edumakate me on the BMW Z3

[scottmandue]

Just goofing around and did a Internet car search on anything under $10K near me.

Among other interesting things (Mustang GT, Jag V12... oh my but the gas mileage)

I find a 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster with 86K miles.

Not seriously thinking of buying... or am I?

It would have to be a DD for at least two years.

Anyone know anything about these cars? Are there particular years that had a bad run?

Thanks in advance.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Just goofing around and did a Internet car search on anything under $10K near me.

Among other interesting things (Mustang GT, Jag V12... oh my but the gas mileage)

I find a 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster with 86K miles.

Not seriously thinking of buying... or am I?

It would have to be a DD for at least two years.

Anyone know anything about these cars? Are there particular years that had a bad run?

Thanks in advance.

I've got one. It's fun to drive. In fact, I've nearly quit riding my motorcycle since I got the Z. It's got about 78k on the clock and it's been dependable for the 20k I've put on it.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

It was one of the cars I test-drove before ending up with my SLK. Decent car although the Z4 was definitely "tighter" feeling and a bit more refined - but also definitely uglier. The Z3 is a lot more attractive and streamlined. And it's smaller which means easier to park, etc. The Z3 isn't a bad car but I get put off by the over-presence of electronic thingamawhatsies in BMWs as a general comment, although the Z3 is far less obnoxious in this regard than the newer models.

Decent car - you could certainly do worse. Probably would be a lot of fun but consider practical aspects (cargo, etc.) before you commit to ANY 2-seater roadster.

[scottmandue]

Thanks... been searching the web and everyone seems to like them.

Little freaked out because on ebay they want $2000 for a hardtop.

Funny thing is I was looking at Honda Civics's and Toyota Corolla's (needs to be a DD) then I saw an ad for this thing.

Whatever I get it has to be reliable (see Toyota and Honda comment above) but BMW is pretty legendary for their reliability.

Someone commented about convertible roof leaks... have you had any problem with that?

[Dueller]

Funny this should come up....got a call from a friemd of a friend of an acquiantenance. Knew I foled arounf with old German cars. Wants to know if I;m interested in a high mileage (200K) but good running 1996 z3 for $1500? Supposedly in decent shape, maintained etc but a little tired. Hmmmmm....I could pick up a 3.2 M3 motor for about $2500-3000, some chipping/intake/exhaust/suspension and end up with a $5K 300 hp toy....

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I don't have any first-hand knowledge of the BMW roofs and whether they are prone to leaking. The SLK (retractable hardtop) is tight as a drum. I can hit all the seals point blank with my pressure washer and not a drop gets in. I also silicone-spray the seals at least a couple of times a year, which I believe helps them last longer.

Not like it rains all that often in your neck of the woods anyway... I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by Dueller

Funny this should come up....got a call from a friemd of a friend of an acquiantenance. Knew I foled arounf with old German cars. Wants to know if I;m interested in a high mileage (200K) but good running 1996 z3 for $1500? Supposedly in decent shape, maintained etc but a little tired. Hmmmmm....I could pick up a 3.2 M3 motor for about $2500-3000, some chipping/intake/exhaust/suspension and end up with a $5K 300 hp toy....

I would buy that in a second knowing how well my 308k mileage 325i has driven over the last 100k. Shocks and a bit of clean-up and maybe an AC recharge, and it wouldbe likely good to go as a fun daily driver.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

It was one of the cars I test-drove before ending up with my SLK. Decent car although the Z4 was definitely "tighter" feeling and a bit more refined - but also definitely uglier. The Z3 is a lot more attractive and streamlined. And it's smaller which means easier to park, etc. The Z3 isn't a bad car but I get put off by the over-presence of electronic thingamawhatsies in BMWs as a general comment, although the Z3 is far less obnoxious in this regard than the newer models.

The 98 Z3 doesn't have iDrive (AKA iCrash). My 08 535xi does have the electronic bells and whistles that BMW is so infamous for and it isn't half as much fun to drive as the Z3. I would recommend a Z3 to anyone who likes to drive and finds it fun. I would never recommend a 535 to someone who likes driving. It's an OK car if you want to be a passenger behind the steering wheel.

[lin7310948]

just sold my 99 z3M coupe to my son...nice cars but expensive to modify. be sure to check the differential attachment in the rear under the carpet. some of the z cars have almost had the differential fall out of its mounting. i reenforced mine but there was no evidence of any broken welds. personally i do not care for the roadster but really like the coupes...heavy little cars in my opinion!

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by lin7310948

just sold my 99 z3M coupe to my son...nice cars but expensive to modify. be sure to check the differential attachment in the rear under the carpet. some of the z cars have almost had the differential fall out of its mounting. i reenforced mine but there was no evidence of any broken welds. personally i do not care for the roadster but really like the coupes...heavy little cars in my opinion!

In a perfect world I would love that car.

But I'm not shopping for a performance car, I need a four banger economical commuter. This 1.9L Z3 could work for me in that area (and be fun to drive to boot).

My dad has a CRV I could borrow if I ever need to hall more than two people.

[VincentVega]

I'm in the same boat and am thinking z3 too. Havent driven one though, I'm 6'3 so interior space is a concern. I'd jump on the $1500 Z3.

[Dueller]

Craziness in a Z3 Mcoupe in Stockholm....