I just bought a Z3 with the same rocky seat problem. Happened upon your video, not even looking for a solution to that problem, and you told me exactly what my problem is! Great video!
I bought a 3.0 Z3 last summer - M54 B30 is heck of a powerplant but agree 1.9 four-pot probably suits the character of the car better. Never going to be an Elise or even MX-5 on the bends but fun for cruising around the summer lanes and the looks have aged well IMO. Seems to be gaining some recognition at last, judging by recent YT vids, resale values etc.
When I worked at the BMW dealer, many years ago, we used to get a lot of the early 1.9 Z3's in for service for head gasket failures. I think they called it a profile gasket failure, or something like that, where it develops a coolant leak that requires changing the head gasket. Otherwise it's a great little driver with the manual trans. I like the rollover bars behind the seats too. Seen a few of those go off too but there's a trick to reseating them.
The M44 is really a gem of an engine and being yours Is a Kent registered car I doubt it’s seen that much roadsalt… I’ve got a 60,000 immaculate example which I haven’t used for 2 years and paid £1100 for it and it’s coming out the garage for its MOT on the 1st August. I’ve been there done it got the T-shirt with the kebabs and parked the car on the grass in the back garden to repair mine and nicked the nail varnish off the Mrs to mark up the kebabs also that way I could have the doors wide open and roof down and don’t forget to disconnect the battery first. I’m the same as you and tried the MX5 and found the 1.9 Z3 a better all rounder.
Great comment! Yes I have learnt my lesson from the first time around so I’m confident it’ll be easy peasy! People bemoan the 1.9 but they should try it. It’s peachy in this platform.
I bought a '97 BMW Z3 1.9L for $8,900 US. It had 64,000 miles on it when I purchased it in August 2022. It is now May 2023. After putting 20,000 miles on it I am happy to no major problems. I am going to put in new fuel injectors and spark plugs, just because I can.
These things are a BLAST. Just picked up a Sierra Red 2000 2.5L in tremendous shape for $7,650.00 w/ 77K on it here in Ca. Paint looks brand new, headlights were replaced. Heck even the dead pedal wasn't cracked (as they do) I'm planning on keeping it forever so I completely updated the entire cooling system and suspension. Buy one if you can.. ultimate Summer wknd vehicle..
Great cars with BMW (at that time) bullet proof build quality. I used to have one. Replacing those bushes is also a good time to replace any broken seat belt guides, on the side of the seats, which also break with age.
Like a Z3 me. Looks better than a z4 or mx5. And I get the low power thing. Had a boxster 2.7l . Less power = more fun (time). Time = distance over speed !
Hi Geoff. I have a funny question. I have yet to sit in one of these, but would I fit in this? I’m 6”4 and athletic/fat build 😂. I sat in a Lambo and felt like I was solitary confinement
I have had my 1998 Z3 which I bought with 26k miles for 15 years. Absolutely love driving it. Just cracked 43k miles. It has always been garaged and is in superb condition. It is the James Bond blue from Golden Eye. Great car. Lots of fun.
I just purchased a 97 Z3 2.8L. I also have the shifting seat issue, but you have not encouraged me to dive in and fix it. Come by, mate, and I'll feed you with beer to fix mine. So... you are telling me you will fail the MOT because of the shifting seat? Geez... I'm replacing the dead stock radio with a retro look radio with bluetooth. Would love to run my Z3 through the English back roads. I lived in London from 90-96. Miss the pubs, but not the typical weather back then! Have had 5 MX-5s, a Z4, 3 Cooper Ss and an audi TT... Yeah... a car guy I am!
Good price for a grand but honestly that's all I'd ever pay for a Z3. It's one place where I just can't agree with you. My uncle had one new and I remember everyone being overwhelmingly disappointed by it. An MG F would run rings around it, the MX5 is vastly more reliable and the SLK is better built. That said if you do a sale on it I'm definitely buying a ticket. I haven't been in a Z3 since then. And I'm always up for giving a car a second try. Maybe it won't be as ghastly as my memory suggests.
