Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

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Jcc
Joined: Thu 29 Sep, 2016 22:53
Posts: 41

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Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

Hello

Currently researching my options around a Z3 or Z4 - so will likely be doing lots of reading on here, I'm sure. Lots of info!

Any (all) recommendations on what to choose will be very gratefully received!

Cheers

J
Jcc
Joined: Thu 29 Sep, 2016 22:53
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Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

Currently tending toward a 6 cyl - rather than a 1.8/1.9
BeemerBoyo
Joined: Mon 10 Feb, 2014 10:51
Posts: 110

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Teesside

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by BeemerBoyo »

Depends on your budget and whether you want something to do up or just buy and drive.

I went for a Z3 2.2 sport in Titanium silver. One owner car from new with full BMW service history, leather heated seats hifi audio power roof but no air con. I have enjoyed immensely bringing it up to my very high standards cosmetically and mechanically. Have spent about £3.5k on him so this car stands me at £7.5k.

As we don't track race the car and just cruise around the 2.2 is a fine blend of performance and economy getting mid 30's on a run. Lovely sound from engine and never feels under powered.

3ltr models come with higher standard spec.

Z4 with canvass roof has a bigger boot and should have zircon as standard (I think). Not as classic looking but better for really long cruises like a European road trip.

Lots of choice out there. Don't let mileage put you off the M54 2.2 is bomb proof if maintained correctly. Mine has 94,000 miles on and is sweet as a nut. No belts to snap on the engine it's all chain driven. Do 5,000 mils a year and he gets an oil change and service before winter storage every year.

If you need anything else just ask the forum.
2002 E37 BMW Z3 2.2 Sport
2008 E93 BMW 3 series 325i m sport convertible

Previous BMW cars

2007 E87 BMW 1 series 120D
2013 F21 BMW 1 series 120D
Jcc
Joined: Thu 29 Sep, 2016 22:53
Posts: 41

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Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

Thanks - Yours sounds nice!

I'm after a low number of previous owners, ideally BMW / specialist serviced one - ideally ready to go - but don't mind a few simple tasks!

I'd like air con ideally but can do without most other things. The post face lift model appeals as I heard it has a better insulated roof?
Jcc
Joined: Thu 29 Sep, 2016 22:53
Posts: 41

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Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

Do you have any advice on good dealers or ways of finding a good example? Lots around but lots of unloved money pits I expect!
BeemerBoyo
Joined: Mon 10 Feb, 2014 10:51
Posts: 110

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Teesside

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by BeemerBoyo »

Just do your research. Look on piston heads, eBay and auto trader. You may find the same car advertised in several places.

I purchased my Z3 from a guy down in Swansea called GB cars. He has a nice Z4 for sale at the moment

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272303280852

He tends to sell high quality cars. This is a 3.0ltr SE manual. It has heated seats and air-conditioning. It's an early Z4 as it has the amber indicators but sounds well maintained and relatively low miles at 65,000.

You are right about the facelift Z3 it does have a 3 layer insulated roof together with broader stance at rear.

I am thinking of selling mine next year and upgrading to a Z4 but meeting lots of resistance from the wife as she is so attached to him!! :shock:

Once you have selected a car try and get the vin number off the seller and the reg number. You can check its spec on the BMW vin decoder web site and also do an H P I check.

If you want to send the links to the forum of the cars you are looking at we can give you our opinion.

