Z3, Thoughts???

vectramat

Member
Hi All

Im just wondering what peoples thoughts are on the Z3 if theres anyone who owns/has owned one.

Ive got the oppertunity to buy a 2002 Z3 2.2 Sport in Dakar Yellow with black sports seats. Milage will be less than average for the year. I understand the 2002 sport models came with leather as standard as well as the nicer wheels. Will be able to buy it for around £2750.

Id be keeping the car off the road initially as a little project to restore to factory/showroom condition and enjoy for a while before selling on and, hopefully, making some cash although this isnt the reason for buying the car. Im just after something to full my spare time with. Id refurb all the alloys myself, as well as any bodywork, do the brakes, suspension ect., as well as a full details and paintwork correction, and interior valet with the seats out.

Ive only ever set eyes on the car once and that was for all of 30 seconds from a distance.

So does anyone think this would be a wise choice? What are peoples opinions of the 2.2 engine and does the price seem fair and what sort of price would I be able to sell it on for if it were in perfect condition. Would I be able to move it on quick given that its bright yellow? Ive got a week or so to decide if im buying it or not, hmm.....

Thanks guys
Matt
 
Hi Matt
We've just sold our Titanium 2002 2.2i Sport after 8 very happy years. It was a fantastic car and the sound of the 2.2 is generally regarded as being the best if the bunch. It also gave rise to my forum name.
The price sounds reasonable but as for making a profit on resale, Dakar is a marmite colour. Personally I love it and would have no problem but it does restrict your potential market. It is also quite rare - there were only 3 at Zedfest last year.
Have a look on zroadster.org and check out Ragtop and BrianH. They both have excellent examples although Brian's is a 3.0.
The standard Type 78 wheels are a real PITA to keep clean with their 20 spokes each. They took as long as the car did some days! I certainly wouldn't fancy a self refurb of them but they do look great.
If you want to know more feel free to ask.
Regards
Terry


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Isn't Dakar a real PITA to colour match correctly too if any paint is needed (ie bumper blow-over)?
 
I don't know much about z3s. But I have just refurbished my own wheels. It a hell of a lot of work!! But ultimately very rewarding :thumbsup:

I would say to do it. If you have the time and cash why not?
 
I had a silver 2.2 Z3 before the Z4. The engine sounded way better than my Z4 does. Even with the standard air filter arrangement you could hear the engine sucking in extra air when you floored the throttle and the exhaust note was much better with some really cool roars and rasps on acceleration and burbles and pops on downshifts.

When I tried the sound generator mod on my Z4 it sounded like a kitten having its tail stepped on compared to the lion's roar of my old Z3.

The 2.2 felt pokey enough at the time but I would have probably lusted after a 3.0 in due course (in fact I did albeit in a different car altogether!).

I liked my Z3 a lot and still consider going back to one now and again (Z3M roadsters can be had for around £6k- £7k these days!!). I don't like yellow cars though - sorry! :driving:

Mine was a 2001 Y plate with around 68k miles and I sold it for £3,600 just over a year ago.
 
I bought my Z4 planning to sell my Z3 once the WInter was over, however, I can't bear to part with it! I've had loads of compliments about the car when in the Z3, including a Customs guy at the Tunnel and a lovely French lady in a car local park, but so far nobody has commented on the Z4 - maybe the colours have something to do with it. I'll certainly be keeping the Z3 for as long as I can.
Scorp.
 
Had my 2001 facelift 5 years and love it, Its also I feel a more comfortable drive over the E89 and it still turns heads, not bad for a 12 year old. Theyre great cars for tinkering with so would be perfect as a project car, however for not much more cash you could pick up a mint car and just enjoy driving it :) Prices are rock bottom now.

Tim.
 
I previously had a 1.9 Z3 which I loved. Had to sell helping to buy the Z4.
I had so much fun driving her. Recently I found out all are going up in value if in good condition etc
 
I had one for three years,colour sienna red.I found the cabin more comfortable at speed with the roof down than the z4.
 
maxman said:
I had one for three years,colour sienna red.I found the cabin more comfortable at speed with the roof down than the z4.
I couldn't disagree more my Z4 is this much more comfortable to drive with the roof down than my Z3 ever was :grin:

Si-forks is tapatalking
 
si-forks said:
maxman said:
I had one for three years,colour sienna red.I found the cabin more comfortable at speed with the roof down than the z4.
I couldn't disagree more my Z4 is this much more comfortable to drive with the roof down than my Z3 ever was :grin:
I guess this debate may go on for some time!
Up to now in the limited amount of time I've had in the Z4 with the roof down I'd say the Z3 was much less drafty.
It could be a height thing but at 6'0" I find the back of my head subject to a lot of turbulence. Wearing a baseball cap against the sun concentrated the effect to that little semi-circular gap between size adjuster and the fabric.
I'm either going to get a different cap use a hanky with four knots underneath it ;)


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Z3 //M Coupes have been heavily increasing in value. Not my cup of tea, but like many classics have become attractive as an investment
 
Titan said:
si-forks said:
maxman said:
I had one for three years,colour sienna red.I found the cabin more comfortable at speed with the roof down than the z4.
I couldn't disagree more my Z4 is this much more comfortable to drive with the roof down than my Z3 ever was :grin:
I guess this debate may go on for some time!
Up to now in the limited amount of time I've had in the Z4 with the roof down I'd say the Z3 was much less drafty.
It could be a height thing but at 6'0" I find the back of my head subject to a lot of turbulence. Wearing a baseball cap against the sun concentrated the effect to that little semi-circular gap between size adjuster and the fabric.
I'm either going to get a different cap use a hanky with four knots underneath it ;)


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The Z3 cabin is definitely less draughty/windy/blustery whatever you want to call it than the Z4. No debate just a fact. Nothing to do with height as you can lower the seats right down in the Z4 with little difference.

I found that fitting the wind deflector in the Z3 made a huge difference whereas fitting the wind deflector in the Z4 makes A difference.
 
Titan said:
si-forks said:
maxman said:
I had one for three years,colour sienna red.I found the cabin more comfortable at speed with the roof down than the z4.
I couldn't disagree more my Z4 is this much more comfortable to drive with the roof down than my Z3 ever was :grin:
I guess this debate may go on for some time!
Up to now in the limited amount of time I've had in the Z4 with the roof down I'd say the Z3 was much less drafty.
It could be a height thing but at 6'0" I find the back of my head subject to a lot of turbulence. Wearing a baseball cap against the sun concentrated the effect to that little semi-circular gap between size adjuster and the fabric.
I'm either going to get a different cap use a hanky with four knots underneath it ;)


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I find the Z3 is a far warmer place, with less draught and a better heater.... and wind deflectors on both
 
Devilsadvocate said:
TitanTim said:
Are we talking old or new model Z4 :)

Tim.
the scabby old E85 one..... :wink:
What a load of crap !!!!!!!! You might have a scabby old E85 but I haven't my 3.0 si is a better car in every way compared to my Z3 :P


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