Would like to buy one, but don't know anything about them. greatfull for any advice please.
doctor_evil99,
Aug 8, 3:48pm
your image as a hair dresser - oops sorry that was for MX5. Avoid the 1.9 engine.Even a Daihatsu Charade can easily out run a 1.9 Z3
petal05,
Aug 8, 3:58pm
LOL, thanks for that.I think
fiatracer,
Aug 8, 4:16pm
[speaking as an owner]. most around are 1.9 autos. A 1.9 manual isn't bad at all, after all it's a 140bhp RWD sports car. They all lack the dynamic purity of an MX5 [speaking as a past owner of two.] but are pretty good. The 6 cylinder is a better bet, good power, easily tuneable as it's just an E36 BMW 328 underneath [mainly]. 2.8 manuals are rare [there's ONE on TM right now] and the 2.8 auto isn't as bad as you might think. I've taken mine on the track for a gentle play and it was pretty good depsite the auto box.
petal05,
Aug 8, 4:32pm
Ok so what if anything goes wrong with them, and are parts expensive!
fiatracer,
Aug 8, 4:42pm
parts are not expensive - the key is to always find an independent BMW specialist. what goes wrong! Typical BMW stuff - the cooling system needs to be treated as a service item. Unless there's proof it's been done, replace the water pump and thermostat, and have the radiator and tanks all checked. There is an issue with diff mounts/boot floors cracking, but only under extreme use, so probably this would only affect the M3-powered versions used on the track, or mega mileage cars.
petal05,
Aug 9, 1:57am
Thanks for all your help, I did purchase a 2002 2.2 tiptronic this afternoon. AWESOME11
fiatracer,
Aug 9, 5:47pm
good for you, that's a later version with different rear guards and lights I think, the earlier ones were only 1.9, 2.8 and 3.2 as far as I know.
splinter67,
Aug 9, 5:48pm
Enjoy you new car
phillip.weston,
Aug 9, 5:50pm
The 2.8 auto I had driven for a while was a good car but I found it was very prone to bump-steer, and the air bag sensor in the seat gave trouble and had to be replaced. Other than that - a good enjoyable car to drive.
petal05,
Aug 9, 6:21pm
Sorry guys, just another question. it is quite hard to lock (and yes I only have one key) I don't want ot pull it apart, doed the key have a battery in it! I know it is a stupid question, but I'm a girl. (I only just figured out that the spare was under the rear bumper.
petal05,
Aug 9, 6:22pm
Opps bad spelling, trying to type too fast, should say.does the key .
rsr72,
Aug 9, 6:33pm
Key is charged when in the ignition, and spares should be rotated. You should have more than one key.
petal05,
Aug 9, 6:43pm
Ok , well I only got 1 with the car and it just spins in the lock so wont open the door and. when I push the buttons it takes several attempts before it will open.any thoughts!
4piggy,
Aug 10, 4:23am
try pointing key at inside mirror when operating as some bmw have infared with receiver in mirror rather than standard radio wave type and take to locksmith/ auto electrician to have battery replaced if still no good
Since the public registrations are closed, you must have an invite from a current member to be able to register and post in this thread.
Have an account? Login here.