Import Z3s
Import Z3s
Hi guys,
What’s the view on Japanese import Z3s?
I have some concerns about knowledge of a cars exact history and mileage proof etc. I wondered if anyone had any experience of buying an import?
Thanks
Ken
What’s the view on Japanese import Z3s?
I have some concerns about knowledge of a cars exact history and mileage proof etc. I wondered if anyone had any experience of buying an import?
Thanks
Ken
Re: Import Z3s
Down here in New Zealand where we don't have any car manufacturing plants, Jap import cars make up a sizable % of the cars on the road. I've owned several over the years. The mileage appears to be correct on them.
There are many Jap import Z3's around here. We don't give its imported status much thought when looking to buy them.
Ensure you get to see the Japan auction sheet. It will give you a condition rating and a diagram/list of known damage. I usually on look at 4/5 to 4.5/5 condition graded cars.
There are many Jap import Z3's around here. We don't give its imported status much thought when looking to buy them.
Ensure you get to see the Japan auction sheet. It will give you a condition rating and a diagram/list of known damage. I usually on look at 4/5 to 4.5/5 condition graded cars.
Re: Import Z3s
Mine is a 1998, imported to a dealer who specialised in imports when it was 10 years old and owned by me since then. A very positive experience, 23k and BMW service documents with it confirming regular servicing and mileage, in Japanese of course.
The car was indistinguishable from brand new and had never seen road salt, (still hasn't as summer use only), fault free and immaculately clean.
It's now covered a further 23,000 trouble free miles and never failed an MOT or had advisories, I've just had my second set of new tyres fitted along with new brake pads and fluids changed.
I paid top price for the car at the time and it's been well worth it as I've had very little expense since.
Just my personal experience of course and I was concerned at the time about history etc. but once I saw and inspected the car and documents I realised I couldn't get a better one so took the plunge.
Insurance hasn't been a problem either, just the same as normal.
Dave.
Dave. 1998 Arctic Silver Z3 M44 1.9 Automatic
Re: Import Z3s
The one caution applied to Japanese imports of Japanese cars (typically MX5s) is the lower level of corrosion protection applied there. In the case of 'foreign' built cars from Japan this worry may not apply. You need to know from BMW ideally whether the US factory differentiated European standard RHD cars from Japanese spec RHD cars. It is possible that the same protection was applied.
Re: Import Z3s
My Z3 is European spec as regards corrosion protection but as you rightly say, you have to be careful with other makes as cars made in Japan for the Japanese market don't always have adequate protection for this country.motco wrote: ↑Fri 10 Nov, 2017 09:26 The one caution applied to Japanese imports of Japanese cars (typically MX5s) is the lower level of corrosion protection applied there. In the case of 'foreign' built cars from Japan this worry may not apply. You need to know from BMW ideally whether the US factory differentiated European standard RHD cars from Japanese spec RHD cars. It is possible that the same protection was applied.
Dave.
Dave. 1998 Arctic Silver Z3 M44 1.9 Automatic
Re: Import Z3s
Heh, the UK market MX-5s weren't a great deal better, as I found to my cost!
Graham (G4FUJ)
Prescott marshal and Hill Controller
Found another Z3 so back here after a long break 1999 1.9, Palmetto Green
1 Morgan 4/4 (selling in Spring) and a Land Rover 90 (keeping forever)
Prescott marshal and Hill Controller
Found another Z3 so back here after a long break 1999 1.9, Palmetto Green
1 Morgan 4/4 (selling in Spring) and a Land Rover 90 (keeping forever)
Re: Import Z3s
Honda S2000s were not too good either. Japanese cars seem to lag behind ours in that area.
Re: Import Z3s
Thanks all, appreciate the comments and feedback
Re: Import Z3s
The Japanese tend to maintain their cars to a very high standard, always clean and original dealer servicing, I'd have no problem buying a Japanese import at all.
Re: Import Z3s
Check out this import for condition! Stunning!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... 500&page=1
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... 500&page=1
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- Joined: Wed 11 Apr, 2007 13:13
- Posts: 160
- Location: Billingham
Re: Import Z3s
swabyk if you can get one in this condition you'll be doing well. Only thing for me is the KM speedo, is it still OK for the MOT? I think it would cost a bit to get a MPH version and then I think there is problems setting it up. Perhaps MOT experts will pass comment on it in due course.PaulI wrote: ↑Sat 11 Nov, 2017 14:52 Check out this import for condition! Stunning!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified ... 500&page=1
Pete C
2000 Z3M Coupe - Cosmos Black Metallic/Black Interior.
Previous BMWs
2003 E46 M3 6 speed manual - Carbon Black/Black Interior.
2000 Z3M Coupe - Cosmos Black/Black Interior
1986 M635
1985 E28 M5
1983 E28 528i Alpina
2000 Z3M Coupe - Cosmos Black Metallic/Black Interior.
Previous BMWs
2003 E46 M3 6 speed manual - Carbon Black/Black Interior.
2000 Z3M Coupe - Cosmos Black/Black Interior
1986 M635
1985 E28 M5
1983 E28 528i Alpina
Re: Import Z3s
There are a number of companies doing KM to miles conversions on speedometers.
Graham (G4FUJ)
Prescott marshal and Hill Controller
Found another Z3 so back here after a long break 1999 1.9, Palmetto Green
1 Morgan 4/4 (selling in Spring) and a Land Rover 90 (keeping forever)
Prescott marshal and Hill Controller
Found another Z3 so back here after a long break 1999 1.9, Palmetto Green
1 Morgan 4/4 (selling in Spring) and a Land Rover 90 (keeping forever)
Re: Import Z3s
Why would a KPH speedometer be a big deal for the MOT? It's hardly a safety issue. Plus, if you get the numbers mixed up you'd be going slower. An MPH speedo would be a bigger problem on the continent.
I know for a fact that here in the Netherlands a MPH speedo is not a fail on an imported car.
Dave
I know for a fact that here in the Netherlands a MPH speedo is not a fail on an imported car.
Dave
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
Z3 1.9 2000, Cosmos Schwartz
Z3 1.9 2000, Cosmos Schwartz
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- Joined: Tue 14 Nov, 2017 15:01
- Posts: 15
Re: Import Z3s
I believe it is a requirement of the DVLA to have an MPH speedo.
Re: Import Z3s
not a fail according to the MOT manual. It has to work, be covered with an unbroken lens and be lit. No mention of speed measurement in MPH
Z3 2.8 Progress Journal (Mine)
Z3 1.9 Sport Progress Journal (Wifey's)
I have an element of 'M-styling' on my car, If that's a good enough reason for the manufacturers to adorn a 320 with the M badge, then its certainly a good enough reason for me..