Considering a Z3
 

I've noticed a lot of Z3's for sale in the $7k to $12k range.

It also seems that there are several engines available.

So...which are the "desirable" engines, and which to avoid?

What about options? What are the common problems with this model?

Before you get too far down the rabbit hole see if you fit in one, too tight for me.

The 4 cyl is fun but most skip it for a 6. Honestly, any 6 is fine, m engine of course is a hoot. I really like a z3 coupe I test drove, fit issues again. After a few bmw's I have to admit most interiors tend to wear out sooner than you expect.

I imagine typical BMW issues.. Radiators, subframes, waterpumps. Check wiki, but iirc, early 1-2 years had no rollbars, later ones did. 6's are all nice motors. Buy the nicest you can afford.

BeyGon has one, and there are others here. But the newest one you can.

I looked/drove one too before I drove the Boxster. I found the Boxster to be a better a drive all round.

Ha! I thought it said "73" not "Z3" I was going to tell you about Tangerine....

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Z3's are nice too! :p

Go for a 1998-2000 M Roadster if you have the spare money lying around. It has the E36 M3 engine in it and they are very reliable. The later models (2001 & 2002) have the S54 engine which is the E46 M3 engine and the cost for parts are high. If you want just a regular Z3, go with the 2.8L or 3.0L. I know someone who has a 328 with the 2.8L engine and it is a hoot to drive. Just change the cooling system out and you are all set. I'm eventually planning on buying a Z3 coupe in the future. Here are three links that should be useful.

Used Car Classic: BMW Z3 Roadster & Coupe - Article - RoadandTrack.com
BMW M Registry - FAQ E36/7 M roadster

EDIT: I forgot to include this one. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=738323 <- Some people on that forum complain about everything though.

I drove a late 90s one last summer, a 97 I think. Not particularly powerful, but something about it reminded me of an old British roadster, MG, Triumph, etc. I can't put y finger on it, just something about it seemed to look back, rather than forward, like a boxster. I liked it. Can't say I'd buy one, but I did like it.

I've test driven a few and couldn't stand the standard seats. 10 miles and I wanted OUT. Not a lot of room either, as has been noted. Didn't particularly like the handling, especially didn't like the rear suspension.

A Boxster is a vastly better car, at least in my opinion.

JR

It's in the genes...
 

I bought the August edition of Automobile and they did a comparison of the Z4, the Boxster and the SLK.
Of course they are all new. And the winner is.....
the Boxster but has a weird rear end compared to the older 986(I am partial to my rear end!). A little off topic here but is worth the read when u are considering a Z3. :):):)

Yes, because comparing cars a couple generations newer really helps when you're considering one 10-15 years old....

The more I look at the Z3 the better I like them.

I like the boxster too (pretty much it's main competitor) but I would think the BMW would be more DIY friendly (no experience).

I thought hard about getting a used Z3 four banger as a DD... but I would have had to get a hard top to park it in the city.

You can bank on having to re-due all the cooling system around 100-120k
OX sensors go bad at 100k Tops get wrinkles in the rear glass. OEM will cost you
2-3k aftermarket ones have the rear window non replaceable but are $300-400 plus labor. I would not do a 4 the sixes are OK (M would be fun) the sixes get around
23 -24mpg. Handles like a marshmellow. Throw -out bearing making sounds at 134k.

OK for a commuter car.

Well, I put the motorcycle on Craigslist and it sold in a day. I pretty much got my asking price. The guy who bought it works for my old boss at my old company.

I'd like to take a Z3 for a drive to see if I even like it. I'm keeping my eyes open for something local coming up for sale.

So now I have a dilemma.

I had been saving some money for an AR-50, but maybe I could combine that money with my motorcycle money and another year or two of saving (depending on how I do) I'd have enough cash straight up to buy an M Roadster, or a C5 Z06, or a Boxster S.

I assume that BMW parts are cheaper than Porsche parts, is that correct? I got rid of the 951 because it seemed to require $2-4k a year to keep running and getting at the clutch in that thing was a nightmare. So I'd like something that is easy to work on and averages no more than $1k a year to keep running.

Of course, I could just go buy the AR-50 and a Kawasaki Voyager XII with the cash I have on-hand.

Some BMW parts are cheaper... But I wouldn't count on it being easier to work on. Also the electronics are a little funny in them, kinda par for the course with that era though....

I would save and get a nicer car as you suggested. You probably have enough guns already. You may try to stretch into a 993 cab. Those are nice and plentiful and the clutch is easy to get to (once the engine and transmission are on the ground)!

G

Ha ha... No. I've owned 7 BMW's and they have typically nickel-and-dimed me to death. My Porsche experience has been much better, primarily with various 911's.

My suggestion would be to test drive a 911 and a Boxster S. I wouldn't personally consider a Z3 if you gave me one for free. I'd consider a Vette before that, but it would be a ways behind either Porsche.

Of course, your priorities may be different than mine.

JR

The Z3 is a car that never got my motor running even the larger displacement 6 cylinder models. Certainly a good seller for BMW, but there are so many more enthusiast choices in this price range. I would pick a E36 M3 or a well maintained (higher mileage) E46 M3 for that type of scratch if you want to stay with the Roundel marque.

BTW Eric \ Kaisen - you crack me up!

Nice one!!!
 

Nice one!! I Love it!!!

I drove both Z3 and Z4 roadsters and like my turbo miata far more than either of them. It of course does not have a propeller on the front, actually does not have anything on the front since I shaved the badge. I need to remove a bit of foam from the bottom part of the driver's seat and it will be about perfect, for me anyway.

Boxster S is a heck of a great car, IMS thing sort of spooked me, even if it is overblown, Have you driven an S2000? Those are a hoot, but the videogame dash is a bit off putting, and the door sills are too high.