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Buying a Z3 - General Info

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ruggedscot View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ruggedscot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 2014 at 7:22pm
Z3 is just the training car for the Z4.... 
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Paul Rice View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Paul Rice Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Dec 2014 at 11:02pm
Now there's a statement to start a debate
Z3 Hardcore 
Z4 for softies
Paul 2003 Z4 2.5 Sterling grey
2018 320i GT M sport Estoril Blue
In love with driving again
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Mike Fishwick View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Mike Fishwick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2014 at 10:27am
The plated bore engine (Nicsil/Alusil etc) was never used on the Z3, due to the high suphur content of American petrol, so it is something we do not need to worry about.  All Z3 six-cylinder engines use dry steel liners, the 1.9 and M Roadster engines using an iron block.

The sill covers rot simply because owners seldon remove the wheel arch liners to clean out the mud and salt which accumulates at the end of the sill cover.  Should you have this problem, it is better and probably cheaper in the long run to fit new covers.

I bought my Z3 at 11,000 miles, and removed all the ABS sensors, greasing them before replacement, which was a very wise thing to do, and I bless my foresight when I remove the sensors for cleaning every couple of years.  I also bleed the brakes every year, and change the fluid every three, which helps to keep the hydraulic system clean.

'Training car?'  That says something about me, as after almost 15 years of ownership I obviously still need training!


Edited by Mike Fishwick - 06 Dec 2014 at 12:07pm
A Z3 is not just for Christmas - it's for life!
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thepits View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote thepits Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2014 at 8:31pm
Originally posted by Bowler Bowler wrote:

Z3 Hardcore 
Z4 for softies

You have to be Joking! Shocked

Cats know your every thought.

But don't care.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AndrewE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Dec 2014 at 9:52pm
Originally posted by Mike Fishwick Mike Fishwick wrote:

The plated bore engine (Nicsil/Alusil etc) was never used on the Z3, due to the high suphur content of American petrol, so it is something we do not need to worry about. 


If you live in the US and have a US spec car! Seriously though, very early Euro ones use a Nikasil block (not Alusil) although RealOEM says that the 2.8 has a unique engine fitted to nothing else. The Montreal blue 1997 2.8 I see every blue moon has a Nikasil engine still and it still runs okay with minimal oil usage.
US spec E36 328i's have an iron block engine - not steel linered alloy, both a proper grey cast iron block. I've not seen one of those in a Euro Z3 but I have seen a 1998 model with an alloy block and the crank sensor at the back of the block under the starter - these 'interim' engines were built in the transition from M52 to M52TU (twion Vanos) and were fitted also to the last 323i and 328i E36 Coupes, Estates and Convertibles (S, T and V plate).


Z4's: they're a nice thing but repair costs are steep and they're getting old now. They have a unique electric power steering set up that is basically a big electric motor on the column and it's a very expensive repair - just the part is £2000 with VAT! They also have an issue with the roof motor being drowned when the drain hole in the cubby hole blocks and they have issues with the Yaw rate sensor, airbag modules etc. They are a much better car than the Z3 but a lot more complex and the doors shut with a horrid tinny clang. I saw one last week where the wiper linkage had actually broken rendering the drivers wiper useless. BMW only sell a complete rack with motor for an astounding £400 but this one was fixable by altering the length of an E36 link rod with a Mig welder - a bit of applied bodging!
When the car's only worth £2500.........
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ruggedscot View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ruggedscot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Dec 2014 at 3:04pm
I did try a Z3 and I also tried an earlier Z4 but my statue was a little difficult to shoehorn in lol - the metal roof one well that was a nice fit. The quality issues with the SLK tended to put me off of merc. And if you are aware of the issues with the Z4 I think that it would be a reasonably good car.
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safe1 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote safe1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Dec 2014 at 6:23pm
Thanks Mike and AndrewE for those tips---Clap----can save a fortune!!!!!
Gofastsafe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AndrewE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Dec 2014 at 9:23am
I should add - Z4 wiper racks are now £270 plus VAT. Bargain!
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thepits View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote thepits Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Dec 2014 at 3:13pm

Originally posted by ruggedscot ruggedscot wrote:

I did try a Z3 and I also tried an earlier Z4 but my statue was a little difficult to shoehorn in lol
Shocked How tall are you? 6' in a Z4 fits ... [just] Smile

Originally posted by ruggedscot ruggedscot wrote:

And if you are aware of the issues with the Z4 I think that it would be a reasonably good car.
Issues? What issues? Confused

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ruggedscot View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ruggedscot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Dec 2014 at 5:13pm
Im 6' 4 so its tight in a cloth roof Z4 lol wanted a GT86 and just could not get in it at all ha ha ha...

the hydralic pump in the Z4 can get water damaged if you dont keep the drains clear, and if I remember there were a few other thing to be aware off, nothing too drastic. I had the issues with the 19" wheels..

Still its a good car and I enjoy a decent blat in it from time to time.


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thepits View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote thepits Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Dec 2014 at 5:23pm
Originally posted by ruggedscot ruggedscot wrote:

Im 6' 4 so its tight in a cloth roof Z4 lol wanted a GT86 and just could not get in it at all ha ha ha...
I'd think not Cry

Originally posted by ruggedscot ruggedscot wrote:

the hydralic pump in the Z4 can get water damaged if you dont keep the drains clear, and if I remember there were a few other thing to be aware off, nothing too drastic. I had the issues with the 19" wheels.. Still its a good car and I enjoy a decent blat in it from time to time.
I'm aware of the hood drains, and so far [touching wood] mine are okay, plus I have 18" wheels, so all looks good. Big smile



So off we go, hood down, wind in the hair [Wink], sport button on ............. Clap


Edited by thepits - 10 Dec 2014 at 5:24pm
Cats know your every thought.

But don't care.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote BrianMarkWilson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Sep 2016 at 9:15pm
what is the earliest year i can buy a z3

anyone.
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rpennington View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote rpennington Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Sep 2016 at 9:43pm
Originally posted by BrianMarkWilson BrianMarkWilson wrote:

what is the earliest year i can buy a z3

anyone.


Hi Brian
I think it is 1996

Regards
Rich
1999 E46 323i se Saloon - sold
2011 E90 325d msport - sold
2014 F30 335d xdrive msport plus pack
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Norrie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Sep 2016 at 10:12pm
or better still Z4 Alpina Roadster
n
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Paul Rice Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Sep 2016 at 11:57pm
Chalk and Cheese
Paul 2003 Z4 2.5 Sterling grey
2018 320i GT M sport Estoril Blue
In love with driving again
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