Z3 conundrum

[pjmars]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the site but need some advice. I am currently deciding to have a mid life crisis and buy a 2 seater sports car, Ive decided on the z3 but im not sure which one. Ive driven the 2.8 which was amazing but it was a bit tatty on the bodywork and interior, even though it only had 55k miles on it. I've seen an immaculate looking 2.2 but is it going to be powerful enough, its more money and comes with extras but has 100k miles on it. Any opinions?
TIA
Pete

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome Pete!

Sorry for the mistake with your earlier post

Just sold my 2.2 and it's a cracking engine, more than enough grunt. Only 20hp between the 2.2 and 2.8 anyway, so shouldn't cause you too much of a problem.

Gaz

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria. As said, not much difference in poke, just a bit more torque in the 2.8 but any are good.

 

[pjmars]

Thanks gents. What about the mileage? Is 100k ok for these engines, have they still got lots of life left?

 

[t-tony]

As much again without too much trouble. Rubber engine parts are most likely to give bother both induction hoses and water hoses.

Tony.

ps. Welcome Pete from me near Lincoln.

 

[Davyhoogy]

Welcome!
I personally would say it depends on intended use and prices.
If you plan on keeping it is go lower mileage and enjoy doing it up over time to one you can be proud of.
If you have no interest in things like that then the 2.2 will do the job!

 

[5harp3y]

2.2's seem to be really nicely specced, especially the sport models.

2.8's will be a bit faster

i'd be tempted by the low mileage 2.8 and then get the bodywork sorted.

all depends on price vs condition really

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello and welcome to the forum

 

[BMBabe]

Welcome from Aylesbury
I love my 2.2 it's sounds better than the 2.8 and the 3.2 as it pops and burbles nicely

 

[mwpe]

Thanks gents. What about the mileage? Is 100k ok for these engines, have they still got lots of life left?

That is just about run in, @Mint has over 170,000 on his and still going strong. The 2.2 is a great car, it depends how tatty the 2.8 is.

 

[pjmars]

It was lots of bits really. The interior was tired, leather seats all cracked and door cards scuffed. The outside some of the panels did not line up properly and the light was held in with angle brackets. It just didn't seem like a car that had been loved. Which makes me worry about the engine, yes low mileage but if its not been seeviced then it could be damaged plus all the big jobs are coming up in a few thousand miles. Thanks so much for your views gents, my missus just looks at me and smiles when I start talking about cars haha

 

[andyglym]

It was lots of bits really. The interior was tired, leather seats all cracked and door cards scuffed. The outside some of the panels did not line up properly and the light was held in with angle brackets. It just didn't seem like a car that had been loved. Which makes me worry about the engine, yes low mileage but if its not been seeviced then it could be damaged plus all the big jobs are coming up in a few thousand miles. Thanks so much for your views gents, my missus just looks at me and smiles when I start talking about cars haha

There will be better Zeds out there so bide your time.

 

[lightning]

There's plenty for sale so l would hold out for a good one.
Prices are still very reasonable, even for the best examples.
What is your budget?

 

[pjmars]

Probably £4000 tops. The 2.8 is a 1998 @ £2500, the 2.2 is a 2002 @ £4000.

 

[pjmars]

Plus the 2.2 comes with a hardtop.

 

[lightning]

£4000 should get you a nice 2.2 or maybe even a 2.8 with less than 100,000 miles.

 

[Mint]

That is just about run in, @Mint has over 170,000 on his and still going strong. The 2.2 is a great car, it depends how tatty the 2.8 is.

Just hit 175,000 this week. The 2.2 is a great engine, no problems keeping up with the big boys in the twisty bits. Always lose out on a straight road though

 

[Antm72]

Your budget is good, a good 2.8 would be obtainable in there. it's preference on body style again as well as engine.
A paid 2500 for mine before I modded it to what it is today still under 100k just but the engine is like a sewing machine it will run on for many more miles yet.
A nice car choice go see a few you will find the right one just bide your time

 

[buze]

As everyone else knows, I bought my 2.8 very recently for 4k, with 60k on the clock, and pretty nice bodywork. Still needs some work on bits and pieces obviously, but 4k will get you a nice 2.8, or a better 2.2 I suppose.
Factor in ~400 for insurance, ~240 (?!?! can't remember) road taxes, and a full service. Perhaps new tyres too...

And THEN the fun REALLY starts

 

[GazHyde]

Have you seen this ad? https://zroadster.org/threads/late-pre-facelift-2-8-boston-green-104k.18971/