Which Z3 should I buy?

[DouglasWyatt]

So my 94 Saab 9000 Aero just got totalled and need to replace it, and I'm thinking of getting a (used) Z3 instead. I've got a couple of questions, though:

1) Are there particular years that I should avoid or try to find, in terms of reliability, performance, etc? I'm looking in the '98 to '02 range right now.

2) I've heard that you can add a hard-top to a Z3 that came with just a soft-top - is this true, and if so, how much should I expect to spend on it? I live in boston, so this is pretty important.

3) What would a "reasonable" person do to a Z3 for winter driving? I'm not the kind of guy to shell out thousands of dollars to get the be-all, but do people get different wheels/tires for winter driving? Or does a "reasonable" person just accept that it's not going to be great in the snow and accept it?

4) What problems should be looking out for in a ~4 year old Z3 when I check out used ones? I'll obviously take something I'm thinking of buying to a shop to get a once-over, but things my untrained eye could look out for to weed out lemons?

Thanks!

Doug

[jdrumstik]

I've got the exact same questions, and can some one tell bout the sport package? and is stability standard on 99 up models? and can u turn it on/off?

[Chance Mc Call]

Originally Posted by DouglasWyatt

I'm thinking of getting a (used) Z3 instead. I've got a couple of questions, though:

1) Are there particular years that I should avoid or try to find, in terms of reliability, performance, etc? I'm looking in the '98 to '02 range right now.

2) I've heard that you can add a hard-top to a Z3 that came with just a soft-top - is this true, and if so, how much should I expect to spend on it? I live in boston, so this is pretty important.

3) What would a "reasonable" person do to a Z3 for winter driving? I'm not the kind of guy to shell out thousands of dollars to get the be-all, but do people get different wheels/tires for winter driving? Or does a "reasonable" person just accept that it's not going to be great in the snow and accept it?

4) What problems should be looking out for in a ~4 year old Z3 when I check out used ones? I'll obviously take something I'm thinking of buying to a shop to get a once-over, but things my untrained eye could look out for to weed out lemons?

Thanks!

Doug

Much will depend on how much money you have to spend. If performance is a major issue, then the '01-'02 M should be your first choice if money is not an object. Be prepared to spend $35,000-$48,000 depending on miles and condition for one of those. On the plus side, the price should go up on them, rather than down, as they are rare.

For less money and less performance, stay with the Ms as opposed to the lower priced standard Z3s.

To the best of my knowledge, there are no real engine issues all the way back to the '96s.

Hard Tops: Some came standard with them. Many roadster owners are buying them on eBay and the price varys wildly.

Tires: Go to TireRack.com and get snow tires and wheels like every other Z3 owner who drives in snow. Do not get all season tires or you will regret it.

BMW offers "Certified Pre Owned Vehicles" which is the best way to know you aren't going to have problems. Failing that, have a BMW Certified Mechanic check it out. Things can go wrong with the best of vehicles from owner abuse, and while Z3s don't need a lot of repair, when they do, it is expensive after the warranty.

Hope this helps.