Looking for a Z3

[pseto]

Need a third car, so looking at convertible Z3s. Anyone have a list of things to look out for? Wanted something the wife and I can have fun in and is a good daily driver. Plus, something I can track later.

[Munchenman2]

Paul,

Z3's are a good choice; however you will not be able to take a drophead Z3 onto an NCC driver school - no convertables! You may wish to consider a Z3 coupe, which you can take onto the track. Some of them come with a sunroof I believe.

Cheers,
Alan :eek:

[pseto]

good point Alan. convertible isn't that big of a deal, coupe would be fine. can't I still autox with a vert?

also i've checked ebay and many websites, but does anyone have any specifc advise to finding one?
plus, any known problem would be nice to know too or what year to stay away from.

[Munchenman2]

Paul,

Donno about NCC autocross rules concerning convertibles; the AX guys should fill you in...

You probably want to talk with the local folks with the Z3 Coupes; we'll have at least one doing his rear subframe bushings at J&F Motors in Alexandria this Saturday at DIY #3. Drop by if you can; if not, we'll try to have you converse by e-mail.

Cheers,
Alan :eek:

[Car54]

You can read about my saga.....http://forum.nccbmwcca.org/showthread.php?t=3565

There's quite a bit of information about the Z3 coupe on the bimmerforums, Z3 section. Or ask here!

[woodym3]

I would recommend any of the 6-cylinder Z3 roadsters (2.5, 2.8, 3.0 or M). The early 4s did not have rollover hoops and the engine has the profile gasket issue. The roadster can be autocrossed with any organization, but many tracks and/or organizations, including the National Capital Chapter, will not allow it on the track.
I wish I could afford a roadster to go along with my coupe.

[Biggins]

The profile gasket issue was solved before four cylinder engines were placed in the Z3. To the best of my knowledge, the issue applies only to the M42 engine produced prior to 11/93. The Z3 four cylinders are the M44 engine.
This is true... my build date was 7/94 and my mechanic assured me I had nothing to worry about since he'd seen this issue many times (mainly in the 90s).

I've always wanted an early 4-cyl Z3 to run in ITA or NASA's GTS1, but there isn't much love for the early Z3s and there are quicker/better cars. The brand Harddog makes a track-ready roll bar for Z3s that can permit you to do track events with other clubs.

[Munchenman2]

Paul,

Isn't it great the responses we get from messages such as you posted!

Alan :eek:

[1996 328ti]

Paul,

Isn't it great the responses we get from messages such as you posted!

Alan :eek:And to think the board several years ago poo-pooed all of this.

[pseto]

Well I'm still looking. I've seen a few on Craigslist but I've never bought a used car from someone. Any advice on this, especially since I see more in VA and I live in MD.

Whats the process for getting a BMW tech to inspect the car?

[ErikT]

I've seen mention on a few sites about problems with the rear subframe cracking on Z3's. I think I remember seeing that a shop in NOVA designs and installs additional bracing to repair the defect. I can't seem to find the thread here, but I remember seeing it.

Bimmerforms has a few threads as well. An inspection by a qualified BMW mechanic may be worthwile.

[ErikT]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402183

27 pages on this thread...the most active posts are just a few days old.

[Car54]

Have you decided coupe or roadster?

[pseto]

Have you decided coupe or roadster?

well, after telling my wife, she wanted some input since she'll use it as a daily driver. what do you think she wanted?

maybe i can find a vert with a hard top :)

[Car54]

So, no track events for you.....

http://www.carmax.com/dyn/factsheet/factsheet.aspx?KNo=11

That's a pretty good deal..too bad it's far away.

Do you know if you want 240hp or 315hp?

Edit: I think everyone wants an "M" sometimes...

[pseto]

So, no track events for you.....

http://www.carmax.com/dyn/factsheet/factsheet.aspx?KNo=11

That's a pretty good deal..too bad it's far away.

Do you know if you want 240hp or 315hp?

Edit: I think everyone wants an "M" sometimes...

that link was for an Acura, but i did see the ones at CarMax. I've been checking Craigslist too.

Dont really have the need for a ton of horsepower (got a 335i for that), and plus this is mostly for wife's daily driver.

[tgmeyer]

well, after telling my wife, she wanted some input since she'll use it as a daily driver. what do you think she wanted?
My 2 cents? What is the point of a Z3 unless it's a vert ? My wife got rid of her Z4 vert and regrets it. I have my 330CiC and wouldn't give it up for nothing! Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. :biggrin:
Tom

[Car54]

My 2 cents? What is the point of a Z3 unless it's a vert ? My wife got rid of her Z4 vert and regrets it. I have my 330CiC and wouldn't give it up for nothing! Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. :biggrin:
Tom

I think you're right!



