Looking at my first Z3 - common issues?

John_B

John_B

Zorg Guru (II)
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British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Jun 2, 2023
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116
Location
Derbyshire, UK
Hi forum!

(Please forgive me if I have missed a sticky or have been looking in the wrong place, but I cannot find a list of common faults!)

I am planning on looking at a Z3 1.9i at the weekend. I am looking for a project car, so I am not too worried about a bit of wear and tear and specifically want something that needs a bit of work. (TL: DR I have fancied a project car for a long time and finally am in a position to get started. I had always imagined it would be an MX5 *gasp* but since getting a 535d (F11) as my daily, I am a total BMW-convert!)

The one I plan on looking at this weekend is a 1998 1.9i, 150k miles. The main concern is that it has been sat for 5yrs. Just from the photos there is some visible rust on the sills and wings, but presumably these are fairly simple to replace? I am more worried about what rust I might find on the chassis - are there any common/key areas to check? From the photos I can see the ABS & Traction Control lights are lit up - I have an OBD2 thingy and Bimmerlink/Bimmercode - will these work with a '98 Z3? And are there any codes to look out for that you guys would run a mile from?

I do plan on taking it for a test drive, although I will be wanting to keep it short and gentle considering it's been sat for so long. Is there anything Z3 specific to look out for?

Many thanks in advance and I look forward to contributing to the community :-D
 
Don't know where you are, but I have a complete prefacelift z3 to sell, would need to be recovered as non running, would come with spare engine and ecu, if your interested let me know
 
so you'll probably be looking at a full suspension refresh, a cooling system refresh, changing out some of the body panels (yes the majority are bolt on). my guess is that you're from the US?
 
Sean Hilton said:
Don't know where you are, but I have a complete prefacelift z3 to sell, would need to be recovered as non running, would come with spare engine and ecu, if your interested let me know
Click to expand...

Ah thanks Sean, but I'm not ready for engine swaps just yet!! :D


PhilH67 said:
so you'll probably be looking at a full suspension refresh, a cooling system refresh, changing out some of the body panels (yes the majority are bolt on). my guess is that you're from the US?
Click to expand...

Haha no, Matlock, Derbyshire ;) Why do you say that?

Suspension, exhaust, interior restoration/upgrade is exactly the sort of level I am looking for :thumbsup:

Thanks
 
just when you said chassis

there's a blue one in Coalville that's up for a grand that might be worth a look at, I'd go for it myself only I've now got 3 and apparently I'm not allowed any more :)
 
PhilH67 said:
just when you said chassis

there's a blue one in Coalville that's up for a grand that might be worth a look at, I'd go for it myself only I've now got 3 and apparently I'm not allowed any more :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip. Do you have a link for the ad?
 
it's on Facebook marketplace

Facebook

www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
 
Great, thanks, I'll have a look. Do you know the owner/history, or is it just one you've seen when browsing?
 
just one that popped up, it's an mot failure on brake pipes, front tyres and emissions mainly. it's the colour that I want sometime but my wife's last word on the subject was "don't buy any more f&%$£*g Z3s"
 
PhilH67 said:
just one that popped up, it's an mot failure on brake pipes, front tyres and emissions mainly. it's the colour that I want sometime but my wife's last word on the subject was "don't buy any more f&%$£*g Z3s"
Click to expand...
It's horrible how selective deafness can kick in at times of stress. Just a thought.
 
purple_banana said:
Hi forum!

(Please forgive me if I have missed a sticky or have been looking in the wrong place, but I cannot find a list of common faults!)

I am planning on looking at a Z3 1.9i at the weekend. I am looking for a project car, so I am not too worried about a bit of wear and tear and specifically want something that needs a bit of work. (TL: DR I have fancied a project car for a long time and finally am in a position to get started. I had always imagined it would be an MX5 *gasp* but since getting a 535d (F11) as my daily, I am a total BMW-convert!)

The one I plan on looking at this weekend is a 1998 1.9i, 150k miles. The main concern is that it has been sat for 5yrs. Just from the photos there is some visible rust on the sills and wings, but presumably these are fairly simple to replace? I am more worried about what rust I might find on the chassis - are there any common/key areas to check? From the photos I can see the ABS & Traction Control lights are lit up - I have an OBD2 thingy and Bimmerlink/Bimmercode - will these work with a '98 Z3? And are there any codes to look out for that you guys would run a mile from?

I do plan on taking it for a test drive, although I will be wanting to keep it short and gentle considering it's been sat for so long. Is there anything Z3 specific to look out for?

Many thanks in advance and I look forward to contributing to the community :-D
Click to expand...


That needs to be cheap, as in £350, preferably less.

If you want a project then look for a facelift car, preferably a 6 cylinder one.
 
the Nefyn cat said:
It's horrible how selective deafness can kick in at times of stress. Just a thought.
Click to expand...
I honestly though my minister of finance said "just get it" , In my defense that does sound like "just forget it" :whistle:. @purple_banana , nothing wrong with MX5,s :thumbsup:
 
Oh absolutely not! I'd love a mk1, but they are just ridiculous money now 😣

i thought "mx5" might be blasphemy around these parts 🤣
 
@purple_banana
zroadster.org

Z3 2.8i Roadster

Good morning all, I am going to view a 1997 Z3 2.8i manual tomorrow 72k miles - looks tidy and lots of history - what are the main things to look out for please. New to the site so any help appreciated!
zroadster.org zroadster.org
 
purple_banana said:
Oh absolutely not! I'd love a mk1, but they are just ridiculous money now 😣

i thought "mx5" might be blasphemy around these parts 🤣
Click to expand...
Well My screen name didn't get me banned, although I'm sure some of my jokes have come close... I had an NA, sadly it,s rust issues got the better of it. Z3,s don,t go rusty here. We do not salt our roads, I,m pretty sure that's the reason. But older MX5,s don,t need a reason, they just do it anyway.. :whistle:
 
Well I didn't buy the one I went to look at. Way more issues than the advert suggested, and the dealer would not take a penny less than the asking price. I was also going to need to mess around with a trailer to get it home.

I went to look at the one on FB Marketplace that PhilH67 mentioned earlier. It needs some work, but it's all the usual age-related stuff like worn suspension components and corroded brake lines - but aside from those it drove lovely and it is currently on my driveway alongside my 535d.

I have officially joined the club!! 😁

IMG_0410.webp
 
AntStark said:
Nah everyone is welcome ..even if you have bought the wrong car. I think most here have owned an MX5 at one point
Click to expand...

Yes re MX5, the first bend I drove around in my Eunos I realised I had a special car, reminded me of my Elise. Very "Jinba ittai"
 
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