Welcome from me too
Soon to be Z3 owner!
- Thread starter kscarrol
- Start date
OK, working out the final details but the car should be here Saturday evening!! I will post some pictures when I can after delivery...
One question which may be a US/North American focused issues... I have run the VIN and the car does not show an alarm system. Was an alarm available as an option on a 1997 Z3? If it was, apparently my car does not have one. Any suggestions on aftermarket options? I will search but this has come about quicker than I had planned, which is a good thing!
Thanks in advance!
One question which may be a US/North American focused issues... I have run the VIN and the car does not show an alarm system. Was an alarm available as an option on a 1997 Z3? If it was, apparently my car does not have one. Any suggestions on aftermarket options? I will search but this has come about quicker than I had planned, which is a good thing!
Thanks in advance!
She looks lovely. A proper Munich legend! Thanks for the pics. 
Brucie bonus on it being a 2.8!
My 97 1.9 has an alarm system built in so it was available. JIM
It would certainly be nice to see some photos of a car with 11k miles on it, too bad you had to acquire it thru such sad circumstances though I'm sure its going to another good home. I don't think that area gets a lot of snow (this winter being a possible exception) but if its been exposed to salt be sure your tech looks for rust and examines the cooling system-since you own a late M I'm sure you're aware of problems in that area. When new my 2.8 spent about 8 months in that area before coming west and I've seen some surface rust on it that I've taken care of-I assume that's why you chose to get your '02 in California. At zroadster.org you'll find an incredible amount of useful information/great pictures and owners who, in addition to being friendly and helpful, are very well informed about these cars-the discussion of dual mass flywheels being a good example. I own a small repair shop in Portland (Oregon) and we have used a couple of the "fixes" outlined. I have also used the "build sheet" finder for many of our customers and really appreciate it-makes you look like a "magician" to quickly provide detailed, accurate information for individual cars without having to go to the dealer. It certainly looks like you're assembling a nice stable of BMWs maybe you could drive your newest addition to Spartenburg this summer for a reunion (or maybe just to Fats Domino's house). Good luck and condolences about your father.
Wow, I just saw your post about the car being a 2.8-thats wonderful, what a great opportunity. I've read that some of the engineers at BMW consider that engine to be one of BMW's best and I'm inclined to agree, they're just so smooth. At that mileage I'd sure be inclined to make the car a concours candidate though the folks at Strong-Strut make some suspension components that transform the car's "feel" if you're so inclined. Please do post pics of it
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Best BMW engine ever, M44.......
Third time this year!! Scary!!Best BMW engine ever, M44.......
OK, my memory is clearly going! The car has arrived and it has 5,690 miles on it... Will get some better pictures tomorrow as the truck arrived late and I gave it a quick bath to get the bugs and road grime off. These are all I have for now,
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I was curious about the engine. My VIN decoder says something about "special engine"... As I've searched there was apparently some problem with the early engines in the 2.8 so in the US a different 2.8 engine was used. On another forum I was told I had an M52 engine in my car but I am no expert!
I assume you and your father created some wonderful memories that you cherish. Now he has left you a gem of a car that will last you a lifetime and bring him to mind each time you enjoy it-while his passing is difficult his thoughtfulness in leaving this to you is breath taking, congratulations
What can I say?: Gorgeous classic car in mint condition!
That being the case what would your choice be between a z3 coupe of the 2.8 variety or a z3 M coupe. My impression of the z3 M roadster is that it has too much power for the chassis and without some serious suspension work can be a handful. If the coupe chassis/body is really 2.8 times stiffer (God knows where that figure came from) is it better suited to the M power and easier to live with. I'm supposed to have some extra money this summer and am determined to buy a coupe before they get too expensive and/or thrashed. I will keep my 2.8 roadster (which has been "set up") because its such a wonderful car in so many ways.
Personally, if I was intending to drive it and put a pile of miles on I'd go for the 2.8 because it seems like the 3.2 would put me in the poor house buying tires. If it was purely for an investment I'd find the most optioned out ///M coupe on the planet and lock it away in an air conditioned environment forever and put a picture of it on the dash of my other Z3. JIM
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2014
- Points
- 181
- Model of Z
- Z4 coupe sport.
Welcome from me in Hertfordshire UK, a 11,000 mile Z3 is quite rare, take good care of it as your dear departed father obviosly has. ENJOY IT. Rha. Roy
Thanks Roy! I was mistaken on the mileage, it only had 5,690 miles when it was delivered yesterday...
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It looks like new, your late dad has left you a real gem. I hope you enjoy it immensely whilst you fondly remember him.
Tony.
Tony.
That makes sense and since I'm nearly 70 buying a coupe as an investment would only benefit my kids. I am surprised at the number of nice, low mileage coupes that are showing up with automatic transmissions. I've also heard the dual Vanos systems have some problems