Future Z3 Owner (hopefully)

[MattRRT]

I have wanted a Bimmer for as long as I can remember, and may have found one. A 1997 2.8 Z3 with a manual.

Is anyone willing help me figure out what to look for? This will be my "gas saver" second/commuter car, and my project.

This car looks like a good deal, and I'll be seeing it in person in the next couple of days. I have already been told to lift the trunk/boot carpet and check the subframe for popped welds. I know the rear window is bad and taped, the seat is ripped, and the front bumper has damage and needs replacing. I'll be inspecting the radiator and support closely.

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome @MattRRT
I'm sure some one will be along to help you soon

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome!

Not too easy to figure out the damage from just the one photo. Doesn't look too bad, but will depend on how far the damage is under the car!

 

[Low Rider]

Hello and welcome to Zroadster.org

 

[FRANKIE]

I have wanted a Bimmer for as long as I can remember, and may have found one. A 1997 2.8 Z3 with a manual.

Is anyone willing help me figure out what to look for? This will be my "gas saver" second/commuter car, and my project.

This car looks like a good deal, and I'll be seeing it in person in the next couple of days. I have already been told to lift the trunk/boot carpet and check the subframe for popped welds. I know the rear window is bad and taped, the seat is ripped, and the front bumper has damage and needs replacing. I'll be inspecting the radiator and support closely.

Hi, Matt and welcome to the forum from Egg Harbor Township New Jersey. Looks like the car has great possibilities. How much are they asking? How many miles on it? Also, I was wondering what your location was. There are several members that have the same car and can give you information. Frankie

 

[MattRRT]

I'm In North Carolina.

It's. $2000 asking with 118,000

 

[roadvoyager1]

I am not sure of Z3 prices in the USA but generally cars are cheaper than in the UK so may comments assume this applies to Z3s as well.. Given the amount of work required to fix the obvious problems I feel that $2000 would be excessive if the same car were offered in the UK. Maybe nearer $1500 (around £1000) tops would be my thoughts. Other may disagree and I am sure they will tell me so.

It all depends what you are looking for. If you want a project and can do some work yourself this car could be for you. I would suggest you allow for a suspension (shock absorbers and bushes) and brake overhaul plus changing all the fluids. Have a look at the project threads on here and it will give you a good idea of what you are likely to need to attend to. None of these is particularly expensive if you are doing the work yourself.

This article should also give you some guidance if you haven't seen it before. https://zroadster.org/articles/?category=bmw-z3-general-information&id=280.

Enjoy finding your Z3 and driving it when you have it.

Welcome to Z-org.

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[BMBabe]

Welcome and good luck

 

[t-tony]

Hi Matt, welcome from Lincoln,UK. Enjoy your car and getting the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

Tony

 

[andyglym]

to the forum from West Cumbria, England.

 

[Eddie Zedder]

Hello and

 

[MattRRT]

Well it got sold before I could get to it (called into work)

Hopefully I can find another one in need of some love

 

[t-tony]

Well it got sold before I could get to it (called into work)

Hopefully I can find another one in need of some love

Bad luck Matt, here's hoping another suitable car comes up before long. Good hunting!

Tony.

 

[oldcarman]

Welcome from Manitoba, you should be able to find a pretty good example, I hope you do!! JIM

 

[Mint]

Hi @MattRRT to the forum from me too in Staffordshire, UK. Good luck with your search.

 

[MattRRT]

Found one with 210k but no service records. I'll keep looking!

 

[Bond]

Welcome and Hello from the UK ...

 

[BMBabe]

@MattRRT when you find your Zed you will be pleased you didn't go for the others

 

[MattRRT]

I found another but it's rough. And a 4 cyl.

Couple of guys bought it "non-running" from a woman. It has overheating issues. She had the radiator rebuilt, waterpump done. They took care of the lower control arms, few other things.

The rear end has 2 dimples showing in the trunk.

Seat could be reupholstered
Body has dents and dings
Passenger seat is stuck
Shift knob is broken
Emblems faded

It did run well, shifted smooth, but could only parking lot run it since its not registered.

Could only get them to $3200