The must have, and the must have not options?

[handsomejackuk]

must have for me.... heated seats.... nice heater for blowing warm air to legs... everyone will have this... loud sound system mine is rubbish... needs better speakers... large rear storage compartment, as theres virtually no other storage in the car.. not bothered about roll hoops, i like the open look... for me 1.9 engine is plenty for everyday use good economy too. easy / cheap to service my self.... I have aircon not currently working but will be sorting it soon... the next thing may be a bit contreversial... but i have beige ( hearing aid ) colour interior, and wood... my brother had black leather and commented on how much cooler temperature the inside of my car was than his with black leather... would like a windstopper but cant seem to find an unobtrusive one that fits without rolls bars, and still gives me access to the rear storage...

 

[Cooper]

I had the 2.2 then sold it. Then bought my 3.0. The 2.2 has a better sounding engine but I don't know why. BTW the 3.0 has almost the same fuel economy as the 2.2 but with massive power gain. Mind you, you can get some items afterwards and add them but it is more $$.

Must haves were 2.8 or higher [REALLY glad I got the 3.0 as twin Vanos], sports heated seats, and auto trans.
Came with staggered 17" style 42 rims [best in my opinion] so consider rims when looking,
Not important was colour inside or out [got the sand beige and wood grain interior which I now like more than the all black in the 2.2!
Came with ///M sports suspension [causes camber issues but feels much better] so be aware of that
Chrome interior pack is a bonus if you can get it.
Keys, be careful about only having 1 key as they can be expensive!
Aircon is a must - it has the electric fan so you can delete the clutch fan for more power and less risk of damage
Roll hoops is a must in my opinion and this gives you more options for the windbreaker which is a must
Hard top is a nice luxury item but not necessary
Service history is a pretty much must have unless you are really confident in checking them out


That's it from me. Cooper

 

[Gundun]

For me the must have are:

Staggered wheels
Roll bars
White blinkers
Sport seats
A/C
6 cyl engine
cruise control

Then there are the nice to have

Chrome pack in/out
Harman Kardon
LSD
M interior pack

Last, the ones I could easily leave on the table

Hardtop
Heated seats
Power roof

 

[NZ00Z3]

Must haves are: sport seats, heated seats, cruise control, air con (for demisting), exterior colour other than silver, manual transmission and interior colour mix that doesn't look too out of place.

The above all goes out of the window if it's a unicorn rare individual car like Mora.

 

[Bonzeau]

Air con. is great for demisting as well as cooling. When it's very hot, I have the air con. going with the roof down. I don't need a hardtop as it's not my every day car..Luggage racks IMHO spoil the looks of a Z3, so not for me! Heated seats are a bonus, but not a must. The LSD is great for traction etc., so I would say that's a great thing to have. Any visual thing, including wheels, exterior trim etc. (and Stickers Tony!), can only be down to the individual. I however prefer the pre facelift ( ass lift?) body shape, and the 2.8 motor is a wonderful thing.



Bonzo.

I count myself very lucky in that when I bought Z3lda it had everything that I desired. The Alpina wheels I really like, along with the extended beige leather, sports seats and wood trim. The arm rest (and cup holder) is very comfortable in use, supporting my forearm with my hand resting on the gear knob. Except of course when pressing on! I renewed the O.E.M. suspension last year, and also the brakes with uprated fluid and Yellowstuff pads. I bought a tonneau cover because it finishes the top line off nicely, and once you get the knack of putting it on, it's a doddle. A tip, I have never bothered to use the 2 rear fasteners, too much of a faff, it sits perfectly, and secure just using the 2 side fixings. I have tested that it is secure by driving at three figure speeds, (69.9mph)! A manual gearbox is a must for me, in any car! I have fitted front and rear strut braces and longitudinal body braces which have improved ride and handling. That's about it really

Bonzo.

 

[oldcarman]

I count myself very lucky in that when I bought Z3lda it had everything that I desired. The Alpina wheels I really like, along with the extended beige leather, sports seats and wood trim. The arm rest (and cup holder) is very comfortable in use, supporting my forearm with my hand resting on the gear knob. Except of course when pressing on! I renewed the O.E.M. suspension last year, and also the brakes with uprated fluid and Yellowstuff pads. I bought a tonneau cover because it finishes the top line off nicely, and once you get the knack of putting it on, it's a doddle. A tip, I have never bothered to use the 2 rear fasteners, too much of a faff, it sits perfectly, and secure just using the 2 side fixings. I have tested that it is secure by driving at three figure speeds, (69.9mph)! A manual gearbox is a must for me, in any car! I have fitted front and rear strut braces and longitudinal body braces which have improved ride and handling. That's about it really

Bonzo.

But is it still okay at 70.0mph?? lol JIM

 

[Nodzed]

If we are just talking options not maintenance or mods .... my opinions ....Hardtop isn't worth having unless your car lives outside all year or used all year in all weathers I used mine once and regretted when the sun came out. I like the tonneau and use mine all the time I think it finished the car off and keeps the dust and other crud from getting into the roof liner. A.C. is a must as I have found out this week. Cruise control is worth adding if your doing any distance driving but not essential. Wind deflector is a must have option. Heated seats are nice if you like to do dry winter driving but not essential. CD changer removal and a humpless boot carpet exchange is a must if your going to holiday in your Zed the extra room you get is unbelievable. Oh yeah.. .get a cup holder