The earlier 4cylinder cars are very low value and some can be rot boxes so choose carefully. Buy the newest lowest mileage you can afford. However a 130,000 mile car with new exhaust, clutch, cooling system overhaul, all bushes and suspension changed, new brakes all round, all fluids changed Inc diff and gearbox oil and regular engine oil changes should be an excellent and reliable car.
2002 E37 BMW Z3 2.2 Sport
2008 E93 BMW 3 series 325i m sport convertible

Previous BMW cars

2007 E87 BMW 1 series 120D
2013 F21 BMW 1 series 120D
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g8jka
Z Register member
Joined: Sun 18 Apr, 2010 21:16
Posts: 1149

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Telford

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by g8jka »

I'll have a standard 2.0 for sale within the next couple of weeks
2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Titanium Silver Roadster with too many mods to list :-D :drive
Image
Click For 2.0 Progress Journal
Click For 2.8 Progress Journal
Jcc
Joined: Thu 29 Sep, 2016 22:53
Posts: 41

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Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

BeemerBoyo wrote:Just do your research. Look on piston heads, eBay and auto trader. You may find the same car advertised in several places.

I purchased my Z3 from a guy down in Swansea called GB cars. He has a nice Z4 for sale at the moment

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272303280852

He tends to sell high quality cars. This is a 3.0ltr SE manual. It has heated seats and air-conditioning. It's an early Z4 as it has the amber indicators but sounds well maintained and relatively low miles at 65,000.

You are right about the facelift Z3 it does have a 3 layer insulated roof together with broader stance at rear.

I am thinking of selling mine next year and upgrading to a Z4 but meeting lots of resistance from the wife as she is so attached to him!! :shock:

Once you have selected a car try and get the vin number off the seller and the reg number. You can check its spec on the BMW vin decoder web site and also do an H P I check.

If you want to send the links to the forum of the cars you are looking at we can give you our opinion.

The earlier 4cylinder cars are very low value and some can be rot boxes so choose carefully. Buy the newest lowest mileage you can afford. However a 130,000 mile car with new exhaust, clutch, cooling system overhaul, all bushes and suspension changed, new brakes all round, all fluids changed Inc diff and gearbox oil and regular engine oil changes should be an excellent and reliable car.
Many thanks that's really helpful. Much appreciated!

That ebay link you posted is really really nice; tempting!
Jcc
Joined: Thu 29 Sep, 2016 22:53
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Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

g8jka wrote:I'll have a standard 2.0 for sale within the next couple of weeks
That could be interesting - keep me posted!
Jcc
Joined: Thu 29 Sep, 2016 22:53
Posts: 41

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Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

BeemerBoyo wrote: If you want to send the links to the forum of the cars you are looking at we can give you our opinion.
Well this looks nice: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.vi ... 2205369108
BeemerBoyo
Joined: Mon 10 Feb, 2014 10:51
Posts: 110

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Teesside

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by BeemerBoyo »

Looks a very clean car. Biggest problem for me would be no heated seats. They make a huge difference in the early and late months and extend your driving time by a few months in the year.

No CD changer in the boot which again for me is good especially on the Z3 as this eats into valuable boot space. I hardly have any music on with the roof down as you cant hear it !! My Z3 gas the HiFi speaker system with a sub speaker between the seats below the roll bars are. If this is not fitted this gives a lockable compartment which is useful.

Another desirable extra on the Z4 is the factory Satellite navigation system but not sure how good it is.

That car is the 2.5i with 192bhp. You can get a 2.5Si 212bhp and a 3.0 Si 268bhp which would be my choice when I change next year. Still have yet to find the car I am looking for in manual with the right spec and provenance. Many automatics out there and they are not for me in a sports car.

Keep looking. !!!it's part of the fun and a great time of year to buy especially from dealers who know if they don't sell in the next few weeks they could be lumbered with the car until the spring.
2002 E37 BMW Z3 2.2 Sport
2008 E93 BMW 3 series 325i m sport convertible

Previous BMW cars

2007 E87 BMW 1 series 120D
2013 F21 BMW 1 series 120D
Jcc
Joined: Thu 29 Sep, 2016 22:53
Posts: 41

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Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

Thanks. This advice is great! Is there an easy way to see if it has heated seats from the picture; is there a dash button or do the seats look different somehow? Thanks again for the steer.
BeemerBoyo
Joined: Mon 10 Feb, 2014 10:51
Posts: 110

