New member from Arizona

[Felt Stirling]

have just collected my first Z3.

I too just acquired my first Z3. It is a 2000 Z3 Roadster. After a lengthy search, I finally found one that ended up being in my neighborhood. My search was made difficult because I wanted: bright red, manual shirt, the 2.8L engine, less than 100,000 miles .... at a give away price. (LOL). (Not necessarily in that order) I was able to get everything, except it has the 2.5L engine. And Oh, a good, but not a "give-away" price.

Mechanically, it appears to be rock solid; cosmetically, it has a few minor issues, such as the seatbelt guides, ragged floor mats (new ones have been ordered) and the faux wood console has seen too much sun. Otherwise, everything works and looks good.

I live in the desert southwest, and have enjoyed top-down driving. I am delighted with the comfort on the vehicle (I am 6' 2"). The ride is superb, and I am pleased with the fuel efficiency, although that was not my highest priority.

Has anyone had a good experience with the console kits? From the adds, they just appear to be stick-on decals over the existing factory console. If the car turns out to be as mechanically sound as I think it is, I may, in time, have a custom automobile shop upgrade the interior .... upholstery, and new console. We shall see.

I look forward to the forum, and will be making comments from time to time. I will make every effort to keep my comments fresh, and not "plow-up" old subjects that have been thoroughly discussed elsewhere.

 

[FRANKIE]

I too just acquired my first Z3. It is a 2000 Z3 Roadster. After a lengthy search, I finally found one that ended up being in my neighborhood. My search was made difficult because I wanted: bright red, manual shirt, the 2.8L engine, less than 100,000 miles .... at a give away price. (LOL). (Not necessarily in that order) I was able to get everything, except it has the 2.5L engine. And Oh, a good, but not a "give-away" price.

Mechanically, it appears to be rock solid; cosmetically, it has a few minor issues, such as the seatbelt guides, ragged floor mats (new ones have been ordered) and the faux wood console has seen too much sun. Otherwise, everything works and looks good.

I live in the desert southwest, and have enjoyed top-down driving. I am delighted with the comfort on the vehicle (I am 6' 2"). The ride is superb, and I am pleased with the fuel efficiency, although that was not my highest priority.

Has anyone had a good experience with the console kits? From the adds, they just appear to be stick-on decals over the existing factory console. If the car turns out to be as mechanically sound as I think it is, I may, in time, have a custom automobile shop upgrade the interior .... upholstery, and new console. We shall see.

I look forward to the forum, and will be making comments from time to time. I will make every effort to keep my comments fresh, and not "plow-up" old subjects that have been thoroughly discussed elsewhere.

Hi Felt and welcome to the forum. Don't worry about what you say on this forum, we're just happy when you speak your mind. These are a GREAT bunch of guys (and girls) here and you'll find answers to just about any question you might have. You'll have a great deal of fun here also. Most of the members are in the UK and asleep now but there are quite a few around the world. I am in New Jersey. There are several members that have the same model as you and there is a great wealth of knowledge to be had. I have a '96 1.9l myself. Frankie

 

[GazHyde]

Welcome Felt,

I've just moved your post to a new thread in the introduction section so everyone can welcome you. Sounds a lovely Z3 you have just got yourself, can't wait to see the pictures.

Just shout out if you have any questions.

Gary

 

[jonco]

enjoy the ride and the forum. Love the `bright red' bit but beware the sun fade!

 

[hard top]

Welcome to the forum from me too.

 

[Shelly]

Welcome to the forum Felt
Hope you enjoy the forum and your Z

 

[metalmickey]

Hi Felt
Welcome from me in Walton on Thames, UK. No, the palace in the background is not where I live, it's where my wife works!
Look after that bright red paintwork. I suspect it is at high risk from oxidation with that strong, hot sun you get in Arizona.
Best wishes. Enjoy the forum.
Metal Mickey (Mike)

 

[Zeti]

Welcome Felt!
Seems that we have to open a 2.8& 2.5 Massive as there are so many here , on the forum.......
Enjoy your Red pride for many miles!

 

[zedwheels]

Hi Felt good to have you join us on .org You gotta get some photo's up now of your zed.
Didn't think the MPG would worry you, how much is a gallon of fuel near you?

 

[oldcarman]

Hi @Felt Stirling , I think you've got yourself a great little car, just wonder why one of you boxes for checking was that it came with a Mexican shirt? Not that the colours wouldn't go good with the beautiful red paint, mind you!! JIM in Manitoba, Canada!!

 

[Felt Stirling]

Hi Felt good to have you join us on .org You gotta get some photo's up now of your zed.
Didn't think the MPG would worry you, how much is a gallon of fuel near you?

$2.86/gal right now. I live 30 miles south of St. George, Utah.

 

[Felt Stirling]

enjoy the ride and the forum. Love the `bright red' bit but beware the sun fade!

Thanks for the tip, but fortunately, the Z is a second car, and will be garaged and rarely parked in the sun. Now driven in the sun is a different matter. But I acquired it to enjoy, and that is what I intend to do.

 

[zedonist]

welcome Felt

 

[oldcarman]

$2.86/gal right now. I live 30 miles south of St. George, Utah.

And I live about a mile out of St. Georges, Manitoba; Canada!! My uncle lived inSt. George, Utah several years back. JIM
Gas is $1.09 L right now

 

[hard top]

Gas is $1.09 L right now

Gas? How much are you paying for the petrol then? In gallons?

 

[oldcarman]

Gas? How much are you paying for the petrol then? In gallons?

Do you want it in Imperial or US gallons??

 

[hard top]

Do you want it in Imperial or US gallons??

I would like it quoted as per OIML R117 ‘liquids other than water’ Approvals Expert voor NMi, was erbij en bracht een stem uit namens Nederland, België en Canada.

 

[Brian4]

Hi Felt

Welcome to the zeds, great fun and as you say they are to be enjoyed. Wet and horrible and misty here so we are not the least bit jealous of your weather. Need some pics of the zed and sunshine to remind us.

 

[oldcarman]

I would like it quoted as per OIML R117 ‘liquids other than water’ Approvals Expert voor NMi, was erbij en bracht een stem uit namens Nederland, België en Canada.

$4.96 CDN

 

[Nifty Fifty]

Welcome Felt from Wiltshire (just down the road from Stonehenge)

Its always hard to find something that ticks all the boxes, but it sounds like you found a nice one plus once you start looking you just want it!!
I know I did when I was looking.

I currently have my console in pieces as the beige insert panels have bits peeling around the window switches and it just bugs me looking at them, I'm awaiting some wood grain vinyl wrap due any day in the post to give it a new lease of life, as you say the kits are just stick on decals and do not look that good, if this fails I will completely remove them and have them wood grain hydro dipped (I think that's what they call it).

I will post some progress pics in a few weeks time if all goes to plan, I have seats to play with first!

This is a great site with loads of expert advice from the guys and girls, just ask.