Which engine should I get

[PhilH67]

hi all,

so I'm on the hunt for a Z3 but I'm undecided which engine to go for, 2.2, 2.8 or 3.0?
got a budget of up to £7k. 2.2s are readily available for way below that and there are a number of 2.8s and a couple of 3.0s for 5 to 7k

I like the pre-facelift widebody which basically rules out the 2.2 and the 3.0
obviously I'll be going for as low a mileage as possible but I'm lead to believe that a higher mileage one that's got a FSH shouldn't be a problem.

hmmm decisions, decisions

 

[Scooblitz]

Welcome to the forum from Glasgow, Scotland.

High Miles isn't something to avoid. Work being done recently and history of servicing will indicate a better car than some low milers.

Low miles will cost more but no always provide value for money.

All zs are approaching 20+ years old and will need work. Bushings, brakes and cooling system refresh is a good start. Rear subframe bushings are often in need of replacement.

Avoid rust. Sills, rear wing arches and front quarter panels are the usual spots.

Some colours are a bit common and resale/sell-ability is low. Silver and topaz blue are very common. I would avoid, not that they don't look nice but it makes the z a little less desirable.

Good luck!

 

[andyglym]

to the Forum from West Cumbria. All top choices but if it's a pre-facelift you want you'll get a top draw 2.8 for that money. Buy from an enthusiast if you can as much, if not all, the work will have been done, or buy cheaper and get it done (bushes, cooling etc). Mileage isn't an issue, as said, these engines are bulletproof with the M52 2.8 being as robust as they come, 100k miles isn't even run in if maintained properly. I've had my 2.8 for seven years and have never had to top the oil up at any time.

Good luck.

Oh, biased 2.8 pre-facelift owner here

 

[Mike Fishwick]

Condition is more important than a FSH - which is only a sign of the lowest standard of maintenance. In many such cars the gearbox oil has probably never been changed! Look for a handful of paperwork showing what has gone on. Although I may be accused of advertising - get a copy of the Veloce Books Essential Buyers Guide to the Z3 - written by me!

 

[PhilH67]

OMG the actual Mike Fishwick has replied to me!!!! I've been avidly reading your articles on here and yes, that was an unadulterated self plug, where can I get that book?

 

[PhilH67]

Condition is more important than a FSH - which is only a sign of the lowest standard of maintenance. In many such cars the gearbox oil has probably never been changed! Look for a handful of paperwork showing what has gone on. Although I may be accused of advertising - get a copy of the Veloce Books Essential Buyers Guide to the Z3 - written by me!

yeah, so I've just bought that book (it comes as a physical book, who has physical books these days?)

 

[Jam03]

Your budget would get you some of the better examples out there apart from very low mileage museum pieces. My best advice would be to test drive as many as possible and make sure things work. Also, rust is a big issue. You can tell by looking up the MOT history that rusty break lines and suspension components get spotted frequently. Cars that have been standing outside at dealers lots tend to feel very damp and even cars in generally good condition can take on a lot of water that settles out of sight in the footwells and in the boot and a few other places. Also, depending where you live, ULEZ might be a factor. I think the 2.0 and 2.8 straight 6’s are not compliant, whereas the 2.2 is.

 

[jonobradley]

My immaculate Z3 3.0 is up for sale and I am open to sensible offers

No rust and lots of work done as per my advert in for sale section......

 

[PhilH67]

My immaculate Z3 3.0 is up for sale and I am open to sensible offers

No rust and lots of work done as per my advert in for sale section......

Sorry m8 I bought @RockyDave’s Zed yesterday

 

[Mike Fishwick]

I appreciate the advantages of digital 'books.' but they have their disadvantages - you find what you wanted, and little else, but browsing a real book means that you take in lots of things you did not originally look for. I know that the printed word must come as a shock to modern males, who seem incapable of reading anything which is not on a small screen, but nice books are really good to own. My library is as varied as it is vast, and I get a real kick out of handling well-presented books.

Look on the Veloce Publishing website (velocebooks.com) for The Essential Buyers Guide to BMW Z3 Roadster. Although I say it myself, it is the best and unbiased (really!) book on the Z3.

Glad you enjoyed my writings!

Essential Buyers Guide to the BMW Z3 - ISBN 978-1-845842-90-1

 

[jonobradley]

Sorry m8 I bought @RockyDave’s Zed yesterday

No probs at all, glad you got sorted and hope you enjoy your new ride

 

[Paul H]

I only ever wanted a pre facelift 2.8 so my choice was an early model or one with the m52tu engine. I found a dec97 2.8 single vanos 10 miles from my house

 

[bear2020]

I appreciate the advantages of digital 'books.' but they have their disadvantages - you find what you wanted, and little else, but browsing a real book means that you take in lots of things you did not originally look for. I know that the printed word must come as a shock to modern males, who seem incapable of reading anything which is not on a small screen, but nice books are really good to own. My library is as varied as it is vast, and I get a real kick out of handling well-presented books.

Look on the Veloce Publishing website (velocebooks.com) for The Essential Buyers Guide to BMW Z3 Roadster. Although I say it myself, it is the best and unbiased (really!) book on the Z3.

Glad you enjoyed my writings!

Essential Buyers Guide to the BMW Z3 - ISBN 978-1-845842-90-1

Exactly the same with all these ebook and kindle. Can't get my head around it. Give me a proper book any day of the week. A lot of stuff we fit with for customers (property) the instructions are online and nothing gets sent with them. So we are looking at a phone trying to read it with a handful of screws and various tools. No No No I want paper!

 

[Nodzed]

Look on the Veloce Publishing website (velocebooks.com) for The Essential Buyers Guide to BMW Z3 Roadster. Although I say it myself, it is the best and unbiased (really!) book on the Z3.

Any advice in it on the best Bond movie

 

[Mike Fishwick]

On the subject of paper books, I am amazed at the number of pwners who never read the Owners Handbook, and then ask simple questions such as how to set the clock etc!

 

[t-tony]

I have to agree about owner’s handbooks, I can’t think how many times over the years that I have asked owners for their book only to be told, “it’s at home”. What bloody good is there I was tempted to ask. Similarly asking for the security wheel nut/bolt key to hear, “it’s in the cutlery drawer at home”.

Tony.

 

[bertiejaffa]

I see you have bought one now so happy motoring - hope to see you out and about in it at some of the events soon. For what it is worth I would have said theres only 1 engine to have but I am biased

 

[Andyboy]

The twin vanos 2.8 from late 1998-2000 was the best unit imo. It's not quite as fast as a 3.0 but it's a very sweet unit that never seems to use or leak oil.