What Z3 to buy?

[JackKoepfler]

My name is Jack
I don’t yet own a Z3. But I am looking. My confusion is how do I know what 4 cylinder to get (so I don’t end out with 114 hp)
I have also looked at 6 cylinder cars also but some I am told have serious mechanical issues, like rod bearings on the m3 or vanos issues. I’m a 75 year old diy guy. I don’t want to rebuild an engine. Is there a place I can go to find what each engines good and bad points are? Thanks for your help.

 

[Shelly]

 

[Duncodin]

The 4cyl engine with 140hp is a 16valve twin overhead cam.

The lower hp engines are 8 valve. Single overhead camshaft.

Pop the bonnet and look at the top of the engine. If it looks like this

It's the twin cam 140hp. See the black strip with "BMW" written on it and the two cams either side of it. The 8 valve doesn't have that. It looks like this.

You asked for a good place to get advice. I'd say you've arrived. There's people here know far more than me.

I like my 4cyl engine. I've had it 20 years. but I think if I was looking to buy a Z3 now I'd be looking for 2.8 6cyl or even a 3.0.

Edit.
I forgot to say. BMW stopped using the 16 valve 140hp engine in later z3 and only made 8valve. So if you want the 16valve 140hp 4 cyl then you'll need to be looking at 1999 or older.

 

[AntStark]

All of the Z3 engines are fundamentally very good..however, as with anything mechanical maintenance is key. No 20 plus year old engine is going to be good if it’s not been looked after. Choose service history over low mileage..these engine like to have been used. All will need valve cover gaskets changing at some point..all 6 cylinders will need a vanos service done at some point ..not huge jobs.

 

[MuttyMax]

I’ve still got my 1998 1.9 and it still brings smiles per miles so if you don’t want to shell out for a 2.8 or 3.0 don’t be phased by the nay sayers. The 1.9’s are still lots of fun.

 

[andyglym]

to the Forum from West Cumbria. As said, buy on condition and history over mileage. The M44 1.9 16v is plenty for zipping about, engine aside the rear of the 16v differs to the facelift 8v with raised rear wings. No fundamental issues with any of the 6 cylinder engines as long as they've been maintained, like any car.

 

[JackKoepfler]

Thanks for simplifying the 4 cyl engines. Shouldn’t have any problem identifying 16 valve. There is much talk about the Vanos. Do all the 6 cylinder use a similar vanos mounted to the front of the cams? The repair looks very doable.
—Thanks Again! For your replies—.Think I’m going to see if I can manuver around the site. I’m really looking forward to checking some of the threads.
Jack

 

[Jam03]

Personally, I prefer the sound of the 6 cylinder cars.

 

[JackKoepfler]

I have another question ( actually several! )
I am seventy five with a less than perfect back. Are their any older members out there who can share. On the difficulty of getting in and out of the car. I’m getting it either way. It’s not going to be my daily driver. I have an Acura and an F250 for that. But it has taken this long in my life to buy a Sunday driver.
So I don’t care if I have to crawl in and out of it. I’m getting it anyway just queries.
Jack

 

[JackKoepfler]

I have another question ( actually several! )
I am seventy five with a less than perfect back. Are their any older members out there who can share. On the difficulty of getting in and out of the car. I’m getting it either way. It’s not going to be my daily driver. I have an Acura and an F250 for that. But it has taken this long in my life to buy a Sunday driver.
So I don’t care if I have to crawl in and out of it. I’m getting it anyway just queries.
Jack

 

[bombur]

Nothing wrong with the 8 valve M43 in my opinion. Plenty enough for a 20 plus year old car

 

[andyglym]

I have another question ( actually several! )
I am seventy five with a less than perfect back. Are their any older members out there who can share. On the difficulty of getting in and out of the car. I’m getting it either way. It’s not going to be my daily driver. I have an Acura and an F250 for that. But it has taken this long in my life to buy a Sunday driver.
So I don’t care if I have to crawl in and out of it. I’m getting it anyway just queries.
Jack

@mwpe

 

[Zephyr]

Nothing wrong with the 8 valve M43 in my opinion. Plenty enough for a 20 plus year old car

A well maintained facelift one is an excellent sunday car. And they have more than 118hp straight from the facrory. For some reason bmw undervalues their engines.

 

[bombur]

Personally, I prefer the sound of the 6 cylinder cars.

Having a E89 2.3 I fully agree there and this is one nice surprise for me, well not a surprise in not being aware that there would be a nice engine tone. More a surprise how much I like it!

 

[Mint]

Hi Jack and to the forum from me too in Stafford. There are lots of members on here in their 60s and 70s and 80s plus a few younger ones too. You will be in good company

 

[JackKoepfler]

Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[AntStark]

If you’re going to crawl out of it then you might as well get a car that’s close to the ground . Getting in and out with the roof off is infinitely easier.

 

[mwpe]

@mwpe

I am 81 and have a 3.0 auto which I have had for 16 years and 155,000 miles getting in and out is no problem and it is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. I have driven 640 miles in a day and still got out feeling fine. It has the standard seats not sport.

 

[JackKoepfler]

All of the Z3 engines are fundamentally very good..however, as with anything mechanical maintenance is key. No 20 plus year old engine is going to be good if it’s not been looked after. Choose service history over low mileage..these engine like to have been used. All will need valve cover gaskets changing at some point..all 6 cylinders will need a vanos service done at some point ..not huge jobs.

Thanks for your comment on maintenance and records over miles driven many of these cars have low miles but little documentation on maintenance. really something to think about

 

[Grumps]

@mwpe

ANDREW!!! Don't pick on Mike, he's older than probably any of us and a damn sight fitter!