2.8 orinoco

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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pud
Joined: Tue 15 Jul, 2014 14:02
Posts: 6

  Z3 coupe 2.8

2.8 orinoco

Post by pud »

Hi great form,I have joined on behalf of my father as he has no knowledge of computer,he was after buying a z3 for a few years on and off and then he asked me to have a look for one as his bible had stopped being published(auto trader) quick look on eBay found nothing local so looked on the auto trader website, and found one that for some reason looked very special,so a quick phone call later we went to have a look,typically raining and windy but from a test drive and a good check we drove her home,it wasn't till we took it to a friend of mine who runs a bmw specialist garage that he pointed out to us that it was a rare car so we did a little checking and here I am.the car is Orinoco metallic, cream leather,black roof ,2.8 and the 48? Spoke wheels.so we were wondering how many were made ,is this the only colour they were available in as some say there's are silver and a few other colour and any other information is much appreciated, we diddent buy it as a special edition but it did look really special. thanks for reading .
Last edited by pud on Sat 19 Jul, 2014 19:20, edited 1 time in total.
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by Southernboy »

Here you go..... at the top you will see a VIN reference... you can find the bracket your car was made and the number of cars in total made... plus a heap of other info on colours etc etc...
http://users.belgacom.net/bmw_z3/bmw_z3_colors_M.htm
"Normal is overrated"
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bobandshar
Joined: Sun 22 Aug, 2010 22:36
Posts: 76

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Spilsby

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by bobandshar »

:wave welcome pud to the forum from another orinoco owner, I think there are only three of us on here as I know of.
Look forward to seeing some photos.
For more information on date of manufacture and spec. input the last 7 digits of your vin.
http://www.etk.cc/bmw/EN/vin/decoder/online/

Bob & Sharon
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metalmickey
Joined: Sun 23 Feb, 2014 12:30
Posts: 32

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by metalmickey »

Hi Guys
I am also the owner of an Orinoco Z3 1.9, March 1999 reg.
They are Special Edition. I have had mine for nearly one year and at the moment it is in it's element.
I didn't realise they did them in 2.8 version. I would be very interested to hear what you come up with.
Metal Mickey (Mike)
pud
Joined: Tue 15 Jul, 2014 14:02
Posts: 6

  Z3 coupe 2.8

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by pud »

Thanks for replying I will get some photos next time she ventures out of the garage( 35 miles this year so far)in fact last time she came out was for mot and to have a tracker fitted. thanks again
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bobandshar
Joined: Sun 22 Aug, 2010 22:36
Posts: 76

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Spilsby

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by bobandshar »

I have heard rumours that there were only 300 of this colour manufactured but have never been able to find the evidence to prove so
They were manufactured for one year only 1998 - 1999 in engines 1.9 and 2.8
For ref. old paint code #406, new paint code #560
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metalmickey
Joined: Sun 23 Feb, 2014 12:30
Posts: 32

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by metalmickey »

Hi
I am sure someone on these forums will know the answer to how many.
Interesting re: the new paint code as I am soon to go to Halfords to have some mixed for touching up minor chips. I'll make sure I get the right one!
I met an Orinoco owner three months ago at a service station on the M40. His car had 86000 on the clock but some of the paint on the bonnet was peeling.
Despite that he was more than happy with the car.
I will attempt to post some pics of mine.
Best
Mike
johnz3
Joined: Wed 13 Sep, 2006 10:27
Posts: 670

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Pitsea

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by johnz3 »

Just a word of advice re Halfords.

Excellent service and colour match was fine. Problem was that when trying to spray, the nozzle would not depress properly meaning uneven spraying.

Took it back and they replaced the nozzle.

My point is although they depress the nozzle for a micro sec to see if paint comes out they don't test as if they were spraying.

