There's been quite a few write ups on member's Zed ownership, so I thought I'd put something together whilst I watched Superbowl 49. . . .
I was never sure whether I might regret changing my 2 litre for a 3 litre at the beginning of last year - but no problem – it's been a wonderful year of ownership.
Having done the part exchange deal just before Christmas I travelled down to Warrington to collect the AUC. Had a thrilling drive back and posted up photos on the forum of my new 2008 3.0si Sport.
On went our Reg and we were out every possible moment on many of our favourite back roads and routes to get to know the Zed.
It's at least a month before the colour starts to work for me – Stratus Grey. It can look very impressive and sophisticated in the right light. . . .
April brought our first meet in the new Zed. Up to Scotland for a hoon. I found the 3.0 litre a more relaxed drive and was de;ighted to manage 36 mpg on the transit up to the start point (but it took a lot of restraint).
It's a this point that we decided that we would set up some runs in the North East (as nothing was being offered). Our first post only brought one response (a weeks notice was just too short for most! ) Chezsherman turned up and we had a fabulous run out over Hartside
Chezsherman is keen to get out on more runs and having learnt from our first attempt we decide to offer the same run again but this time giving more notice. This brings out more members, some of which can't make the set date so we offer two consecutive weekend runs and luckily have great runs on each day. . . .
Before these dates came up we prepared for the Nationals in the Lakes amd a good detail brought the Zed up nicely.
Got a chance to show off the new Zed at the National
Then came the first of our Hartside runs in the North East – we were lucky and got fairly clear runs on what is a brilliant drivers road. (I also changed the front kidney grills to black).
The following weekend we had a similar number of Zeds to take across the Hartside. Here we are on the return at Melmerby – we'd had a terrific run down from Hartside.
We continued to plan and recce routes for future runs and came across members of the Lotus Owners club running from Kielder to Hawick. The Zed was able to surprise them in staying with them on much of the technical sections of that road – we parked up at Hawick with them and had a congratulatory word or two – it had been a fabulous run through and yet again I was well pleased with the Zed.
We'd signed up for the Bing's Forum road trip 'Skyefall' and this was some serious driving packed into 3 days. Wouldn't have missed it for the world and there were a few times I was glad to have the confidence the 3.0 litre offered for overtakes. . . .
We'd enjoyed our dice with the Lotus Seven club past Kielder and so set up a run to Hawick where Cherrym (another ex biker) encouraged us to turn this into a loop. For me, this was another terrific opportunity to enjoy the Zed and we had a brilliant run. I was disappointed that we only had 4 members on this 'Border Raid' as the road had been relatively clear and had been brilliant! There are a few members that would have enjoyed this hoon!
However, Steph and I had decided that we would offer a less spirited drive in the North East and had been planning a more relaxed tour which we called Northumberland, Castles and Coast. We were delighted when it proved to be very popular and the numbers rose to 17 Zeds! We had to modify the route and some of the stopping places but we were looking forward to introducing members to our brilliant playground.
We visited 8 castles as well the wonderful scenery of Northumberland and it's coast.
This was a fitting end to our runs in the North East this year but I'd also enjoyed mid week runs out with Chezsherman and Cherrym all through the season and they continue. In fact they are now part of the organisation and planning of the NE runs, Grumpy Brian too, who attended all the weekend runs in his Alpina.
With the Zed being an Authorised Used Car from BMW it came with 12 months warranty and I'm more than pleased with the response of Lloyd Newcastle. We've had new front fog lamps, new coil, two rear speakers,front bushes and a full roof fitted as part of the warranty over the year. A new roof motor was not replaced as it was in perfect condition and I'd had no issues with the roof operation just the rear window demister. I requested Lloyd email me a photo whilst the roof work was being done.
I'm presently trying out black model 32 (lighter wheels) a BMW strut brace and some winter rubber.
Steph very much likes the black wheels but I'm not convinced yet. . .
It's been a busy but very enjoyable year and we are already in the new season. Although I took the decision to postpone our first run we are hoping for just as good a year, this year, as last. Still, the poor weather doesn't stop me and the stalwarts getting our Zeds on the road!