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Teesside

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by BeemerBoyo »

Z3 heated seats;

Its the 2 outer buttons with the heated seat symbol on, 2 position. if there is a blank there no heated seats. They were an extra cost option. So with air con as well the switch order would be from right to left:

Drivers heated seat
DSC on off (or ASC if its an older car not as effective)
Central analogue clock OR trip computer option (extra cost)
Air conditioning (extra cost option £1200 in 2002!)
Passenger heated seat

Ideally all 3 extra cost options fitted AND the trip computer would be fully loaded

The power roof switch (again an extra cost option-many roofs are manual operation) is between the seats at the rear of the oddments tray behind the handbrake area.

Z4 heated seats:

There is a row of buttons behind the gear lever below the dash board. If the car has heated seats fitted the two outermost switches will be fitted, they are quote some way from the other 3-not sure what they do as I don't have a z4.

All the seats in both cars do not look any different if heated or not.

Sometimes you cant have everything and you will drive yourself mad. I had to settle for a car without aircon. that's my biggest regret. Its not worth trying to retrofit as you would have to take the car apart to fit it.

these are my personal views of what I want from a car, some may not so important to you.

The ideal Z3 for me would be a Z3 3.0ltrsport manual 2002/2003 in Topaz Blue, black blue leather interior with sport seats, extended leather on dash board, heated seats, trip computer, air conditioning, Business CD radio still fitted, 17" style 78 alloys with staggered tyres, headlamp wash and 25% limited slip diff. Maybe 50,000 miles 1 owner from new FULL BMW main dealer service history. Right, I have just spent about £9,000! :colourful: :colourful:
2002 E37 BMW Z3 2.2 Sport
2008 E93 BMW 3 series 325i m sport convertible

Previous BMW cars

2007 E87 BMW 1 series 120D
2013 F21 BMW 1 series 120D
Bonzo
Joined: Wed 21 Mar, 2012 21:52
Posts: 866

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Norfolk

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Bonzo »

The switches on my 1998 2.8 Z3 are in a different order to that though. From the right; computer, air con, electric roof, seat heaters, A.S.C.. I think they changed switch positions on the ass lift Z3

:cheers

Bonzo.
Last edited by Bonzo on Tue 04 Oct, 2016 22:58, edited 1 time in total.
Z3lda (Zelda), 1998 2.8, Montreal Blue, Beige Oregon leather interior and M steering wheel, Sports Seats, Wood trim, Chrome Line Interior, Centre armrest with Cupholder, Alpina Softline wheels, Chromed Angel Eyes, De- tango'd, Rear stone guards, Sport aerial, ASC front strut brace, Strong Strut Butt Strut and Body Brace, Uprated brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads 78k.
Bonzo
Joined: Wed 21 Mar, 2012 21:52
Posts: 866

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Norfolk

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Bonzo »

Jcc wrote:Thanks - Yours sounds nice!

I'm after a low number of previous owners, ideally BMW / specialist serviced one - ideally ready to go - but don't mind a few simple tasks!

I'd like air con ideally but can do without most other things. The post face lift model appeals as I heard it has a better insulated roof?
Actually it can't be a post face lift, or as I call it, an ass lift,( because that's what it really was ), :nono It can only be a pre face lift , or a face lift. :)
Z3lda (Zelda), 1998 2.8, Montreal Blue, Beige Oregon leather interior and M steering wheel, Sports Seats, Wood trim, Chrome Line Interior, Centre armrest with Cupholder, Alpina Softline wheels, Chromed Angel Eyes, De- tango'd, Rear stone guards, Sport aerial, ASC front strut brace, Strong Strut Butt Strut and Body Brace, Uprated brake fluid, Yellowstuff pads 78k.
Jcc
Joined: Thu 29 Sep, 2016 22:53
Posts: 41

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Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

Bonzo wrote:
Jcc wrote:Thanks - Yours sounds nice!