So few questions 1 where ate kids going to sitt 2.where does surf 🏄♂️ board go Main 1 thou What happened to pablo deal Watch you don't burn bald head with sunglasses lol
@@GeoffBuysCars aww that's sad news about pablo .....we all know iy holds special place in all Geoff/joe/Paul's hearts 💕 So does the boss like it aka Mrs Geoff lol Pps hows the might surf not heard much about it
I just bought a Z3 with the same rocky seat problem. Happened upon your video, not even looking for a solution to that problem, and you told me exactly what my problem is! Great video!
Fixed that issue on my wife’s 2000 Z3. Super easy bushing replacement. Maybe two hours start to finish, both seats
@@mikebennett9356 z3 wow such a super car
I bought a 3.0 Z3 last summer - M54 B30 is heck of a powerplant but agree 1.9 four-pot probably suits the character of the car better. Never going to be an Elise or even MX-5 on the bends but fun for cruising around the summer lanes and the looks have aged well IMO. Seems to be gaining some recognition at last, judging by recent YT vids, resale values etc.
Great vid thanks for sharing especially as so many vids say Z3’s have rust issues and must always be straight six engines…👍
When I worked at the BMW dealer, many years ago, we used to get a lot of the early 1.9 Z3's in for service for head gasket failures. I think they called it a profile gasket failure, or something like that, where it develops a coolant leak that requires changing the head gasket. Otherwise it's a great little driver with the manual trans. I like the rollover bars behind the seats too. Seen a few of those go off too but there's a trick to reseating them.
Love the exhaust any idea what mod and brand it is?
Had mine 22 years, in California! Love it to bits. Nippy little bugger too (for a 2.5)
Still have random strangers comment on how pretty she is.
The M44 is really a gem of an engine and being yours Is a Kent registered car I doubt it’s seen that much roadsalt… I’ve got a 60,000 immaculate example which I haven’t used for 2 years and paid £1100 for it and it’s coming out the garage for its MOT on the 1st August.
I’ve been there done it got the T-shirt with the kebabs and parked the car on the grass in the back garden to repair mine and nicked the nail varnish off the Mrs to mark up the kebabs also that way I could have the doors wide open and roof down and don’t forget to disconnect the battery first.
I’m the same as you and tried the MX5 and found the 1.9 Z3 a better all rounder.
Great comment! Yes I have learnt my lesson from the first time around so I’m confident it’ll be easy peasy! People bemoan the 1.9 but they should try it. It’s peachy in this platform.
I bought a '97 BMW Z3 1.9L for $8,900 US. It had 64,000 miles on it when I purchased it in August 2022. It is now May 2023. After putting 20,000 miles on it I am happy to no major problems. I am going to put in new fuel injectors and spark plugs, just because I can.
These things are a BLAST.
Just picked up a Sierra Red 2000 2.5L in tremendous shape for $7,650.00 w/ 77K on it here in Ca.
Paint looks brand new, headlights were replaced.
Heck even the dead pedal wasn't cracked (as they do)
I'm planning on keeping it forever so I completely updated the entire cooling system and suspension.
Buy one if you can.. ultimate Summer wknd vehicle..
Epic Geoff ! ... Topless for summer ! ( the car not Mrs Geoff ! 🤣 )
Right on! Bmw fever!
Love it 😁
Great cars with BMW (at that time) bullet proof build quality. I used to have one. Replacing those bushes is also a good time to replace any broken seat belt guides, on the side of the seats, which also break with age.
Like a Z3 me. Looks better than a z4 or mx5. And I get the low power thing. Had a boxster 2.7l . Less power = more fun (time). Time = distance over speed !
Exactly!!
Better than a z4? Idk about that
As an owner of a Z4 Coupe, I'd argue until my face is blue this is nowhere near as beautiful. However the Z3M is leagues ahead of any Z
@@urdaeatmoths the Z4 is ugly. Z3 looks better in every possible way. The Lines on the z4 Are all over the place
@@Aikaramba12 the lines on a Z4 literally show Z4, you're disabled but that's fine
Hi Geoff. I have a funny question. I have yet to sit in one of these, but would I fit in this? I’m 6”4 and athletic/fat build 😂. I sat in a Lambo and felt like I was solitary confinement
I have had my 1998 Z3 which I bought with 26k miles for 15 years. Absolutely love driving it. Just cracked 43k miles. It has always been garaged and is in superb condition. It is the James Bond blue from Golden Eye. Great car. Lots of fun.
