I think I;ve gone crazy but I'm considering to trade my brand new MC with only 1500km with this 2001 Z3.
AM I CRAZY?
It's just I have loved Z3's since they came out and this one is pretty tempting:
2001 Z3
23k milage
M sport pkg
and etc.

HELP ME!!!



Edited by DiD to substitute picture URL for page url in image tags

 

your not crazy. what engine does it have? 6cyl M-Series or the 4cyl?

 

This, is the way to go :





And you are not insane. I'm looking at an M Coupe tonight.....

 

The engine options on the Z3 were the 2.5L, a 2.8L (later on replaced by a 3.0L). No Four cylinder was available.

///M Roadster had the engine out of the ///M3

This particular car is the 2.5L Auto

 

Keep the MC and buy the Z3 as a second car! That’s what I did in reverse.

Two years ago I went to my BMW/MINI dealer on the MINI unveiling day and there were so many people looking at the two or three MINIs on display that I wandered over an started looking at Z3s. I drove a 2002 2.5 home that day and have had a ball driving it ever since - - 106.9 miles with the top up in two years! But, that wonderful MINI stayed on my want list and last month I took delivery on a 2004 MCS/JCW and now they both share my garage.

 

So you are gonna trade your brand new MINI for a 3 year old car?

 

I was admiring a nice silver M coupe the other night.

 

Do it, especially since it's an M -- and it's a real BMW!

And that should help you pass the decent service eligibility test at the dealers, too.

Have fun with it!

 

The one in the original post is a 2.5L Z3, not the M roadster.

 

" The one in the original post is a 2.5L Z3, not the M roadster."

Sorry, I thought that's what was meant by "M sport pkg" in the original post. Is the M roadster a different model?

 

If you have always liked them, why not go for it? Nice looking ride :smile:

 

I think the M sport package was a wheel package.

The add for the car says it has the 2.5L engine, not the //M engine.

 

"I think the M sport package was a wheel package.

The add for the car says it has the 2.5L engine, not the //M engine. "



Thanks. I withdraw my gushing comments, but it's still a fun car!

 

I just looked around a bit. I couldn't find out specifically for the Z3, but for other BMW's it looks like the M Sport Package is the M aero kit with some suspension upgrades. I seem to recall that on the 3 series there was an M package that included wheels as well (again, not the ///M3).

 

Funny, thinking about the same thing here, except a late 90's 6 cylinder. I think the 4 might not have enough omph for me. I'm scared of service though.

 

I personally like the M coupe a lot more than the Z3 roadster. Very rare car too.

 

HOT!!!! I love the M Coupe

>>This, is the way to go :
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>And you are not insane. I'm looking at an M Coupe tonight.....

 

I looked at the Z3 after my 914 died. I liked the looks but the seats were very uncomfortable. I also looked at a boxster but my wife said teachers don't dirve porsches. Thus the MCS. No regrets. If you are already thinking about changing cars, you probably won't be happy with the MC. Go for it.

 

we had a z3 as a rental car when the mini was in for service.

Good for going fast, bad for control i think

 

I had a 2000 M Roadster painted Imola Red. (read Speeding ticket red) Drove the car for 18 months then sold it. Notice I did not trade it, but sold it. Why trade your MINI? You are going to lose both ways. They will get top dollar for the Z and your MINI will be traded for way less than you could get for it if you sold it yourself.

Things to consider:

1. Will the Z be your everyday driver? If it's a second car or your toy for the weekend then no problem. But know this...the car is not real practicle for everyday use.

2. Does it rain alot where you live? If it does and you are out in the rain and open the door be prepared to get drenched because the soft top has no rain gutters to catch the runoff.

3. Do you ever need to haul more than two people?

4. Do you ever need to haul anythng much bigger than a toaster?

5. Your back window is PLASTIC. Lots of work keeping it clean and scratch free. If you don't keep it clean, the plastic window turns a muddy orange and you will not be able to see out it.

6. Insurance ?

7. The Z will cost you more in fuel costs.

8. Security---Don't leave anything of value locked in the Z. The top can be cut open with no problem, I know about this one :smile: :smile: :smile:

 

>>The engine options on the Z3 were the 2.5L, a 2.8L (later on replaced by a 3.0L). No Four cylinder was available.
>>
>>///M Roadster had the engine out of the ///M3
>>
The Z3 was actually available in a 4 cyl the first year it was out- the one that was in Golden Eye was a four banger- you can tell by the narrower rear fenders and single exhaust. It was later replaced by the 2.5. A 2.8 and M version were also available later on.

When BMW did the body style update on the Z3 (rear fenders mainly) they discontinued the 4cyl.

The 2.5 btw is a WONDERFUL car- I had one before I got my MINI. It's fast as hell and handles pretty well- wider wheels and stickier tires make a huge difference on that car.

Though the handling was good- it can't touch the MINI in the twistys. The Z3 is a totally different animal- its a fun, fast convertible and has alot to offer- just in a different way.

It's apples and oranges

Look at it this way- you really can't go wrong with either

 

If it's not an M as in 285 hp, I would not even think of it. If you want a fun affordable convertible, go with a 99+ Miata. The suspension is light years ahead of a Z3, and they have comparable speed, but speed into and out of a corner the Miata will toast the Z3. Keep the MINI buy a Miata.
Chris

 

>>The engine options on the Z3 were the 2.5L, a 2.8L (later on replaced by a 3.0L). No Four cylinder was available.
>>
>>///M Roadster had the engine out of the ///M3
>>
>>This particular car is the 2.5L Auto


Not in the US i'm TOTALY sure there is a 4cyl. my friends got one.

I'm not tryin to be rude.

Nick :smile:

 

>>>>The engine options on the Z3 were the 2.5L, a 2.8L (later on replaced by a 3.0L). No Four cylinder was available.
>>>>
>>>>///M Roadster had the engine out of the ///M3
>>>>
>>>>This particular car is the 2.5L Auto
>>
>>
>>Not in the US i'm TOTALY sure there is a 4cyl. my friends got one.
>>
>>I'm not tryin to be rude.
>>
>>Nick :smile:

My fokes have one. They made them for 2 years before the 6 and had both the 6 and the 4 in production for a year afterwards. You can tell the engine by the tail pipe. Single pipe = 4, 2 pipe on one side = 2.8ltr 6, and dual for 3.0ltr.

And as far as the 4 being slow, it will still give you whiplash when you stomp on it.

The 4 is a 1.9 ltr but I think its rated around 180 horses. DOHC, engine mounted at a 45 and a 8 grand redline.

Oh, and this is in the US.

 

>>If it's not an M as in 285 hp, I would not even think of it. If you want a fun affordable convertible, go with a 99+ Miata. The suspension is light years ahead of a Z3, and they have comparable speed, but speed into and out of a corner the Miata will toast the Z3. Keep the MINI buy a Miata.
>>Chris

Actually, a S52 M Coupe/Roadster will have 240 hp and the S54 M Coupe/Roadster will have 315 hp.

The 4 cylinder ones can be supercharged and they'll put out @ 200hp at the wheels.