After much effort at convincing the C-in-C that I "needed" a mid life crisis car at the ripe old age of 49 I finally won the battle! Trawling the Internet I kept angling towards the Z3 because of its handsome and brutish looks. That was it, Z3 it was to be then, but which one with so many to choose from? I came across this lovely lady and was smitten.
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Spotted in Wigan some two hours south I went for a viewing, despite a few minor issues the combination of colour, interior and wheels made her the one. Great drive home in my new to me 98 2.8 Roadster, so much torque!. What was first? Inspection 2 at the local BMW garage just to make sure as despite a comprehensive service history she'd not had much done for a couple of years.
1. Front flexible brake pipes (MOT advisory)
2. Brake fluid change
3. Power steering flush
4. Coolant flush
5. New horn as a tad weak
6. New Bridgestone front tyres (legal but no good for me)
7. New rear exhaust bracket ( ripped off going over the cattle grid where I live!)
8. Powder coated all 4 alloys (alloys ok but starting to bubble in a few places)
9. Drivers side chrome "Roadster" strip remounted with creases taken out, ish.
10. BMW dust caps
11. BMW chrome cigarette lighter (missing)
12. Roof cleaned and re-proofed with Auto Glym
13. Roof cover (ebay)
What's to do?
1. Respray as paintwork is ok but stone chips and swirls on all panels
2. Seat bushes (purchased and ready to go, just plucking up the courage!)
3. Front right fog light. Works fine but interior is a little corroded.
4. Spare wheel, rotten as a rotten thing!
5. Rear window. Water tight but marked and creased. No amount of cleaning will get it sorted!
Mods;
1. 18" alloys ( not sure what type)
2. Alpine single shot CD player with ipod
Other than that, all is dandy and I'm getting there mostly inspired by the guys and girls on here. Don't get me wrong, no engine rebuilds for me, change the pads and discs is about my limit!
Oh, these cars are so infectious! The smiles per gallon are great!
I'll feed back with pics post respray.
Andy
not sure which set to have for winter though, probably the darker set but I'll run then this summer as they are on and came with a set of RFT's with 5mm tread. Went for a quick blast and run just dandy with RFT's on. May be a different story on the Lakes Cruise though. A couple of coats of Renevo on the roof but may need another.
and the old for contrast 
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