Hi looking at getting a Z3 wondered if anyone could help

[Abby Woolhouse]

Hi all, I'm Abby

I'm kinda new to the bmw scene, i currently own a classic mini and a vauxhall corsa 1.2 (but i'm looking to sell it soon for a z3)

I'm just curious as to what they are like to drive? do they sit fairly low and feel like lowered cars? what's the tax like on them and the general running costs?

Apologies for all the questions, i'm just really keen on getting one, but would like to know the pro's and cons of them before i rush out and buy one.

Thanks for any help

Abby

 

[t-tony]

Hi Abby, these are great little cars, if you don't know anyone who owns one at present, by joining this forum you now know loads. I'm from near Lincoln where abouts are you? I'm sure there will be someone on here lady or gent who would be willing to demonstrate their pride and joy if you are in their vicinity. An easy way to get an insight to these super,fun cars.

Cheers,Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome Abby

From my perspective they are great cars to drive, and look fantastic as well. For me I can't think of a more modern car I would prefer to own right now.

My 2001 2.2 costs £156.75 for 6 months, and £285 for 12 months. I get around 30mpg average, but get much better on a journey. Age wise the youngest are over 11 years old and the oldest around 18, so look carefully at any body work as rust is starting to become an issue.

They are simple to work on, which means you can get them repaired anywhere. The most complicated equipment you need is a £40 code reader from eBay.

Here is a couple of general articles on the Z3 to get you up to speed on the history.
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/

Cheers, Gary

 

[Abby Woolhouse]

Thanks for your help

I'm based in stoke on trent, as i say i own a mini so used to rust & i'm looking for something as a daily driver and rust? haha ''in rust we trust''

Thanks again for your help i'll have a read

 

[EnthuZiaZT]

Hi Abby, Welcome
I suggest if you want to know what a Z3 is like to drive, you go and find one for sale at a Garage and ask to take it
for a test drive. Look for one that has not been modified. Engine wise you pays your money and takes your choice. The 1.9s are more frugal the 2.0l and 2.2l are more fun to drive and the 2.8 are quite powerful. If you want the ultimate then the Z3M is the one. Options on them are few. Air Con, Power hood would be desirable. Tax wise anything before 2002 is going to be £230 a year road tax. They tend to be well made cars and breakdowns are rare, however should any thing go wrong, its worth checking on the forum for fixes and advice. Look out for rust especially around the bottom of the sill and at the front and back of the sill. Usually this does not cost a lot to put right but better avoided if possible. Good luck, hope to see you on the forum again.

Mike

 

[oldcarman]

Hi from mid northern Canada!! Just imported my 97 1.9 from the UK and can now truthfully attest to all everyone else has written. It's a blast to drive. Easy to work on and sips gas. Plenty of power if you're not a racer. Try and get a test drive or two in with different models unless you are like. Me and fell for my car from a pic on eBay. Bought it sight unseen, just got a good vibe over conversations with the owners son. You have many too choose from in the UK and prices are falling as winter approaches. Good luck and feel free to pop over and take mine for a drive, anytime. JIM

 

[zedonist]

Hi Abby, don't listen to the engine size debate, they are all fun to drive, none more than any other variant, except shall we say the //M version, you need to go and look at as many as possible, and drive as many as possible, and pick the one you are most comfortable with and ticks your overall budget requirements.

One thing to note, there was a facelift at model year 2000, where the rear end looks quite different, I actually prefer the pre- face lift look, but the interior on the facelift had more options for looks. Note pre facelift 1.9 are not wide body,which is the only down side. (You can convert)

If you do want a 1.9, there are two versions, the M43 and the M44, the M43 was available early 95/96 cars then changed to the M44 up until 1999 where the face lift got the updated version if the M43 engine. The difference is considerable between the two, the M44 has 16 valves and 140bhp, and the M43 has 8 valves and 115bhp. I have an M44 1.9, and I am very happy with its fun factor and performance.

If more power is your thing, then you have a choice of 6 cylinder models in 2.0, 2.2, 2.8, 3.0 and //M 3.2. Only 2.8 and //M are available preface lift (wide body), all variants are available at face lift. Perhaps the most desire able models in the face lift range are either the 2.2 sport or the 3.0 sport(best model IMHO), all models come in manual or automatic.

Happy hunting

 

[Shelly]

Hi Abby Zs are great cars I use my all the time , I luv it to bits , the running cost of our Z is not much difference to
all the other cars we're had the only difference is we get a lot more enjoyment out of the Z ,

 

[billz]

Hi Abbey. My wife had the 3.0 sport and it was her daily driver for 4 years and she loved it, we only got rid of it due to upgrading to the Z4. Really does depend on budget as to what you will get but at the moment there seems to be some right bargains. Just make sure they have been well serviced.

 

[robertjones]

Hi , I live in Middlewich, about half an hour from Stoke ,so if you wanted to come over and have a look at my z you are welcome

 

[zedonist]

We could do a "cruise to Abby" let her have a look at various models, i am local also

 

[Mint]

We could do a "cruise to Abby" let her have a look at various models, i am local also

And me...

 

[zedonist]

Well thats an M44 1.9 and a facelift 2.2 sport, what you driving Robert, be good to get a 2.8 and 3.0 there

 

[robertjones]

Well thats an M44 1.9 and a facelift 2.2 sport, what you driving Robert, be good to get a 2.8 and 3.0 there

Sorry mines only an m43, 1.9 mind you I find it quicker, and smoother , than my previous m44 engine

 

[zedonist]

No Robert, its another alternative for trying

 

[oldcarman]

We could do a "cruise to Abby" let her have a look at various models, i am local also

I'll try to make it, unless it snows of course!! JIM

 

[FRANKIE]

Hi all, I'm Abby

I'm kinda new to the bmw scene, i currently own a classic mini and a vauxhall corsa 1.2 (but i'm looking to sell it soon for a z3)

I'm just curious as to what they are like to drive? do they sit fairly low and feel like lowered cars? what's the tax like on them and the general running costs?

Apologies for all the questions, i'm just really keen on getting one, but would like to know the pro's and cons of them before i rush out and buy one.

Thanks for any help

Abby

Hi Abby from the other side of the Pond. Glad to have you with us. Frankie

 

[Rev]

Hi Abby,

Welcome along.

Look for a car that someones cared about. Preferably thats been garaged. Pay attention to the soft top and it's operation. If the interior condition doesn't match the exterior condition walk away! It's easy to make the exterior look good, but harder to make an interior to the same standard. So if it's had a hard life the interior will be the give away.

Mileage matters, but condition is king. There are many people that cherish their cars and keep them in fine order. Just be patient and find the right seller.

Then enjoy! They are head and shoulders above a mini to drive and an easy car to own.

 

[bonzo]

Hi Abby, welcome from Bonzo and Zelda!Can't think of any thing else to add to what's been said already, but a silky smooth straight six sounds sublime........ ( That's alliteration that is!)

 

[FRANKIE]

Hi Abby, welcome from Bonzo and Zelda!Can't think of any thing else to add to what's been said already, but a silky smooth straight six sounds sublime........ ( That's alliteration that is!)

A bit suggestive, I might add.Frankie