almost ready to purchase a z3

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markbsac
Joined: Sun 02 Sep, 2012 12:35
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almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by markbsac »

im on the verge £1395 15 years old 150,000 miles recent service history and loads of reciepts.....it looks a lovely example for its age and mileage...anybody see any issues before i nip for a test drive ?
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pingu
Joined: Fri 30 Apr, 2004 16:01
Posts: 3412

  M roadster S50

Re: almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by pingu »

Some would scoff at 150,000 miles, but the miles should not show ANYWHERE on the car. You should be able to sit in it and not be able to guess the miles to within 50,000.

Z3s that have not been cherished should be walked away from. There are 19,000 out there to chose from.

You don't say what engine size, but I'd try to see if the boot welds have gone. Everything else is all the normal stuff. Just remember that this was a £24k to £40k car when it was new and still has the comparable running costs. Tyres are £100 each, so check tread. Engine faults are difficult to diagnose without BMW compatible software.

Any warning lights could be difficult or expensive to cure. Check for removed / blacked-out bulbs.
Pingu
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by Del »

Given the age/mileage I would personally be comforted if there was evidence that things like shocks, exhaust, front wishbones and possibly the clutch had been replaced. I would possibly also scrutinise the receipts to see what had been done/replaced to the cooling system eg radiator/water pump, fan clutch. You didn't mention the engine.
Eastsix
Joined: Mon 08 Nov, 2010 00:53
Posts: 279

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Re: almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by Eastsix »

Frankly, you dont really have to spend a huge amount moreto get much lower milage
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shootinhoover
Joined: Sun 15 May, 2011 09:23
Posts: 11

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: darlington

Re: almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by shootinhoover »

i have reconditioned many an engine in my job and in my honest opinion i would never bother with a petrol engine with that many miles on.

Although they can still run very sweet the main wear and tear is in the bits you don't see,shell bearings,bores,piston ring wear,oil pump blah blah blah,the list is endless,everything is built within tolerances when new and thats great,but that many miles and it starts to reach to the edge of those tolerances.

I would try and get something less worn shall we say,ignore the shiney wax and chrome blingy bits,you can add them urself later.

your cash mind,so its up to you. :)

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geminimustang
Joined: Mon 11 Jun, 2012 21:06
Posts: 487

  Z3 roadster 1.9
Location: Wirral

Re: almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by geminimustang »

£2.5K buys you a good 'un.I'd hang back and save the extra.150K is relatively high for a petrol engine though the z3 is known to do well in excess of 300k.We paid £2,650 for a 1997,1.9 with 66K on the clock,full service history and tons of receipts.The previous owner had paid £750 for a new soft-top which is pricey but gives an idea of costs you can incur.
markbsac
Joined: Sun 02 Sep, 2012 12:35
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Re: almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by markbsac »

hi its the 1.9 1998 its just had a brand new hood fitted ...im now being put off by the high miles ..i dont want to buy a box of trouble..its also sold as seen so im now unsure...thanks fopr all of your advice.
chrisp_1
Joined: Sun 10 Jun, 2012 08:26
Posts: 393

  M roadster S50

Re: almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by chrisp_1 »

The lower the mileage the better within reason, I personally like to see such 'sports' cars do somewhere between 3-7k a year.

As said previously, there's alot of choice so keep looking :wink:
markbsac
Joined: Sun 02 Sep, 2012 12:35
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Re: almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by markbsac »

theres also a nice 2.0 91k i have been looking at but at a 2995 price tag...99 plate ive been looking for 6 months so i suppose a bit longer wont hurt :-)
Brian4
Joined: Mon 19 Dec, 2011 19:02
Posts: 541

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Hinckley

Re: almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by Brian4 »

If it's the one on autotrader it hasn't got heated seats, sports seats, cruise control,air con, headlight washers, side airbags, traction control. this is the one for £1395

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markbsac
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Re: almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by markbsac »

yes brian

if the advert is not correct i think i will keep clear
Last edited by markbsac on Thu 07 Feb, 2013 21:06, edited 1 time in total.
chrisp_1
Joined: Sun 10 Jun, 2012 08:26
Posts: 393

  M roadster S50

Re: almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by chrisp_1 »

I think £2-3k is more sensible budget - you will save the £700 on parts in no-time provided you buy well.

Just had a quick look on AT and this one seems better value and worth a phone call, remember some people don't write the best adverts as they know nothing about cars - I find your best to ask the questions than assume anything.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

Good look with the hunt.
markbsac
Joined: Sun 02 Sep, 2012 12:35
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Re: almost ready to purchase a z3

Post by markbsac »

http://www.gumtree.com/p/cars-vans-moto ... 1008810721

this one sounds nice also 4 e-mails no reply !!!
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