Z3 2.8 as a daily driver?

[Jason_R2]

Hi!

I'm a new member here. I'm thinking about getting myself a used Z3 2.8 as my daily driver. I'm 19 years old and I currently drive a 1999 Volkswagen Golf GLS (4-door) with a 2.0L Engine and an automatic transmission .

I was originally going to upgrade to a new GTI with the 1.8L Turbo or the new 24 valve VR6 engine but I decided I wanted to explore some other options.

The main thing is that GTIs are FWD, and I wanted RWD. Combine that with the fact that I wanted a German car and I pretty much had it narrowed down to BMW. I was going to get an M3 (I still might), like a 1995 or so, when I noticed that Z3s were going for like $18,000. That's not bad considering I was about to spend $23,000 on a new GTI.

My main concern is having this little roadster as a daily driver. People say you shouldn't have convertibles as a daily driver, or a small car like this. Do any of you have your Z3s as your ONLY mode of transportation?

Should I go with the M3? If I go with the Z3, I can get a newer car, and a convertible for less money. If I go with the M3, I could get a more powerful car, but it would be older with more miles and probably more prone to problems. Help me decide here!

Thanks!

[///MINI]

Welcome, Jason. Glad you could join us here.

I drive my car everyday, except in the winter time when I lean more towards the WRX. But, you're in FL so that doesn't matter to you. There are a bunch of guys around here that drive their Z3's all the time. It's no big deal. Guy that tell you that you shouldn't drive one everyday must be talking without experience to back it up.

You can't go wrong with choosing BMW as your make. As far as power, the Z3 2.8 is pretty potent. But, you can do some upgrades with the money you'll save going with the Z3 versus the GTI. $18 grand versus $23 grand? That's about $5 grand leftover for mods, which means...nah...I won't say it. These guys would call me a drug (horsepower) pusher.

(supercharger)

Just so you know, check my sig details. I can hang with the fastest of cars now.

Come back often and keep us posted on things!

Good luck!

[J10B]

i live in New England own a 325i 318i and a z3 I am so stuck ont eh Z3 that i dont put it away for te winter DONT ask Im a retarrd but it handles just fine with snow tires , i could use a hardtop but I am moving south anyway.

[SilverStreak]

Welcome to BimmerForums! I live in up in NJ and my Z3 is my daily driver, no worries. You are in FL, that would ideal for a Z3 as a daily driver.

I drive year round, unless it's snowing heavily, but truth be told unless I have a 4x4 I wouldn't go out in heavy snow anyway.

Do you have a garage? Do you work downtown in a major city? Just a few things to consider when thinking about a softtop convertible for security reasons.

The 2.8 is a good engine, strong, flat torque curve, and if you want more power, there is a huge aftermarket to support that motor, from cold air intakes up to superchargers.

Personally, this is my first convertible, and I just love it, my household will never be without a ragtop from here on out, nothing like cruising top down.

[Carzzi]

I've owned a '97 2.8 since 2000. It replaced my new 2000 1.8T GTI as daily driver, after it was crushed by an uninsured Sierra.

However, last year I bought another BMW (E30) as a daily/rainyday/utility car. The Z3's skittishness in the rain kinda scared me, so now it only sees fairweather and weekend driving Plus, multicar insurance discounts mean that my rates have gone up by 20 bucks per 6 mo

[///MINI]

Welcome, Carzzi. I see this is your first post...I hope the first of many. Does you'r 2.8 have traction control? That also can make a big difference in terms of bad weather driving.

[Dark Helmet]

I drove a 2000 2.3 all winter and it was fine. If you're in FL, you don't need to worry about the car's only weakness, SNOW!

the 2.8 is likely the best car to have as they were the most common engine option for several years and the aftermarket loves that motor.

a new GTI is a nice car, but the Z3 will have you dating porn-stars in no time, right dave?

[MDork]

ever consider a z3 coupe??? they deliver everything you seem to want and are a bit more aggressive....if youre going to get the m3...consider 96 or newer since they have the 3.2L engine---

have fun!

[///MINI]

Originally posted by MDork
ever consider a z3 coupe??? they deliver everything you seem to want and are a bit more aggressive....if youre going to get the m3...consider 96 or newer since they have the 3.2L engine---

have fun!

Well, if he gets the convertible, he'll have an easier time stuffing the silicone-stuffed porno queens into his car.

[Dark Helmet]

man, we're gonna corrupt this one before he can drink!

and in FL... the coupe would be sacrelidge!

[Jason_R2]

Thanks for all the replies!

Coupe is not an option. No offense, but it looks like a big shoe, and as someone said before, that would be a no-no here in the Sunshine State.

If I go topless, It's probably going to be a Z3. If I go with a top It's an M3. I really am torn between them. I think I'm leaning more toward the Z3 right now. I need to go drive a couple ans shop around though.

In my experience every car has some minor little bugs that can be minor annoyances. The MKIV Volkswagens, for example were notorious for window regulators failing and gloveboxes breaking. Are there any such minor little recurring problems with the Z3?

Is there anything I should be aware of when shopping for a Z3? Is there anything I should stay away from and absolutely not get in a Z3? Is there anything that I HAVE to have, and MUST get in a Z3?

Thanks guys...