You could be wrong.... =\

[mlytle]

My 2 cents? What is the point of a Z3 unless it's a vert ? My wife got rid of her Z4 vert and regrets it. I have my 330CiC and wouldn't give it up for nothing! Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong. :biggrin:
Tom

my 2 cents? what is the point of any car, like verts, that you can't take out on a track? :biggrin:

[OwnedbyDuncan]

my 2 cents? what is the point of any car, like verts, that you can't take out on a track? :biggrin:


I agree. It like getting a dog that cant hunt or herd. What's the point of feeding it and taking it to the vet if you are going to just carry it around in a bag at the mall. Real dogs work. Real cars go on the track. Real woman spend your money. Life is good!

Dave Apker and the collies

[pseto]

I agree. It like getting a dog that cant hunt or herd. What's the point of feeding it and taking it to the vet if you are going to just carry it around in a bag at the mall. Real dogs work. Real cars go on the track. Real woman spend your money. Life is good!

Dave Apker and the collies

LOL!!! you guys are making it really hard on me :)

[ErikT]

LOL!!! you guys are making it really hard on me :)

Have you considered a Beetle Cabriolet? lol

[pseto]

Have you considered a Beetle Cabriolet? lol

no thank you

[Biggins]

What about a Solstice or Miata?

The new Solstice coupe is the reincarnation of the Z3 coupe IMO... http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-p-oandn-tiac-s-ol-sti-ce-c-oupe/704857/

[pseto]

wife is kinda set on a z3, just wish we would have thought of this a few months ago b/c everyone is trying to sell a vert for the spring with a premium :(

[woodym3]

It's for the wife, she's not a track junkie. Get the roadster and have fun! As you say Paul, you have the 335 if (either of you) want to do track events.

[pseto]

anyone buy a car off of eBay? I've bought plenty of things from eBay, but never something as big as a car. tons of pictures and it seems like you can get inspections done via 3rd party. i guess you just go and drive it home.

any tips appreciated :)

[mlytle]

I agree. It like getting a dog that cant hunt or herd. What's the point of feeding it and taking it to the vet if you are going to just carry it around in a bag at the mall. Real dogs work. Real cars go on the track. Real woman spend your money. Life is good!

Dave Apker and the collies

LOL!!

guess i gotta find a job for my (her) dogs. just picked up two rescued papillon/tibetan spaniel mixes last weekend. i was hoping for something that would catch a frisbee...pretty sure a frisbee would crush these two! gotta say it appears a little ridiculous driving a crew cab, long bed diesel pickup with these two looking out the window..

[Car54]

I bought my M3 in St. Louis on ebay...I wasn't smart about it, but I was lucky. I did put the deposit down, but I was not obligated to buy it once I went to the location. Of course, I fell in love and took it home. What a test drive home!

Anyway, PPI's are a little sketchy when done out of town. It could be Bobby the salesman's best friend Bo who does the PPI.....never can tell.

The best thing I can think of is to reach out to a fellow BMW enthusiast, or even more effective, a gearhead and ask them to check the car out for you. This approach worked well when I bought my Coupe in Philly area. As you know, some of us BMW owners can be more scrutinizing than some used car managers.

If you're looking for Z3's go to the Z3 forum on bimmerforums or roadfly, don't have an X5 guy look at the car.....you know what I mean.

Good luck, car hunting is my favorite sport!

[pseto]

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=011&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=320227623813&rd=1

I just went to look at this car and the auction ends in a few hrs. I really thought it was in great shape except for the driver side seat had a lot of wear near the seat belt. nothing a seat cover couldn't hide :) anything I need to look for?

[ErikT]

That's a nice looking 'vert. I was only kidding about buying the beetle.

There's always about 10 days every year when I wish i had a convertable (usually in the fall). It's a little tough to put a roof rack and surfboards on a softop, so it wouldn't do me much use. I have seen roof racks on M coupes though (z3 generation).

As for buying on ebay...I think the risk is about the same with buying any used car. Even if you have it inspected, there are still no guarantees. Substitute the vibe you may get from a sketchy salesman with the vibe you get from reading ALL of the feedback posted for the seller. The presentation of the car, the number of similiar cars they've recently sold & the feedback should help.

[Car54]

That's WAYYYYYY too much for that car...no matter how clean!

[Biggins]

That's WAYYYYYY too much for that car...no matter how clean!
Do you think so? I think the price isn't bad so long as it doesn't creep too close to $12k.

I couldn't find a decent 1.9 Z3 for under $8500, and I looked hard for over a month Dec 07-Jan 08 in the prime of winter.

