AmauryVG
Newbie
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2026
- Points
- 3
Hi all,
Just introducing myself to the forum world. I’m the proud owner of a 1997 1.9L manual BMW Z3 that I bought exactly one year ago. This little guy has a long story to tell with its 270k miles, and I’m happy to say it has become a great adventure for me as both my daily driver and project car.
When I bought it, I wasn’t even looking for a Z3. I actually had a 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback GT, but in order to invest in another asset for our family, I decided to sell it and look for a reliable 2010s Japanese car instead. Then I saw my Z3 advertised on Marketplace for $4,300 CAD. Honestly, I only made an appointment to see it, with no real expectations of buying it.
I must confess—it was love at first sight. Even though I knew nothing about mechanics, and even though I had no idea if the car was in good shape, I took a leap of faith and bit the bullet. I made an offer, and just like that, I entered a new chapter.
Turns out, the condition of the car was pretty rough. From the outside, it looked very nice and in good shape, with a great interior (only one damaged seat). But after a deeper inspection and taking it to a professional for an evaluation, I got the kind of news you don’t want to hear after buying a car:
"I’d consider selling it right away. Otherwise, you’ll probably spend more than $10k just to get it into good condition."
Oil leaks, bearing noise when pressing the clutch pedal, floating like a boat over every bump or pothole, and most noticeably, crazy shakes in the gearshift in 1st and 3rd gear... and don’t even try 5th.
After a night of thinking about what to do, letting the sadness settle, and getting some sleep, I finally said: F... it. I’ll do it!.
I also have to say I have the best wife on earth, who supports me through all my crazy adventures and ideas. (She’s an Industrial Designer.) So, with some research, a few tools, and a lot of confidence, I decided to get my hands dirty and give the car another chance.
So far:
Anyway, I wanted to share my story and see if there are more enthusiasts in my area (Vancouver). Also, I’d love to hear any advice on this fun and satisfying project.
So if you’re around and happen to see me driving a silver Z3, don’t hesitate to say hi, and by the way, my name is Amaury, and I’m a Mexican living in Vancouver.
Just introducing myself to the forum world. I’m the proud owner of a 1997 1.9L manual BMW Z3 that I bought exactly one year ago. This little guy has a long story to tell with its 270k miles, and I’m happy to say it has become a great adventure for me as both my daily driver and project car.
When I bought it, I wasn’t even looking for a Z3. I actually had a 2020 Mazda3 Hatchback GT, but in order to invest in another asset for our family, I decided to sell it and look for a reliable 2010s Japanese car instead. Then I saw my Z3 advertised on Marketplace for $4,300 CAD. Honestly, I only made an appointment to see it, with no real expectations of buying it.
I must confess—it was love at first sight. Even though I knew nothing about mechanics, and even though I had no idea if the car was in good shape, I took a leap of faith and bit the bullet. I made an offer, and just like that, I entered a new chapter.
Turns out, the condition of the car was pretty rough. From the outside, it looked very nice and in good shape, with a great interior (only one damaged seat). But after a deeper inspection and taking it to a professional for an evaluation, I got the kind of news you don’t want to hear after buying a car:
"I’d consider selling it right away. Otherwise, you’ll probably spend more than $10k just to get it into good condition."
Oil leaks, bearing noise when pressing the clutch pedal, floating like a boat over every bump or pothole, and most noticeably, crazy shakes in the gearshift in 1st and 3rd gear... and don’t even try 5th.
After a night of thinking about what to do, letting the sadness settle, and getting some sleep, I finally said: F... it. I’ll do it!.
I also have to say I have the best wife on earth, who supports me through all my crazy adventures and ideas. (She’s an Industrial Designer.) So, with some research, a few tools, and a lot of confidence, I decided to get my hands dirty and give the car another chance.
So far:
- New driveshaft flex disc / guibo (my wife helped me do it all together, including building four wooden stands to lift the car)
- New oil filter housing gasket
- New valve cover gasket
- Full tune-up
- New serpentine belt and A/C belt
- New driver-side window regulator
- New sound system (Kenwood, Focal, Bazooka)
- New MagnaFlow exhaust to replace the original 1997 one
- New Michelin tires
Anyway, I wanted to share my story and see if there are more enthusiasts in my area (Vancouver). Also, I’d love to hear any advice on this fun and satisfying project.
So if you’re around and happen to see me driving a silver Z3, don’t hesitate to say hi, and by the way, my name is Amaury, and I’m a Mexican living in Vancouver.
probably everyone on here has spent more on our cars than they are worth
