Am kinda interested in Z3

[kgb]

Hi folks, just wanted some of your input on Z3I am yet to test drive or to sit in one, never the less, your feedback and experience with z3 would be most appreciated. My preliminary researched showed, that 90K is somewhat sufficient to be in the market for one (do correct me if i am wrong, or convince me that 120K one is more worthy). I also heard that 1.9lt is rather underpowered for such vehicle, is this true? From what i've gathered, Z3 doesn't seem like a vehicle that should require a lot of attention which would result in rather high bills from my local mechanic. I prefer to keep my maintenance costs reasonable (just like my e30, cost of maintenance of which is comparable to Proton).Please do share PROS and CONS of Z3. Anything you know about this vehicle, please drop a line or two, would be much appreciated. My budget should be around 90K or below. It must be Auto and used daily (town use only).I won't be buying one right away, but would love to learn and understand this car a little better first. Pls do comment. Thanks.

 

[kgb]

Bump... fellows, don't anyone have an opinion on Z3???

 

[naharnms]

Bro kgb,

I feel that driving a z3 is slightly different than driving with other roadsters. With its low slung ride and long bonnet, you need to get used to the feeling. However, it drives great too, esp with the admiring eyes from everyone.. Power wise from a 1.9L, well, dont expect much lar, just need to press the gas harder that's all..

So, if you are interested (for a test drive maybe??), can give me a PM, who knows you might get hooked and give me the booking fee straight ??!

Cheers..

 

[kgb]

Many thanks naharnms

I shall give you a buzz once i am convinced that z3 is exactly what i want/need. But for now, i'll have to gather as much info about this beast as possible. Feel free to share your z3 experience, from the day you got the car, how it feel on road, in traffic jams, at 180km/h, maintenance issues if any and etc... anything related to z3 is welcome.

Thanks again.

 

[boonaroo]

Imagine a Z3 as a german version of the MX-5. Most people who own either will tell you that you don't need to have a lot of power to have fun (take the carting, or even those e30s with m42s as an example).

the important thing to note with the m44 engine is that its a nice high-reving engine and as long as you get your gearing and suspension right, you'll be smiling your way through the twisties passing many cars with larger displacements. of course, with a car like that, I'd highly recommend a manual tranny. the auto with the m44 is relatively gutless.

Of course a L6 will give you more low end grunt but a L4 will give you some very nice balance.

so....in sum, m44, manual, good suspension (I'd recommend the B12 kit with good ARBs), keep it in the 5 to 6k rpm range in 2nd/3rd gear, big smile.

Of course

 

[kgb]

thanks boonaroo.

even my m40 in 2nd/3rd gear and 5 to 6K rpm makes me smile. My main concern would be consumables on the vehicle, is z3 known to be high on maintenance side? They seem to be depreciating quiet well, or am i wrong? Should i grab one now or wait another 12-24 months so that i can pay around 40K for it?

I noticed, z3 not very popular here, it sure is a great looking car or am i missing something here?

I've got two projects in mine, one is addition of z3 OR an upgrade on my e30. Which one will take place, time will tell. But for now, i am still intrigued with z3.

 

[mizhan]

fix up the E30 comrade..

 

[boonaroo]

i agree with mizhan....though if you are keen on an open top ride, then its a different story.

as for maintenance, i guess you won't have to worry about engine consumerables. not too sure of the rest though.

 

[maxkpp]

Z3

Not many Z3 in Malaysia because, when new it is expensive.
Those imported reconditioned cars are also a bit pricy.
Also the owners are reluctant to sell them cheap anyway.
I will myself get one it it is cheap...:santaclaus:
I like the look, the shape... It's a James Bond Car
It is also a bit retro ... like the classic 507 ... Elvis's BMW.

 

[Alex5522]

Tis wan very cun oh..
http://www.carautoportal.com/car-images/bmw/bmw-z3/bmw-z3-coupe.jpg

 

[kgb]

i am stuck in between. Restoring e30 makes perfect sense, but mine is a 4 door, 2 door is more worthy of restoration and upgrade that i have in mind. z3 on the other hand keeps bugging me with it sexy looks.

do keep e30 and keep it stock and get z3 or do i restore e30 and forget about z3? hehehehehe How to decide like this???

 

[Ramoura]

zz top....

Many thanks naharnms

I shall give you a buzz once i am convinced that z3 is exactly what i want/need. But for now, i'll have to gather as much info about this beast as possible. Feel free to share your z3 experience, from the day you got the car, how it feel on road, in traffic jams, at 180km/h, maintenance issues if any and etc... anything related to z3 is welcome.

Thanks again.

Hi There russian spy,
as a roadster lover myself and have owned Mazda Miata aka MX-5 and Z3,
here r my kinda advice:
1-avoid 1.9, go get yourself the last batch of Z3 with the heart of M54 2.2cc (170bhp)....you get the sexy widebody too.
2-Performance wise, it's more fun to drive provided you go upgrade all the under carriage...sport shock, coil, bmc filter. stagg tyres..bla, bla, bla...all those boring stuffs.
3-Maintenance-OK just like other M54ss...
4-It's still a head turner car for a common pple so watch where you park cuz soft top can cost you a lots.
5-You have to use with the rattle noise os the soft top whenever you are running fast, if there is a hard top...Fantastica!!

I used to have a sunday b'fast drive wt a 911 fren to tanjung malim, but of coz LA you can't match the Porsche. Overall driving was great 180km is easy and stable for such a tiny car.
And i remember, always topless down every night i go home from off....nice.

So go get the right one for you...you'll love it.

Hope this help, cheers!

down memory lane:

 

[fabianyee]

a Z3 M coupe would be the bomb... Seen one on the road in PJ before...

the 1.9 version we have here is the M43TU SOHC engine similar to the E46 318i pre-facelift.... The M44 engine would be a better engine...
Get the 2.2 version...Had a brief drive in one and it's got enuf poke to play. And some mag said it's the all rounder of the Z3 range...

 

[kgb]

Special thanks to RAMOURA from a russian spy.

Very educational indeed. Well, i shall keep looking and thinking. Unfortunately, never had a chance to have a chat regarding my e30 project last night (someone came "a little late" hehehhehe) so i am still stuck in the middle.

 

[naharnms]

Bro KGB, have you decided whether to buy the z3 or not...?if you are keen, i cn give you a test drive and dont forget to bring some spare cash, in case you want to put some money down for it..hehehe...

p/s make it after cny lar..happy2 and yam seng first..