Hi…. New to the forum and looking for a Z

[Sonic]

Hi,
I’m new to the forum and as yet I don’t have a Z. I’m in the market for a Z3, for high days and holidays. Something to keep in the garage and keep me busy on my days off.
I really fancy a 3.0, it’s not going to do many miles so MPG isn’t an issue and when all
Is said and done, it’s what I’ve always wanted!
Was hoping this forum will be a mine of information to get me primed with what to look out for!

 

[ExMX5owner]

Welcome to the Forum, good luck with your search...

 

[AntStark]

Welcome
If you search for ‘buyers guide’ on here there are loads of resources and points of view from owners on what to look for. This place is an encyclopaedia of info and the freely offered collective knowledge is unlike any other forum I’ve been on.
My one bit of advice is buy on condition and maintenance history over low mileage. I have a 3.0, but would also love to own a 2.8 wide body (prefacelift).
Add your location to your profile and there is bound to be someone close willing to help you look if needs be.

 

[Alan Godwin]

Hi,,
welcome to the forum. If you look through previous posts you will see that there are some crazy prices out there for the 3L Z. ranging from dealers wanting £14000 to honest enthusiasts happy to take 5k-7k. What’s your budget?

 

[Mint]

Hi and to the forum from me too in Stafford, England. Good luck with your search but as we are worldwide may help if you tell us where you are based

 

[Sonic]

Hi and to the forum from me too in Stafford, England. Good luck with your search but as we are worldwide may help if you tell us where you are based

Hi,
I’m in Devon, near Exeter. Plenty of decent roads and places to bimble about in a nice little Z!

 

[Sonic]

Hi,,
welcome to the forum. If you look through previous posts you will see that there are some crazy prices out there for the 3L Z. ranging from dealers wanting £14000 to honest enthusiasts happy to take 5k-7k. What’s your budget?

Good question. I’m not sure but probably somewhere around 5-6k.
I want something that’s been cared for but maybe that I can still polish a few £££’s into it.
Plenty of nice ones around, from what I’ve seen, so willing to wait out for the right one.

 

[Mint]

Hi,
I’m in Devon, near Exeter. Plenty of decent roads and places to bimble about in a nice little Z!

Yes, been down your way many times, as you say some lovely B roads to play on. Although there are some very narrow lanes too

 

[andyglym]

to the Forum from West Cumbria.

 

[BinJuice]

Hi and Welcome to the forum

Have you considered a 2.2? They tick most the 3.0 boxes.
Just saying as if you look in the for sale section I'm selling my 2.2 and I'm near Exeter if your interested?

Keith

 

[AntStark]

^ That is a bit of a bargain, late car with sport spec (that’s pre all this M nonsense) . The 2.2 is the same M54 engine as the the 3.0 and arguably the best suited engine for the Zed. Sounds better than the 3.0 as well annoyingly. 🫤

https://zroadster.org/threads/bmw-z3-2-2-sport-2002-sapphire-black.73755/

 

[BinJuice]

Thanks Ant, for the positive comments and link to Sale ad.

Sonic, If your around locally give me a shout, and can chat all things Zed

 

[Shelly]

 

[Devon Z]

 

[Sonic]

Hi,,
welcome to the forum. If you look through previous posts you will see that there are some crazy prices out there for the 3L Z. ranging from dealers wanting £14000 to honest enthusiasts happy to take 5k-7k. What’s your budget?

Hi and Welcome to the forum

Have you considered a 2.2? They tick most the 3.0 boxes.
Just saying as if you look in the for sale section I'm selling my 2.2 and I'm near Exeter if your interested?

Keith

Thanks……. Nice car, but not for me I’m afraid. I do really want the 3.0.
I used to have an E46 soft top, 4 cylinder, always hankered after the 6 3.0!

 

[Jam03]

I can confirm that the 2.2 does address one’s hankering after a straight 6. Makes very pleasant noises too. Depending how much of a driving purist you are, there’s a case to be made for the 2.8 as well. The later M54 engines have a fly by wire throttle that prevents blipping the throttle while on the brakes, which is a red card for many people, especially if you plan on using it for track days. 2.8’s have an old fashioned cable as far as I’m aware.

 

[Sonic]

I can confirm that the 2.2 does address one’s hankering after a straight 6. Makes very pleasant noises too. Depending how much of a driving purist you are, there’s a case to be made for the 2.8 as well. The later M54 engines have a fly by wire throttle that prevents blipping the throttle while on the brakes, which is a red card for many people, especially if you plan on using it for track days. 2.8’s have an old fashioned cable as far as I’m aware.

I’d agree, the 2.2 is a nice car. I just want the big six. There is a scratch that needs itching. Out for a little summer bimble, wafting along on a wave of torque and 200+ bhp!
It’ll be a garage Queen, a little toy for when I’m home. Always hankered after the 3.0 when I had my E46, so this time I’ll have one!

 

[Peter1450]

My wife has a 2001 3.0 and loves it , but I’m the one who keeps it on the road ( daily driver), so as with any 20 + year old BMW it will need more than just polishing to get it through its MOT !
Spend at least £1000 last year on a complete suspension refresh,bushes ,bearings brakes etc went a little over the top maybe but these things rust especially by the Devon coast!

 

[Sonic]

I don’t mind a bit of mechanical fettling!
I’m not near the sea, but Dartmoor brings its own challenges!!

 

[Smudgemanuk]

I can confirm that the 2.2 does address one’s hankering after a straight 6. Makes very pleasant noises too. Depending how much of a driving purist you are, there’s a case to be made for the 2.8 as well. The later M54 engines have a fly by wire throttle that prevents blipping the throttle while on the brakes, which is a red card for many people, especially if you plan on using it for track days. 2.8’s have an old fashioned cable as far as I’m aware.

I can confirm the 2.8’s have a cable throttle

I can understand the want for the 3.0!