Advice on BMW Z3 Convert Please | FerrariChat
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Advice on BMW Z3 Convert Please

Discussion in 'Other German' started by Jerrari, Sep 5, 2006.

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  1. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
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    Jerry Wiersma
    #1 Jerrari, Sep 5, 2006
    I'm thinking of buying one of these for my wife. Any tips on what to look for or look out for would be greatly appreciated. Kewl options that we should seek out? Any years that I should stay away from? Thanks in advance, Jerry.
     
  2. Meister

    Meister F1 Veteran
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    #2 Meister, Sep 5, 2006
    Don't know what years you are looking at, but I always liked the looks of the 98-99 2.8 before they did the high rear 1/4 panel in 00' and obviously way before the mangaled Z-4.

    A lot of those cars were lease vehicles back in the day so keep that in mind.

    I lost interest in that cars a few years back, so I can't really help with the tech info.
     
  3. Miura Jota

    Miura Jota F1 Rookie

    May 26, 2004
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    Martin
    #3 Miura Jota, Sep 5, 2006
    that improvement make them look much better IMHO.
    the stifness in a Z3 is something other convertibles would envy
    just because Z3 was designed as a truly convertible instead of a cut coupe
    beware
    early years = 4 cyl =
     
  4. David_S

    David_S F1 World Champ
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    #4 David_S, Sep 5, 2006
    I have a '97 2.8 which is the lightest year for the 2.8 (no roll hoops). Great car & a WHOLE lot of fun. Would be driving it daily right now if I had the time to put in a new clutch - should just bite the bullet & let a shop do the work :(

    Other than the clutch that finally is slipping (probably due to previous owner abuse) & replacing a thermostat, the car has been wonderful & gets plenty of thumbs up.

    Was at a Pantera gathering a few years back & one woman said she liked my Z3 better than the Panteras :)
     
  5. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

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    #5 Jerrari, Sep 5, 2006
    Thanks for the replies so far guys. BTW, what does the "M" option get you?
     
  6. Evolved

    Evolved F1 Veteran

    Nov 5, 2003
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    #6 Evolved, Sep 5, 2006
    either 240 or over 300bhp
     
  7. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

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    #7 Jerrari, Sep 5, 2006
    Is the 3.2 L only available in the M? Is there anything else that comes specifically with the M, or does it automatically just get you all available z3 options?
     
  8. JBsZ06

    JBsZ06 Formula Junior

    Dec 6, 2003
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    #8 JBsZ06, Sep 5, 2006
    Buy the M

    Its a cool little car.
     
  9. David_S

    David_S F1 World Champ
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    #9 David_S, Sep 6, 2006
    I wouldn't even call the M an "option" - it is a whole 'nother car. MUCH better interior, obviously the 3.2 engine (even the earlier US 240 hp version has LOTS of torque), better suspension, exhaust outlets on both sides. Simply a much better car (and the base Z3 is one heck of a ride to begin with).
     
  10. Auraraptor

    Auraraptor F1 World Champ
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    #10 Auraraptor, Sep 6, 2006
    Many feel the 240 hp version was/is the better ///M, as its power is less peaky with much better all around torque.
     
  11. kaamacat

    kaamacat Formula 3

    Jun 13, 2004
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    #11 kaamacat, Sep 6, 2006
    Picked up a 2001 2.5 Roadster about 1 month ago w/24.5K on it. The car is outstanding! (even with the Steptronic auto, its just fine).

    One word of caution I've heard about the Z3's is the rear subframe area. With-that-said, I'd stongly recommend looking real close at the rear area for any stress cracks, and some say if you remove the carpet from the trunk area, if its gonna happen you may see it there................now. I dont' know how common that is, but, that is the #1 item everyone mentions to check out.

    The car is an absoulute blast to drive, and I can only imagine how an M would be. (In fact there is someone local with an 02' M Roadster, 9K miles.........but asking 32K)
     

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