No need for them to do that I suppose but after they had replaced I tested in the car park and was fine. There was also the pain of interrupting what you are doing to travel back to Halfords.
pud
Joined: Tue 15 Jul, 2014 14:02
Posts: 6

  Z3 coupe 2.8

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by pud »

Thanks for reply s once again, ours is spotless from top to bottom with full history and the sound from the engine is lovely silent engine with just a lovely burble from the exhaust,great car just a shame he doesn't use it much,between work, motorcycles and a American pickup she gets tucked up in garage with the weight off her wheels shame really.
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by Southernboy »

If you log onto the belgacom link I posted above, then click on the last item in the left column "Z3 SPECS" you will see 2 options at the top related to VIN numbers.... you can click on any of those, and then scroll to the year and model of your VIN number... it will tell you how many were made for the European and USA markets.
"Normal is overrated"
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metalmickey
Joined: Sun 23 Feb, 2014 12:30
Posts: 32

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by metalmickey »

Hi Pud
I would be interested to know how much your Dad paid. In the region of is all I am looking for.
Followed Southern Boy's lead and we now know how many Z3 were made for that year but no specifics regarding colours or special editions.
It will be on the web somewhere but finding it might be a trawl!
MM (Mike)
pud
Joined: Tue 15 Jul, 2014 14:02
Posts: 6

  Z3 coupe 2.8

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by pud »

Think we paid 3100 with full history,thanks for reply once again
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by Southernboy »

2.8 Orinoco Individual - Spain...
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"Normal is overrated"
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pud
Joined: Tue 15 Jul, 2014 14:02
Posts: 6

  Z3 coupe 2.8

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by pud »

Very nice this is very similar to ours but ours has chrome door handles and around the screen,love the wheels.
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by Southernboy »

I must add, I really like the colour... and the wheels.
"Normal is overrated"
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lightning
Joined: Tue 27 Nov, 2007 08:15
Posts: 818

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Stockport

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by lightning »

£3100?

These cars are a bargain at the moment. Cheaper than a tatty old MGB or an old MX5.
pud
Joined: Tue 15 Jul, 2014 14:02
Posts: 6

  Z3 coupe 2.8

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by pud »

Yes £3100 was advertised at 3500 is that expensive because he was wondering on value for if he sells as if he usually goes in his f250 ,must add he bought it 18months ago not sure if prices have fluctuated much.
metalmickey
Joined: Sun 23 Feb, 2014 12:30
Posts: 32

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by metalmickey »

Hi Guys
I paid £3600 for mine in August last year however it came with a brand new BMW hood, fitted at a BMW dealership.
I consider that I paid the right price for it at the time and I did a bit of research. Location has a lot to do with it and if you are prepared to travel to get the car you want then there are bargains to be had.
The Orinoco really scrubs up well and I keep looking at mine as if it was a work of art or something similar!
Mike
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bobandshar
Joined: Sun 22 Aug, 2010 22:36
Posts: 76

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Spilsby

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by bobandshar »

We bought our 2.8 in Aug 2010 for £4200 and it was a struggle to get the seller to drop from £4500.
Our 1.9 we bought in May 2012 for £2100 mainly for the hardtop and fitting kit.
Our other 1.9 we won at auction in April this year for £930, the seller didn't realise what he was selling :D
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Brian H
Joined: Tue 16 Dec, 2008 19:55
Posts: 2505

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by Brian H »

^^^ you got a serious z habit that you need help with!!!! :D
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bobandshar
Joined: Sun 22 Aug, 2010 22:36
Posts: 76

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Spilsby

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by bobandshar »

.... and heres us thinking we were normal :head:

Bob & Sharon
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Orinoco Man
Joined: Tue 07 Jul, 2015 18:09
Posts: 2

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Yorkshire

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by Orinoco Man »

Hello All,

This is my first post on this forum and I’m looking for some advice / opinions please.

I own a Z3 2.8 Orinoco Green special limited edition featuring M Roadster styling. T reg 1999.
For many years it’s been my second ‘fun’ car alongside my Freelander. Sadly, it’s time for it to go as other things in life are now taking priority.
I’m looking for advice on what sort of price I could ask for it. I’ve hardly ever bought and sold cars in my life so I’m somewhat inexperienced in where to get accurate information and where best to sell it. In an auction or on a national web site etc.

Looking at the usual car guides gives little idea of special edition pricing for a vehicle of this spec with such low-milage as it’s definitely worth more than a regular 2.8.
When I bought it the dealer told me there had only been 15 vehicles of this spec allocated to the UK. I don’t know how true that statement was but I’ve never seen one like it myself so they are clearly quite rare.
It is spec’d out with almost every ‘extra’ BMW could add but I went even further and had a soft inner liner fitted to the canvas soft-top and I purchased the matching hard-top.

