Z3 2.8 buyers guide
Discussion
Not a good move really. Buy something else. The Z3 is pretty enough, but it does not have particularly modern underpinnings, and is not the most rigid of cars. Not the best drive by far if you're going to spend circa £15K.
For that budget, you could consider:
1) Elise?
2) Porsche Options: a 968 Convertible perhaps?
3) BMW M3 Convertible?
I know MPG and running costs may be an issue for some of the above, but don't buy a Z3. Unless of course you do cut hair for a living.
For that budget, you could consider:
1) Elise?
2) Porsche Options: a 968 Convertible perhaps?
3) BMW M3 Convertible?
I know MPG and running costs may be an issue for some of the above, but don't buy a Z3. Unless of course you do cut hair for a living.
Thanks your replies - they are pretty much what I expected, and three months ago I would have said exactly the same thing. However let me explain a little more about my situation...
I'm planning a driving holiday around the French Alps in a few months time and need a car to do it in. Have looked at hiring something but then I realised I would be better off buying something private or auction (with bank loan with no early redemption penalties) and then selling it again when I got back (or at least a few months later). Hopefully, I might even make a small profit.
So that being the case, I'm not too bothered about the looks as I'm not going to live with it for years. Personally I really like the front of the Z3 but the side and especially the rear profile are god awful.
So my criteria are:
1) Got to be convertible to make the most of the scenery, and knowing how changable the weather can be, preferably with electric hood. Also air con for the really hot & tiresome motorways.
2) Got to be reliable. The last thing I need is to be left stranded on some mountain pass.
3) Got to be sub £12K and preferably under 7 years old.
4) Got to be reasonably exciting to drive. I'm not looking for the ultimate in chassis dynmaics and performance, just something enjoyable.
5) Got to be resonably comfortable and refined to endure almost 3000 miles in two weeks.
6) Got to have reasonable sized boot to store the luggage in.
7) Got to have reasonable MPG - anything under 25 is a no go.
8) Got to have resale potential at the end of it.
9) I'm only 30 with lots of points so no group 19 or 20 cars please.
I guess an Elise does fit most of the criteria (apart from the electric hood), but I think it might be just a tad uncomprimising for such a long trip.
Seems to me that Z3 2.8 fits the bill perfectly???
>> Edited by SpunkyM on Tuesday 9th March 13:32
I'm planning a driving holiday around the French Alps in a few months time and need a car to do it in. Have looked at hiring something but then I realised I would be better off buying something private or auction (with bank loan with no early redemption penalties) and then selling it again when I got back (or at least a few months later). Hopefully, I might even make a small profit.
So that being the case, I'm not too bothered about the looks as I'm not going to live with it for years. Personally I really like the front of the Z3 but the side and especially the rear profile are god awful.
So my criteria are:
1) Got to be convertible to make the most of the scenery, and knowing how changable the weather can be, preferably with electric hood. Also air con for the really hot & tiresome motorways.
2) Got to be reliable. The last thing I need is to be left stranded on some mountain pass.
3) Got to be sub £12K and preferably under 7 years old.
4) Got to be reasonably exciting to drive. I'm not looking for the ultimate in chassis dynmaics and performance, just something enjoyable.
5) Got to be resonably comfortable and refined to endure almost 3000 miles in two weeks.
6) Got to have reasonable sized boot to store the luggage in.
7) Got to have reasonable MPG - anything under 25 is a no go.
8) Got to have resale potential at the end of it.
9) I'm only 30 with lots of points so no group 19 or 20 cars please.
I guess an Elise does fit most of the criteria (apart from the electric hood), but I think it might be just a tad uncomprimising for such a long trip.
Seems to me that Z3 2.8 fits the bill perfectly???
>> Edited by SpunkyM on Tuesday 9th March 13:32
Don't listen to them! 
I've had my 2.8 Z3 for five years (99/T) and have enjoyed every minute of it. It's no sports car in the TVR/Porsche ilk but it is fun... (ACS suspension improves matters!) As for styling, like any car you either like it or you dont!
I'm trading mine in about 2 months for a Z4 (getting a little more than 12k though...).
Things to look for?
Side windows get a little feeble after a while (just had mine taken care of). In some the seats have been known to move back/forth a little when stopping but dealers have usually sorted this. I'm told the interior leather can suffer but have had no problems with mine. The rear window being plastic is a pain and the roof has been known to wear early on some cars. Other than that, it's a flexible car so can pick up some squeaks and rattles over time. The engine is a BMW, I've never had a single problem with mine. Did have the power steering pump give up on me once but I was on a race track at the time...
