1999 z3 coupe info needed

56 nomad · 56 nomad's Garage

hello, i am a long time porsche owner and am contemplating the purchase of a 1999 z# with about 79,000 on the clock with an auto trans. i have been doing a lot of reading and found out about the rear trans mounts. are there any othere things i should check for, what are the cost for service and up keep...a big deal to me as i dont want to have to spend big bucks to service the car etc.
i wrench on my car , is it possible to wrench on this or is it more a shop car? please give me some insight as this is the 1st bmw i will have owned and i would like to be as informed as possible...if there are other articles ineed to be aware of, please point me in the right direction.
thanks, ben

epbrown · 09-01-2012, 07:02 AM

The Z3 is mostly based on the same hardware as the E36 3-series (1992-1999). No reason your typical shadetree mechanic couldn't keep one on the road. Aside from the rear subframe issue, you've got your typical BMW issues with the cooling system, window regulators, blower switches and ageing seals. The seat bushings wear causing them to shift a bit during hard braking, which I ran into with mine.

56 nomad · 56 nomad's Garage

hi, thanks so no major mechanical issues other than the rear mount..what does it typically cost for service on these?how long does the drive train typically last?
thanks ben

epbrown · 09-01-2012, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 56 nomad

hi, thanks so no major mechanical issues other than the rear mount..what does it typically cost for service on these?how long does the drive train typically last?

First, you'll have to assess the condition. If it's still solid, you're talking about welding in reinforcements so it never tears. If it's begun tearing, you're talking about repairing the metal, which BMW might be obligated to do because of a class action lawsuit. Due to the latter, a lot of cars have been fixed already, so this could be much ado about nothing.

The premier subframe repair guy is Randy Forbes. Google him and BMW Z3 and you should find tons of info and pics on what's involved. Most people within a day's drive make the trek to him. I never got around to doing it to my Z3 Coupe, but I'd had no signs of trouble.

56 nomad · 56 nomad's Garage

thanks for the response ...thread closed , ben