P.S. I just thought of a couple other things....
Is the rear window in the Z3 plastic or glass?
If it's glass, is there a rear defroster?
Was the Z3 ever available with a power top (I realize this would add a lot of weight)?
For models without a power top (if it's even available) can the top be easily closed with one hand? While at a stoplight for example (These Florida summer showers can sneak up on ya ?

Thanks again!

[Perks]

rear window is plastic, and my M started life as a 2.8 and it came with a manual top, and you can easily raise it at a stop light, well unless you have the tonneu cover on, but even if you have a power top you'll have to take that off anyways and the power top you still have to attach to the roofline. I haven't had any problems with my car, when it had the 2.8 and now with the 3.2. The 2.8 is an awesome engine, more than enough HP and Trq, it was damn fun when I had mine, well I still do but now the 3.2 takes its place in the engine bay. Go for the Z3!

[Dark Helmet]

1) top up= less than 10 seconds
2) top down= about 5 seconds
3) can be donefrom driver's seat while buckled in
4) plastic rear window
5) power tops are available... but only if you agree to let me harass you about being a pansy for the rest of your life
6) clutch pedal sqeaks, but can be fixed
7) the stereo is pretty poor at speed
8) ROADSTERS RULE!

[Bryan ///M3]

Hi Jason,

> Is the rear window in the Z3 plastic or glass?

Plastic. With no defroster, obviously. Do you care in Florida? You'll have the top down every day, won't you?

> Was the Z3 ever available with a power top (I realize
> this would add a lot of weight)?

Yes, but that might be an option only on later models (anyone know for sure)? I don't think you need the power top. I can lower and raise my manual top faster than a power top anyway. (I can actually lower it in less than two seconds - really!)

> For models without a power top (if it's even available)
> can the top be easily closed with one hand? While at
> a stoplight for example

Yep. I've done this many times. It requires a little strength, but you're a young, strong guy, right?


I actually own the two cars you are considering (sort of). I have a 98 M3 coupe and a 99 Z3 2.3, so allow me to offer some insight. I haven't done any performance mods to them, so this is a stock comparison.

My M3 is definitely *much* faster, with *much* more precise handling. If you're performance is high on your list, this is the car to get.

That being said, I actually like driving the Z3 more, for a few reasons:

First, it's a convertible, and I love convertibles. My outlook totally changes in this car - I actually don't care how fast (or slow) I go, because I'm out enjoying the wind in my hair, the sky above my head, the scenery I pass, and just life in general. I actually avoid high speed roads in this car, and look for twisty, scenic backroads wherever I go.

Second, when I want to put the hammer down, this car doesn't disappoint either. The 2.3 engine actually has a lot more *low-end* torque (1500-3000rmp) than the 3.2 in the M3. This is great for driving around town. The Z3 also has a shorter wheelbase than the the M3, so its handing is more 'twichy' - sort of like driving a go-kart. This can be really fun at times. I can also sqawk my tires much easier in this car (that fact sealed the deal during my test drive), but I'm sure that's just the tires I have on there.

Last, I get waaaaay more attention in the roadster. Chicks really dig this car. If I were 19 again, I know that would be high on my priority list (I'm not *that* much older, and it's still high on my list)...

So, you have to decide for yourself, but if I had to live with only one of my cars (and I lived in Florida), I would pick my roadster in a flash.

Either way, you can't go wrong, really. They're both Bimmers - great cars! And if you're concerned about longevity or high miles on either, I have over 101,000 miles on my roadster, and haven't had a single problem with it.

Hope this helps. And enjoy!

-bryan

[Perks]

Good Lord 101k?! And in only 3 or so years? Thats a shit load of driving! My '98 only has around 13k! Maybe I'm missing out...

[Hugo]

Welcome aboard Jason and Carzzi!

BTW. Brian, that's a nice comparison, you're a lucky guy to have both of these great cars!

Now, back to the point... I own a 99 4Runner that's been my daily driver for a little over 2 years now. Great, great truck, I love this vehicle.

Late last year, I bought a 2.8 Z3 and stored it right away. Nowadays, it's almost a daily driver for me. At first, I didn't take it when it was raining because the rear tires were shot, and the car was leaking badly (one of the problems of the Z3).

But now, S-03s are on , and the Gummi Pflege worked wonders on those seals (see my other thread), so I'm afraid the 4Runner will see a lot less road this summer. I'll still take it off road though .

I like having a truck because of the high seating position and the practicality of it. But the fun factor in the 2.8 is incredible. I know it's not an ///M and never will be (unless some people here keep pushing me to blow it... : ), but the torque is pretty darn nice. I'll shark it by the end of summer, change the exhaust, and I already have a fogged airbox in my basement.

If I lived in Florida and didn't have to do a lot of home improvement (carrying 4x8 sheets of plywood *could* be a problem...), I'd probably buy the Z3 over the M3.

[Bryan ///M3]

Originally posted by PerksBMW
Good Lord 101k?! And in only 3 or so years? Thats a shit load of driving! My '98 only has around 13k! Maybe I'm missing out...

Yeah, hard to believe, but true. Actually, I can't claim ownership for all those miles. I bought it last April with 81k on the odometer and - get this - the previous owner had [I]LEASED it. Imagine the penalty for that!

[Dark Helmet]

good lord, that guy took it upthe tail-pipe in a serious fashion