Buying a 2005 3.0 - Need some advice - encouragement

M

Miles2go

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Hello everyone. I'm brand new to this forum but have owned many BMWs, including a M-Z3 Roadster and Z3 Coupe. I've got a purchase agreement on the 3 owner 2005 3.0 shown, with heated/power seats, power roof and 65,000 miles for $16,500, delivered. Delivered as in the price includes shipping the car over 1,000 miles to me but not taxes and such. I won't be able to see the car in person which I rarely buy this way but there are NO Z4s in my area and I cannot travel right now. The dealership seems to be a good one, an actual BMW dealer and the car has a clean CarFax report. What things should I make sure they look at for me before actually sending them the cash?

Thanks and I look forward to spending a few thousand hours on this forum.
 
Same interior as mine, I also like the paint colour and hood - Is it olive green or a custom paint job?


What to check?

The soft top comes up and down with no sticking is the major one to check. Aside from that I would check the service history stacks up

Good luck!
 
Thanks. That's right, it's Olivin Metallic. Somewhat rare I'm guessing. I'll ask them to run through the top operation and see that it's smooth. Maintenance history is indeed something I've not looked at yet and will be calling a dealership in the morn to see about any recurring issues with the car. Pretty clean looking from the photos though.

In any case, I'll be driving it year round here in Colorado's high country. Lots of snow and I'm reading that run-flats aren't popular on the Z4. If so I'll probably put Blizzak LM-60s on it for winter months instead of the LM-25 RFTs.

My old Z3s:
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shawna said:
Looks nice!

I thought manuals were rare in the USA?
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Rare to find in some cars like the 325XiT (estate) but not in more sporty offerings such as two-seaters. My last BMW was a 2006 X5 and it was a very rare 6spd manual. So they aren't so hard to find in my garage.
 
Hi and welcome to the forum :thumbsup:

That looks a lovely Z :driving:

I would be reassured that you are buying from a BMW dealer and I'm guessing that they will give you warranty too, I put a deposit on my car 'unseen' meaning they emailed me detailed pictures and any blemishes, for example scuffed wheels we negotiated on, they also agreed if the car wasn't as described when I went to collect it they would refund my deposit and expenses, good luck with yours!! :driving:
 
With the age and mileage it would worth getting some reassurance that the rear springs are not broken and all the suspension bushing are tight.

I've never seen that color but really like it, it goes well with the roof and interior combo, oh and welcome :thumbsup:
 
Welcome miles2go.
Rare Zed you have there.
In terms of what to look for there's a buyers guide on here so check that out.

Personally I would construct a checklist and ask them to complete and sign it by return and cover off everything from service (miles and date of each) to all the minor items
Wear on drivers bolster
Wear on hood canvas (cuts, rubs, mould if not a dry state, etc.)
Paint chips on front bumper cover
Tyre depths
Wheel kerbing
Wear/dirt on carpets
ALL electrics tested and fully working
Prior accident damage - any?
Etc. etc.

Ask for loads of hd photos of panels, wheel, interior, etc.

Get a warranty and ensure it can be handled locally.

Good luck :)
 
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