question on convertible

[nicknick1]

Hi guys

I want to add to my stable in the spring with a used Z 3 or 4, anyone out there have one? I know nothing about them and would appreciate any and all feedback. any lemons?

thanks

[PeteG]

I have a 1997 Z3 2.8i. Great car, lots of fun in summer and fall. Have had no issues, I am at about 85K miles. What do you want to know specifically?

[blondboinsd]

I had a 2005 Z4 3.0i, It was not for me, cheap feeling but def fun to drive! Get the 3.0i why waste the money on an under powered 2.5L, just my 2 cents

[nicknick1]

Originally Posted by PeteG

I have a 1997 Z3 2.8i. Great car, lots of fun in summer and fall. Have had no issues, I am at about 85K miles. What do you want to know specifically?

Thanks Pete, nothing specific, just if there were any suggestions on what to ABSOLUTELY stay away from

[nicknick1]

Originally Posted by blondboinsd

I had a 2005 Z4 3.0i, It was not for me, cheap feeling but def fun to drive! Get the 3.0i why waste the money on an under powered 2.5L, just my 2 cents

Thanks Ryan, will probably get the 3.0

[blondboinsd]

additional Info
My 2005 was equipped and I'll breakdown the pos/neg
-Sport Package-love the "sport" button (drnamic drive control), the sport suspension is VERY rough (negative) the 18' wheels are beautiful but those run flats SUCK!
-Premium Package-Must have, adds auto dimming mirrors (a must!) storage nets, power seats etc
-Xenon headlamps (positive, nuff said)
-Extended Leather (BMW Indiv. style)
-Heated seats (duh)
etc

Get a darker interior if possible, I had Toledo Blue on tan leather/tan top and boy did it get dirty FAST

[PeteG]

Originally Posted by nicknick1

Thanks Pete, nothing specific, just if there were any suggestions on what to ABSOLUTELY stay away from

Not really. 1996 was the 1st year, only the 4cyl model. I would always tend to stay away from the first year of a model. 4cyl is underpowered, imo. I have a 6 cylinder 2.8i 5 speed. It's no 911, but definitely very spirited and fun to drive. I much prefer the classic styling of the Z3 over the Z4, but that's just my opinion. Later years have the 3.0i engine that is in the E53 X5, or the S54 engine in the m-roadster (315hp). Very powerful for a car that size, although there have been some issues with the s54 engine. The 2.8 engine has run like a dream-smooth and runs like the day she was born 85k miles ago. My X5 3.0i has almost 92k miles on the 3.0 engine, another great BMW engine.

Good luck to you. Let us know what you get!