99 Z3 Coupe 2.8- Any Issues?

KTL · 06-23-2004, 10:42 AM

I know this belongs in the Z3 Forum, but this place has much more traffic so bear with me.

I'm new to the BMW thing and thought i'd ask the guys in the know. Did some searches and didn't come up with anything that struck me as a red flag, so..............

Considering a 99 2.8 Z3coupe

Here it is- 1999 Z3 Coupe 2.8

and i'm wondering if there are any issues with the '99 Z3 Coupe of which I should be wary?

I've done a little research and read about the occasional water pump and thermostat issues, plastic radiator necks, clutch replacement, etc. Just would like to know if there are any drawbacks to the Coupe, or 99 E36 2.8 cars, in general? I've driven a 98 M Roadster (rental car in Vegas..................

) and it was a hoot. I'd have a hard time comparing the 2.8 to the M since I drove the M a few years back. Does the 2.8 suffer significantly in comparison to the M? I guess it doesn't really matter because I don't want the added insurance and cost of the M if I can avoid it. I'd tend to think the 2.8 would suit a sissy like me just fine. Plus, I understand the M is a bit harsh as far as suspension tuning. A friend drove one last year and he said it's STIFF. How about the 2.8?

Thanks for any info. you folks can provide to me.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

No sweat - the Z3 is really a small E36 anyways...

In general, the coupes have very low resale value. Most people don't seem to like them as much as the cabriolets. You should be able to pick one up for relatively cheap, but if you decide to sell it, you may have a difficult time finding a buyer in a short amount of time.

Other than that, no major problems with the car, with the exception of the little things that go wrong with the 2.8 engine (cooling system).

I have a 528i, which has the same engine that is in this coupe. Needless to say, the 528i has plenty of power - this will certainly feel like a rocket!

I also do know someone with an M Coupe in storage that they may be interested in selling. His name is SWBSAM on this board...

-Wayne

KTL · 06-23-2004, 01:36 PM

Thanks for the speedy reply Wayne.

I have noticed the Z3 Coupes (M versions included) prices are a bit low. I've seen a few decent M cars in the mid 20's. I really would like the performance of the M, but I think it would wear on me for a daily driver. Not to mention i'd beat on the thing too much. That M motor is a blast to push around. I like the Coupe because it's ugly, has a hatchback (I need to haul stuff and a few people around once in a while) and it's not a convertible. Nothing wrong with 'vertibles mind you, just not interested in one.

Thanks for the headsup on Sam's M Coupe. I don't think I need one that nice. Just a solid daily driver for a fair price. A pristine one would bother me too much to drive year 'round, trying to keep it looking well.

What are the little issues with the 2.8 cooling system? Would that be the pesky plastic water pump impeller issue?

I tend to think the car i'm looking at could be had for a fair price since most people find this car undesirable/ugly. Plus it's got less selling power because it's not a M car. Resale would be an issue for me, but I don't plan on selling any time soon. What would you think a ballpark purchase price on this car might be? The price on the lot is currently $21,950 which still seems high to me................ Though it is quite a clean car inside & out with low miles

mdistel · 06-23-2004, 06:48 PM

I'd say that $24k is a bit high. I bought my 99 2.8 from a BMW dealership with 27k mi back in dec 2002 for $23k. It was certified. I leased it for around 296 and sold it in April by doing a lease transfer. Great car, very good handling, a bit heavy for my taste and the delay when revving the engine bugged the hell out of me. You have to drive it to understand. I also got sick of people starring and yelling things at me everywhere I drove. Very rare, very cool looking. ONly major problem has been a seperation of the sheet metal around the differential. Check the forums on www.bimmer.org for more info. I know of a blue one for sale for $19k in the midwest. Check the BMW CCA.org ads. I also know of a mcoupe with a full racing cage for about 25k for sale in ohio.

Mark
www.e30m50.com

mdistel · 06-23-2004, 06:53 PM

Ohh, didn't notice that it was 21995 now. Still, try to get them down.

I live in Cleveland OH and it was comfortable to drive and soaked up the bumps well.

Make sure the red paint isn't faded. I had the same red and the bumpers were a bit faded.

Try to find a 3.0 as it is more powerful and may not have the rev delay.

