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BMW z3

  • Thread starter Thread starter Deleted member 18121
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Deleted member 18121

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Hi all

I've the potential of picking up a very cheap 2.0 BMW Z3 (1999), only 63k on the clock and 1 lady owner for last 16 years.

It'd be a weekend car and for me to get to/from golf..... Idea being carry bag in the boot or trolley in the boot and clubs in passenger seat.

Apart from people wanting hair cuts from me wherever I'll go..... Are there any drawbacks that you know of? From a Google search they seem to be bomb proof and at only £180 full comp on insurance it'll be relatively cheap.
 
One Planer said:
Good.

The gearbox ratio in the automatics is so big you could fit another gear in.

If it's been well maintained, what's giving you the worry?
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Several things... I've never owned a "quality" car before so am always frightened of running costs.....it's 19 years old......it's a "hairdressers car"....... It's "only" the 2.0 which regularly gets slated as being slow, underpowered etc

It's probably mostly unfounded apprehension, I've just never owned a "old" car before and am worried what that brings with it.
 
Find a Bmw forum and see what they say. I'm not being funny but they will be a mind of information. I'm on a Volvo forum and we do our best on there to help people with equivalent questions.

The good news is you only want it for the weekend so you won't be hammering it. May also be worth speaking to a Bmw independent garage, for servicing, and ask them what bills would be coming up, what to be wary of. If you start with "I'll be bringing my car here, but......."

Good luck. Quality cars do make you feel a little more special when you get in them.
 
I finally got rid of my BMW 740 just over a year ago. It was 17 years old with 75k on it and a full service history. Only swapped it because it was a bit thirsty and I wasn't doing the long journeys any more. Not the same model I know but build quality should be good as well as the paint job. Apart from specific issues, try ZRoadster.org for that as LT suggested, look out for rubber parts drying out and plastic becoming a bit brittle. You can still get pretty much all the parts and obviously OEM spares will be more expensive but depending on the specific part it is sometimes better to get the real thing.
 
Mrs mog has had a Z3M coupe for 15 years. Similar, but scary. Still a car for hairdressers, just ones in a hurry.

I dont fit in it. I am a bloke. Its built for ladies. It just is.

We bought a Z4 last year. It is just so much the better car. Size, comfort, build, a bit more modern. Gone 3 ltr auto though. Cant be doing with under powered cars.

Love having the roof down. Its addictive. Even had it down when it was snowing.

If you like it, do it.
 
murphthemog said:
Mrs mog has had a Z3M coupe for 15 years. Similar, but scary. Still a car for hairdressers, just ones in a hurry.

I dont fit in it. I am a bloke. Its built for ladies. It just is.

We bought a Z4 last year. It is just so much the better car. Size, comfort, build, a bit more modern. Gone 3 ltr auto though. Cant be doing with under powered cars.

Love having the roof down. Its addictive. Even had it down when it was snowing.

If you like it, do it.
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Thanks.... An mx5 has made part of my car history, so I'm used to the Mickey taking. In this instance I think for the money I'd struggle to get a car that is half as good as this one.
 
I can't remember which Mercedes it is, i think it is the SLK, but that really is a hairdressers car. Your Z3 is positively manly in comparison 😎.
 
murphthemog said:
I got in an mx5 once, pretty much needed a can opener to get me out. I am made out of pipe cleaners, but I am 6 ft 2.
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I was slightly slimmer when I had mine, hopefully I'll be able to pour myself into it.
 
I wouldn’t go for a 16 year old BMW personally even if it was peanuts to buy.

Bomb proof or not , at that age expect to be spending £££ on spares every year.
 
If you want you can buy an AA/RAC/similar inspection, where a qualified mechanic will go over the car with a fine tooth comb and give a report. Cost will be £99 for basic inspection, and up to £240ish for a full all singing one. Obviously check service history is to date, etc. Also check, via BMW or BMW forums for known issues. Hopefully the roof mechanism is fine and not leaky :)
 
It is a convertible, they are never very waterproof.

The Merc slk 320 is defo not a hairdressers car, but they rust like a 70s alfa.
 
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