BMW Z3, any problems I should look for

petal05, Aug 8, 8:46pm
Would like to buy one, but don't know anything about them.
greatfull for any advice please.

doctor_evil99, Aug 8, 8:48pm
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, 8:58pm
LOL, thanks for that.I think

fiatracer, Aug 8, 9:16pm
[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, 9:32pm
Ok so what if anything goes wrong with them, and are parts expensive!

fiatracer, Aug 8, 9:42pm
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, 6:57am
Thanks for all your help, I did purchase a 2002 2.2 tiptronic this afternoon.
AWESOME11

fiatracer, Aug 9, 10:47pm
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, 10:48pm
Enjoy you new car

phillip.weston, Aug 9, 10:50pm
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, 11:21pm
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, 11:22pm
Opps bad spelling, trying to type too fast, should say.does the key .

rsr72, Aug 9, 11:33pm
Key is charged when in the ignition, and spares should be rotated.
You should have more than one key.

petal05, Aug 9, 11:43pm
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, 9:23am
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