[JMR00Z3]

Greetings, I am considering a purchase of a Z3 Roadster (2000) 2.8L with low mileage. What are some things I should look at before I buy it? Any information on reliability, known mechanical or maintenance issues etc. would be very helpful. A mechanic friend is going to look at it tomorrow. Thanks for your input!

-JMR

 

[dudex]

well there are few thing u got to test,
1 - ASC button (when u hit it the track light should kick in the dashboard)
2 - drive in gear 1 and 2 with hitting the acceleration pedal to the maximum if there were any vibration u feel from below the car (under ur set) check if the shaft and defranction have no leaks or worn rubber or seals.
3- check the break light and headlights wiring and make sure all of the fuses in the fuse box are working and in the right amp (coz mostly all of z3 problems are in the fuses and wiring)
4- check the rear wheels if they are set in 90 degree angle like most cars or they are set in 100-120 degree, (coz that will eat ur tyres like hell even new tyres will last only one year or less)
5- computer check the car if all of the sensers are working fine keep in mind O2 sensors & air mass meter & camshaft sensor & vauns sitting if they are right or not & breck sensors.
6- check the dash board light if they are all working fine.

if the car does not have any of these problems then its almost as good as new z3, and if it have ASC,ABS problem then better dont buy it coz it might kill u or put a big hole in your wallet.

sorry for the bad english (its not my language)

all the best

 

[Bruce from DC]

My 3.0i has a different engine, so my experience on that is not relevant. A known weakness on BMWs is the electric window lifts, so make sure that you try yours. My driverside lift is failing on my 2001 model.

Before I bought my car some years ago, I test-drove a '99 2.8 liter with manual tranny. If everything is right, the car should be absolutely smooth up to 100 mph+ If there's some place you can do that safely and without fear of getting popped by the police, then I would do so. It will tell you lots about the driveline, wheels and suspension.

You didn't say whether the car you are considering is an automatic or a manual. If it's a manual, look for smooth clutch engagement, with no drama or shuddering. An older, low mileage car could very well have been driven in stop and go traffic, which creates the potential for lots of clutch wear, especially at the hands of a clumsy driver. My '01 has 56K miles, and a lot of it is that kind of driving. AFAICT, the clutch is still fine.