Greetings!

Handyman58

Regular Member
American Zeds
Joined
Mar 20, 2024
Points
18
Location
Silvis, Illinois
Model of Z
2.8
Just wanted to introduce myself. I’m a car enthusiast and will be purchasing a z3 soon. I’m currently borrowing a beautiful 99 z3, and am looking for the right one to buy for myself.
I’m a 65 year old teacher and musician. I’ve decided that at 65, it’s time to sell the Harley, but only for a suitable convertible. Is there anything that I should avoid? I’ve decided against a 4 cylinder, and an automatic, so there’s that. Six cylinder and manual transmission only. Any particular year or mileage to avoid? Thanks in advance for your tolerance of me, because I don’t actually own one at the moment.
 

Nodzed

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
M Power
Joined
Feb 18, 2016
Points
231
Location
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Model of Z
Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
:welcome:
It sort of depends on your budget. The 2.2 is the great all rounder, they always seems to me to have more options fitted and better wheels etc and they drive nice with a great exhaust note also there are plenty out there. Don't worry about high miles on a car that's been refreshed and loved, it will be better than a low mileage one still with all its original bits and pieces beware the seller claiming its all original, usually means they have spend nothing on it and it's tired. Condition and history is everything when buying a Z3. Buy from an enthusiast that has refreshed it and upgraded it or spend less and buy one to do yourself.
Stay away from the Ms unless you have deep pockets and a good sense of humour, or be prepared to pay a high price for a fully refreshed one.
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Welcome aboard the best Z Forum, good luck with your search for the right car, update your user details with your location and model of car when you get it. Details assist us in answering your questions and you may have fellow members close by who can assist when needed. Details will appear in the left of your posts so saves you typing and repeating in the post body. Budget in a decent code reader, Creator 310+ should do without breaking the bank, will pay for itself first time you have to use it.
 

Duncodin

Zorg Guru (III)
Supporter
Joined
Sep 8, 2021
Points
139
Location
Pontrhydyrun
Model of Z
Z3 M44
Welome!

If I had the choice over again I'd go for a 3.0

But I'm actually more than happy with my 4cyl M44 16v with ''only' 140 odd horse power but it's enough for normal traffic. I can't think of any "sensible" reason why I'd need more power.

But there's the "unsensible" reasons for a 3.0 bragging rights, bigger trousers etc.

But I can't think of any sensible or unsensible reason to go for anything between the two.
 

Handyman58

Regular Member
American Zeds
Joined
Mar 20, 2024
Points
18
Location
Silvis, Illinois
Model of Z
2.8
:welcome:
It sort of depends on your budget. The 2.2 is the great all rounder, they always seems to me to have more options fitted and better wheels etc and they drive nice with a great exhaust note also there are plenty out there. Don't worry about high miles on a car that's been refreshed and loved, it will be better than a low mileage one still with all its original bits and pieces beware the seller claiming its all original, usually means they have spend nothing on it and it's tired. Condition and history is everything when buying a Z3. Buy from an enthusiast that has refreshed it and upgraded it or spend less and buy one to do yourself.
Stay away from the Ms unless you have deep pockets and a good sense of humour, or be prepared to pay a high price for a fully refreshed one.
I appreciate your tips! Thanks
 

Mint

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
Joined
Sep 23, 2012
Points
222
Location
Stafford
Model of Z
2.2 & 3.0 Sport
Hi and :welcome: to the forum from me too in Stafford, England. Good luck with your search:thumbsup:
 
Last edited:

Handyman58

Regular Member
American Zeds
Joined
Mar 20, 2024
Points
18
Location
Silvis, Illinois
Model of Z
2.8
Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! Today I test drove a 99 2.8. It was pretty solid, just very abused. When I got home and did a carfax on it, I found out that it had been stolen, totaled and salvaged titled! It had 12 owners so far! Um…no thanks!!! Too bad! She deserves better!
 

Handyman58

Regular Member
American Zeds
Joined
Mar 20, 2024
Points
18
Location
Silvis, Illinois
Model of Z
2.8
Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! Today I test drove a 99 2.8. It was pretty solid, just very abused. When I got home and did a carfax on it, I found out that it had been stolen, totaled and salvaged titled! It had 12 owners so far! Um…no thanks!!! Too bad! She deserves better!
By the way, I’m in the US. Central Illinois. There are many z’s for sale within 200 miles. Average price is around 6500 us.
 
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