I'm after a low number of previous owners, ideally BMW / specialist serviced one - ideally ready to go - but don't mind a few simple tasks!

I'd like air con ideally but can do without most other things. The post face lift model appeals as I heard it has a better insulated roof?
Actually it can't be a post face lift, or as I call it, an ass lift,( because that's what it really was ), :nono It can only be a pre face lift , or a face lift. :)
Ah, I see. I mean a 'face lifted' model - one built after the face lift was released (hence post face lift) Image
Jcc
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Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by mrscalex »

I might have to swing by and have a look at this at the weekend. I live in Swansea half the week and my mate is after a Z3 or a Z4 as his main car. As he's used to a 5 Series I'm inclined to steer him towards a Z4 much that my interest is Z3s.

I'm intrigued this seller has his postcode as Fforestfach and he brings his cars across to SN1 to photograph them. And he's appointment only. Not sure I can be bothered with that. It's only a casual enquiry so I just want to swing by.
ImageImage
2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
Jcc
Joined: Thu 29 Sep, 2016 22:53
Posts: 41

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Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

mrscalex wrote:I might have to swing by and have a look at this at the weekend. I live in Swansea half the week and my mate is after a Z3 or a Z4 as his main car. As he's used to a 5 Series I'm inclined to steer him towards a Z4 much that my interest is Z3s.

I'm intrigued this seller has his postcode as Fforestfach and he brings his cars across to SN1 to photograph them. And he's appointment only. Not sure I can be bothered with that. It's only a casual enquiry so I just want to swing by.
Which one are you looking at? I hope I'm not creating competition for myself here! Image Image
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Del »

Jcc wrote:Any thoughts on this one please?
Lowish mileage, well serviced - what's not to like for around £3k+. How much money can you lose on a car like that - very little risk. I'd get those wheels returned to silver though! :D
Jcc
Joined: Thu 29 Sep, 2016 22:53
Posts: 41

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Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

Del wrote:
Jcc wrote:Any thoughts on this one please?
Lowish mileage, well serviced - what's not to like for around £3k+. How much money can you lose on a car like that - very little risk. I'd get those wheels returned to silver though! :D
Thanks for this. I just wonder if I should go £5-6k and go lower mileage etc.?
Del
Joined: Sat 19 Nov, 2011 18:35
Posts: 2136

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Del »

Entirely a personal decision :D My logic was that discs/pads all round cost £200 DIY, £400 @ kwik fit and probably £600+ at BMW. Plus 4 X new tyres at say £400. It's had a £1,000 worth of recent work which is typical "to do" stuff on any 2nd hand car with 50k+ miles, and he's only asking £3,000+ :D
mrscalex
Joined: Fri 13 Mar, 2015 09:14
Posts: 910

  Z3 roadster 1.9

Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by mrscalex »

Jcc wrote:Which one are you looking at? I hope I'm not creating competition for myself here!
The one in Fforestfach as per my message :) That's Swansea.

No. I'm seeing my mate Wed night and wanted to just sit in a Z4 over the weekend to give him some advice.
ImageImage
2001 Z3 2.2 Topaz Blue (Trudy) - Keeper rebuilt from a write-off
2002 Z3 2.2 Titan Silver (Cookies) - Keeper rebuilt having been bought with a seized engine
2002 Z3 3.0 Sapphire Black (Peanut) - Keeper awaiting rebuilding having been bought as an abandoned project
Plus Willy, Kodak & Maycee - All 2.2 Sport projects. Yes, 6 is a lot of Z3s :)
Always happy to try and help with spares :)
Jcc
Joined: Thu 29 Sep, 2016 22:53
Posts: 41

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Re: Newbie looking for Z3 or Z4

Post by Jcc »

mrscalex wrote:
Jcc wrote:Which one are you looking at? I hope I'm not creating competition for myself here!
The one in Fforestfach as per my message :) That's Swansea.
Showing my Welsh ignorance! Image
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