2001 BMW Z3 Roadster 3.0i

[Biggieslicky]

Hello fellow Z3 owners and enthusiasts. My name is Mark, and I’m from London Ontario Canada. I’m a retired former district manager at Canada and North Americas oldest department store (354 years) “Hudson’s Bay”. I’ve owned my Z3 since new in 2001. Like many of you, I was first introduced to the Z3 back in 1995 in the Bond movie GoldenEye. Since then, it was love at first sight. I was a young lad back then who was just starting out his career. As much as I wanted to purchase the car immediately in 96, it was just not in the cards (student loan/rent etc) to fork out a years salary or finance such a huge purchase (CND $56,000 + taxes). So I decided to move back in to my parents home, made several lifestyle changes (no more partying etc) and fast forward 4 years later in 2001, I had saved enough money to pay for the entire car. Recently, I’ve made some cosmetic changes to the interior (all during Covid 20 & 21 years) as the interior was starting to show some age related wear and I also wanted to update it with some modern ergonomics. Attached are some pictures of the car taken this weekend. Look forward to learning more about these cars from everyone. Cheers

 

[t-tony]

Hi Mark, welcome from me near Lincoln, UK. Owned from new, and saved to buy is some feat for a student. Well done!

Tony.

 

[Biggieslicky]

Hi Mark, welcome from me near Lincoln, UK. Owned from new, and saved to buy is some feat for a student. Well done!

Tony.

I’m a little old school. Don’t like to carry too much debt .

 

[t-tony]

Me too Mark, it’s a shame people like to live in debt these days.

Tony.

 

[Jam03]

That looks awesome. Nice number plate as well!

 

[Nodzed]

That Sir is very nice.

 

[Biggieslicky]

That looks awesome. Nice number plate as well!

Thank you so much for the kind words. Indeed she is the “baby” in the family

 

[Biggieslicky]

That Sir is very nice.

Thank you so much for your compliment. After 23 years of ownership, I’m still madly in love with this car.

 

[Shelly]

 

[hard top]

to the Forum.

 

[Mint]

Hi Mark and to the forum from me too in Stafford, England. You're one of a few that have owned their Z3 from new.

 

[bombur]

I'm also jealous of your retiring, from OP relatively young it seems

 

[Biggieslicky]

Hi Mark and to the forum from me too in Stafford, England. You're one of a few that have owned their Z3 from new.

Hi Mint, thanks for the warm welcome. I’ve loved the Z3 since the first time I laid eyes on it in the Bond movie. I always knew I was going to be keeping her for many years so I wanted a brand new car. I’ve owned several cars from different manufacturers over the years, but nothing comes close to how special this car makes you feel.

 

[Biggieslicky]

I'm also jealous of your retiring, from OP relatively young it seems

Hi Bombur, I worked really hard and made many sacrifices in order to retire at 55. From a young age, my parents always encouraged us to achieve financial freedom by working smart, living within our means and to use only half our paycheques every month. My Dad retired at 45! So by his standards, I’m a little old and late to the party

 

[elky]

Hi Mark and welcome fellow 3.0i owner, your Z3 looks amazing!
It's funny how many people's heart captured that short introduction of the Z3 with 007, that after many phases in life we all still wanted one .
Where did you get the wheel? Mine is also starting show some bumpiness and signs of wear unfortunately?

 

[Biggieslicky]

Hi Elky, thank you for the kind compliment. You are correct. The car only had less than a minute of screen time but it had such a big impact on so many people. Not gonna lie, but I also had to get the blue dial Omega Seamaster that Pierce Bronson wore in the movie. ( I have a weakness for cars and watches ) I still have that watch too. It was my first entry level luxury watch . Till today that watch still gives accurate time with no issues. In fact I haven’t even serviced it since I made the purchase back in 97. I just passed it on to my son when he graduated from college two years ago. The steering wheel I purchased it from a seller on EBay. He’s based out of Ukraine and does amazing work. I’m very pleased with the purchase. I’ve sent you an image of the listing. He’s got so many choices of steering wheels from our era of cars. Service was amazing too. Cheers