Project Z3

H

Hunter

Senior member
 notts/derby
Well guys ive decided to get a Z3 as a project car...jazz one up a bit, sound system, body kit, wheels etc. I cant believe how cheap they are going for and i think now is a good time to buy with the bad weather upon us.
Iv been looking and i like the pre face lift shape better (is this a general feeling or do people normally like the post face lift?)
Wide Body
I think the 2.8 engine is the way to go rather than the 1.8, 1.9 or 2.0 (is this a good desision?)
Does anyone on here have any tips for me in regards what i should be looking for...i know the cars in the style,engine range at the price i want to pay are going to have 100k plus miles on them.
 
Its very nice...just put a bid on Ebay for similar in silver..from a dealer though...dont think he knows what he has as the engine cc wasnt even in the add
 
I had a 1998 Z3 M roadster for a year, sold it last September. Bought it to take round the Alps last June, it was fast, fun and reliable, and in my eyes looked pretty good and you're right, Z3's are good value and I think much of the M is similar to the 2.8.

I refurbed all the suspension and brakes, basically had everything off at the back end (diff, cross member, brakes and trailing arms, etc) and most of the gubbins at the front (uprights, rack, brakes, etc). I had loads of it sand blasted and powder coated, or painted it with hammerite. Mine had AC Schnitzer suspension which drops the car a bit, resulting in too much camber. I modified the cross member to sort the camber, and put camber adjust bolts in at the front. None of this was too difficult or expensive, just time consuming and grubby work, but I enjoy fiddling with cars.

I put polyflex bushes in all round which sharpened up the feel of the suspension, cost about £100. I put braided hoses on (£60) the brakes and EBC yellow stuff pads £100, which gave decent braking and good feel. I put new wheel bearings in as well, and found realoem.com a totally invaluable resource. Parts availability from BMW was 100%, and most stuff like nuts, bolts, and minor parts are very cheap (often pence) so if you do end up refurbing things it's usually worth getting shiny new bits rather than putting rusty old bolts back on.

The main thing to watch for is the rear diff carrier, which due to the torque can come away from the boot floor by breaking the crappy spot welds. There's loads of stuff on line about this (zroadster is great), mainly to do with the M version, but it can happen on any model. Mine was fine, but I had it seam welded as a precaution and knowing that I was hooning around Europe.

The condition of the roof is worth checking properly, the seats can rock due to perished bushes (easy fix), but I was pleased with the quality of the build and the lack of bodywork problems on my 13 year old example.

They are fun cars with good steering feel and a retro look inside and out, I really enjoyed it. Hope that helps, if you need any advice please PM, I've got loads of pics.
 
On any early z3, checkfor rust around the door mirrors and bootlock.

I had an early shape 2.8 when they came out. Loved it. Try and get the round 5 spoke wheels. They matched the car perfectly.
 
Love my Z3 and not had any problems in the past 4 years, down to personal preference whether you prefer pre or post facelift, facelift model does get the double layered hood.

As said check boot spot welds by lifting the boot carpet near the rear bulkhead, the tell tale sign will be rusty spot welds and the very worst cracking around the boot seams. Also best to check the diff bracket hasn't cracked. Water pumps and impellors can go on prefacelift as made of plastic. Rear suspension top mounts can rattle if worn but easily changed. Check boot is dry on prefacelift models as the third brakelight in the boot can leak down to the gasket perishing. Facelift models were modified and didn't have a gasket. Boot light can fail which can be the wiring loom that goes from the rear passenger wing into the boot lid, down to opening and shutting the boot the loom has a weak spot and eventually the wiring fractures, this can also kill third brake light and central locking so check they all work. A modified loom is available from BMW or strip the loom down and resolder the wiring.

Rust isn't really a major problem but check the sills where they join onto the rear arch as mud can collect inside, also check front slam panel in front of the radiator for rust.

The engines are pretty bullet proof and will keep going. Check the coolant bottle isnt leaking at the bottom as there is a gasket that can perish.

Tim.

Tim.
 
Well guys ive bought one "unseen", a 1999 2.8 in silver from E-bay from a dealer. Has the later engine...looks a clean car in the pics. Was surprised how cheap i got it..I put a maximum bid of £2101.01 and got it for £1701.01. Paid him a £200 deposit and will pick the car up on friday...if its as described..bargin i think :thumbsup:

Gonna try make it look like the silver one in this link

http://www.nicedeals.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=3_311_63_1257&products_id=11677&osCsid=402fc2uuqsu12k19fqteiof1t5
 
Hunter said:
Gonna try make it look like the silver one in this link
Click to expand...
Please don't - it looks gash
hurl.gif
 
I think it look great, As i said its a project car to try different looks with. If i wanted OEM i would of went for a pristine standard car.
 
Hunter said:
I think it look great, As i said its a project car to try different looks with. If i wanted OEM i would of went for a pristine standard car.
Click to expand...
Don't get me wrong, I'm not against styling it differently, it's just that I think that winkle-picker front is awful.
 
This any better?

http://www.nicedeals.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=3_311_63_1257&products_id=13732
 
You're willing to be seen in public driving something like that? Hunter,you are much braver than me. :)
 
Im feeling flambouyant :D And it cant be any more embarrassing than all the Coupe drivers on here feel...........
 
This will show those coupe drivers a thing or two

http://auto.ocregister.com/files/2010/08/BMW-1997-Z3.jpg
 
micz4 said:
This will show those coupe drivers a thing or two

http://auto.ocregister.com/files/2010/08/BMW-1997-Z3.jpg
Click to expand...

Lovely but a bit tooooooo extreme for me to try
 
Hunter said:
This any better?

http://www.nicedeals.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=3_311_63_1257&products_id=13732
Click to expand...
Better...yes.

Of the '3' top ones (Evo/Sport/Speed), I think I prefer the 'Evo' one... as it doesn't look like a snow-plough :P
 
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