Luggage space? Not great though I've spent 10 days driving around Europe with no problems. Packed light but still had plenty of room for souvenirs etc. 2.5k miles in 10 days and could've done it again without worry.
I'm told the standard sound system is pretty dire.
Happy hunting!
>> Edited by jhorsnel on Tuesday 9th March 16:52
I've had my 2.8 Z3 for five years (99/T) and have enjoyed every minute of it. It's no sports car in the TVR/Porsche ilk but it is fun... (ACS suspension improves matters!) As for styling, like any car you either like it or you dont!
I'm trading mine in about 2 months for a Z4 (getting a little more than 12k though...).
Things to look for?
Side windows get a little feeble after a while (just had mine taken care of). In some the seats have been known to move back/forth a little when stopping but dealers have usually sorted this. I'm told the interior leather can suffer but have had no problems with mine. The rear window being plastic is a pain and the roof has been known to wear early on some cars. Other than that, it's a flexible car so can pick up some squeaks and rattles over time. The engine is a BMW, I've never had a single problem with mine. Did have the power steering pump give up on me once but I was on a race track at the time...
Luggage space? Not great though I've spent 10 days driving around Europe with no problems. Packed light but still had plenty of room for souvenirs etc. 2.5k miles in 10 days and could've done it again without worry.
I'm told the standard sound system is pretty dire.
Happy hunting!
>> Edited by jhorsnel on Tuesday 9th March 16:52
I'm with gazzab and xxplod. Don't bother.
I borrowed my cousin's (female) whilst I was in between cars and really didn't like it. However, like Jhorsnell says - he likes his - it's kinda personal.
Even if you're selling it when you get back you've got to drive the thing.
Personally I'd buy the £11,500 3.0 M3 convertible in Daytona Violet (with hard top) that's on Autotrader at the mo. 86k on the clock, talk him down a bit and you won't lose much money.
The really smart thing to do if you're cruising through Europe however is buy a left hooker and save £££.
>> Edited by jbonnett on Tuesday 9th March 17:23
I borrowed my cousin's (female) whilst I was in between cars and really didn't like it. However, like Jhorsnell says - he likes his - it's kinda personal.
Even if you're selling it when you get back you've got to drive the thing.
Personally I'd buy the £11,500 3.0 M3 convertible in Daytona Violet (with hard top) that's on Autotrader at the mo. 86k on the clock, talk him down a bit and you won't lose much money.
The really smart thing to do if you're cruising through Europe however is buy a left hooker and save £££.
>> Edited by jbonnett on Tuesday 9th March 17:23
Yep - M3 would be loverly but I can't get a quote fully comp under £2K. I know the car itself is under budget but the idea is that i don't lose a lot of money on the entire thing and insurance that high is a bit of a stinger. Otherwise I might as well hire something.
Other cars that sprang to mind were:
Audi A4 convertible
Alfa spider - will break down
Saab 93 convertible - bit dull
MX5 - nah far too girly
Fiat Barachetta - engine too puny
I still reckon the Z3 2.8 is a better drive than most of them. Hmmmmm.
Other cars that sprang to mind were:
Audi A4 convertible
Alfa spider - will break down
Saab 93 convertible - bit dull
MX5 - nah far too girly
Fiat Barachetta - engine too puny
I still reckon the Z3 2.8 is a better drive than most of them. Hmmmmm.
Don't know much about the Alfa - but at least it's Italian and has a bit of soul - and electrical faults no doubt! (Joke).
Mate of mine had an A4 vert for 2 weeks - hated it and sold it - might of just been him, but he found it sloppy, slow and unengaging.
Saab - different if a little dull.
MX...I won't even finish that sentence.
Fiat Hairdryer.....nah!
I see how you arrived at the 2.8 Z3 now mate! Either that or the Alfa....but the BM is less likely to break down!
Sod it - you've convinced me!
Mate of mine had an A4 vert for 2 weeks - hated it and sold it - might of just been him, but he found it sloppy, slow and unengaging.
Saab - different if a little dull.
MX...I won't even finish that sentence.
Fiat Hairdryer.....nah!
I see how you arrived at the 2.8 Z3 now mate! Either that or the Alfa....but the BM is less likely to break down!