Mark

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

No clue on price. I use eBay all the time to get an idea of ballpark figures. Also AutoTrader.com

-Wayne

KTL · 06-25-2004, 07:18 AM

Mark and Wayne,

Thanks for the info. Helps a bunch. Especially the red paint issue and the driving impression. Much appreciated.

I figured i'd ask you fellas about price since the car is tougher to price due to it's rarity. Seems that these are priced higher than an equivalent Z3 roadster. I'd expect them to be cheaper due to the less desirable nature of them. But I guess the roadster is cheaper because of the greater number of them produced/available? Whatever the case, my haggling issue would be that "This thing is ugly. You'll have a hard time moving this, unless you run across another weirdo like me.........."

People just don't seem to like hatchbacks these days (except for younger people who buy the less expensive cars like Mazda, Honda, Acura, etc.) Why this is so, I don't know. A hatch is much more functional than a car with a trunk.

mdistel · 06-25-2004, 09:30 AM

I thought that for the most part the coupes were selling for less.

I'm a big fan of hatches and wagons. My dad has a 325xi touring and I love it! I also really like strange looking cars like my 89 Mr2.

People in the US don't like hatches and wagons but in Europe, they are extremely popular.

Good luck with the haggling, your argument is convincing

Mark

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by KTL
Whatever the case, my haggling issue would be that "This thing is ugly. You'll have a hard time moving this, unless you run across another weirdo like me.........."

Cool deal - at least you don't have any false notions about the car!

-Wayne

joelkaplan · 07-09-2004, 03:24 PM

hey, I've owned a 2.8 cpe since new(99)..pm me or e me w/ any questions....car has 99k on it; was a daily driver for 3 yrs in NY and now just a weekend car; I also have tracked it around 15x.......has suspension, ss kit and exhaust....very reliable , has only had fan clutch done beside reg maint......feel free.....

joelkaplan · 07-09-2004, 03:30 PM

22k is high...16- 19k is more like it for a 99 2.8...99 M's can be had for 22k! , rev delay can be annoying but no biggie, a chip may help or lite FW... it def does not rev like my 70 2.2T!

KTL · 07-10-2004, 07:45 AM

After mulling it over for awhile, I couldn't justify the Coupe as my daily driver. Not enough space for everyday use like groceries, golf clubs, no rear seats/carry more than one passenger................

My Laser, while not the most comfy more-than-one-passenger car, is surprisingly quite adept at hauling stuff. I stuffed four loose 16in. wheels, and four tires (two with wheels in 'em) into that car. I'd be lucky to fit two wheels in the Coupe.

Joel,

I agree on the price. I've seen a number of M's around me for sale at a price close to the 2.8 car's asking price. That certainly would have been one of my bargaining points. Thanks for the info. nonetheless!

So my search for a Coupe has subsided for awhile. At least until I get somebody else in my household that can have the utility concious car ( gotta be a car- can't stand SUVs) so I can have the fun car. Current interest(s) are in a Jetta or Passat wagon- if you can believe that.....................

mdistel · 07-10-2004, 08:37 AM

Kevin,

We have an 02 passat 1.8t and have been very dissapointed. It has 19k mi on it and has been to the dealership over 20 times. Way more than my dad's 01 325iT with 50k mi! The dealerships have lousy service on top of it. If I get to the point that I need a wagon, its definatly going to be a BMW or an old Volvo 240

Mark

KTL · 07-10-2004, 09:26 AM

The BMW wagon was my first thought, but not too many in my area. I'll take an inline six over a turbo four any day. I've had a turbo four for five years and while not too bad (more tolerable/flexible when equipped with a manual trans.), i'd rather have the torque of a six. I'd prefer an E36 and I don't see those ANYWHERE. There's a handful of E46s, but a bit pricier than i'd prefer.

No kidding about the Passat Mark. Wow.

I was planning on looking at a local '02 Passat 1.8T Wagon with 19K miles! Ideally, i'd like a VR-6. Those are a bit hard to come by in a wagon. Please PM or email me with details of your service woes if you wouldn't mind?

Looked at a 02 Jetta 1.8T wagon that seemed like a good buy. Only 6700 miles. 86 yr. old dude traded it on a Chevy Malibu. Too bad it had been repainted in several places along the pass. side. Besides the paint and the colors ( gold with beige cloth interior......

) it seemed like a nice car. Tiptronic trans is not too bad and motor is pretty lively. That says a little something considering i've been driving mostly manuals for the last 10 yrs.

Thanks for the replies fellas!