Z3 valuation question

[ZimZimmer]

Could be dipping my toe into the Z3 waters and have the opportunity to buy a 2002 2.2 sport 55,000 miles.
Rather than say the price, what would you say the value is on the said model is in the UK.
The bodywork, wheels and engine all seem to be in very good condition for the year. The interior is not too bad, although the armrest on the drivers door panel is a bit cracked and tatty. Seats aren't too bad considering it's 15 years old. I believe the colour is Topaz blue.
So what should I be paying...max??
Oh it's from a used car dealer and not a private seller

 

[NZ00Z3]

Some more information on the car would help:
- Sport seats or standard seats?
- Heated seats?
- Cruise control?
- Extended leather dash in good condition? Look for stitching in the leather around the instrument pod. No stitching then its not an extended leather dash.
- Service history?
- Is it an individual model? Look for a label passengers side under bonnet on the wheel arch. No label saying "individual", then its not one.
- Condition of rear plastic window? Is it Zipped in (easy to replace) or stitched in (need new soft top to replace the window)
- Condition of the stitching on the top of the soft top?
- Any signs of accident repairs or repainting? Look for masking lines around rubber trims and seals etc.
- Underside condition? Looking for rust anywhere/everywhere or impact damage to side rails, floor stiffeners, front cross beam and rear end beam, especially the trailing arms.

 

[ZimZimmer]

Sports seats... yes,I think, they look sporty enough! Lol
Heated seats...yes
Cruise control...no.
Extended leather...no, don't think so.
Zipped window...yes, but would look to replace. Stitching in the hood looks in good condition.
History...not sure
Accident repair... no bodywork is in very nice condition and no sign of repairs
Undercarriage....unsure
Rust...did not see any sign of rust anywhere.

It is listed as a 2.2 sport. And looks to me like stock and not modified, but has 'upgraded 17" alloys' which are mint.

You have made some good points and I will check on those I'm not sure about.
Can you tell me more about the 'individual' thing you mentioned please?

 

[NZ00Z3]

Check out

https://zroadster.org/threads/bmw-individual-why.17928/page-2#post-301276

 

[billz]

I would estimate it being valued around 5k 6k for a pristine one with that mileage

 

[Tfp]

I would estimate it being valued around 5k 6k for a pristine one with that mileage

As above.

But you've said the seats aren't too bad? And the drivers door panel cracked?

The last Z I bought had 55k and the interior was almost like new still.

Check it out carefully.

If in doubt wait, they come up on quite a regular basis.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Where are you based ? May be another member could view it with you ?

 

[Gundun]

But you've said the seats aren't too bad? And the drivers door panel cracked?

The last Z I bought had 55k and the interior was almost like new still..

You really can't tell: mine came from a single owner with certified 67.000 km (41k miles) and the driver seat bolster had scratches, gearshift knob paint was gone and steering wheel a tad too polished up for my tastes (probably the owner had sweaty hands)

Mine was very similar to the one listed here in the opening post, but in EU and particularly in NL prices are a story apart...

 

[ZimZimmer]

Cheers for the help chaps.
The car is in a friends used car garage, it's been there a while and not something that is attracting too much interest, but I really like it.
It's advertised at 5.5k but I could probably get it a grand cheaper than the screen price.
I wansnt actually looking for a z3, or any car really for that matter but it's taken my eye and feel it would be a good car to play with & use on weekends.
After doing a bit of research, it seems the 2.2 sport is a reasonably good engine and has a bit of grunt. It sounds very nice indeed imo.

 

[Tfp]

At £4500 you wont go far wrong for a good example with a service history, the prices are not dropping for good examples of these cars.

I like the 2.2cc, lovely sound, and enough performance for most with the 170bhp.

Get some pictures up when you've got it, we like pictures.

 

[billz]

Yes if you can get it for 4.5k then that will be a good buy

 

[bessieblue]

mine is the 2.2 sport with 51000 miles, insured with heritage for £7000 on a classic car policey

 

[ZimZimmer]

How do you find the 2.2 sport? Would you recommend it?

 

[bessieblue]

yes very pleased with her ,had her about 12 years, would like an M but hey ho the 2.2 sounds nice i did put a simota air intake on her.

 

[ZimZimmer]

Think I'll have to get my pennies together!

 

[Tfp]

I know you're getting excited but make sure the car has decent service history.

Have a look underneath, they can be quite rusty if used through winters.

And check the spot welds in the boot floor, maybe someone has a pic that they can show?

 

[ZimZimmer]

Tbh I'm not sure it has service history. I will find out more tomorrow, but no mention of history on the ad.
Anything specific I should look for...deal breakers?

 

[Tfp]

Tbh I'm not sure it has service history. I will find out more tomorrow, but no mention of history on the ad.

It just makes it more difficult to sell when the time comes, most dealers wont buy a car without at least some history.

Histories can, and do, get lost, especially if an owner passes away, doesn't always mean the car's not been looked after, the Z3 is also an easy car to service yourself so many owners do just that.

But my advice, if it has no history, or poor history, the price needs to reflect that.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

My car's got no history at all for over 4 years that I've had it, but you've only got to give it a good look-over to see that it's been looked after. The same will probably go for a lot of the cars on this forum, I'd guess. Have a good look at the one you're thinking about, if the bits that are easy to look after don't seem to be good, then you can probably assume that the harder bits are going to be worse. There's very little on Z3s that can't be sorted, except perhaps terminal rust, and that can happen to any car. Bear in mind that the newest of these cars is going to be 15 years old, all the normal things that wear out or deteriorate will be doing just that, but at least there's plenty out there to choose from.

 

[mrscalex]

My own guess is that it will be the 2.2 that starts becoming desirable once the masses realise what fun a Z3 is. They are the most versatile Z3 in my opinion. Facelift (and hence younger), power mixed with economy, insurance more sensible than a 2.8 etc, considerably less made than the 2.8s and yes, they have a fantastic exhaust note.

But suggesting that level of desirability and hence price increase is pure speculation on my part.