Potential New Order - should I?

[David1989]

Hi All,

So I'm a potential new Z3 owner, looking at a 2.2i Sapphire Edition Limited Edition Roadster 2dr Petrol Manual. Sapphire Black Individual Imola version with 18,000 miles from new. Specifically this one:

My last petrol car was a 2.0TFSI TT Quattro so not expecting the Z3 to be as quick, but with roof off I’m hoping for a great sound! May daily car is an EV, so the Z3 would only be for weekend drives, maybe 2000-3000 miles per year.

My questions on the car I’ve found if anyone can help?

1. The 2.2l engine, quoting figures of 7.9 seconds 0-60 seems uninspiring, but how is it to drive? Does it feel quicker?

2. Anything I should look out for? Going to look at the car this weekend. Looks mint in the photos

3. Its very low mileage at 18,000 miles, does that bring it's own problems?

Thanks in advance.
David

 

[AntStark]

It’s very nice but also very expensive … the value is in the low miles. Depends if it’s a ‘user’or a ‘keeper.’ If you want speed you can probably get a Z3M or certainly a 3.0 for that money. I have bought a couple of cars from James Paul.. decent car dealer. As with all old cars maintenance record is key. If you can get it on a ramp all the better and post pics up here.

 

[RickyBobby]

Everything feels quicker in a Z3 so I wouldn't pay to much attention to the 0-60 figure. Having said if you are after out & out performance you might be best served looking at an ///M car or a Z4 3.0si. I suspect both could be in your budget if you're looking to buy an 18k mile individual edition Z3.

There's a buyers guide for the Z3 on here if you search but most of its common sense from a service record perspective and the rest is visual based on condition of the car.

The Z3’s are now at an age where you can pretty much tell straight away if the cars not been looked after.

Looks a cracker from the photo though especially on the style 32's

 

[the Nefyn cat]

The only way to find out how a car feels to drive is to drive it.

And bear in mind the blue ones are faster.

 

[Althulas]

Although it’s a low miler, the rubbers will still have aged. If it’s had the money and maintenance invested in it, it should feel tight to drive as well as a soft top can be. It sounds like you value performance and you might find the 0 to 60 disappointing but only a test drive will answer if it’s enough for you. As other posts suggest a test drive will give you an idea of what will fit. Apart from my ///M I have a R56 Cooper S as well, slower than the ///M but still bags of fun and can get away with more on the twisties so not all about Power, enjoy your viewing.

 

[David1989]

Hi All, thanks for your replies. I like the thought that everything feels quicker in a Z3. Yes I am wondering whether it's overpriced...? Comments noted on whether its a user or a keeper. I'm probably going to drive no more than 2000 miles per year and plan to keep indefinitely, it'll ultimately be garaged and used as a summer weekend car.

So the car has had 1 owner from new, been garaged in the dry for much of that time. There are many pics online this is the link Used BMW Z3 for sale in Nr Horsham, West Sussex | James Paul Car Sales

I am somewhat taken by it!

 

[Stevo7682]

As others have said drive is key.
18k will mean a lot of nice bits ( bodyshell, interior)
Bit even at that mileage rubber aged components may be on it.
Aerial grommet, door handle seals.
Diff mount bush
Drop link bushes
Rear subframe bushes ( should be a gap between the lower part of bush snd bottom plate)
Shocks could be soft due to lack of use.
As said if your serious test drive essential should be taught and not jittery over rutted road worn rear shocks makes z3 feel very lairy in the wet at the rear.
Sapphire has nice specs sports seats nice wheels limited colour paint etc
Should have the individual chassis plate on nearside inner wing opposite side front full chassis plate on offside inner wing .
2.2 gets good reviews as a nice engine with a nice exhaust sound.
Stephen.

 

[Z Victor 1]

As above, also plastic parts can become brittle with age like plastic water pump impeller and thermostat housing for example. The 2.2i is a great engine and I loved the sound, mine was also sapphire with the red sports seats etc. Ok, it didn't have as many gee gees as my 2.8 , but to be honest 'on the road' it was just as much fun.

 

[Pond]

£13k for a 2.2?
Mental money, no matter what the mileage, or condition! As soon as you drive it away it will be worth less than half that.
But if that is not important then at least get a 3 litre. You WILL be able to find an exceptional one for that sort of money. Much more power (and desirability IMO).
Having such low miles I would almost put money on it not having a very comprehensive service history. There are not many people who will change the oil and brake fluid every 1500 miles or so, no matter what the time span is.

I know this is a Z3 fan zone (mainly), and everyone would love their cars to be worth loads, but a mainstream average model Z3 is NOT worth £13k in 2024. Sorry, but it just isn't!

The dealer has put a ridiculous asking price purely because of the mileage. They all do it these days. Mileage is KING, apparently.

I have a 2001 3 litre with 54k and 13 stamps in the service book. No rust whatsoever. And it's got a computer rather than just a clock. Trade price is £1500 to £2,500.
So where the hell does £13k come from for a 2.2?

 

[MuttyMax]

Depending on were you are based getting one of the shed team to give it a once over would be handy… most of them will do anything for a couple of pints and a bag of chips…

Actually sending the love to them all who’s help and advice are invaluable….

 

[Duncodin]

If I was looking to spend that much money I think I'd be looking for a nice Z4 E89

 

[andyglym]

The car looks absolutely mint! That said, £13k is a massive price and it would need to be 100% in EVERY aspect with absolutely nothing needing doing. As said, in any Z3, with the roof down, it'll feel fast. If it's right for you, snap it up.

 

[AntStark]

Notwithstanding the price, James Paul are a very well respected garage and have had some really exceptional cars in stock...they know their BMWs. I am sure this one will be no different. Check out the E28 Alpina TWR they have in stock !

BMW Alpina for sale in West Sussex | James Paul Car Sales

BMW Alpina, Petrol, Manual, 97,000 Miles, Blue at James Paul Car Sales for £49,990

www.jamespaul.co.uk

 

[as400]

In my opinion its too expensive, set a budget max of £8K plenty of good cars to choose from.

 

[Jam03]

I’m happy to take you for a spin in my 2.2 that’s in 113k and probably only worth £4k. You can also then decide whether that one is worth it. I’d be interested to know how many oil changes it’s had, having done only 18k.

 

[David1989]

Hi All, what a fantastic forum, thanks so much for the replies and even offering to take me for a spin in a 2.2! Really is greatly appreciated.
Came across this late last night, this would definitely forgo the power concern, albeit the 2.2 is likely fine. But again, seems to be a premium price? Although does come with hard top roof too by the looks of it...
Adrian Blyth used cars in Surrey

 

[MuttyMax]

So much better; Hardtop is worth about £1000 to £1500 depending who you ask. You should aim to get at least £1000 off that. Very nice spec so for the right price it is a keeper

 

[David1989]

So much better; Hardtop is worth about £1000 to £1500 depending who you ask. You should aim to get at least £1000 off that. Very nice spec so for the right price it is a keeper

Thanks MuttyMax, I was thinking the hardtop roof alone must be worth a fair bit and fairly rare now!
Think I'll go take a look at this one today. 3.0L is a nice engine, I had an E46 convertible 2004 plate several years back, that was a lovely motor.

 

[MuttyMax]

Car dealers don’t want to sit on stock so they are always open to a deal don't be afraid of walking away unless you are in a rush. Z prices always go up in summer and down in winter so negotiating hard is the key here

 

[MuttyMax]

Ask if the bushes have been done if not that needs to be done on my my to shed in Basingstoke so I’ll ask Lee how much to knock off its its not been done.