New Z enthusiast....

[Mr. Big]

Hi everybody- my name is Matt, and I hail from the Boston area... I just wanted to introduce myself, as I am on my quest for a new toy / commuter car. I've been looking at a few '99-'00 Z3s over the past few weeks, as well as a number of similar vintage 3-series sedans.

Anyway, I just had a few quick questions regarding the Z3 model that I am leaning heavily towards... The car that I am considering is a black/tan/walnut 72k mile 2-owner roadster out of Virginia with what looks like a clean record and good service history for sale from a dealer in the area, asking $15,900. Realizing that the factory warranty expired at 50k miles, are there any larger ticket expenses looming on the horizon for what seems to be a well cared for car? I'm not sure what the average clutch life is, for example...

Also, the recent thread on frame and support bracket fractures has me a little scared. Do these issues seem to be the exception, rather than the rule for a non- track or autoX driven car? I'm not looking to race or push the handling limits of the car at all, rather, it would be used for everyday driving to and from the office, with mostly highway and back road miles, and some winter driving with a hardtop.

Well, I'm sure it will be great chatting with everyone, as I have a bunch to eagerly learn.

 

[Big Daddy]

Mr. Big, welcome. You do not say what engine is in the Z your looking at, which would make a big difference in the value, etc. Regardless the price you've listed does not seem out of the ordinary.

I believe the stress factures are an exception, rather than the rule. I had a 97 2.8 Z3 and pushed it hard, on and off the track without any problems. I have a 98 M roadster now that has seen it's share of hard driving. I had her checked for fractures and there were none found, no issues.

Clutch life varies. My 91 318is had 160k on her when I sold her with the original clutch. I have heard that 150k is average, but have no factual information on clutch life. I recently priced replacement (just for fun) on the 98 and was told $600.00 parts and labor, not bad!

Best of luck and post us some photos with what ever you end up with!

 

[Tom]

Whats up with you Z guys and the use of the word "Big" in your handles .


Welcome aboard Matt, nice to have you here and please share some pictures.

 

[Kirby]

I also think the frame cracks are the exception rather than rule. I know for certain that on the E36 325 that's the case.

 

[Mr. Big]

*phew* ....that's a relief to hear that the frame issues don't seem to be a commonplace problem. I had a feeling that it wasn't, since I didn't come upon it immediately when searching for different issues that I may or may not have ahead of me to deal with. The Z that I've been looking at is listed as having the 2.5L 6-cyl according to the photocopy of the window data sheet I have, mated to the 5-speed manual tranny.

Wow... $600 for a clutch replacement, and the average life is in the neighborhood of 150k miles? Not too bad at all. I just had the clutch done on my '96 4x4 Tacoma daily driver with 126k miles, and it ran just a hair over $900 (!!) at an independant shop down the street. Of course, being a 4wd vehicle, there's a little more involved in actually getting to the clutch/flywheel etc... and then reassembly...

Big Daddy- I'll definetely do a little photo shoot once I pick once up--- hopefully by the end of this coming weekend, I'll have narrowed it down between the couple I'm looking at right now, and have a down payment in place on one of them, if not cutting a check for the entirety of the car . In the late spring, I'd really like to take some nice shots of the Chevelle and Z3 together... kind of a "meeting of the two worlds and two eras" type of thing. Should be a lot of fun!


...can't wait until the end of this weekend to see exactly what pans out!




Matt

 

[jrt67ss350]

Mr. Big,

Welcome to the board. The Z3 is definitely a blast to drive! I drove a 2000 2.5 5 speed for the summer of 2000 - it was incredible. Loved that car.

The original clutch lasted close to 260,000 miles on my 1987 325 and only cost me $500 to have it professionally replaced. BMW clutches tend to last a long time if they aren't abused.

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for '67 Chevelles. I have a '67 Camaro. You can check it out at www.furman.edu/~jtrauner

 

[ronald]

hi Matt, Six weeks ago I bought myself a new toy,a 2000 z3 m roadster. I had a dealer check it, could not find any problems.What I am learning is that there great cars.It is fun to drive and fast.Can't believe all the looks and compliments it gets.

 

[metsrbest69]

The Z3 is just the most fun. The more time you can go topless the bettter, it rides great and just looks super. I have had mine for about 1.5 years now and (knock of wood) never had any issues at all. People always look at it, compliments, etc. It's also fun when you show up at a golf course (people wonder when the clubs are). Good luck.

 

[Mr. Big]

Well, I've got great news- This morning I just put down money for a gorgeous black/tan '99 2.3 roadster. I'll be picking it up the end of next week, as I'll be away on business until then.... I can't wait! I negotiated a new set of tires, alignment, detailing, and new set of hood pistons, as the bracket on one of them was loose, so I suppose that will give the dealer enough time to get all that together..... pics coming as soon as i get it in my hands for good!

 

[Zee3Coupe]

Hey Matt,

As a fellow Boston area Z3 enthusiast, welcome to the affliction. Honk if you see my Silver Z3 Coupe in the Allston/Brighton or Framingham area. Also, look out for the BMW and German car day events at the Larz Anderson Museum of Transportation, and if you're in need of a good bimmer mechanic, and yes, you definitely will, call Chip at Autobahn Automotive in Natick (and NEVER go to certain Boston Area to-be-left-unnamed dealers!)

Dan

 

[FernHill]

FernHill

Matt, just purchased an 01 Z3 2.5. I too think it is the beginning of a great relationship. I've read the thread about the stress cracks. (after I bought my car, of course). Can't worry about that now. I look forward to participating on the message board.

I am trying to determine if my car had aftermarket interior upgrades. It has the marking of ///M on the steering wheel and shifter. Some of the other Z3s I looked at before I purchased this one did not.

 

[lostinthenet03]

What dealers in Mass should be avoided.

Hi I am new to BMW. I just purchased a 1998 Bmw Z3 2.8 with 75,000. I live in Marlboro, Ma. I have been looking at Z3's for about 4 mths now and finally bought one. The dealer is giving me a warrety for 12 mths/12,000. I hvae been told that wagner bmw in shewsbury is very good and anouther bmw person here at work recommened Forieign motors west as a good service center. Are there any other service centers that are better? Concrats matt on your z3 purchase.