Jim's Z3 Journey

[t-tony]

Well picked this up today

View attachment 66799
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Got it for a very good price. As it has no MOT.

Originally bought it for just the hardtop, but the tan interior is in excellent condition and it has heated Sports Seats and factory roll hoops.
The paint is in excellent condition. It’s done 103k, not bad for a 1999 (S).
Full service history, 3 keys and all documents.

The misses came with me to pick it up, and I’m getting the impression that we might be adding this to our collection

When we collected it the handbrakes were rusted in place as the previous owner hadn’t driven it in a year
So attached a tow rope to the X5 and it pulled it loose nice and easy

The battery was completely dead and no way of jump starting it and testing anything electrical so was a good negotiating point and I knew I was taking a risk. As soon as I got it home I swapped over the battery from my Silver Zed, crossed my fingers and turned the key.
It started first time and ticked over beautifully.
At the moment I’m feeling the love for the car and it has grown on me very quickly.
Next step is get the wheels off, inspect the brakes, discs, handbrakes and lines.

Also looking for some wheel ideas.

These any good Jim, new tyres?

Tony.

 

[DavidM]

I’ve lost count - is that Zed number 3?

 

[Jjim]

These any good Jim, new tyres?

Tony.

Sorry Tony, are what any good??

I’m not keen on the standard wheels. I’m going to look for some E46 M3 or other OEM MV wheels.

 

[Jjim]

I’ve lost count - is that Zed number 3?

Weeeelllll

1 - Artic Silver - Keeping
2 - Steel Grey - Sold
3 - Steel Grey - Sold
4 - Montreal Blue - Thinking if keeping for the misses (honest)

 

[t-tony]

Sorry mate, I thought you were looking for better condition wheels

Tony.

ps. I forgot to add the link, but these are std. wheels.

https://zroadster.org/threads/16-bmw-z3-alloys-style-55-with-nearly-new-tyres.20108/

 

[Jjim]

Sorry mate, I thought you were looking for better condition wheels

Tony.

ps. I forgot to add the link, but these are std. wheels.

https://zroadster.org/threads/16-bmw-z3-alloys-style-55-with-nearly-new-tyres.20108/

Thanks for the link.
Not really what I’m after, but thanks for letting me know.

 

[Jjim]

Not been able to get much done on the new Zed, as the nights are drawing in and I get about an hours worth of daylight when I get home.

Given her a couple of washes and LOTS of vacuuming to get rid of the thousands of spiders that have set up camp inside and out during the year she has sat still.

This week I’ve managed to get the following done;

• Carpets cleaned
• OEM mats cleaned
• Steering wheel removed and connectors cleaned to removing squeaking
• Seats removed and bushes replaced on both sides to fix rocking
• All leather deep cleaned and conditioned
• Polished and de-hazed the headlights

I had originally purchased this car to break it, as it had hardtop, sports seats, roll hoops, good condition panels, but the more time I’ve spent on it I’ve decided that it will be a long term investment car. Especially due to the low low cost I got it for

I’ve purchased some wheels that I hope will fit nicely (only just ), but will see once they are delivered next week. Can’t wait! They will either make the car or not. Watch this space.

Couldn’t resist some photos. Hopefully get some top down ones in her new shoes next week.










Actually loving it with the hardtop on, makes it feel like a completely different car to drive.

The wing mirror bases are also in immaculate condition with no rust or bubbling.




Just amazed with the condition of the car now that it’s cleaned up

 

[Grumps]

Excellent stuff mate. I shall probably bump into it at some point, and Montreal is a rather good colour

 

[Jjim]

Still got a list as long as my arm of bits to get through on the blue one, but that’s what I like about a project

The silver one needs the auto dimming mirror wired in and the battery compartment/tray needs some serious welding . Also got a red and black Z3M centre console that needs firing, just need the 3 bottom dials.

Really need to get some names for these 2 cars.

 

[DavidM]

Great rear shot in your photos and looking great!

 

[Lazzzydog]

Break the Montreal and I will have the seats.
Or not, that is a really smart Z. Looking forward to the new wheels but they will have to be good to be on a par with Grumps.

 

[Jjim]

Break the Montreal and I will have the seats.
Or not, that is a really smart Z. Looking forward to the new wheels but they will have to be good to be on a par with Grumps.

At the moment I’m looking to keep her.

Wheels should be delivered tomorrow. So a clean up and then fitting - hope they fit!

Also ordered some E46 330 front brake calipers. So discs and pads next.

 

[Lazzzydog]

Nice work. Are you doing the Autumn Colours Run.

 

[Davyhoogy]

Surely your not keeping all 4? Lol. I would use better parts and wheels from least favourite 2 to donate to the other 2.

 

[Jjim]

Nice work. Are you doing the Autumn Colours Run.

Surely your not keeping all 4? Lol. I would use better parts and wheels from least favourite 2 to donate to the other 2.

Only got 2 left - the silver and the blue.
The 2 grey ones have been sold.
The last grey ones donated some very nice sports seats and other bits that I’ve sold on before selling the car lol

Afraid not likely to do any more motoring this year in them. As they will be SORN at the end of the month.
Gives me a bit of time to tinker with them of over the winter.

 

[Lazzzydog]

If my guess is right those wheels will not want much cleaning! Well done Jim. I wish I was not such a tight arse.lol

 

[Jjim]

The only new shoes I ever get excited about

Originals





The new shoes

 

[Grumps]

Very nice mate. Now slam it 30mm and off y₩ou go!

 

[Jason Obee]

Wow totally transforms the look of the car. Fantastic.

 

[Jjim]

Very nice mate. Now slam it 30mm and off y₩ou go!

Thanks. Looks like I’ve got 2 Z3 cars to lower now lol

Keep me busy at least.

Wow totally transforms the look of the car. Fantastic.

Thanks. Loving the look that the wheels give it.

Looking at the photos now, I’m thinking that I might need to swap out the orange indicators on the front, side and rear.