[pseto]

well I never bid on it as it ended up around $10,700.

I agree Chris, $10k was the max for that one to me, so I'll keep looking.

[Car54]

Those with 100k pop up all the time for $9kish....if you had all service records for that price, and no maintenance needed (unlikely on a Z3) it could be a decent deal.

Looks like it got wholesaled...so it will be around again.

Hey Chris....we talked long ago about you might want a no option E46 325 coupe...I know a guy selling one for around $11k

[330cic0539]

Paul, I have bought 6 BMWs off Ebay since 2003. Like someone else said - you can substitute a shady Ebay seller for a shady dealer. I rely heavily on the seller's previous auctions and feedback as well as a Carfax report. Sometimes if your lucky the car is local and you can check it out in person. I found my current 325ci and my previous 530i on Ebay and then went to check them out in person. The other 4 cars were further away and I had to fly and drive them home - makes for a great road trip - especially the trip from Arkansas to DC. Once again anything can go wrong on such a long trip but I have been lucky. Did you check out the Z3 at Koons in Annapolis for $17,000? I believe Jonathan left you a voicemail message about it. Good luck!!:biggrin:

[pseto]

Paul, I have bought 6 BMWs off Ebay since 2003. Like someone else said - you can substitute a shady Ebay seller for a shady dealer. I rely heavily on the seller's previous auctions and feedback as well as a Carfax report. Sometimes if your lucky the car is local and you can check it out in person. I found my current 325ci and my previous 530i on Ebay and then went to check them out in person. The other 4 cars were further away and I had to fly and drive them home - makes for a great road trip - especially the trip from Arkansas to DC. Once again anything can go wrong on such a long trip but I have been lucky. Did you check out the Z3 at Koons in Annapolis for $17,000? I believe Jonathan left you a voicemail message about it. Good luck!!:biggrin:

Thats Scott, I'm finding that eBay isnt as bad as I thought it would be. $17k is more than what I wanted to spend, so I dont want to tempt myself by going to Annapolis :)

[pseto]

anybody know how to identify a Z3 with the sports package? is it the ///M steering wheel?

[jhm5]

anybody know how to identify a Z3 with the sports package? is it the ///M steering wheel?

yes. the sport seats. more side bolster - same seats as M Roadster and M Coupe except the leather pattern was different.

all Z3s, i think from 2000 model year, had M steering wheel and shifter knob. They upgraded the interiors a bit that year, so the sport seats would be the most obvious indicator of sport package.

sport package may have varied a little year to year and depending on whether it was the smaller 6 cylinder or larger one.

In 01 model year, the 3.0 Z3 sport package consisted of sport seats and 17" cross spoked wheels.

[pseto]

i saw a 96 1.9L today with only 37k and on its 4th owner (i'll run a carfax to check) and manual top. other than having to replace the front bumper, the airbag light was on. the owner said that its normal and the inspection guy verified it was normal (although the inspector's first thought was to fail him).

any ideas?

[woodym3]

The airbag light can often be solved by replacing the seat belt receptical and resetting the light.

[jhm5]

Maybe an air bag warning light is a common problem with the Z3, but it certainly is not "normal." that should be fixed, probably seat belt receptical as woody says above.
You really want a 4-cylinder?
As for the manual top, I highly recommend that. It's very easy to operate and less likely to present maintenance issues.

[pseto]

kinda up in the air about the 4 cyl. obviously the MPG is nice, but it didnt have much pep. i still have a few more to look at, but i would like a 6 cyl (wife wants the 4 cyl).

manual top was OK, very easy to operate and less mechanical issues to worry about. however, i havent seen many problems with the power one, so either is fine.

[pseto]

http://downingatlanta.com/downingatlanta/da_superchargers_info_new.htm

An reasonable addition to the 4-cylinder cars. About 200 hp when you're done.

Vic

any idea of the price? sounds tempting

[Biggins]

any idea of the price? sounds tempting
~$3-4k

[FrankoQ]

Got the car yet?

[pseto]

Got the car yet?

nope, still looking. seems like the longer i take, the higher the prices are :(

[OwnedbyDuncan]

Considered a Honda S2000 or Solstice?

Dave Apker and the collies

[tgmeyer]

nope, still looking. seems like the longer i take, the higher the prices are

Spring, is the reason why prices are going up.


my 2 cents? what is the point of any car, like verts, that you can't take out on a track? :biggrin:

They need to loosen the track rules a tad. It's my coconut and if I want to crack it at the track b/c I was STUPID and flippped my car then so be it. And before you throw the lawyer thing @<hidden> me, my spousal unit is a med-mal attorney and I work for a large IP lawfirm in DC.
Lawyers don't scare nor impress me.
Tom

[pseto]

I really need some help from someone to take a look at a Z3 M for me in the Gaithersburg area (Lake Forest Mall). I'm currently in Scottsdale till Sat night, and the car will be sold by Fri night. I'm working on the financing, but if someone can go test drive it and give it a good lookover, I'd really appreciate it.

