Looking for the experienced to help me buy

[Davie]

Hi,

Looking to buy a z3 2000-2002...advice on what to look out for welcome folks.

D

 

[hard top]

Welcome on the forum @Davie have a read of this......

https://zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-general-information-for-potential-buyers-by-mike-fishwick.15/

 

[t-tony]

Hi Davie, welcome from me too here near Lincoln. Mine's a 2000 2.0 Auto. I haven't had many specific problems with mine in 5 years apart from Inlet camshaft sensor fault, engine goes into limp home mode (no power and EM light comes on) and the n/s door central locking solenoid packed up. Neither are big problems. Bearing in mind the younger of these cars will be 13 years old, there are bound to be some small issues but the build quality is/was good so not too much to worry about. Where are you located?

Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome @Davie

A few more specifics on what you are looking for may help us help you! Have you seen any so far that you like? Your location is useful too as we are bound to have someone near you. May be able to meetup and have a look over a fellow members car.

Cheers, Gary

 

[oldcarman]

Welcome from Canada!! JIM

 

[Shelly]

Welcome from me too
From Bradwell near Great Yarmouth
Have fun looking for your Z

 

[Tim@Prestige]

Hi & welcome!
I hope you enjoy your time on the forum.

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[Jack Ratt]

Hello from Truro. I've got the 2.8 Auto and I love it. BMW auto boxes are ultra reliable and paired with the torquey straight 6 it's pretty much bullet proof. Zeds don't tend to suffer too much from the dreaded body rust and the quality of the interiors is right up there with the best. Just look for a nice looking example in your preferred engine size, with a good documented service history and you really can't go wrong. OK, even the youngest Z3 will be approaching "middle age" but luckily for us, the build quality means they still be around in another 20yrs. Just hope I will too

 

[SteveZ3]

Check seat bushes, functionality of electric windows, general geometry of the car on test drive.
Make sure you check that the heated seats work.

Also check that the engine gets up to temperature and stays there - thermostats and waterpumps are common issues.

All of these are fairly easy to fix but its just good excuses to get money off the car!

 

[Mac]

If you've not driven a z3 before then try and get some miles in on a test drive or two. Maybe ask at the local BMW main dealer if they have any in and see what you think. The engines available make for very different drives.
Where in the world are you based?

 

[nachos23]

Don't forget to check the condition of the rear subframe rivets in the trunk and under the rear end of the car. You're looking for subframe cracks or signs that the subframe is separating. There are lots of videos and threads outlining what to look for. The rivets can be seen from above by removing the carpeting from the trunk and almost near the front of the trunk floor maybe 6" from back of trunk there is a line of rivets you will be able to see running the entire width of the trunk. Check to see if any are pulled or showing signs of stress.. I would also check underneath to see if you see any cracks at the subframe mounts. The Z3's use e36 engine and drivetrain, but rear end is from an e30 to allow for the shorter wheelbase of the Z vs. e36.
My 2000 Z3 M-roadster is signing firstsigns of this pulling and i;ve just ordered a Randy Forbes subframe reinforcement kit. Shipped yesterday.

 

[POG]

Welcome from Portsmouth.

 

[Davie]

Hi Davie, welcome from me too here near Lincoln. Mine's a 2000 2.0 Auto. I haven't had many specific problems with mine in 5 years apart from Inlet camshaft sensor fault, engine goes into limp home mode (no power and EM light comes on) and the n/s door central locking solenoid packed up. Neither are big problems. Bearing in mind the younger of these cars will be 13 years old, there are bound to be some small issues but the build quality is/was good so not too much to worry about. Where are you located?

Tony.

Thanks Tony. I am over in Cheshire.

 

[Davie]

If you've not driven a z3 before then try and get some miles in on a test drive or two. Maybe ask at the local BMW main dealer if they have any in and see what you think. The engines available make for very different drives.
Where in the world are you based?

In Cheshire, Mac.

 

[Davie]

Don't forget to check the condition of the rear subframe rivets in the trunk and under the rear end of the car. You're looking for subframe cracks or signs that the subframe is separating. There are lots of videos and threads outlining what to look for. The rivets can be seen from above by removing the carpeting from the trunk and almost near the front of the trunk floor maybe 6" from back of trunk there is a line of rivets you will be able to see running the entire width of the trunk. Check to see if any are pulled or showing signs of stress.. I would also check underneath to see if you see any cracks at the subframe mounts. The Z3's use e36 engine and drivetrain, but rear end is from an e30 to allow for the shorter wheelbase of the Z vs. e36.
My 2000 Z3 M-roadster is signing firstsigns of this pulling and i;ve just ordered a Randy Forbes subframe reinforcement kit. Shipped yesterday.

So it's vital to loom for this but easily resolvable if it starts happening?

 

[Davie]

Welcome from Portsmouth.

Cheers from up in Cheshire

 

[Davie]

Gary,

It would be excellent to look over a couple of member's z3's if anyone is in 15 miles of Crewe that would be great.

Thanks

 

[Mint]

...if anyone is in 15 miles of Crewe...

I'm about 30 but you're welcome to come down and see my Zed. Sorry though not till the weekend of the 28th March though as we'll be on hols.

 

[Davie]

I'm about 30 but you're welcome to come down and see my Zed. Sorry though not till the weekend of the 28th March though as we'll be on hols.

Cheers Mint...if I can hold off that long seen a v nice 2.2 2002 for about the right price although I have dawdled through the cheap period and now on the edge of silly money, this isn't too bad if I can get ... baring in mind the sound advice of members here.

Thanks

D