BMW Z3

[Neal]

Hi all

I am thinking about buying a 6 year old Z3 Beamer anyone had any experience of them? Or has anyone got an opinon, only looking at the 2.0 litre version

Cheers

Whitey

[smokie]

One man's opinion...from http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/index.php?url=/carbycar/index.htm

What's Good
Very compact. Snug cockpit. Doesn't buffet badly up to 80 mph. 140 bhp 1.9 auto available. 190 bhp 2.8 litre six replaced by new 231 bhp 3.0 litre six in Spring 2000. 321 bhp 3.2 litre 'M' version almost too powerful. American built. New small engine range from Spring 1999, with 115 bhp 1.9 litre 'four' and 150 bhp 2.0 litre 'six', then 170bhp 2.2 litre six. Improved unlimited mileage two year full manufacturer warranty followed by one year full dealer warranty from November 2001, making total three year unlimited mileage warranty. BMW, Toyota and Ford jointly suffered the fewest breakdowns attended by German ADAC during 2001. BMW had sixth lowest average cost in warranty claims for cars up to 10 years old in 2002 Warranty Direct index. For more info link to Sportscar Guides www.sportscarguides.com BMWs generally had below average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 81.41 v/s lowest 31.93). Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk 9th top car out of 137 in 2003 Top Gear survey.
What's Bad
115 bhp and 140 bhp 1.9 litre fours not really enough except for cruisers. No clever roof like the SLK. Not very sporty to drive. Soft-tops can leak. Optional hardtops offer poor seal for side windows - modification kit available from early 1999. Z3 'M' coupe may be fast but is aesthetically hideous. Pre-November 2001 3 year warranty required expensive top up to be comprehensive in 2nd and 3rd years.
What to Watch Out For
Build date from 2001 shown on engine compartment label on top of front nearside wheelarch. Many RHDs were personally imported to avoid long delivery dates and don't have UK 3-year dealer warranty. 2.8s imported from other markets may have vulnerable Nickasil-lined bores rather than steel-lined bores. Check fuel tank for damaged from bottoming out (very expensive to replace). Front suspension lower ball joints and inner bushes wear, but are comparatively cheap to replace. Service light indicator can easily be re-set, so a paid invoice is the only guarantee of a recent service. Check took kit is all there.

[Neal]

Thanks Smokie

[Andy Zarse]

Check took kit is all there.

These tools are vital for any self respecting Z3 owner.

Whitey, don't do it mate! IMO the Z3, particularly the 1.9, is a wretched, overstyled, underpowered, cynical attempt to cash in on the roadster boom. It's underpinnings are based on the old second generation 3 series (circa 1982) and it's competency on the road is, as you would expect, very poor. Basically it's a car for blonde middle aged women, people who know fu ck all about cars and poseurs with no balls. Sorry to be so harsh, but I'd like to know what possessed you to even have such an idea?  

[Bobblehat]

I rember a road test on the basic Z3, were a 4 door Metro out draged it to 60mph and I am not talking 6R4 here just a 1.4!  

[SpriteII]

MGF?

[DavidsDad]

Whitey, are you a hardresser, or an up-and-coming fashion designer, by any chance?  

[Neal]

I take it your not to keen then Andy, am not looking at 1.9 4 cyl but 2.0
6 cyl. Just fancy a rag top for the summer could afford an MG but they don't hold their value as well as the Z3. So gonna do it anyway will get the hairdresser kit as well

[jpchenet]

Excellent, Whitey's Hair Salon at Le Mans this year!! What site will it be on?? Maybe it could park up next to Felix's Fisha nd Chips and we could start a UK commercial centre!!  

[Neal]

Salon will be on BSJ, not so sure of my ability to hold the scissors steady after cider for breakfast. mid morning Calavados (with a coffee of course),followed by the lunch time Stella. So anyone wishing to make appointments from say 4 0'clock onwards for a shave plus full perm blue rinse let me know (how about you JPC) :

Whitey

[Russ]

An Ex of mine had a 2.0 Z3, I thought it drove quite well... but then I have just wrapped a Vectra round a telegraph pole, so who am I to judge.

It was nippy enough, and was just as nice to drive as my own 325 at the time.

Just one point to note though... if it's got the little side vents in chrome rather than body colour, don't touch it. You'll look like a tw@t.

 

[jpchenet]

If only you were on MB Whitey. After a similar daily routine to you I don't think I'll be capable of walking all the way to BSJ I certainly couldn't walk back to MB from the 'poo bar last year!!

[Neal]

Thanks for that Russ it's got colour coded side vents. Could maybe do mobile but don't think le plod would be to impressed, especially if a cut throat razor was being brandished about. Never been to the poo bar on Sat night, but coming this year will bring the perm solution