Please PM me with your phone number so I can call you. Still trying to get more details.

TIA

[Car54]

Paul,

I'm a bit away from there, but post it up in the Z3 forum on bimmerforums, there are few guys from that area.

See how much response your mpg question got?

[woodym3]

They need to loosen the track rules a tad. It's my coconut and if I want to crack it at the track b/c I was STUPID and flippped my car then so be it. And before you throw the lawyer thing @<hidden> me, my spousal unit is a med-mal attorney and I work for a large IP lawfirm in DC.
Lawyers don't scare nor impress me.
Tom

And the insructor in the passenger seat?

[mcoupemindy]

And the insructor in the passenger seat?

I sure wouldn't be comfortable on the track in a convertible. I never plan on anything happening, but it's one of those, you never know situations.

[OwnedbyDuncan]

Spring, is the reason why prices are going up.



They need to loosen the track rules a tad. It's my coconut and if I want to crack it at the track b/c I was STUPID and flippped my car then so be it. And before you throw the lawyer thing @<hidden> me, my spousal unit is a med-mal attorney and I work for a large IP lawfirm in DC.
Lawyers don't scare nor impress me.
Tom

Woody,

You did noticed his occupation right. Typical. And if you want you can quote Shakespeare on lawyers.

Guess he doesnt care about the instructor, or the corner workers and EMS staff that have to deal with his untimely end or the chief instructor or DS coordinator who have to deal with a death on their watch. Or the fact that his act of stupidity may increase the cost or possibly end NCC schools.

Typical lawyer only thing that matters is numero uno. If their brain just matched the size of their ego.

Now male lawyers should be used to teach herding dogs how to grip
for obvious reasons.

Female lawyers should just be culled by drowning. Notice the good looking ones move to TV and get out of the profession.

Gee I wander if I can be sued for defammation of character. Oops they have to have some character.

Woody hope you dont end up with this fool in a closed car at a school.

And hoss I work with lawyers all day and sheep have more common sense.

Dave Apker and the collies

[mcoupemindy]

Woody,

You did noticed his occupation right. Typical. And if you want you can quote Shakespeare on lawyers.

Guess he doesnt care about the instructor, or the corner workers and EMS staff that have to deal with his untimely end or the chief instructor or DS coordinator who have to deal with a death on their watch. Or the fact that his act of stupidity may increase the cost or possibly end NCC schools.

Typical lawyer only thing that matters is numero uno. If their brain just matched the size of their ego.

Now male lawyers should be used to teach herding dogs how to grip
for obvious reasons.

Female lawyers should just be culled by drowning. Notice the good looking ones move to TV and get out of the profession.

Gee I wander if I can be sued for defammation of character. Oops they have to have some character.

Woody hope you dont end up with this fool in a closed car at a school.

And hoss I work with lawyers all day and sheep have more common sense.

Dave Apker and the collies

That might have been just a tad on the harsh side ...:confused:

[tgmeyer]

Woody,

You did noticed his occupation right. Typical. And if you want you can quote Shakespeare on lawyers.

Guess he doesnt care about the instructor, or the corner workers and EMS staff that have to deal with his untimely end or the chief instructor or DS coordinator who have to deal with a death on their watch. Or the fact that his act of stupidity may increase the cost or possibly end NCC schools.

Typical lawyer only thing that matters is numero uno. If their brain just matched the size of their ego.

Now male lawyers should be used to teach herding dogs how to grip
for obvious reasons.

Female lawyers should just be culled by drowning. Notice the good looking ones move to TV and get out of the profession.

Gee I wander if I can be sued for defammation of character. Oops they have to have some character.

Woody hope you dont end up with this fool in a closed car at a school.

And hoss I work with lawyers all day and sheep have more common sense.

Dave Apker and the collies

Uhmm...you guyz are tough...or cruel.
Go back to what I wrote...I never said I was a lawyer. I am NOT. K?
And Dave, you did not offend me but the fact that you wrote such nice things about women speaks volumes about you. Thank you for the personal attack about my wife.
Yeah, you don't know me from a sinking ship. I've never tracked with the BMW club because I have a vert but did plenty with the Benz club in years gone by. Just ask Joe Wozney or Klaus Hirtes. Not the place to get into this so I will stop here.
You do have a point about the instructor, corners workers, etc. but you missed my point about allowing convertibles.

