Looking for help buying Z3

[Dan02TRD]

I'm looking a purchasing a Z3 and am new to the whole BMW community. I was just wondering if there was any specific years I should stay away from, or anything specific to look for. Right now I am looking at a 1998 with a 2.8 and 5 speed. It has about 60k miles and looks pretty clean. Just wanted to do some homework before actually buying. Thanks.

Dan

 

[M///Spyder]

Hey, Im also looking to buy a Z3 this spring, I already found a guy that is selling one its a 96 Roadster with a M3 motor and a non intercooled Vortech Charger, cause i dont think they made v6 Z3 in 96, anyway im also new to this board and would like to say hello to everyone here.

 

[Big Daddy]

First welcome to both of you, this is a great forum and there are a lot of good people here. ///M Spyder BMW does not make a V6 in any car! The 96 Z3's sold in the US were all 4 cylinders. Check the link below as it is a thread regarding structural problems witih Z3's some people were concerned with, however I have a 98 M roadster and it has no structural problems even though it has not been babied!

Z3's

Also check this site for a lot of Z3 info.

Esmerealds

 

[M///Spyder]

First welcome to both of you, this is a great forum and there are a lot of good people here. ///M Spyder BMW does not make a V6 in any car! The 96 Z3's sold in the US were all 4 cylinders. Check the link below as it is a thread regarding structural problems witih Z3's some people were concerned with, however I have a 98 M roadster and it has no structural problems even though it has not been babied!

Z3's

Also check this site for a lot of Z3 info.

Esmerealds

the one that im getting has the Inline 6 not V6 sorry for not explaining correctly, anyway all that I know so far that its a 96 with a different engine not the 4 cyl, but it has a motor swap from a M3 I do not know what year, motor is in the shop getting rebuild with new block and heads as I was told, but I still need to research about this engine Im more familiar with american V6 and V8 engines then the imported ones.

 

[Big Daddy]

I am not too sure I would want one with an engine swap, depending on how or what was done? Remember that regardless of what you do to the car, it is still a 96 and generally you do not recover expenses from modifications of that nature. The other issue would be the differential. I would not expect a 4 cyl. diff to stand up to the torque etc. of an M motor, but I suppose if it is done right it can work. Either way check it out in detail and good luck with it. Post some photos if you can.

 

[M///Spyder]

Im pretty sure It was set up for track so it had diff, Brembro Brakes, shocks done, the car was only 1" of the floor, Ill try to get some pics in couple of weeks since the car is in the shop, as I said I still need to do some more research on the car.

 

[M///Spyder]

BTW, Sorry Dan02TRD for stealing your post!

 

[Big Daddy]

Did you two buy your Z3's yet?

 

[metsrbest69]

Tell you, I have had mine for 1+ years and love it. Its a 1997 and only has 58k miles on it.

 

[Big Daddy]

Nice raodster Steve, I love the green. I saw a roadster today near Federal Way WA. that look like a cross between green and gray, in a way it was pretty cool looking.

 

[metsrbest69]

Thanks Big Daddy, Here in Tulsa the Z is not that common and I have only seen one other in the same color driving around town. It especially sweet duirng the spring - fall (have to deal with some hot summers) when you let the top down. Does not like icey roads to much though.