I bought mine with 27k and has recently just done 38k …mines topaz blue
@@davexpatrick Great car, no? I just crossed 44k yesterday.
@@zevdoeskdrama I’ve been out in mine today I love it .. I think I’ve probably had it 15 years I can’t actually remember
I bought mine on Valentines day 2008.
I love it 1000! Dang deal is it worth owned at 2000 I want that car back but is it too risky?
Had 4 MX5s, and all sorts of everything else, but never a Z3. I’m in for the Geoffle when it happens 👍
It’s live now over on GeoffBuysCars.com 👍
I’m looking for replacement headlights for my grandads z3 and I can’t find any that are quality
Bargain at £1,000 for some summer fun! You've even picked the perfect weekend by the looks of it.
Looks like MrsGeoff is commandeering it for work next week 😂
I just purchased a 97 Z3 2.8L. I also have the shifting seat issue, but you have not encouraged me to dive in and fix it. Come by, mate, and I'll feed you with beer to fix mine.
So... you are telling me you will fail the MOT because of the shifting seat? Geez... I'm replacing the dead stock radio with a retro look radio with bluetooth.
Would love to run my Z3 through the English back roads. I lived in London from 90-96. Miss the pubs, but not the typical weather back then!
Have had 5 MX-5s, a Z4, 3 Cooper Ss and an audi TT... Yeah... a car guy I am!
Seats are easy… just fiddly
Are you sure that’s topaz blue or has it been resprayed?
No body near me seems to know how to look after a car..the second hand market is full of scrapers 😢
anyone know the exhaust?
Good price for a grand but honestly that's all I'd ever pay for a Z3. It's one place where I just can't agree with you. My uncle had one new and I remember everyone being overwhelmingly disappointed by it. An MG F would run rings around it, the MX5 is vastly more reliable and the SLK is better built.
That said if you do a sale on it I'm definitely buying a ticket. I haven't been in a Z3 since then. And I'm always up for giving a car a second try. Maybe it won't be as ghastly as my memory suggests.
the SLK beign better built than a Z3? That has to be a Joke, right?
The SLK is a rust bucket and the engine wiring loom short circuits and/or catches fire. Not so sexy.
Sorry SLK appalling build quality
Unless it's the camera light, that's Montreal Blue. Didn't think topaz was available in 97/98
problem with salvage title cars is getting them titled and insured.
Check with the governmentin your area and you insurance agent BEFORE buying one
3.2L S50B32 is the best engine for this car in the M
nice exaust sound!!!!
I just bought one with 130k miles manual transmission for 2000$
Which is roughly around $1,100?!? This guy was trying to sell me his for $6,600
Do you still have it
No, gave it away in a raffle
4 hrs of my life! Lol!!!
I'm late to the party but that's not topaz blue, pretty sure that's Montreal blue. It's much nicer than Topaz.
The z3 is built in the USA
No.
@@buchardo YES.
South Carolina
What...no mystery box in the giveaway
Hmmm..... you know me, there may well be a mystery box!
Topaz blue? That's not it, my old E46 was Topaz blue and it was much lifhter in color. This must be montreal blue
So few questions
1 where ate kids going to sitt
2.where does surf 🏄♂️ board go
Main 1 thou
What happened to pablo deal
Watch you don't burn bald head with sunglasses lol
1. Ok there are flaws with this car... I can get a surfboard in it but no family 😂😂
Pablo is now not happening actually
@@GeoffBuysCars aww that's sad news about pablo .....we all know iy holds special place in all Geoff/joe/Paul's hearts 💕
So does the boss like it aka Mrs Geoff lol
Pps hows the might surf not heard much about it
not topas, its montreal ...
Yeah… dont compare that color to goldeneye ever again…..
Get your bum in a Honda s2000 then king of the roadsters becomes obvious