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Thread: E46 vs z3

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    38
    My Cars
    z3

    E46 vs z3

    Wife really wants a z3 but I'm having a hard time finding a good one for less than $7k.

    Truth be told we really should get a car with a back seat. It's going to be out "toy car" but it would be handy if she could pick up the kids on way home from work when she drives it.

    Anyway I'm scheduled to look at this today.
    https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/...315566863.html

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Satellite Beach, FL
    Posts
    390
    My Cars
    2000 BMW 540iT Dinan S2
    With a family, a Z3 is a hard sell and you have to pretty much put it in the toy car category. Is this going to be a third car? If so, the Z3 would work out (our household has an X5, 540iT, and a Z3).
    - 2000 540iT Dinan S2 -2000 Z3 -

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    38
    My Cars
    z3
    It's a 4th car if you count my company truck .

    My wife currently drives an old Mercedes wagon 4matic as the family ski hauler.

    I have a Land Rover that she won't drive because it's so awesome off road and she's not allowed to drive my work truck.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Location
    Satellite Beach, FL
    Posts
    390
    My Cars
    2000 BMW 540iT Dinan S2
    It sounds like you could live with the Z3. However, as a current Z3 owner and previous E46 owner, the E46 is much nicer for the money. The Z3 is a fun car, but it is bit more spartan.
    - 2000 540iT Dinan S2 -2000 Z3 -

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Location
    Denver
    Posts
    38
    My Cars
    z3
    Yea that is what I figured. My wife really wants the z3. So hopefully it's the e46 is not much compromise. The manual, which is rare in the e46 convertible will help

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Location
    Cupertino, CA
    Posts
    10
    My Cars
    2001 BMW 325i
    I own both a 2001 z3 and 2001 325i. If I could only keep one, I'd keep the E46. It is more practical and I actually find it more fun to drive. Both have the same engine, but I have had more issues with the E46 though. But then again - I also own a 1994 Miata, and that is my real fun car.

    Unless you do your own maintenance, the Z3 or E46 will cost you if the mileage is high. I find the cooling system and some emissions stuff (mostly plastic) begin to break down and cause issues. For example - I just bought a cooling system "refresh kit" from ECS for about $500 for my E46. It had about 2-3 small leaks and about 2-3 more about 1 year away from starting. All plastic areas showing their age and fatigue. I'm beginning to smell coolant on my Z3 as well. I expect I will be purchasing a refresh kit for it soon.

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