Z3 2.2 (2001), 100k miles, same owner since 2005, £3495 - a good buy?

Zephyr

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2001 BMW Z3 2.2 Sport Edition, Manual, FSH - 17 Stamps. | in Southwell, Nottinghamshire | Gumtree

I wonder about approximate cost to address the issues. Very good price and the desirable 2.2.
Picking a sport edition over a standard one, is a no brainer. Seats, differential, suspension (or what is left from it in UK climate) and your desired combination of colour and engine. I would take my scanner and check this if I was on the market for one.
Check also - Tyres - date and if they are matching/ Mirrors - tilt and working motors - battery voltage - and try to see if the stereo has an acceptable output / they usually sound crap if the little amplifier on the passenger footwell is kaput. (but an easy fix).
 

inhocsigno

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Thank you guys - what scanner should I use, as is it an option to buy it second-hand? Thank you

EDIT: If anyone is at all close enough to Southwell, Notts, to possibly accompany me, please let me know! :)
 
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AntStark

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Thank you guys - what scanner should I use, as is it an option to buy it second-hand? Thank you

EDIT: If anyone is at all close enough to Southwell, Notts, to possibly accompany me, please let me know! :)
That's why I tagged @t-tony as he is Lincoln way (although may be in Florida at the moment).. he is one of our resident 'ZedShed' experts
 

inhocsigno

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Update on the 2.2 above:

Spoke at some length with the seller, who left me good impression. Chap who owned it before had it for 12 years; current owner, for 2 years - he's done some recent servicing, including gearbox and (i think) differential oil changes, as well as an exhaust repair on it, which he says was professionally done for almost £400; the seller was very insistent on sending photos of the hood damage, however - it really needs a replacement, which he actually was considering doing despite the expense (over £1000 for the mohair - that's a lot!). I reserved it and will go on Saturday; will post pics of hood damage. Excited!!

Edit: MOT is until Jan or Feb next year, said they were picky: crack/damage in one of the tyres; brake pipe corrosion (seller says he cleaned them with a wire brush and WD40, and they look ok now); and misting of oil on shock absorbers; I suggested we get a new one as part of sale, but encountered some resistence.

Edit 2: Was told no codes on the car last time checked by his mechanic.

UPDATE: Photos attached; I confirmed the purchase and will meet the man on Saturday! :) Thank you so much again everyone! This is the one.
 

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Zephyr

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Thank you guys - what scanner should I use, as is it an option to buy it second-hand? Thank you

EDIT: If anyone is at all close enough to Southwell, Notts, to possibly accompany me, please let me know! :)
I had an iCarsoft BMM V3 that was on overkill for the Z but when I sold it they sent me over a file that reprogrammed it to a Mazda specific so I recommend this brand since you can use it (at a cost) with any type of car.
 

AntStark

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2002 3.0 Sport
Update on the 2.2 above:

Spoke at some length with the seller, who left me good impression. Chap who owned it before had it for 12 years; current owner, for 2 years - he's done some recent servicing, including gearbox and (i think) differential oil changes, as well as an exhaust repair on it, which he says was professionally done for almost £400; the seller was very insistent on sending photos of the hood damage, however - it really needs a replacement, which he actually was considering doing despite the expense (over £1000 for the mohair - that's a lot!). I reserved it and will go on Saturday; will post pics of hood damage. Excited!!

Edit: MOT is until Jan or Feb next year, said they were picky: crack/damage in one of the tyres; brake pipe corrosion (seller says he cleaned them with a wire brush and WD40, and they look ok now); and misting of oil on shock absorbers; I suggested we get a new one as part of sale, but encountered some resistence.

Edit 2: Was told no codes on the car last time checked by his mechanic.
They certainly sound like they have looked after it. Shocks are probably original in which case are worth changing after 20 odd years.. just stuff you would expect to do on any old car though. Not that expensive. If you are keeping the car outside you can get half covers that go over just the roof if you are concerned about it leaking in the short term. (link below).
 

Zephyr

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I suppose you checked the vin at
and investigated through carvertical, automoli and such sites for accidents and issues?
 

inhocsigno

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I have an insurance-related query, please; as far as I can see, it makes sense to get comprehensive cover, as the difference compared with Third party, Fire & Theft is marginal - it's with a company called 1st Central, which although I hadn't heard about, looks ok.

Comprehensive: £286.42/year (£500 excess)

Third party, fire, theft: £242/year (£300 excess)

-

The car also needs to be taxed, I've read that I will need to pay on the day before driving off, using a reference number from the new owner's slip (V5C).

-

Finally, I am thinking of drafting a straightforward buying/selling contract listing the car details, price, my name, seller's name, and get it signed on the day.

:)

UPDATE: Sorted insurance, thank you!
 
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AntStark

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There are a number of insurance companies..some listing on this forum that will offer us a discount. Limiting mileage reduces your premium. Also consider getting an agreed valuation for the car.
 

AntStark

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@AntStark is the mileage a little off according to your inquiry?
No it’s fine..it’s just a prompt to check the current mileage against the last known recorded mileage at the MOT test. Make sure it’s gone up not down 😁
 

Zephyr

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Dont know why, but it feels as almost as I am getting this car!
I needed a thread like this in my life...
The excitment, the search, help from people with the same interests... damn... I need a Z3 again... that mazda is so easy and socially flat to live with...
 

AntStark

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What do you mean..you have the best of both worlds..a car that gives you no trouble and a forum to engage in car related banter with the odd inappropriate picture thrown in for good measure. 😁
 

Mint

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As a very happy 2.2 Sport owner I can definitely say you have made a good move. Enjoy your drive home on Saturday and remember the golden rule, 'if it's not raining the roof must be down' but even if it is raining a bit it's still down.;)
 

Pond

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The car also needs to be taxed, I've read that I will need to pay on the day before driving off, using a reference number from the new owner's slip (V5C).
If the car is taxed currently, I wouldn't worry too much about taxing it before you take it.
Tax now runs from 1st of any month to 1st. No copper is ever going to give you a ticket if you have a receipt saying you have just bought it that day.

Tax it when you get home.

If the seller is decent, you can ask that they don't let the DVLA know of the change of ownership until the next day, then it will be taxed anyway. Only the online change of keeper cancels the current tax.
It's a very good little money-making scam for the Gov, this new RFL system!
 
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