What do we think of Z3s?
Discussion
Like the title says, I've spent the weekend driving around in a Z3 (admittedly only a 1.9 auto), and quite enjoyed the top-down motoring - yes I am aware that they have storage spaces designed for combs and scissors!
Now, I've not driven a 2.8 or 3.0, but are they any good (in manual form)? Are they for driving, or for cruising?
I want something that's fun, convertible, small, and reliable, and a Z3 seems to fit the bill.
Someone talk me out of this!
Now, I've not driven a 2.8 or 3.0, but are they any good (in manual form)? Are they for driving, or for cruising?
I want something that's fun, convertible, small, and reliable, and a Z3 seems to fit the bill.
Someone talk me out of this!
they're a lot of fun. Had my 2.8 manual for 7 years and 158k miles. Crude handling with plenty of grip. Suspension a bit soft and it rolls too much as std. Generally reliable with a few known issues (aren't there always)
I wouldn't change mine for anything else at its current price point. Engine note isn't bad either
3.0's are temptingly cheap as are earlier Z3Ms!
I wouldn't change mine for anything else at its current price point. Engine note isn't bad either
3.0's are temptingly cheap as are earlier Z3Ms!
Edited by doolie on Tuesday 17th July 15:51
The later 3.0 is a very sweet engine, add a strut brace and if you dont mind sacrificing a harder ride for more grip a suspension package from Eilbach, 'other tuners are available', then in the right colour it is a very good ride. The hairdresser tag only applies to 1.9s driven by (how shall I put this without offending anyone) erm I wont, but you get my drift.
Or as a wise man before me said just get an M, but still put a strut brace on it
Z
Or as a wise man before me said just get an M, but still put a strut brace on it
Z
I'm ruling the M out because I can't be arsed with the running costs of it - kinda looking for something that won't dent the pocket too much to run, as I'm still pouring money into my E28 and can't see that ending for a while yet!
The 2.8 manual seems the most likely candidate, looking for one with leather, air con, electric seats and preferably a manual hood. In a dark colour. With less than 100k miles.
Other than that I'm pretty flexible!
The 2.8 manual seems the most likely candidate, looking for one with leather, air con, electric seats and preferably a manual hood. In a dark colour. With less than 100k miles.
Other than that I'm pretty flexible!
A good combo what ever engine size you go for, but you are among friends on this site. Audi TT site may give you different feed back. I have a M Coupe and it's not a money pit. I do simple servicing myself, but get it looked over and approved by Rob at Autobahn off Clerkenwell Road, if you know them. Main stealer quoted me 600 for insp 1. I did oil, filters and plugs myself, and Rob did the rest. Cost me a third of what stealers wanted.
Hardtops are a good winter addition. Happy hunting Z
Hardtops are a good winter addition. Happy hunting Z
2.8 Z's can be fun, as said, with strut brace (plus optional rear brace and body brace) and running on decent tyres.
Quite a few tuning possibilities too with this engine.
Wouldn't bother with a manual hood as it wont save you much, but will be a pain in the arse when you drive into a shower (presumng you will have the top down a lot).
Have a read up on zroadster if you want a useful resource for research.
Good luck.
Quite a few tuning possibilities too with this engine.
Wouldn't bother with a manual hood as it wont save you much, but will be a pain in the arse when you drive into a shower (presumng you will have the top down a lot).
Have a read up on zroadster if you want a useful resource for research.
Good luck.
I do simple servicing myself, but get it looked over and approved by Rob at Autobahn off Clerkenwell Road, if you know them. Main stealer quoted me 600 for insp 1. I did oil, filters and plugs myself, and Rob did the rest. Cost me a third of what stealers wanted.
Did Rob stamp your service book? Just wondering if garage would be willing to put their official stamp on a service book on which they didn't carry out all the work.
Did Rob stamp your service book? Just wondering if garage would be willing to put their official stamp on a service book on which they didn't carry out all the work.
Well, he gave it an inspection, everything was in order, so he approved it, and stamped the book. That's all stealers do. They may throw in some oil and a filter or two but only advise you if other work is needed, like pads, bearings etc I have the receipts for the bits I did, so keeping the cars history. I hope any enthusiast who may want to buy my car in the future recognises common sense. And it keeps money in the hands of the enthusiasts
Anyway, this is digressing. I think there is a lot to be said for the Z3, and now it's no longer a fashion accessory, it can be taken more seriously, does that sound sarcastic? It's not meant to be
Anyway, this is digressing. I think there is a lot to be said for the Z3, and now it's no longer a fashion accessory, it can be taken more seriously, does that sound sarcastic? It's not meant to be
dan101smith said:
I'm ruling the M out because I can't be arsed with the running costs of it - kinda looking for something that won't dent the pocket too much to run, as I'm still pouring money into my E28 and can't see that ending for a while yet!
The 2.8 manual seems the most likely candidate, looking for one with leather, air con, electric seats and preferably a manual hood. In a dark colour. With less than 100k miles.
Other than that I'm pretty flexible!
