Soon to be Z3 owner!

[kscarrol]

Just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. I am inheriting my late father's 1997 Z3 (1.9l) and will be bringing it home this summer. The car is in excellent shape, garage kept with roughly 11,000 miles. Once I get it home I'll have my local mechanic give a good inspection for any issues. Any suggestions on things to looks out for/common problems? I have driven the car very sporadically over the last couple of years when we were up in North Carolina and nothing appears out of order. Any tips would be appreciated...

And a bit of history, this is not my first BMW. I currently drive a 2011 M3 sedan and my wife drives a 1974 2002 Tii. Had several other BMW's before the M3...

Looking forward to learning about my new (to me) car from the forum!

Ken

 

[Zeti]

Welcome @kscarrol and BMW head!
I think it's a duty to take this gorgeous car further on!
I say gorgeous because being in the family , as a heritage, with 11k miles, kept in garage.....
The only problem you will have is to find more as possible time to drive it top down!
When you can , please pics! We love to see pics of a garaged 1.9 with 11k.....it's a show condition!
Dan

 

[Shelly]

A big welcome to our forum
From Bradwell near Great Yarmouth

 

[DavidM]

Welcome from Ireland!

 

[GazHyde]

A very warm welcome Ken,

Usual problems on cars this age in spite of the mileage are the rubber suspension & engine components (coolant lines etc). Those go as much through age as they do wear and tear. So the thorough inspection will be key to keeping it in top shape.

Would love to see some pictures of that 2002 you good lady drives, and you Zee when you get it!

Cheers, Gary

 

[Chipper3]

Welcome Ken.

It sounds like you've inherited a real gem. Would love to see some photos when you can.

I'm guessing there should be plenty of opportunity to get the top down in New Orleans.

 

[Grumps]

from me here in Mansfield, that's sort of in the middle of our little island! Sounds like you've landed a lovely car there albeit through very sad circumstances. Let's see some pics and I'd like some of the 2002 as well please!

Cheers
Dave

 

[Mint]

Hi @kscarrol, from me too in Staffordshire, UK. Also in the middle. As said before sounds a good Zee, love to see some photos when you get chance. Enjoy the forum and any questions you have just ask, somebody will be able to help you.

 

[oldcarman]

Wow!! And welcome from the middle of Canada! Sorry about your Dad, I'm sure you'd much rather he was here and the car was gone but we don't control those factors. Enjoy the car and as been said. Give it a complete check over before going too far with it. JIM

 

[Jack Ratt]

Welcome from Cornwall, and enjoy your Zed. It must feel even more special as it was your fathers

 

[kscarrol]

Thanks for the warm welcome! Yes, I'd rather not have received the car and still have my father, but he had a good, long life...

I won't drive it back to New Orleans, will have it shipped and then give it a proper inspection. I drive it every summer when go to the house and it's had any issues as my father had someone who would periodically drive the car (weather permitting) and keep the battery on tender etc. But still, it sits for extended periods so I want all the belts and hoses checked...

I'll post pictures in June when I get back to North Carolina!

 

[t-tony]

Hi @kscarrol , I was very sorry to read the circumstances regarding the aquisition of your late dad's Z3, but I inherited some of my dad's things when he passed a few years ago at 94 years, he too had a good long life. I'm sure he will be watching over you when you're out and about in it. If you ever have a road trip down to Florida in it let me know, we may be over there at our place and could meet up, you never know. Once you get it home and checked over enjoy it.

Tony.

 

[HornelZ3M]

welcome kscarrol from Wales. My first Z3 was a 1.9 and loved it to bits. but if it had 11000 miles i would probably still have it. cant wait to see the photos....

 

[POG]

Welcome from Portsmouth in England

 

[kscarrol]

Thanks POG! I must admit to not reading much before registering and posting. Did not realize this board was so heavily focused in the UK. I lived in London years ago and return at least once a year. Still sorting plans for next year but will let you know when plans firm up.

 

[kscarrol]

And per an earlier request, here is another picture of "Stella", my wife's '74 2002 Tii... These were taken by the gentleman we bought the car from, hence the California plates! The avatar is "Stella" at her new home in New Orleans...

 

[t-tony]

That's a proper old Beemer, I worked on one similar years ago, in fact we bought a lot of stuff for our first home from the owner, a Scottish man by the name of Milne.

Tony.

 

[GazHyde]

Thanks for taking the time to show us Stella, I've got a lot of love in me for the early BMWs. Top marks to your good lady for having such great taste in cars

 

[Zeti]

Ken, I like very much Stella: two doors, orange color (love this color on her), rims and the fact it comes from sunny and dry California.....
Agree with Gary: your lady has a great taste!
Soon you will have an unbeatable couple of beemers in your yard!
All the best !

 

[kscarrol]

Working with shipping company, car may be here in two weeks! Finally dealing with the paperwork and based not he VIN I was mistaken. The car is actually a 2.8l Z3! Hopefully things work out and I have the car by the end of the month. I will post pictures when she arrives!