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      12-30-2015, 03:17 PM   #1
maa335iF30
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Considering a 1998 Z3. Thoughts?

Hey guys, my first post in the Z forums. I'll start by saying that I've always wanted to have a roadster, but otherwise have not done any research or know much about these cars. Recently I've stumbled upon a 1998 Z3 2.8L with 180,000 miles. Haven't negotiated on price, but before I do, wanted to check on what you guys thought. At this age and mileage, can this car still deliver some fun, or am setting myself up ongoing challenges with maintenance? I realize I'm considering an 18 year old car with 180k, and thus expect some issues, BUT are there more specific things I should be watching out for? Or is it a "buy it and you may actually enjoy this car, easily taking it to 250k miles" situation?

I ran some searches here and came up dry. Thanks for your help!
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      12-31-2015, 06:28 AM   #2
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Try posting that request on either of these site >>

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=7

OR

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/fo...-(E36-7-E36-8)

(rear subframe -check spot welds inside trunk running left to right where rear diff. subframe was spot welded, soft top wear, engine mounts worn, e36 cooling system worn out and replaced, etc)
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      12-31-2015, 07:58 AM   #3
maa335iF30
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Thank you!!
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      01-21-2016, 02:53 AM   #4
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My colleague has had Z3, previous Z4 and current E89 Z4.
Still says the Z3 was the most fun car.
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      01-21-2016, 08:15 AM   #5
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The Z3 is definitely a roadster and has that feel to it. The mileage has me a little worried though. I would just make sure you have a tech look it over before you buy and then you can make a better decision.
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      01-21-2016, 10:19 AM   #6
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There is no really big price differences between Z3 and Z4 E85 (2003). I sold my 2003 Z4 with 120k mileage for $7k. I see now they are going for $5k or something close to that. What I am saying is go get a 2003 Z4, it is still a handsome car!
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      01-21-2016, 12:06 PM   #7
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YES YES YES!!!

Z3 M Roadsters and Coupes are still my favorite cars. Had the E89 35i, 2 Z3MR, and still have a minty Z3MC.

No matter what you do, get an M. IMHO, current Z4 drives like doodoo but looks beautiful, last gen Z4 drives great but looks like doodoo, Z3 M is a lively drive and looks amazing.
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      01-25-2016, 11:23 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by maa335iF30 View Post
Hey guys, my first post in the Z forums. I'll start by saying that I've always wanted to have a roadster, but otherwise have not done any research or know much about these cars. Recently I've stumbled upon a 1998 Z3 2.8L with 180,000 miles. Haven't negotiated on price, but before I do, wanted to check on what you guys thought. At this age and mileage, can this car still deliver some fun, or am setting myself up ongoing challenges with maintenance? I realize I'm considering an 18 year old car with 180k, and thus expect some issues, BUT are there more specific things I should be watching out for? Or is it a "buy it and you may actually enjoy this car, easily taking it to 250k miles" situation?

I ran some searches here and came up dry. Thanks for your help!
In my search for a Z, I started at the Z3 off course. There are some nice ones to be found, a facelift 2.8 or 3.0 was the way to go. Facelift because of the big step-up in build quality and materialisation. The 'm' models I found became quickly expensive and were driven very hard/modded, hence my choice for the 2.8/3.0 which are plenty powerfull anyway.

If you search google for a second hand Z3 checklist, there are some good ones around. I learned them almost by heart and brought them with me when checking a Z3 out, and planned to check on a rainy shitty day for to check a leaking top. Also stick your hand underneath the seats to feel for a damp carpet. And check for water in the boot. I believe near the battery cause that's the lowest point.
Other thing I remember now are the air vents; even if they works at setting 1 and 4, they might actually not on 2 and 3. The seller I encountered showed me the working AC and the sneaky bastard only put it on 1 or 4. So be prepared for that as well.
Sport seats are a must, so is a manual transmission.

Anyway, do some good research cause it's an old car so all issues are known and a big bunch of them can be checked by yourself easily if you're prepared.

With regards to the mileage: 180k is a lot though.... Like somebody else here said the E85 (which is a massive step up in quality, if you like the less classic looks) pricing is almost the same so you might want to take that model in your search as well.
One big thing with the E85 is the 'sticky steering', which becomes worse in warm conditions (and it's a convertible so you're not going to drive it in -20 are you?). Some cars have it more than others, but the problem is the design of the steering column, so all pre-2007 models have it. There's no 'quick-fix'. Post 2007 models (may 2007 I believe) have a redesigned steering system and thus no sticky steering issues.
If you buy a E85, make sure you clean the drain plugs underneath the softtop. Otherwise your softtop electronic motors could flood which is very expensive. 'Easiest' way to clean those plugs is by taking of the rear wheels. There's a good vid on youtube about it. I have the link somewhere if you need it.
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      01-26-2016, 08:51 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nkc View Post
YES YES YES!!!

Z3 M Roadsters and Coupes are still my favorite cars. Had the E89 35i, 2 Z3MR, and still have a minty Z3MC.

No matter what you do, get an M. IMHO, current Z4 drives like doodoo but looks beautiful, last gen Z4 drives great but looks like doodoo, Z3 M is a lively drive and looks amazing.
well said, seems like doo doo all around. haha
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