Paul--I apologize for derailing your thread.
Tom

[Biggins]

I see no problem with convertibles in driving schools so long as they have a certified rollbar and hardtop, but I realize insurance coverage may be tougher to get/more expensive if verts were to be allowed and maybe some instructors would not ride in a vert?

I know this has been debated many times before, but if you have a vert that is track-prepped, there are other organizations.

Paul, I'm really busy at work this week or I'd be willing to check the car out for you. I agree that a PPI might be your best option if the seller would be willing.

[woodym3]

For what it's worth, I did volunteer to instruct in a BMW convertible at a private charity event at Summit Point next Wednesday. And it won't be my first time in a 'vert on the track in the last few years.
Woody

[Car54]

Dsc "on"

[tgmeyer]

And the insructor in the passenger seat?


I sure wouldn't be comfortable on the track in a convertible. I never plan on anything happening, but it's one of those, you never know situations.


For what it's worth, I did volunteer to instruct in a BMW convertible at a private charity event at Summit Point next Wednesday. And it won't be my first time in a 'vert on the track in the last few years.
Woody

Hey Woody, I appreciate you and Jonathan keeping it grounded. I completely mispoke when I failed to think about the instructors and others affected [including da spousal unit] when the unexpected happens. This is true and I have seen it happen several times @<hidden> turn 10 @<hidden> Summit Point. That is why it's called an accident.
The car I last drove @<hidden> Summit Point was a tank [4-door S-Class Mercedes], not a 'vert so yes I understand your point. Now I have a convertible coupe and am jealous that I can not track it as it is; stock.
I just do not not like the personal attack on my wife. I thought this was a forum for BMW talk not politcs, women bashing, or carrer hating.
Tom

[pseto]

damn car was sold last night :( I really lost a good opportunity, I wish I wasnt out of town

[Car54]

damn car was sold last night :( I really lost a good opportunity, I wish I wasnt out of town

There will always be better deals...just stay tuned!

[pseto]

can someone near Fairfax look at this Z3 for me? specifically the subframe!!!

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=241801461&dealer_id=71491&car_year=2000&model=Z3&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=50&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&make=BMW&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=21075&advanced=&end_year=2009&doors=&transmission=&max_price=15000&cardist=37

[pseto]

I'm thinking of getting this M roadster, but its in CA. Its about $1k to have the car shipped door-to-door and the seller agreed to split the cost (and lower the price :D).

I'll get a PPI which I will pay for, but anyone else wanna chime in on what else I should do or look for?


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=239945218

[mcoupemindy]

I'm thinking of getting this M roadster, but its in CA. Its about $1k to have the car shipped door-to-door and the seller agreed to split the cost (and lower the price :D).

I'll get a PPI which I will pay for, but anyone else wanna chime in on what else I should do or look for?


http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=239945218

For that price I guarantee there is SOMETHING wrong with it. That's WAY below market, especially in California.

I'm sure there's some reason why they can't sell it locally and that's why they are willing to ship it to someone across the country.

If it was a "good" car, they could drive it to a CarMax and get more than what they are asking on the spot.

Just my $.02. I would just heed with precaution.

[pseto]

after many months of looking, I finally was able to get a 3rd car

since my V8 X5 drinks gas like no other (lucky to get 16 mpg), i'll save that for tailgating at Redskins games. plus, i wouldnt get much for it anyways since no one is buying SUVs nowadays.

my wife will probably drive it most of the time, but i'll have some time to start the mods and probably autocross.

i bought it for $10k from a guy in CA after getting a PPI from Dinan BMW. I used an open trailer to get it to MD for only $1100 and now I get to burn some more rubber :D

[X5Michelle]

Congrats, Paul!!

[mcoupemindy]

Congrats Paul!

I look forward to seeing it at the remaining AutoX events this year.

Jonathan

[woodym3]

Congratulations Paul and wife. I'm glad to see you got the M-version, although it is not exactly a fuel miser. My best cruising an interstate at 75 is about 27 mpg.
Woody

[Car54]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1999-BMW-M-ROADSTER-3-060-MILES_W0QQitemZ330267883726QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item330267883726&_trkparms=39%3A1|65%3A7|240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

Man Paul, this would be the one to wait for.

[pseto]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1999-BMW-M-ROADSTER-3-060-MILES_W0QQitemZ330267883726QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20TrucksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item330267883726&_trkparms=39%3A1|65%3A7|240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245

Man Paul, this would be the one to wait for.

damn that one is really nice. hopefully someone will take good care of it