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Location: SF Bay Area
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BMW Z3. What’s it like to drive and own one?
I’m intrigued with the Z3. I’ve always liked its looks but I heard it has a soft, full of body roll ride. If you’ve driven one, please let me know if that’s truly the case.
How expensive is one to own? Is it a car you can DIY or is it all cramped and finicky so better left for BMW mechanics? Please let me know your experience with owning a Z3. Btw, these cars are super cheap right now. Miatas cost more, if you can believe that. Last edited by cantdrv55; 10-24-2022 at 02:46 PM.. |
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10-24-2022, 02:38 PM
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Location: Raleigh, NC
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John D. 82 911 SC Targa-Rosewood 2012 Golf TDI |
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10-24-2022, 05:52 PM
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John D. 82 911 SC Targa-Rosewood 2012 Golf TDI |
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10-24-2022, 05:55 PM
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Team California
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Are you talking first or second generation style? I'm probably in the minority but I like the second gen better. Also, the M version is quite a leap up in performance in either. I think that they are no more or less reliable than a 3-series of the same vintage. Definitely DIY friendly, if you are so inclined. Otherwise, find the best indy BMW shop around and establish a relationship. Plus use them for a PPI, of course.
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Denis The only thing remotely likable about Charlie Kirk was that he was a 1A guy. Think about that one. |
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10-24-2022, 06:19 PM
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Thanks guys
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10-24-2022, 07:54 PM
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The Z3 is basically a shorter 3-series convertible. By modern standards the chassis isn't very stiff, and there were some rear subframe issues, but it was comparable to the 986 Boxster. I didn't have any issues, but I owned the coupe. The engines in the Z3s are identical to the 3 series, so the usual BMW aging problems (cooling system, always). Almost no one likes the 1.9L 4-cylinder, which is why they're so cheap.
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"Motorcycles... the cigarettes of transportation." Seth Myers |
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10-25-2022, 02:54 AM
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Still Doin Time
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Nokesville, Va.
Posts: 8,225
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As said above, the M series are fast, broad power band, a lot of fun. They use all the bits of a 3 platform, not complicated at all. They are a drivers car, more 'raw' than a Z4 in terms of feel. I've worked on and driven a lot of them, owned a handful. I like them a lot.
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'15 Dodge - 'Dango R/T Hauls groceries and Kinda Hauls *ss '07 Jeep SRT-8 - Hauls groceries and Hauls *ss Sold '85 Guards Red Targa - Almost finished after 17 years '95 Road King w/117ci - No time to ride, see above '77 Sportster Pro-Street Drag Bike w/93ci - Sold |
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10-25-2022, 04:20 AM
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Same sentiments as ashpallt here .
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No left turn un stoned |
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10-25-2022, 10:34 AM
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Team California
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Apologies, I conflated the Z3 and Z4 cars, which I referred to as, “second generation.”
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10-25-2022, 10:51 AM
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Banned
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: cutler bay
Posts: 15,141
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I bet a turbo would do wonders to the 4 banger z3
a low boost unit like volvo used kick in low and boost 2 to 5 k rpm mid range much better drive-ability then a peek rpm unit and less blow ups too |
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10-25-2022, 01:50 PM
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Still Doin Time
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Nokesville, Va.
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The 4 cyl engines are of an old design, not much good for anything other than an anchor. The 6's are the way to go.
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'15 Dodge - 'Dango R/T Hauls groceries and Kinda Hauls *ss '07 Jeep SRT-8 - Hauls groceries and Hauls *ss Sold '85 Guards Red Targa - Almost finished after 17 years '95 Road King w/117ci - No time to ride, see above '77 Sportster Pro-Street Drag Bike w/93ci - Sold |
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10-25-2022, 02:09 PM
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Think of an E30 318is325is convertible. That is how it would be with the 4 or 6 banger. Z3 rear suspension is based off an E30. An old BMW friend had a 96 4 banger that he raced SCCA Solo 2. Had lots of fun stock, but went with a Downing Atlanta SC for more oomph! If I were to choose one, I would get the S54, then the S52 If not an M, then the 2.5 6 cylinder.
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'24 Tesla Model 3, '22 Tesla Model Y '19 Tacoma '06 Carrera, '79 930 '06 S4 Avant |
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10-25-2022, 02:32 PM
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Banned
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: cutler bay
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Quote:
and IN F-1 STOCK BLOCK 1.5 4 MADE 1500HP SAME BLOCK yes very different guts and no they were Q motors not race 250hp no sweat cheap jap turbo stock guts E-85 fuel 
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10-25-2022, 07:32 PM
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Behind the Sun
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Tejas
Posts: 1,046
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Having driven Z3 and Z4 I prefer a Boxster of the same MY
Price point I don't even know if they are similar |
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10-26-2022, 07:30 AM
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Location: Central Kentucky
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I've owned 3 of the 4 (Z3, Z4, Z4M, and 987 Boxster S), and there was some overlap
 Short version: the Boxster was better day-to-day, the Z4MC was better as a weekender, being more focused but harsher. Brakes were better on the Porsche. If I were choosing now, at 60, I'd get the 987S; in fact, I plan to when I quit riding motorcycles.
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"Motorcycles... the cigarettes of transportation." Seth Myers |
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10-26-2022, 08:34 AM
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Gon fix it with me hammer
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I once drove it for a weekend, back when I was DDing a 924, to be honest, wasn't impressed by the steering/handling feel of the Z3
Steering just felt disconnected and handling was really not all that much better then the 924 , defo not as good as a 944.
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Stijn Vandamme EX911STARGA73EX92477EX94484EX944S8890MPHPINBALLMACHINEAKAEX987C2007 BIMDIESELBMW116D2019 |
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10-26-2022, 09:04 AM
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BimForce the Third, Esquire