The car is in excellent condition and beautiful to drive though the past few years have seen little mileage added between MOTs. There are a few paintwork chips here and there and some scrape marks along the nearside front bumper when it got curbed. Both soft and hard tops are in excellent condition as is the interior. It’s fitted with a 6-CD changer which can be temperamental but other than that it’s a super vehicle.

I’ve listed the full spec below.

I’d be grateful for any feedback.

Best Regards
Orinoco Man

———————————————————————————
BMW Z3 2.8 Orinoco Green

Special limited edition. M Roadster styling on 2.8 vehicle.

T Reg March 1999

50,230 miles
Full service history
One driver from new.

5-speed manual
16 inch Cross-spoke alloys
M Roadster sports seats in Cream White + piping in full nappa leather.
Chrome-line exterior detail. Door handles, Windscreen surround, side grills, exhaust pipe.
White indicator lights.

Electric hood with additional inner lining and tonneau cover.
Roll bars.
Mess wind deflector.
Hard-top in matching paintwork.

Electric adjusted seats - height, length and backrest.
Heated seats.
Heated door mirrors.
M design sports steering wheel with leather trim.
Air Conditioning.
Central locking.
BMW Alarm.
On-board computer.
BMW Business RDS Radio.
BMW 6 CD changer.
Limited-slip Differential.
==============================
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BladeRunner919
Joined: Fri 17 Feb, 2012 20:18
Posts: 2225

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by BladeRunner919 »

My instinct is that the car is worth the same as any other Z3 of similar condition. I think it very unlikely that you will find anyone prepared to pay a premium for it being an Orinoco special edition, unless they absolutely have to have that model and are searching high and low for one. If you price it higher because it's an Orinoco then 99.9% of potential buyers will just see an overpriced car, nothing more.

If it was something like an Evergreen ///M Coupe, then maybe you'd be able to charge a premium because then you're into a different type of buyer, but a 2.8 Z3 just isn't in that market. Maybe one day!

Sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear.
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by Del »

I'd say asking price £5,000. :)
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Southernboy
Joined: Thu 07 Oct, 2010 12:39
Posts: 6436

  Z3 roadster 3.0i
Location: Johannesburg

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by Southernboy »

The hard top with the fixing kit, heated rear window loom on it's own is currently worth £850 - 1000. Sport seats generally command a premium vs the "standard" Z seats and can fetch £350 plus.
The fact that it would seem your car is practically 100% OEM, I would say you should highlight that aspect. These cars are now classed as "classics" and a good OEM example may attract some added interest.
The first point in selling is - Never be in a hurry to sell. If you can wait, then ask the price you want for the car. The "perfect" buyer is out there looking for what you are offering, it may take them some time to find you. Perhaps even try posting an ad in a classic car magazine or website...? It is definitely worth spending a few days doing a thorough cleaning/ detailing and then getting some decent pics - and preferably not pics in your driveway...use some "interesting" backdrops which add to the images....

Image

Del's number -£5000 is about what you should aim to pocket, so ask £5750 and anticipate some negotiation... If you ask an "average" price you're tossing your baby in with all the other "average" Z's on sale. As an "Individual" it isn't "avaerage". I have found asking a higher price attracts the "investor / collector / exclusive" buyer vs the "I fancy a cheap roadster" buyer... Hold out for a good price and highlight the "Individual" aspect of your car.
Good luck
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Orinoco Man
Joined: Tue 07 Jul, 2015 18:09
Posts: 2

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Yorkshire

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by Orinoco Man »

Thanks for your advice guys.

I agree it's far more desirable than a run of the mill 2.8 so your suggested guide price of £5,000 to £5,750 is encouraging.
It really is in great condition as I've looked after it carefully for all these years.
Many thanks.
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Inferno
Joined: Sun 30 Sep, 2012 07:35
Posts: 277

  Z3 roadster 1.8
Location: Athens

Re: 2.8 orinoco

Post by Inferno »

Orinoco Individual and American Style Individual are my favourites, VERY good choise pud!

http://www.wikiz3.com/en/special_individual.html
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