Got My Eye On One

[telc]

Good Afternoon ladies and gents
Had my eye on a Z3 but would appreciate your input. Just started looking!!
Looks good in the pictures, and its local to me!! Its a 1.9 2001 model. It has a brand new (june 26) MOT but it has some advisories, that were on the previous years MOT as well!!
''Nearside/Offside suspension component mounting area is corroded but not excessive''?
Nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint slight play''
BUT the only weird thing is that the car has only done 6 miles in a year?? yeah 6 miles!!
I havent been in touch yet but..........going by the pictures, paintwork looks great, its blue with reddish leather seats, seats are perfect, no wear on the bolster!! wheels and tyres are good as well. I was just thinking ''Would it be expensive for that suspension work done in a garage?? Its up for £2800. 73000 miles. part history.
Appreciate your time and advice
Terry

 

[bombur]

I did a front refresh on mine and parts were about £120. Price seems a bit steep to me but at the end of the day if it's local that does have a bearing IMHO, I bought mine locally and although probably a slight premium saved me travelling around the country for a 2k car. Also although I like the weight and feel of a M43 in a z3 others may feel the 2.2 is the way to go and you could find some at that price point. I just bought mine with zero research lol.

 

[telc]

I did a front refresh on mine and parts were about £120. Price seems a bit steep to me but at the end of the day if it's local that does have a bearing IMHO, I bought mine locally and although probably a slight premium saved me travelling around the country for a 2k car. Also although I like the weight and feel of a M43 in a z3 others may feel the 2.2 is the way to go and you could find some at that price point. I just bought mine with zero research lol.

Cheers Bombur. Lucky boy!!

 

[Scooblitz]

Hello

Welcome to the forum.

I would suggest that is quite a high cost for a 1.9i with work still needing done.

If around 2.5-3k is the budget, I would recommend being patient and waiting for a better car with more spec to come along.

For that sort of money a decent 2.2i or 2.8 could be bought. These will typically offer much higher spec. Leather, alloys, air con. Etc

is there anything particular on the wish list in terms of options, colour, engine size, air con, airbags

Very few car pre 99 cars have passenger airbags and even fewer have side airbags across the whole build dates. Be aware of this when buying.

Air con. It’s very desirable as a retrofit is difficult

Stevie

 

[telc]

Thanks Scooblitz. The best thing about the car is that its less than 10 miles away!! think that got me over thinking!! Just started looking and most are the 1.9. Never owned a 6 cyl!! Will Def keep looking!! Thanks mate.

 

[Z Victor 1]

Agree with others, a 2001 1.9 is just the 118bhp engine which I found too slugish on hills etc. An earlier twin cam 1.9 with 140bhp is much better although I prefer the six cylinder cars. I also had a 2.8 and 2.2i sport.

 

[DrWong]

Also agree with others, you could get a 2.2 six pot for that budget. And you’re in for a treat if you’ve never experienced a six

It’s worth being open to travelling as it gives you so many more options (I did 250 miles on two trains for mine)

I’m guessing the MOT station is three miles away on that 1.9 haha

 

[Duncodin]

Mine is a 1999 twin cam 16 valve 1.9 It's actually more than fast enough for me. But, in hind sight, I wish I'd bought a 2.8 Not because of the better performance. I'm not a racer, but because the 2.8 holds its value better. The z3 is now an enthusiasts car and, like it or not, enthusiasts like the 2.8

 

[telc]

Also agree with others, you could get a 2.2 six pot for that budget. And you’re in for a treat if you’ve never experienced a six

It’s worth being open to travelling as it gives you so many more options (I did 250 miles on two trains for mine)

I’m guessing the MOT station is three miles away on that 1.9 haha

Agree, not worried about travel, 10 miles is better than 150 as long as its a minter!! Cheers Duncodin

 

[Pond]

Mine is a 1999 twin cam 16 valve 1.9 It's actually more than fast enough for me. But, in hind sight, I wish I'd bought a 2.8 Not because of the better performance. I'm not a racer, but because the 2.8 holds its value better. The z3 is now an enthusiasts car and, like it or not, enthusiasts like the 2.8

I suppose it depends what you want a Z3 for TBH. The lower end of the market (1.9s) are almost down to hundreds of pounds now, so if you just want a cheap summer convertible run-around, they are cheap motoring (as long as they're not rotten as a pear).
The 2.8 should be cheap aswell IMO, as they are the most common for sale. Seems 8 out of 10 Z3s are 2.8s (I presume they're not) . There are loads to choose from, which should drive prices down.

If you want something to hold it's value (as much as possible), the 'old' car market has always been strongest with the 'top of the range' model. So a 3 litre should be the best bet for longevity, along with the M54 engine being probably one of the most reliable BMW have made in a long time.

But, of course, these cars are at least 23 years old and older. And they have always been a bit 'suspect' when it comes to rot and water leaks.
So is buying a great condition 118bhp 1.9 better than a very average 230bhp 3 litre at much more money? I would say yes. But then I would pay the extra and get a great condition 'top of the range' model of anything.