Z3M or Z3.0l

[Mario]

I think that sums it up perfectly. Very well said Bertiejaffa

Completely agree, I have both an M and a 3.0 and I am much more relaxed about putting miles on the 3.0 and the fact that it´s got all sorts of stability controls means you can also push it a bit harder knowing there is a safety net there. There´s also loads of spares available both used and new for the 3.0, for the M you will be surprised how expensive many parts are compared to normal BMs just because its a low production numbers special product i.e. exhaust studs are 3 or 4 times the price than regular BMs and that sort of thing, different bumpers different mirrors, even a minor fender bender is much mush more expensive, alloys are also rare etc etc etc

 

[Nodzed]

But also remember, the M has not got the safety features of the other models. It is you and you right foot that keep it pointing forward. If you do something wrong there is no electronic control that will take over and stop your mistake

@bertiejaffa and you know this how Lee? .........

 

[bertiejaffa]

@bertiejaffa and you know this how Lee? .........

well there was this one time when a central reservation barrier jumped out at me…..

…..3 times!!!

 

[Pete2]

Appreciate all the comments and advice. Still don't get if the M is an appreciating asset, why none are selling!!!! Anyway, my heart says the M, my head says the 3.0l. There are 2 I'm interested in, but 12 grand.....really??

 

[Ade33]

We are in the same boat.. Two 3.0 litres I like and viewed but put it this way if I bought either I'm thinking I would loose five grand if I decided to sell them the following day based on those prices.. Thoughts???

 

[swamper]

Everyone is going on about how much the parts are and how much maintenance is needed.....but my M has been more reliable and cheaper than any girlfriend I've had...

Also better looking...

True story...

 

[Eddie-S]

I think £12k at the moment is very high. So they are either very special or the seller is a bit deluded, probably the latter. I think they might get to thst price in a couple of years, with a fair wind, but not yet. I have a 3.0, bought last November, very pleased with the condition etc and nowhere near that price.

 

[Ade33]

The problem is persuading them they are deluded

You can go on Autotrader and if you click on the vehicle and look at the WWW... You can see the date they were advertised.. Some of those 12k Z3 3.0 with low mileage have been there since April.. Others at a lower price but with higher mileage have been there since May.. I'd like a nice one but only prepared to pay roughly what I could sell it on for if I needed to and my view is a really nice one appears to be a 7k car in today's market

 

[Lee]

Everyone is going on about how much the parts are and how much maintenance is needed.....but my M has been more reliable and cheaper than any girlfriend I've had...

Also better looking...

True story...

You've already forgotten about your full build with us

 

[Eddie-S]

I agree, £7 -7.5k. Surely if you went with the readies it would be more tempting for them, even if it is to turn stock over. However, looking on autotrader there's a few sub 100k 3.0 on at £7k and under. Worth a look?

 

[Dxbolton]

Keep an eye on the auctions. The Market recently sold a z3m for £12k. Mileage around 70k and lots of history
They are out there

 

[Eddie-S]

That sort oprice would tempt me

 

[Dxbolton]

That sort oprice would tempt me

I was annoyed I wasn’t watching it. I expected it to reach 16k

 

[Brocky61]

HaHaHa.
Tested the water with my 2.2 minter (see original post) with 69k against a 98 M 70k I think on the clock. £2.2k for mine. One of the spot welds in the boot had failed as well and was going rusty. You know, I'm beginning to think for the money and what I'll use it for a 3.0l might be a better option. It has been really useful listening to everyone's opinions. I've only posted twice on here so far but response form members has been great.

There is a 3.0l on ebay at the moment, wants £12k for it which IMO is a bit steep, but may have a look as I'm in the area next week.

Probably a bit late now but might be useful for someone with a similar dilemma. I would join all the Z3 forums on Facebook and also do searches on Facebook marketplace. I recently bought my 97,000 mile 3.0 Auto from one of the Z3 forums (can't remember which as there are so many) for £2.5k. It was a non runner, (mainly due to flat battery). It cost me another £1400 for full service and to get it through the MOT. Ultimately its going to be rebodied with a Tribute ZGT body so wasn't too bothered about the bodywork but externally it can't be faulted. Internally the seats had a load of paint on as it was previously owned by a painter/decorator so that took a while to clean off. I've also added cruise control which was a simple mod. It's the dogs in sport mode but decidely pedestrian in standard mode, which to be fair is probably how it'll be mostly driven after the rebody

 

[Pete2]

Cheers for that Brocky. I've decided to keep the 2.2 I have atm. It is so nice condition I'm struggling to find anything close to it. Budget has now been blown on a Triumph Rocket 3R. And just bought a mint ,yr 2000, low mileage Aprilia RSV 1000R. Performance wise, no car can touch them, and no passenger telling me to slow down...

 

[BuxtonZ3Guy]

Is there a 'sport' button in the 3.0i that I have not found yet????!!

 

[Brocky61]

Is there a 'sport' button in the 3.0i that I have not found yet????!!

There is on the auto box. Just move the lever left and its in sport/tiptronic mode

 

[as400]

SLK55 AMG then.