New member - potential purchase soon

[FrancescoVernava]

Hi all,

looking at buying a 3.0i '03 Z. Has anyone got basically a list of stuff i should look out for? It was resprayed Sepang Bronze back in 15, and done properly (declared to DVLA too) so all should be good in that respect talking about surface rust etc. I know the engines are pretty bulletproof.

I think it has has the roof motor already done, along with the vanos and diff oils etc. Only concern is it has 90k on the clock. Is this an issue? The bloke who owned it before my mate was an absolute stickler and did everything to it, bag full of receipts etc. Also, is it common for these to have a number of owners?

What else should i look for?

 

[buzyg]

Welcome aboard. Sounds like all the important stuff has been maintained. The engine is nicely run in at 90k. Should still have many years happy motoring left in it. Check the suspension feels ok. 90k is getting into the area were shocks will be feeling the miles.

 

[Zedebee]

90k is no problem at all for this engine if properly serviced, although some of the wear components (e.g. suspension, as above) may be pretty tired if not already replaced.

It is not uncommon for these cars to have changed hands every year or couple of years. My roadster has 12 previous owners and 130k miles.

If you are confident that the previous owners have looked after the car, then you probably only need to worry about how your mate has been looking after it.

Checking the MOT history and service records is a good start. Have a good look at the bodywork, it’s going to be impossible to find replacement panels in Sepang; and have a good look at the rustiness of components underneath, especially around the subframe and the rear brake pipes (regular MOT failure). Rust is not generally a big issue on these cars, but some of the seem to get really crusty.

 

[MikeyH]

Welcome, check for sticky steering, more obvious now its getting warmer. Seems to be just adjustment but some have needed to repair the motor in the steering. Feels like a magnet is stopping it then in moves. Also make sure the roof goes up and down properly. Have fun.

 

[patriot66]

Hi Francesco. I remember a forum member with a 3.0i getting a Sepang respray quite a few years back. Is it this one ? :? https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=82759&hilit=Sepang+bronze+respray

 

[FrancescoVernava]

Is it this one ? :?

patriot66 that's exactly the one it is!!

 

[patriot66]

Is it this one ? :?

patriot66 that's exactly the one it is!!

Didn't think there would be many with a Sepang colour change

 

[MikeyH]

There's no hiding place on this forum :rofl: :rofl:

 

[N4LLY]

Is it this one ? :?

patriot66 that's exactly the one it is!!

Very nice ! I would say that's a deffo go getter

 

[Mr Tidy]

Welcome to the forum Francesco.

And I hope your pirchase works out!

 

[v40jlt4]

Has anyone got basically a list of stuff i should look out for?

Sounds like a lot was done. And indeed 90K is peanuts for an M54B30. You could still check for:
- oils leaks, valve cover gasket, leaks at the exhaust side.
- oils leaks, oil filter housing gasket, leaks at the inlet side.
- Hard to check, but the headlights tend to turn into fishing bowls sometimes.
- CD changer cassette stuck, but who needs that
- Already mentioned: sticky steering
- rattling noise could be disa-valve. Easy to replace/upgrade
- If possible, bring your own OBD2 reader. Just a cheap dongle and an app. I did and found a bunch of errors which they all fixed