Sod it - you've convinced me!
The Alfa won't break down, that sort of money will buy you a really nice 2001 car with warranty 
I had a GTV V6 upto 27,000 with no problems at all.
Most of the talk about them being unreliable isn't true, it's just the dealerships! There terrible!
>> Edited by markda on Tuesday 9th March 23:33
I had a GTV V6 upto 27,000 with no problems at all. Most of the talk about them being unreliable isn't true, it's just the dealerships! There terrible!
>> Edited by markda on Tuesday 9th March 23:33
The Fiat Barchetta - now there is a very underrated car. Missus had one. Engine is not that puny. It's 130bhp, and quite characterful. It really is a superb drive too, better than the MX5 and the Z3. Also has a very quick to operate hood, a decent boot, 35 mpg and very reasonable insurance.
Speak to DTR in London, a nearly new one could be yours for sub £10K.
Speak to DTR in London, a nearly new one could be yours for sub £10K.
Well impressions from my test drive of a Z3 3.0l last Friday:
WHY did it have to be the slippiest road day of the year!
Road was seriously greasy, damp and cold. Nearly lost the back end literally 30 secs after getting in . Well not quite that dramatic - the ASC got hold of it and sorted it out. Was hardly pressing the gas either, just coming off a roundabout so may have been a bit of diesal as well. Gave me a bit of a scare though 'cause it was so unexpected.
Anyway, very impressed with the wind noise for a softop. Every softop I've been in suffered badly from wind noise above 70mph which was tiring. The Z3 is totally quiet, you wouldn't know the difference between that and a normal hardtopped car.
Engine - sounds v.nice being a straight 6 but a bit boomy at about 3000rpm which was a bit annoying as it's equates to almost exactly 70mph in top - i.e constant motorway speeds. Nice extra push in the back at around 4500rpm when the VANOS VVT kicks in. It pulled about the same as my Fiat Coupe 20VT did, but of course with no lag and much more pull from 1000rpm - 2500rpm.
Couln't really test the handling with the roads being so slippy (and the wimpy sales guy wouldn't let me turn the ASC off ) but it fely very solid and surefooted. Nice gearchange and fluid light clutch action.
Couldn't really find fault with it in the short time I had with it but I hardly pushed it to the limits so that's not too surprising. Just the looks that aren't everyone's cup of tea and I'm still not totally sold on it myself.
Need to try the more reasonably priced 2.8 and see how it compares.
Still keep coming back to the same conclusion - it's not the best car, but it's the best car for the job.
WHY did it have to be the slippiest road day of the year!
Road was seriously greasy, damp and cold. Nearly lost the back end literally 30 secs after getting in . Well not quite that dramatic - the ASC got hold of it and sorted it out. Was hardly pressing the gas either, just coming off a roundabout so may have been a bit of diesal as well. Gave me a bit of a scare though 'cause it was so unexpected.
Anyway, very impressed with the wind noise for a softop. Every softop I've been in suffered badly from wind noise above 70mph which was tiring. The Z3 is totally quiet, you wouldn't know the difference between that and a normal hardtopped car.
Engine - sounds v.nice being a straight 6 but a bit boomy at about 3000rpm which was a bit annoying as it's equates to almost exactly 70mph in top - i.e constant motorway speeds. Nice extra push in the back at around 4500rpm when the VANOS VVT kicks in. It pulled about the same as my Fiat Coupe 20VT did, but of course with no lag and much more pull from 1000rpm - 2500rpm.
Couln't really test the handling with the roads being so slippy (and the wimpy sales guy wouldn't let me turn the ASC off ) but it fely very solid and surefooted. Nice gearchange and fluid light clutch action.
Couldn't really find fault with it in the short time I had with it but I hardly pushed it to the limits so that's not too surprising. Just the looks that aren't everyone's cup of tea and I'm still not totally sold on it myself.
Need to try the more reasonably priced 2.8 and see how it compares.
Still keep coming back to the same conclusion - it's not the best car, but it's the best car for the job.
Dont listen to anyone that tells you not to go for the Z3! Everyone told me the same thing last year! I didnt listen, test drove the Z and loved it.... okay, it didnt handle like an S2000 or elise and it was not a Boxter, but for the money I paid and the package I got, I challenge anyone not to be impressed! I just put the roof down on my way back from lunch and people are asking my why I am so happy!!!!
