Looking to buy my first Z3.... Advice Please

quik99 · Post by **quik99** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 16:05

Hi All,

I am new to this club and completely new to the German scene! In the past i have owned 106 gti's, Clio 172, 172 Cup and now own a Clio 182 Cup which i have to say is good fun!

Im thinking of a change and perhaps looking into the roadster world for something a little different.

I have a budget of around 5k and would like to know what to look for and which model to go for in a Z3.

I have seen a 1.9 1999 Z3 for sale near me with 67k on the clock in "oxford green"..... i went to have a look and have to say it is very tidy.

What, if any, are the main differences between the 1.9 engines and the 2.0/2.2 ..... is there any real advantage to having one or the other?

Thanks and sorry if im asking stupid questions! All new to me these Z3's

clacedogg · Post by **clacedogg** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 16:23

I have driven both the 1.9 and 2.2, currently have a 2.2 and there is a noticeable difference! Can't beat a good straight 6

Either way you go you will be very happy especially with the nice weather!

Welcome to the site, happy posting

Chris

quik99 · Post by **quik99** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 16:25

Thanks mate,

I guess i am looking for an engine with a bit of punch to it, but its mainly about the drive for me, and feeling "involved" with the car.

In terms of reliability/faults.... are there any well known things to look out for?

seasurfer · Post by **seasurfer** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 16:59

Its a welcome from me too

i bought my first zed just over a year ago, never had a soft top and love it to bits - the smile is still there especially when the sun is out and the top down, a great little car, loads of info on here to help you (if you can find it

,the search button isnt always helpful) but ask away, lots of enthusiasts with tons of knowledge to help you out, and the best engine, 2.8

Gill

maurice the martian · Post by **maurice the martian** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 16:59

Hiya quik and welcome.
If its a bit of punch your after go for a 2.8,you can get a decent one for
£4500-£5000. You can even pick up a 3.0ltr. for £5000.
I`ve just gone from a 2.2 to a 3.0ltr and what a difference

Maurice

quik99 · Post by **quik99** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 17:08

Thanks guys, much appreciated

Has anyone driven the 1.9? if so, how does it compare to the 2.2?

Zteve · Post by **Zteve** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 17:15

Just go and get one, you won’t regret it….

I have the 2.8, massive step up from my previous soft tops (Spitfire & MG’s) no comparison really, loving it and although I don’t contribute on here being a learner of the BMW and Z3 the info from the guys that do contribute is first class…

GazHyde · Post by **GazHyde** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 17:57

You can't beat the smoothness or the noise of the straight six!

I have the 2.0 6cyl, and is a good drive but would suggest the 2.8 or 2.2 or 3.0 if you want a bit of oomph... Mines not slow, but does need to be driven harder than I would like to at times...

Gaz.

billz · Post by **billz** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 18:55

If you get the 1.9 and do want a bit of umph then you could end up kicking yourself for not getting a bigger engine. Quite a few are happy with there 1.9s. i would suggest going through the range before you decide. If it is umph your after then its got to be either the 2.8 or 3.0.
bill

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 19:25

Welcome to the forum.

The problem is that "a bit of oomph" means different things to different people.

The 1.9 is nimble and fun t throw around corners but ultimately it will no give the "shove in the back" torquey push that the larger engines with.

The main thing you need to decide is if you want a striaght 6 engine. To me its what differentiates BMW from the pack and so personally like for like I would always take the 6 over the 4 cylinder.

The 2.2 which came out later in the range is widely regarded as probably the best all round engine for the Z3. Its torquey and has one of the best sounding engines across the range. They do however command a higher price for this.

You really can't beat driving a few though and seeing what suits your needs best.

Get to know the range a little:

<04/99 Facelift narrow v widebodied
>04/99 Facelift

Some people prefer the older pre facelift shape and vice versa.

You can download a brochure HERE and price list HERE for the 2001 range which includes the 2.2 in both sport and non sport version. Get to know the options (sport seats, air con, etc....) so you know what your looking at

but most of all enjoy the search.

zedwheels · Post by **zedwheels** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 19:39

Hi. I have never owned a soft top before this one. When i was looking around for the model i wanted i thought about other things as well like the insurance group, i also thought at the time that a 2ltr with the straight six above the four would be more popular for resale when i want to trade up.
I must say that i'm not at all dissapointed with the performance or fuel consumption with this machine, it makes me feel good, cant wait for some more

days! Which ever model you chose your gonna feel the same, its a car that ha street cred.
Happy shopping.

zedwheels · Post by **zedwheels** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 19:45

Maurice,
Gotta say man i love the look of that one! I bet you got your little hair dryer on that every morning.

jontymo · Post by **jontymo** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 20:17

If you want a decent one have a look at my 2.8

jontymo

Jamezee · Post by **Jamezee** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 23:14

Jonttt wrote:Welcome to the forum.

The problem is that "a bit of oomph" means different things to different people.

The 1.9 is nimble and fun t throw around corners but ultimately it will no give the "shove in the back" torquey push that the larger engines with.

The main thing you need to decide is if you want a striaght 6 engine. To me its what differentiates BMW from the pack and so personally like for like I would always take the 6 over the 4 cylinder.

The 2.2 which came out later in the range is widely regarded as probably the best all round engine for the Z3. Its torquey and has one of the best sounding engines across the range. They do however command a higher price for this.

You really can't beat driving a few though and seeing what suits your needs best.

Get to know the range a little:

<04/99 Facelift narrow v widebodied
>04/99 Facelift

Some people prefer the older pre facelift shape and vice versa.

You can download a brochure HERE and price list HERE for the 2001 range which includes the 2.2 in both sport and non sport version. Get to know the options (sport seats, air con, etc....) so you know what your looking at but most of all enjoy the search.

Thanks for those links jonttt

Sorcerors Apprentice · Post by **Sorcerors Apprentice** » Thu 17 Mar, 2011 23:34

quik99 wrote:In terms of reliability/faults.... are there any well known things to look out for?

Yep, swamper.

quik99 · Post by **quik99** » Fri 18 Mar, 2011 09:02

Thanks for the replies guys! More than helpfull and a really warm welcome from everyone

I think il take the advice and go and drive a few to see what i notice

Just one question.... The whole pre facelift and facelift bit is confusing me as i am stuggling to tell the difference....

more importantly.... were there any real mechanical changes to the chassis, suspension or engines etc? ie anything which was vastly improved?

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Fri 18 Mar, 2011 16:46

Have a read of this:

http://users.belgacom.net/bmw_z3/bmw_z3_history.htm

and pre/psot facelfit are really easy to spot once you know what to look for but rear lights is the easiest as they are a completely different shape (nb ///M's did not have a change in bodyshape at all)

Ian Kelly · Post by **Ian Kelly** » Sun 20 Mar, 2011 08:13

I bought my first Z3 last October after viewing 4 or 5 cars. You really can't beat seeing a selection, you start noticing different things about the cars and eventually you form an opinion of the things you definitely do \ don't want. Also it gives you an idea of the different condition of the cars, as some will have been very pampered and \ or spent their lives under cover, others may have been treated less well.

I bought the M version, and I would echo other's comments about the straight six engine. I've always had 4 pots, and the smoothness of a straight six is something else, a truly great engine.

Enjoy the hunt!

Cheers,

Ian

theduck · Post by **theduck** » Mon 28 Mar, 2011 08:16

My father in law has a 1.9 4 pot, and I have just bought a 2.0 6 pot, the 2.0 is so much better than the 1.9, so I would definately be looking for a 6 cylinder.