Dan are you a man or a mouse? The 2.8 manual seems the most likely candidate, looking for one with leather, air con, electric seats and preferably a manual hood. In a dark colour. With less than 100k miles.
Other than that I'm pretty flexible!
Get a TVR Griffith 500 or a Chimera... Sorted!
(P.S, hows things going? Are you / Wayne going to the TVR meet at Rockingham in August? Ive just put a deposit down on a Saggy, pick it up next week)
dan101smith said:
I'm ruling the M out because I can't be arsed with the running costs of it - kinda looking for something that won't dent the pocket too much to run, as I'm still pouring money into my E28 and can't see that ending for a while yet!
The 2.8 manual seems the most likely candidate, looking for one with leather, air con, electric seats and preferably a manual hood. In a dark colour. With less than 100k miles.
Other than that I'm pretty flexible!
I'd swap electric seats for heated seats. They're great when the hoods down on a cold night.The 2.8 manual seems the most likely candidate, looking for one with leather, air con, electric seats and preferably a manual hood. In a dark colour. With less than 100k miles.
Other than that I'm pretty flexible!
As far as I can see they've all got electric seats, the heated ones are the option.
Lee - doing good mate! Don't fancy a TVR cos it'll be my only car (probably) and I'd like it to work every now and again! Wayne and I did the Jonathan Palmer day on Monday - some awesome cars there! If you get a chance to, get yourself on it! Glad to hear you're getting a Sag, what's the spec? Not heard about the TVR day, but I'll mention it to Wayne. Your nipper made an appearance yet?
Lee - doing good mate! Don't fancy a TVR cos it'll be my only car (probably) and I'd like it to work every now and again! Wayne and I did the Jonathan Palmer day on Monday - some awesome cars there! If you get a chance to, get yourself on it! Glad to hear you're getting a Sag, what's the spec? Not heard about the TVR day, but I'll mention it to Wayne. Your nipper made an appearance yet?
I've not owned one but I haven't succumbed to all the ill-informed "bloke down the pub told me it was based on the Compact chassis and it's crap".
Mate in New Jersey has a Z3M which he loves but in which I've only sat in the wrong seat. My own Z3 driving experience is limited to a day's tuition with Rob Gravett whose teaching car at the time was the 2.2 Z3. It was ideal for the purpose; if you did things right it was great and if you did things wrong it made that pretty obvious too. Sweet little motor under the bonnet and good fun.
Mate in New Jersey has a Z3M which he loves but in which I've only sat in the wrong seat. My own Z3 driving experience is limited to a day's tuition with Rob Gravett whose teaching car at the time was the 2.2 Z3. It was ideal for the purpose; if you did things right it was great and if you did things wrong it made that pretty obvious too. Sweet little motor under the bonnet and good fun.
dan101smith said:
As far as I can see they've all got electric seats, the heated ones are the option.
Lee - doing good mate! Don't fancy a TVR cos it'll be my only car (probably) and I'd like it to work every now and again! Wayne and I did the Jonathan Palmer day on Monday - some awesome cars there! If you get a chance to, get yourself on it! Glad to hear you're getting a Sag, what's the spec? Not heard about the TVR day, but I'll mention it to Wayne. Your nipper made an appearance yet?
Not yet mate, Im still on my ban until next tuesday so Im hoping she doesn't come before then...Lee - doing good mate! Don't fancy a TVR cos it'll be my only car (probably) and I'd like it to work every now and again! Wayne and I did the Jonathan Palmer day on Monday - some awesome cars there! If you get a chance to, get yourself on it! Glad to hear you're getting a Sag, what's the spec? Not heard about the TVR day, but I'll mention it to Wayne. Your nipper made an appearance yet?
Ive got a thread in the TVR forum about the Sagaris with pictures, have a look.
Will be good to see you lot and gazeboman again, So far its me, my dad, Martin, Alex (and I think Harry) going to the TVR day.
It'll be like Le Mans all over again...
"A very very simple game of 21's starting to myyyyy left, one badger!
(sorry its off topic everyone, as you were...)
dan101smith said:
Like the title says, I've spent the weekend driving around in a Z3 (admittedly only a 1.9 auto), and quite enjoyed the top-down motoring - yes I am aware that they have storage spaces designed for combs and scissors!
Now, I've not driven a 2.8 or 3.0, but are they any good (in manual form)? Are they for driving, or for cruising?
I want something that's fun, convertible, small, and reliable, and a Z3 seems to fit the bill.
Someone talk me out of this!
dan101...How about this one http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/212090.htm It's a 2.2 Sapphire Metallic Black with black leather heated seats and the 17 inch BMW multi spoke BBS stylie alloys! Looks the dogs danglies and you'll notice the extra poke over the 1.9! Shameless plug I know but it's only just gone onto classifieds last night and it's the partners car, she's leaving these shores soon so need to sell quickly so hence not much money for a lot of car...you could do worse! Now, I've not driven a 2.8 or 3.0, but are they any good (in manual form)? Are they for driving, or for cruising?
I want something that's fun, convertible, small, and reliable, and a Z3 seems to fit the bill.
Someone talk me out of this!
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff