Buying a BMW Z3

[@TCSporsche]

I bought a Z3, a 6cyl 2.8 from 1998 recently and I used this video to be well-informed on what to look for. With this information and really taking the time while buying, you can see what kind of maintenance you can expect in the coming months or years and if it's worth buying. Thanks so much for this thorough explainer video! Really enjoying my Z3 as a daily driver!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you for the comments.

[@FeeeshEP3]

It’s also a good idea to check the rear sway bar mounts on these. They tend to brake off due to corrosion. Also alway open the boot floor not only for signs of accident damage but for cracked spot welds between the two rear strut towers, this is a common problem with these cars as well.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, and very good points

[@tommaloy90]

Z3 coupes are just one of those unique cars that stand out, I have liked them for a long time, very jealous and congrats!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks! 👍

[@danielatkinson5976]

We all aspire to be a such a well rounded mechanic. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@D3Sshooter]

My pleasure

[@leekatzmarek2916]

My wife fell in love with a 2000 Z3 Roadster so we bought it. This video was very helpful to gain familiarity to the BMW since I'm a Ford Pickup driver 😋. Thank you!

[@erickelly6737]

Your video is without doubt the best review of bying a used car i ever have seen. Great 👍

[@D3Sshooter]

Glad you liked it!

[@bobwilson5186]

Amazing video, thanks so much for sharing such detailed information. Growing up as a kid, the Z3 was the car poster I had on my wall. I'm now in a place in life that I can afford to buy one and this is a fantastic guide as to what I should be looking for. Thanks so much!

[@A_Jay13]

I got my '98 Coupe last year and I had minor clunking noises. I changed the fluids in the transmission and differential and the noises were gone. Additionally, the gear changes got much smoother, especially while cold. Nevertheless, a great video, wished this video would be available last year.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, and yes there can be many reasons why a cluck is there

[@gassanal-jamali4751]

Amazing video. I own a 2002 Z3 Coupe 3.0 automatic , Black with red seats. I do my best to take care of it and enjoy the drive. This video has so much info on what to look for incase of issues. So far none with mine.

[@D3Sshooter]

Good to see. Thanks for the comments

[@jimbd6556]

Wow ! the glass of water to check that the engine is running smoothly ! fantastic trick ! I sure will use it to buy this Z3 I am targeting Thanks for the tip

[@fortheapex]

I bought a z3 roadster 3 liter just two weeks ago everything checks out except the a power steering leak somewhere thanks for the advice and great filming

[@HumbleBeginningsx]

Great video, very helpful. I’ve just got a Z3 roadster 2.2 ‘barn find’ (but it has been really well looked-after) that hasn’t been driven 2010-2013, so I’ll look at all of the points you’ve shown.

[@highlevelcut9054]

That‘s a great guide with a lot of information. BUT: the Z3 never got the faulty Nikasil M52 Engine. It always got a special M52 with the Engine Code 286S1/Z3, which had gray cast iron liners instead of nikasil since day one. That‘s why there are many E36 and E39 with this problem but few to none Z3.

[@MiteyMOofyearsAgo]

Thank you for your in depth eval. I have the 1.9l 1997 75k mi.. It has been very easy to maintain. Parts are easily obtained.

[@markoldham5403]

The Z3 Coupe is one of my favorite BMW models of all time. Congratulations, it looks like you have found a great one. Very good color also.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks! 👍, I think so ...it has a few issues not major... Clunking rear ( as they all do) and a minor exhaust leak

[@Zeljk080]

I learned a lot by watching your videos. Great channel and I love watching it. Many greetings from Serbia .

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@paulbeckmann1856]

Learned alot from the video, best in depth "what to look for" in a Z3. I'm still searching for mine. Just subscribed, thank you.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the sub! and good luck with the search

[@Hoth1907]

Hartelijk dank voor deze uitgebreide video! Erg leerzaam. Hartelijke groet ui Nederland

[@andreaskappen4320]

I'm looking for a z3 and stumbled on this video, really spot on. Very intuitive, thank you!

[@D3Sshooter]

You're very welcome

[@frankw1794]

I own a 2.8 Coupe from '99 since 2003 and can confirm that your video is very accurate on issues and benefits. I bought one because it's different then a lot of other sportscars, but yet with reliable BMW quality. Some add on's to the comments below : the rust on the rearview mirrors was always in the foot of the mirror, where the 2 parts came together. Another thing to mention : the rear tires get weared out from the inside, this is due to the older e30 rear axle used on this car. But in all, for a funcar to have extra, it is a good choice.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments FrankW.... did you run into clunking issue on your drive line as most have an issue with the torsen LSD

[@frankw1794]

@@D3Sshooter No, maybe because I bought it very early at a BMW dealership in Gummersbach. Pre owner was a woman, could have been a benefit...

[@christopherlawrence8270]

@@frankw1794 p

[@nonog294]

thank you for this in-depth video. im currently looking at a high mile 1999 z3 coupe (211K miles) for a project car. always interested in the clown shoe and would love to experience one of my own . definitely using your video for reference.

[@drminfrance9663]

Brilliant overview. Reminds me of the sort of checks essential when I bought a Triumph Stag many moons ago. I’ve been considering what roadster to buy and have whittled affordable choices down to the 2.8 Z3. Although I now live in France (UK expat) I prefer R.H. drive and will be buying the best example I can find in the UK. Well done for this very thorough examination; great recommendation to take along a diagnostics tool.

[@terrybennett5687]

Great detail and helped educate me on the Z3. Thank you!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@ChrisCimino-oh5wj]

Note the crack in what looks to be the gearbox support crossmember at 41:24 - 42:07

[@philf4086]

Great, informative video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@D3Sshooter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@blasblas3417]

Best tutorial to watch for a bmw z3, great video 👌🏼 I don’t really comment on videos…

[@lauraiss1027]

41:24, that crack on right side. I know it's all been replaced, it's just something camera picks up and video maker does not see. Happens often, when making videos.

[@D3Sshooter]

Sorry for the late reply , as i was away for work. But thanks for the comments. That is no crack, that is a grease track that ran down after I sprayed it with brake cleaner

[@MINIahollic]

Bij die van mij heb ik het zetel frame moeten aanpakken, omdat één van de stoelen licht wiebelde, daar bestaan sets van. En de spiegelvoetjes komen vaak los. Ik heb ook een vervelend klik geluid af en toe bij het koppelingspedaal, soms blijft ie ook een beetje 'plakken'. Camber achteraan is ook gevoelig om uit balans te geraken, een goede uitlijning van tijd tot tijd kan wel belangrijk zijn. De 2.8 kan op rechte stukken soms een beetje 'lui' aanvoelen, maar maakt dat meer dan goed door zijn soepel karakter bij de bochtige stukken.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@alc818]

Starting at 41:31 on your video, it looks like you have a crack in the aluminum casting... It may be just a casting mark, but on the video it looks like it is cracked...

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, its dried up cleaning liquid... i know that it looks like a crack

[@brianparkinson1594]

Another great project to look forward to following!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@xtlmad]

Hey man, the clunking soud is the differential, many Z3 do it, but its not the support, its the differential itself. You can start by changing the diff oil and gearbox oil. BM;W says it lasts for life but its not true... And the 3rd gear issue could be the gearbox shift pins. You have to take the gearbox out and change the gearshift pins.

[@iamrichrocker]

you surely have an eclectic mix/taste in vehicles..and the know how to maintain them...an investment too..

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@PompeyMatt17]

I have a 1.9 1999 BMW Individual in Fiji Green....I found through experience that although it's a Roadster, the Individual has an M Sport wiring harness and some M Sport kit...

[@D3Sshooter]

cool

[@General813]

We always fill our manual gearbox with castrol transmax z atf oil. There is a sticker on the gearbox whether atf or normal gear oil comes into the manual gearbox. Is often done wrong and then the gears get stuck.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments and indeed

[@patrickbartolo5614]

Very ..very good video... super well explained... !

[@johnnystoka6625]

If it is blowing smoke on start up it can becvalvv stem seals which would be about right for the milage done on that car .

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@FranciscoLopez-cs2hk]

Very instructive video, great job!

[@D3Sshooter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markwest9447]

Great video, very informative. Does anyone aftermarket or OEM make an updated high volume water pump? Perhaps an electric pump? Thanks Mark

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@robertbrault7456]

very good and informative video, thank you!

[@au1639]

Excellent video. I have 1999 Roadster 2.8. Automatic Transmission. Started to feel jittering vibration, when the car is accelerating, and engine revs around 1600 to 2000 rpm. I think its coming from the left rear wheel area. The rattling vibration gets bigger, when the acceleration is faster. When slowly accelerating, the vibration is low. Can you think of any reason why this is happening. FYI * I think the cause of this, is due to the heavier 18 inch alloy wheel for Z4 being used on Z3. Perhaps there are much more strain on the differential than the original 17 inch alloy wheel.

[@D3Sshooter]

TXS for the comments, play on the shafts or unbalanced shafts seem to be most common problem..

[@kimblewt]

Thank you, the best Z3 video I'v seen and I'v been looking a long time, mine is a 1998 2.8 with hardtop n' I'v been loving it the last 15 years. You mentioned about Nicosil piston n' cylinder coating, can I ask, how do you think I would know if it is an issue ? Also I am again considering changing the inlet manifold for a M50, to improve acceleration through the rev range, but the idea of some loss of torque always put me off, and would need an ECU and remap, have you looked at that ? I'm fitting new OE Bilsteins and brakes right now, and going to flush the old brake fluid out, giving it some TLC, best car I'v had .

[@D3Sshooter]

Nicosil tends to chip and you will see it in the oil filter

[@NikolaiCherepanov]

If. you want to really improve acceleration through the rev range add ITB's the M50 manifold does and alright job but youll loose some low end torque without a tune

[@ronaldo1969]

So much great information and content

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@JuanaMairena-d6e]

GGreat car very rare ❤ your English very lovely Nice & Clear 😮

[@admiralfloofz658]

I got fooled once on a BMW 335i. German import with 80k km on the clock or so. Full servicehistory everything. Had the cars for 2 years and when I sold it the company that bought it did a proper background check on it and turns out it had about 225000 km on it, and when I sold it the clock said 100k. So yea, luckely they bought it anyway for a reduced price that we still decent regarding the circumstances. Was still a huge loss thou

[@D3Sshooter]

Sorry to hear that, with a Car Pass that is not possible here as the milage is every year registered at the MOT

[@sonyhk3824]

Thank you, it's a nice car you get the right one 👍👍

[@D3Sshooter]

Glad you like it!

[@harald.370]

Funny you didn"t mention rust issues below the rearview mirrors. Common issue, mine had it too... Good to see after I sold it prices only depreciated; I was just in time ;-)

[@monkmodemalik8225]

Buy high sell low my friend works 100%

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments Harald, Might have missed that indeed , although I have seen several without that issue. Its a funny thing the market on those cars. I got it for 12.000 and did post it for sale...within a few hours it was sold for 19.000 . I did not let it go for that reason and because I do enjoy it... Know reworking that car

[@beforemytimecars4573]

Is the 1.9L 1996 engine included in the 97-98 engine coating problem?

[@D3Sshooter]

I don't believe so

[@vayabroder729]

Very rare car; one of my mechanics used to have one.

[@D3Sshooter]

Indeed, and that is why I got this one by pure luck... One guy in need for money not knowing what he was selling

[@MrBEAN584]

i do really think the e46 compact beats the z3 in how bad it looks. but indeed the z3 is kind of cool.

[@D3Sshooter]

That is so true

[@kevintschopp9371]

Great Video👍Thank you very much

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@jimmielmholt]

Another nice car for your collection. Looking forward to follow it. In my opinion the z3 is far from the ugliest BMW, that must be the i3 an e36 compact. I think you should get an Z8 next time 💸💸💸 I really like the e38 and hoping to get one some day. 🙂

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@m.b.smoshitoa8325]

hi Steve. are you really shooting this videos on your own? i have seen the camera zooming in and out somewhere at 24:29 in the video as your were talking.how possible is that

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, oh yes... and zoom in and out is feature in post processing ( final cut pro)... as so many other options...

[@maxboonkittypoison]

42:06 Zag ik een barst in het aluminium onder de flexplaat. Kijk het even na misschien is het belangrijk. Groetjes,, Kitty.

[@D3Sshooter]

Bedankt Kitty, dat is geen barst, Dacht het eerst ook... is een lijntje met vet na het spuiten met rem reiniger.

[@maxboonkittypoison]

@@D3Sshooter Oooh hahahaha gelukkig!

[@kenttremblay1708]

Thanks, it is a very interesting and helpfull video

[@D3Sshooter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@phil180700]

I own a '98 with the 1.8l M43B18 engine, does it also suffer from the weak coating?

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, Not as far as I recall

[@phil180700]

@@D3Sshooter Thank you for your response. The Z3 is my first car and I love it.

[@TheSaint491]

A shame we never got the standard coupe in the uk, only the m coupe, and I ain’t paying for one as a daily 😂

[@Umoronz]

Great job man.i bought one and its 98 so am i in trouble?

[@maciek42na]

41:58 is that a crack on the gearbox mount?

[@ikerlaura2363]

Great video thanks

[@D3Sshooter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jamalwalker2104]

1998 z3 1.9 liter $950.00 running and driving. 🎉

[@richardgrosch-ii7fq]

Awesome job!

[@deadtheories4170]

I was gonna buy one that was $900 that had a rough exterior and interior but was running at the end I couldn't

[@ops.1223]

Awesome video!

[@geofham8332]

Hi, if you want to pose there is a price.

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you Geof,

[@likits1999]

Aweso, you call it a Zee and not a zed. You deserve my respect and Ill watch your video.

[@28761d]

You are correct: the coupe IS ugly. The roadster is king💪💫❤

[@D3Sshooter]

Its all a matter of taste

[@jvogler_art4708]

im sad that i dont have the money to buy one of these before they skyrocket, not to resell but because i actually want one. (The convertible though, not the clown shoe)

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, I have friend who sells a convertible 2.8L with an additional hard top for 6000 euro....

[@scotts1354]

If the seller did some preparations to sell the car, you dinged them. If they didn’t, we guessed it - you dinged them. 😅

[@General813]

Wow very nice car, the color is Montreal Blue Metallic is that right? The 6 cylinder engines are so beautiful. Mine is 25 years youngtimer. Great project Steve :))

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments Lee, indeed it is Montreal Blue. Nice to see that you have one to....

[@norherman]

Old rusty please :)

[@D3Sshooter]

I know....sorry

[@sergeygong2224]

no subtitles ((

[@D3Sshooter]

Sorry, I will see what I can do

[@OskarNy97]

Thanks a lot!:)

[@D3Sshooter]

You're welcome!

[@joeespisito9200]

Gear box

[@milk4]

I love these clownshoes. The roadsters are a lot uglier IMO. I would love to own one, but they are really hard to find where I live. If you ever decide to sell (and remember this message), send me a PM:)

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments, I will Milk4

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

👍

[@michaelcliffe562]

The most ugly car BMW ever built? Uglier than the bloated turd they called "X6"? Nice infomative video nonetheless!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thank you

[@guadalupesanchezherrera5670]

¡Queremos Citroen!, ¡queremos Citroen!,...

[@garymallard4699]

I'll keep my Belgium made Volvo/Ford C30 ...not a german car fan....they look nice but i heard horror stories about them from friends...Bavarian Money Wasters is correct regardless of your luck ..but to each their own... I have mostly Domestic North American brands and one Korean.....

[@D3Sshooter]

Well we all have our favoriets , It all depends what the intend of the car is . If I need a daily commuter , then I good on the cheap... If I want a car to collect, then I don't care how bad it reputation is ... Note that all Z3's are build in the USA.

[@garymallard4699]

@@D3Sshooter They are nice cars ... Made in USA...ok.... I'm not into sports cars anyways..lol Had a couple Z280's ... There are a couple 2000 convertible Z3's listed locally...low km's $10 & $15 ( canuck bucks )... No coupes... Looks like a decent car... Your happy...that is what matters... Like i said..just not my kinda cruiser... Clunk sounds like a u-joint Maybe a CV in rear?? Looking forward to your diagnosis? 👍

[@DennisPush]

I guess the right arm was replaced because of car accident.

[@D3Sshooter]

No, because it had to much play

[@S7midnight]

Every old BMW has 192kkm on the clock 🙊

[@D3Sshooter]

Indeed, most do

[@finwilliams7235]

Ugliest bmw?! Wash your mouth out with soap sir! Great video though 😄

[@D3Sshooter]

Well it is so ugly, that its a beauty.... that is what I thnk

[@francoischarpentier6000]

I had one, Z3 roaster, 2.8l, boring german car, I have not kept it for a long time...

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@PhG1961]

Lelijke BMW... herinner je de 5 reeks uit 1982... dat was pas lelijk ;-)

[@D3Sshooter]

Das waar Philip, maar zo kwam de coupe in het auto nieuws wanneer deze op de markt kwam.... Ikzelf vind die best een mooie lijn hebben. Ook al noemen ze het de shoe of de hurse

[@martinprehjan9944]

Dude, you guys are acting like you are buying a Duesenberg Model X!!! Millage does not mean anything! You can have a 10k mile car that has been driven by a 15 year old that liked to burn the tires for the entire 10k miles! Obviously this one's engine will be destroyed and it is now for sale! ...or you can have a car that has 199 thousand miles but has had timing belt and oil changes every 2k miles, the last engine will be in better shape than the first one! That is the one I would want! It drives? yes! It hold compression? yes? got oil? Does it hold oil? Overheats? no? Does it drive straight? yes!!! Is it in one piece? or does it come in boxes? Ok let's get it!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@Fosgen]

So you want buy BMW Z3? Here some advice: buy Lexus.

[@D3Sshooter]

If they only had a car with stigma and character , yes I would

[@zartic4life]

That's a lot of 20 year old papers to keep in order to prove the car is in good condition. Why not just check it thoroughly mechanicaly? Or is this the whole stupid collector thing like keeping your N64 video game box 😂 It's a car just drive it and enjoy.

[@garydonnison3836]

Don’t ever buy a BMW

[@D3Sshooter]

I have a 420i, the Z3 and a 1200 nine T, never had an issue. Off course the Z3 is 22 years old... So why is that Gary " Don't ever by a BMW" ?

[@JamesParus]

These old ones are good. Newer ones have too much plastic engine parts and too much electronics. When they are new they are fine but you dont want to keep the new ones when they are over 10y old

[@D3Sshooter]

@@JamesParus Thanks for the comments...

[@richardporter6201]

Well I would say that is good advice but if you are careful you have a good chance of getting a good one. I have a 2009 328 coupe manual base at 40,000 and really no unusual problem now 100,000 and still looks and drives pretty good. Helps that I do as much of own maintenance as possible, parts are expensive but if factory are of really good quality. I would buy another. Don’t see the shoe car much in the states but was passed by one couple of months ago.

[@martinprehjan9944]

...the "bonnet" has been repaired? He he..."bonnet" Sound like some fat bottomed French girls! ... bonnet!!! Dude, you guys are acting like you are buying a Duesenberg Model X!!! Millage does not mean anything! You can have a 10k mile car that has been driven by a 15 year old that liked to burn the tires for the entire 10k miles! Obviously this one's engine will be destroyed and it is now for sale! ...or you can have a car that has 199 thousand miles but has had timing belt and oil changes every 2k miles, the last engine will be in better shape than the first one! That is the one I would want! It drives? yes! It hold compression? yes? got oil? Does it hold oil? Overheats? no? Does it drive straight? yes!!! Is it in one piece? or does it come in boxes? Ok let's get it!

[@D3Sshooter]

Thanks for the comments

[@nick_be9159]

Hey ik zie dat je uit belgie kom! Ik heb net een mooie Z3 1.9 met Schnitzer kit gekocht. Doe jij onderhoud aan deze auto's? Daarmee bedoel ik niet het standaard onderhoud maar de punten die jij hier aanhaalt (vooral onder de auto). Bedankt.