Buying a Z3

[Mike Callaghan]

Just sold my Westfield and I am looking for a pre 2000 manual Z3 so I need some advice on what to look for and what to avoid, what is the best power unit, how does the "wide" model differ from the standard car etc etc.I am sure I will get a wide range of opinions, but I need to start somewhere. MIKE

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome Mike!

Not sure if you have seen the following articles which should give you a decent grounding in the Z3.
https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-history-by-mike-fishwick.18/
https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-general-information-for-potential-buyers-by-mike-fishwick.15/

This should give you an idea on the visual differences in the body styles (front bumpers have subtle differences). Internal differences between facelift and non-facelift are minimal, mainly the centre console.

As for engine size, that will be down to how my power you want really! I've only drive the 6cyl engines personally.

I'm sure others will jump in with their opinions soon!

 

[ZTec]

Hi Mike, and welcome to the forum from Llantwit Major near Cardiff. You have a choice of a few models, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0 & 2.8. Depends what sort of performance you want, I have a 1.9 140HP and it does what is says on the tin, I'm happy with it. The 1.8 imho is a bit underpowered. You will have so many people come along today and offer advice which is second to none. Good luck with your search.
Best regards
Tec

Just to give you an idea, this is a 1997 1.9 pre-facelift model (my pride and joy).

 

[FRANKIE]

Just sold my Westfield and I am looking for a pre 2000 manual Z3 so I need some advice on what to look for and what to avoid, what is the best power unit, how does the "wide" model differ from the standard car etc etc.I am sure I will get a wide range of opinions, but I need to start somewhere. MIKE

Hi Mike and welcome to the forum from the other side of the pond. I'll show you a pic later when I get home from work. Glad to have you with us. Frankie

 

[BMBabe]

Welcome from Aylesbury

 

[Cooper]

Hi, also consider if you want fuel economy for a daily driver or power for more fun and less driving - unless you don't mind paying for fuel. Anyway, I have a 2.2 which is more than enough power to get me into trouble with the police and blow off a several lesser vehicles but I get about 10.5-11.5 kilometers per litre. Not bad for a daily driver.

If you can get the sports seats get them, it does make a difference.
Look at all modifications with a critical eye just in case they have altered the ride or performance or maintenance.
Try to get something with the maintenance history so you are not left wondering about this and that.
Listen for Vanos noise, look for rust in sills and anywhere else.
Roll hoops are on most cars and look good, go for that.
Get a compression test done, check the shocks and springs [are easy to replace though]

That's all I can think of at the moment.
Cooper

 

[andyglym]

Hi Mike and welcome to the forum. 98 2.8 was my choice. Not driven any other model so unable to compare, what I will say though is the torque is just great if that's your thing. Keeps up with and surpasses most modern traffic IMO. A lazy cruiser that goes like a scalded cat should you require that extra oomph. Servicing seems reasonable if you don't do it yourself as do parts. Decent MPG too. Smiles per gallon = plenty.

 

[Antm72]

Hi Mike,
I think its personal preference and use that puts you in the right Z ,i'd go out and drive a few i did, the 1.9 a great drive a smooth gearbox and still a great sounding motor. The 6 cyclinder cars are very smooth and the power delivery is almost effortless.
I looked at economy and the head said 1.9 and the heart said 2.8 personal i love the body style and stance of a prefacelift 2.8 and for me was what made it a must, i think i would have not been as happy in a 1.9 felt it was a compromise on what i really wanted.
Saying that looking at the stats for the 1.9 and 2.8 they appear very similar and on a run it gave me 31mpg which i thought fair for some lets say spirited driving on occasions
Good service history is a piece of mind, the engines after all are pretty solid engineering and looked after will go for ever. As said rust front wings bottom of rear wings and the sill covers, usually caused by stone chips but there are loads of examples out there, just be ready to pounce as the good one seem to fly away!!!.
Great car choice one you won't regret im sure happy hunting....

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome to the forum
From Bradwell near Great Yarmouth

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hi Mike, hello from Truro. I chose the 2.8 but the 1.9 will hold it's own against a Golf GTi.

Which ever you choose you'll love it.

Did you have a bike engine Westfield? They were made in my hometown and one of my school buddies worked there for a while

 

[ZTec]

Hi, also consider if you want fuel economy for a daily driver or power for more fun and less driving - unless you don't mind paying for fuel. Anyway, I have a 2.2 which is more than enough power to get me into trouble with the police and blow off a several lesser vehicles but I get about 10.5-11.5 kilometers per litre. Not bad for a daily driver.

If you can get the sports seats get them, it does make a difference.
Look at all modifications with a critical eye just in case they have altered the ride or performance or maintenance.
Try to get something with the maintenance history so you are not left wondering about this and that.
Listen for Vanos noise, look for rust in sills and anywhere else.
Roll hoops are on most cars and look good, go for that.
Get a compression test done, check the shocks and springs [are easy to replace though]

That's all I can think of at the moment.
Cooper

My brother in law had a 2.2 and he loved it, alas he's moved on to bigger and better things

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[FRANKIE]

Just sold my Westfield and I am looking for a pre 2000 manual Z3 so I need some advice on what to look for and what to avoid, what is the best power unit, how does the "wide" model differ from the standard car etc etc.I am sure I will get a wide range of opinions, but I need to start somewhere. MIKE

Hi Mike. I'm home now and wanted to respond to a part of your question.

Your quote: "how does the "wide" model differ from the standard car ?"
I think there is a big difference in a wide body. I have a 1.9L '96. I think that it drives just great around curves and corners. But there is a difference in the width of the cars. I also have a 2000 Z3 M///. Look at the difference in the wide bodies. Here's a pic with covers on both of them. You can see the difference in how wide they are. Which one is the wider M///? The covers can't hide it. You notice it like a fat ass in a tweed coat at the bus stop:

Its almost impossible to not love the horsepower of the ///M. Frankie

 

[oldcarman]

Welcome from Canada! I imported my 97 Z3 1.9 from UK last year and liked it so much my second one is being prepared for export in Egham, Surrey right now. Drive as many as possible, I wish I could have but the 1.9 has all the power I need and gets unreal milage. JIM

 

[zedonist]

Hi Mike,

It sounds like you have ruled out face lift versions if you want a pre 2000. On that basis there are only 3 engines, the 1.9M44 or M43, the 2.8 and the 3.2 ///M both the 2.8 and the 3.2 are wide body, the 1.9 is narrow body but can be converted. My advice is go and test drive the three versions and see which one you can live with best.

 

[Mike Callaghan]

Hi, to you all thanks for the input will read the articles that you highlighted I will be taking it all onboard , as per my old Westfield it was one that I built myself with a 2lt pinto with twin 45 webers it was very very quick but a bit too raw if you know what in mean anyway thanks to you all MIKE

 

[miller1098]

Hi I built a tiger with the pinto.the only place I was going in that was straight to casualty ,and that would be if I was lucky.but it got the bug out of my system to build a car

 

[Rha]

Hi Mike,and welcome, you'll love the Z with its bit more refinement, and being a spanner man you'll be able to mod it plus keep running costs down, enjoy one of the most underated sports cars of our time. Rha, Roy.