So no regrets with going to the 3 litre. It's been a very special Zed!
I was never sure whether I might regret changing my 2 litre for a 3 litre at the beginning of last year - but no problem – it's been a wonderful year of ownership.
Having done the part exchange deal just before Christmas I travelled down to Warrington to collect the AUC. Had a thrilling drive back and posted up photos on the forum of my new 2008 3.0si Sport.
On went our Reg and we were out every possible moment on many of our favourite back roads and routes to get to know the Zed.
It's at least a month before the colour starts to work for me – Stratus Grey. It can look very impressive and sophisticated in the right light. . . .
April brought our first meet in the new Zed. Up to Scotland for a hoon. I found the 3.0 litre a more relaxed drive and was de;ighted to manage 36 mpg on the transit up to the start point (but it took a lot of restraint).
It's a this point that we decided that we would set up some runs in the North East (as nothing was being offered). Our first post only brought one response (a weeks notice was just too short for most! ) Chezsherman turned up and we had a fabulous run out over Hartside
Chezsherman is keen to get out on more runs and having learnt from our first attempt we decide to offer the same run again but this time giving more notice. This brings out more members, some of which can't make the set date so we offer two consecutive weekend runs and luckily have great runs on each day. . . .
Before these dates came up we prepared for the Nationals in the Lakes amd a good detail brought the Zed up nicely.
Got a chance to show off the new Zed at the National
Then came the first of our Hartside runs in the North East – we were lucky and got fairly clear runs on what is a brilliant drivers road. (I also changed the front kidney grills to black).
The following weekend we had a similar number of Zeds to take across the Hartside. Here we are on the return at Melmerby – we'd had a terrific run down from Hartside.
We continued to plan and recce routes for future runs and came across members of the Lotus Owners club running from Kielder to Hawick. The Zed was able to surprise them in staying with them on much of the technical sections of that road – we parked up at Hawick with them and had a congratulatory word or two – it had been a fabulous run through and yet again I was well pleased with the Zed.
We'd signed up for the Bing's Forum road trip 'Skyefall' and this was some serious driving packed into 3 days. Wouldn't have missed it for the world and there were a few times I was glad to have the confidence the 3.0 litre offered for overtakes. . . .
We'd enjoyed our dice with the Lotus Seven club past Kielder and so set up a run to Hawick where Cherrym (another ex biker) encouraged us to turn this into a loop. For me, this was another terrific opportunity to enjoy the Zed and we had a brilliant run. I was disappointed that we only had 4 members on this 'Border Raid' as the road had been relatively clear and had been brilliant! There are a few members that would have enjoyed this hoon!
However, Steph and I had decided that we would offer a less spirited drive in the North East and had been planning a more relaxed tour which we called Northumberland, Castles and Coast. We were delighted when it proved to be very popular and the numbers rose to 17 Zeds! We had to modify the route and some of the stopping places but we were looking forward to introducing members to our brilliant playground.
We visited 8 castles as well the wonderful scenery of Northumberland and it's coast.
This was a fitting end to our runs in the North East this year but I'd also enjoyed mid week runs out with Chezsherman and Cherrym all through the season and they continue. In fact they are now part of the organisation and planning of the NE runs, Grumpy Brian too, who attended all the weekend runs in his Alpina.
With the Zed being an Authorised Used Car from BMW it came with 12 months warranty and I'm more than pleased with the response of Lloyd Newcastle. We've had new front fog lamps, new coil, two rear speakers,front bushes and a full roof fitted as part of the warranty over the year. A new roof motor was not replaced as it was in perfect condition and I'd had no issues with the roof operation just the rear window demister. I requested Lloyd email me a photo whilst the roof work was being done.
I'm presently trying out black model 32 (lighter wheels) a BMW strut brace and some winter rubber.
Steph very much likes the black wheels but I'm not convinced yet. . .
It's been a busy but very enjoyable year and we are already in the new season. Although I took the decision to postpone our first run we are hoping for just as good a year, this year, as last. Still, the poor weather doesn't stop me and the stalwarts getting our Zeds on the road!
So no regrets with going to the 3 litre. It's been a very special Zed!
Thanks for sharing 
By the seaside...