Lovely engine, lovely looks, fun to drive, all mod cons!
I have heard it all "girls car", "bit gay", "crap handling"!
Pardon? I cant quite hear you over the 6 cylinder churning out 200bhp that just left you at the lights!
I am gay.... not the last time I checked... I will leave you playing with yourself and quoting from articles of 1.9 Z3 reviews.
You drove the 3.0 and was impressed... try the 2.8 and I am sure you will feel the same. Check the top gear car ratings and see where the Z3 got placed... find a 2.8 review and see what that says. Want a stiffer chassis... buy a strut brace for it.
Lovely engine, lovely looks, fun to drive, all mod cons!
I have heard it all "girls car", "bit gay", "crap handling"!
Pardon? I cant quite hear you over the 6 cylinder churning out 200bhp that just left you at the lights!
I am gay.... not the last time I checked... I will leave you playing with yourself and quoting from articles of 1.9 Z3 reviews.
You drove the 3.0 and was impressed... try the 2.8 and I am sure you will feel the same. Check the top gear car ratings and see where the Z3 got placed... find a 2.8 review and see what that says. Want a stiffer chassis... buy a strut brace for it.
Had a Z3 2.8 march 98 car
They are really good value now.
Excellent engine
Good brakes
Pretty good steering, turns in pretty well, reasonable feel (better than the early S2000 I tried)
Chassis fairly good, old E30 chassis, good grip (ours had 17" wheels 225/40, 245/35, manufacturers sports susp, LSD ) but the break away could be quite sharp, not too bad but did spin it on the road.
Exciting drive, great hood down, thrashing round the lanes, or fast touring using that lovely torque reliable day to day but a small boot
We did tour scotland in it , it was great.
An early boxster is arguably a better allround car, bit better steering, better chassis, the engine isn't as good and it costs at least £5k far more, as well as the running costs being higher.
I reckon they are an excellent second hand buy
They are really good value now.
Excellent engine
Good brakes
Pretty good steering, turns in pretty well, reasonable feel (better than the early S2000 I tried)
Chassis fairly good, old E30 chassis, good grip (ours had 17" wheels 225/40, 245/35, manufacturers sports susp, LSD ) but the break away could be quite sharp, not too bad but did spin it on the road.
Exciting drive, great hood down, thrashing round the lanes, or fast touring using that lovely torque reliable day to day but a small boot
We did tour scotland in it , it was great.
An early boxster is arguably a better allround car, bit better steering, better chassis, the engine isn't as good and it costs at least £5k far more, as well as the running costs being higher.
I reckon they are an excellent second hand buy
I had a 2.8 for 4 years and loved every minute of it.
Took it abraod on holiday several times and its surprising how much you can pack in with care.
Always managed the clothes etc and always managed 24 bottles of wine on the return.
Very sad to see it go.
Replaced it with an M Roadster --awesome.
Ignore all the hairdresser stuff - take them for a blast in it --that usually shuts them up.
Took it abraod on holiday several times and its surprising how much you can pack in with care.
Always managed the clothes etc and always managed 24 bottles of wine on the return.
Very sad to see it go.
Replaced it with an M Roadster --awesome.
Ignore all the hairdresser stuff - take them for a blast in it --that usually shuts them up.
Good to see some positive reaction to balance the critiscism this car gets - having drove it I am sure much of it is undeserved and many people are talking from clouded preconceptions rather then experience. Seems that just about everyone that has or does own one of these cars praises them highly.
I started off like many people on here when one of my friends said he was thinking of getting one. I scoffed and told him to look elsewhere. But that was before I'd really researched it properly and compared it to other things available for the same money.
That's when you realise that a car with close to 200bhp from a straight six and a proper convertible roof, rear wheel drive and just the right level of refinement is quite a winning formula. Throw in the rock solid reliability and the sub £12K price and it really starts to make sense.
OK the looks aren't to everybody's tastes but I can forgive it that for everything else it offers.
I started off like many people on here when one of my friends said he was thinking of getting one. I scoffed and told him to look elsewhere. But that was before I'd really researched it properly and compared it to other things available for the same money.
That's when you realise that a car with close to 200bhp from a straight six and a proper convertible roof, rear wheel drive and just the right level of refinement is quite a winning formula. Throw in the rock solid reliability and the sub £12K price and it really starts to make sense.
OK the looks aren't to everybody's tastes but I can forgive it that for everything else it offers.
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