Z3 buyers info needed please

[Tibs]

OH is liking the look of a Z3. Never had anything to do with them,so before I go off to look at a few,can any of you kind chaps and chapessess give me some pointers on what to look for?

Cheers all.

[paoloh]

Good solid cars but 1.9 is underpowered for most.

[Tibs]

Thanks. Its probably going to be a 1.9,as a move up from a 1.4 hatch. Shes only 22,so insurance on any bigger engined Z3's is going to be a factor along with mpg etc.

Anything else?

[Clutch boy]

The 1.8 is more gutless than the 1.9 but will be newer and cheaper on insurance.

Plenty of buyers guides & hints on www.zroadster.net

[pangster79]

The basics and general/common areas to check:

ENGINE:
Fairly bullet proof as long as they've been looked after - also with the 1.8 or 1.9 you won't have any VANOS issues to worry about.. so just make sure it's been well looked after and serviced regularly and that there are no untoward noises/rattles coming from the engine and that it idles evenly and revs smoothly.

ROOF:
The Z3 doesn't really suffer from leaks - but due to age/fatigue wrong adjustment (As with any convertible) - check overall condition of roof and look for signs of wear and tear. If the roof leaks - it tends to be either along the front seal, which then makes it's way along the top of the door or behind the seats where the roof meets the wings. There is adjustments in the roof hooks which will generally solve this though - Gummi Phledge rubber treatment also works wonders at restoring rubber elasticity.

BOOT:
The boot can also be a source for leaks - although the gasket for the third brakelight is generally the culprit and is a quick and easy fix and is pretty rare.

BODYWORK:
The Z3 doesn't really suffer from rust - although I've heard reports of rust around the rear boot lock and along the seam of the bonnet - I never noticed this on any of the cars I viewed though.

With it being the 1.8 or 1.9 almost everything will be an optional extra as well so it might be worth bearing that in mind. Parkers has a fairly decent review/buying guide for them.

Hope this helps!