From me as everyone has said 2.8 or 2.2 a lot of fun can be had good luck with the hunt 
Z3 conundrum
- Thread starter pjmars
- Start date
From me as everyone has said 2.8 or 2.2 a lot of fun can be had good luck with the hunt 
I rather like the 1.9 M44
Davyhoogy
Zorg Guru (III)
That particular 2.8 sounds like one to avoid. But there will be good examples well under your budget. Some people wait years for their perfect car to come up.. I'm not that patient haha
2.2i Sport for me every time.
There are still plenty of "loved" cars around, so whatever you chose, take your time and find a good one.
You'll know the one when you see it.
Good luck.
Gaz
There are still plenty of "loved" cars around, so whatever you chose, take your time and find a good one.
You'll know the one when you see it.
Good luck.
Gaz
What about this might be worth a cheeky bid
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/292184195268
Or
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232417930439
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/263092767535
Bit of a project
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142448681604
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311918653023
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/292184195268
Or
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232417930439
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/263092767535
Bit of a project
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142448681604
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311918653023
Go for the 2.8 wide body, These are the most sought after (after the 3.0 and the M), you will find a good one for £4,000, you wont be sorry. Part of the fun is bringing them back to former glory, provided that the body work is good and engine is smooth and a good service history, Seats/interior are going to be well worn on the cars (unless previously done) , but upgrading them and getting it to your spec is part of the ownership,
Last edited:
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2016
- Points
- 231
- Model of Z
- Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
There's a lot more choice with the 2.2s plus they do seem to be better spec'd, better choice of wheels interiors etc than the 2.8s and they are probably the best sounding in standard spec. ................ I'd have a 2.8 though 
had both and I would say 2.8 is better more long legged and better mpg, its also has the rarer rear wide rear end which makes all the difference (sorry other owners : ) )
Welcome to the forum. Between the 2 cars you mention the 2.2 would be my choice. The hard top with a fixing kit is worth around £800 to buy separately, so you could sell it if you don't intend to use the car through the winter.
With the 2.8, misaligned panel gaps and headlamps fixed with angle sounds like there has been some front end damage and probably not repaired very well. Personally I would be walking away from this particular car.
Probably best to decide if you want a pre or post facelift car. The rear end styling and interior trim are different as are the engine options. Have a look at these articles for more information https://zroadster.org/articles/?category=bmw-z3-general-information&id=280.
With any car of this age there will be some maintenance required. Look for evidence of regular maintenance to reduce the risk of nasty surprises. 100K is no problem for these engines although rubber hoses and belts should be thoroughly checked for cracks or splits and replaced if required.
Enjoy hunting for a good example.
With the 2.8, misaligned panel gaps and headlamps fixed with angle sounds like there has been some front end damage and probably not repaired very well. Personally I would be walking away from this particular car.
Probably best to decide if you want a pre or post facelift car. The rear end styling and interior trim are different as are the engine options. Have a look at these articles for more information https://zroadster.org/articles/?category=bmw-z3-general-information&id=280.
With any car of this age there will be some maintenance required. Look for evidence of regular maintenance to reduce the risk of nasty surprises. 100K is no problem for these engines although rubber hoses and belts should be thoroughly checked for cracks or splits and replaced if required.
Enjoy hunting for a good example.
They are great thank you. I'm struggling to find a good 2.8 in budget, there is a great looking one being sold by duckhunt but I will struggle to get down to have a look at it. Also I've not driven the 2.2 or 1.9 so I think I need to try them out to see if they'll give me the same smile factor. Ive also had a look at the audi tt 225bhp, brilliant performance and spec but the ride wasnt the best and i feel that pushing a 1.8 engine to those limits will put excessive strain on it and lose the reliability of the bmw. Thanks everyone.
I was very very tempted by @duckhunt's one as well, it's a fantastic car, and the only downside was (like you) the location -- however I remember he was quite happy to perhaps drive part way to a known location, please do factor this in -- quite frankly it's a great car, arguably superior to what I eventually bough -- however, my wife ended up deciding so it was out of my hands
Do drive a good, low mileage, pre facelift 1.9 M44 before you finally decide. IMO they are vastly underrated (and therefore cheaper).
RIGHT!! I have now driven an MX5 2.0 and it was quite good but nothing special. I have also driven the Z3 2.2 and it sounded amazing, not quite the same power as the 2.8 but it still put a big smile on my face (that noise). Here's the pickle, Z3 2.2 or Z4 3.0, the Z4 seems to be more readily available for the money and gets good writeups, more headroom and more power. Opinions?
What makes you smile more when you look at it.
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2016
- Points
- 231
- Model of Z
- Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
Very personal choice that and one only you can answer for yourself, but its a Z3 for me, Z4 still feels that bit too modern and like a daily driver.
I had a 2.8 with auto box and it used to scare the s*** out of me when l floored it.. more than enough power for most. But l always liked the 2.2 sport.. still plenty of staight 6 silky smooth power with the bonus of much more comfortable seats. I hated the standard seats in my 2.8 as they killed my back after any more than 30 mins driving and when l drove all the way to zedfest and back last year l was in agony and more or less decided then that l was going to sell the car.. dont rush in, there are a lot of tired cars with underlying issues which could turn into a money pit.. take your time and a good genuine car will come up at the rigjt price at some point..
I bought my Zed because I wanted a well built roadster with a six pot engine, sufficient grunt and touring performance. But most importantly I wanted to enjoy the driving experience. I settled on an early 2.8 because I like the shape of the rear arches and the burble of the six. I also like the fact that it can be worked on and improved. Whatever you choose it needs to put a grin on your face. So on that basis you can probably bin the Mazda!
Happy hunting...
Happy hunting...