Z3 assessment North West

alfiewilson

Newbie
Joined
Oct 30, 2024
Points
1
Hi there!

My name is Alfie, I'm 19 years old in the north west area. I have been offered a Z3 that has been sat in a garage for almost a decade, and I need to get it evaluated by an enthusiast, to see if it would be economical to put back on the road. I have basic car knowledge and would like to do the repairs myself, but I don't know whether buying one already done would be better. The car has great sentimental value to the family, So if anyone knows anyone in the Wirral / Birkenhead area who would be willing to come and inspect it, I would greatly appreciate it.

Many thanks, Alfie
 

John_B

Zorg Guru (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Jun 2, 2023
Points
114
Location
Derbyshire, UK
Model of Z
Z3 2.8 pre-facelift (Izzy)
Save it if you can!

I can't help with the assessment I'm afraid, and I'm no expert in barn-find restorations either, but I'd suggest read up on the forum like the Z3 buyer's guide by Mike Fishwick and some of the Z3 common issues and then go and have a look yourself. Maybe take a battery or jump pack with you so you can check the electrics and get an idea about whether any mice have been chowing down on the loom for the last decade.

Look for signs of rust on the sills (note: the body covered sills are just decorative covers that bolt on, the structural sills are underneath, although looking under the car where the sill covers end, around the jacking points and in the wheel arches should give you a good idea. Take a Phillips-head screwdriver with you and remove the jacking points if you can (2x screws inside the slot and then wiggle/pull down).

The fact that it's been in a garage for a decade, hopefully a dry one, should be promising. I'd watch some YouTube videos about barn finds for some general tips and do's & don't.

For me the big questions would be:
Is this going to be your daily or a project?
Do you have somewhere dry to store it? (The roof fabric and seals will certainly have dried out and probably shrunk. Expect leaks until they are reconditioned/replaced. It's November tomorrow, I'd perhaps consider leaving it in the garage until the spring if not!)
Are you being given the car for free or paying for it?
Engine/mileage/spec/general condition?

Good luck, let us know how you get on.
 

elevensies

Zorg Addict
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Aug 24, 2024
Points
63
Location
North Lincolnshire
Model of Z
roadster 2.8 widebody
You could approach any classic bmw group especially ones that like e30 and e36 bmws

I recently pulled a rare z3 from a shed after being stood many years
Yes it's been worth it, it's always enjoyable to get something going again.
Sadly I'm a long way from you or I'd have popped over .

As john b said read as much as you can online and watch some videos from enthusiasts
 
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