2001 Z3 2.5i

Hi I recently found a 2001 z3 2.5 with only 58,000mi for sale by owner locally and I am hoping to join the ranks of proud z3 owners on this forum soon . My question is with particular year and model is there anything specifically I should watch out for or look for when buying? The seller has agreed to let me take the car to a local BMW mech for a check up so I feel pretty good about it, but I welcome any and all advice!

Cheers!

A common issue with most all Z3s, is a water leak in the trunk..If the Z3 that you are considering has water in the trunk, don't let that deter you from purchasing it.. Z3s have a few places where, over time, water can leak into the trunk.. 1.. The 3rd break light gasket dries out.. simply fix.,. 2.. The gasket around the antenna.. simple fix.. 3.. where the convertible roof meets the body of the car, just below the rear window.... the seal dries out and starts to separate from the car.. fixable..

Usually, you find the water on the battery well which is located in the trunk..

If you perform google searches, you can find out common "items" that need maintenance on all Z3s.. I like to use the term items rather than issues because the Z3 is a fun car to have regardless of "items".

Don't forget to also run a car fax on the car..

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=391945 is a good list of common issues. All Z3s share basically the same issues.

But the pre-purchase inspection is absolutely the best thing you can do.

Good luck.

Thanks for the tips and info!

BStanton: I like your Z3, the one I am looking is also silver. I think it is the sharpest looking z3 color.

dougmcintyre: Thanks for the link, that list was very helpful. I am taking for the inspection tomorrow so hopefully all goes well.

Cheers!

Thanks jcobb.... I highly recommend picking up a set of rear fender stone guards. The flair of the rear fenders are a perfect target for debris and stones kicked up from the front tires. Little tiny paint nicks develop without them. I picked mine up at http://www.roadstersolutions.com/pag...FUFV4AodnVKUhg. They are magnetic, so they are easy to attach and remove.

You will love the silver color.... When polished well, in some light it looks like stainless. It's a great color.

Welcome to the forums!

if your mechanical,its a great car to work on and maintain yourself

Ditto!!! Like Ronpolly mentioned, its a great car to play with. Bstanton, thanx for positng the info on the guards. I have been looking for something lilke that for mine. Love this forum.

Meant to post this a long time ago. Now the proud owner of a perfect condition 2001 Z3 2.5i. Love this car!

Beautiful!!

Originally Posted by BStanton

Thanks jcobb.... I highly recommend picking up a set of rear fender stone guards. The flair of the rear fenders are a perfect target for debris and stones kicked up from the front tires. Little tiny paint nicks develop without them. I picked mine up at http://www.roadstersolutions.com/pag...FUFV4AodnVKUhg. They are magnetic, so they are easy to attach and remove.

You will love the silver color.... When polished well, in some light it looks like stainless. It's a great color.

These fender stone guards are on sale for $20 a set on Roadster Solutions. I recently purchased a set to replace my old ones. Check it out.

What a great looking car,I see its an Auto Steptronic like ours,thats also fun to play with.

Originally Posted by dougmcintyre

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=391945 is a good list of common issues. All Z3s share basically the same issues.

But the pre-purchase inspection is absolutely the best thing you can do.

Another thing to do eventually is have a sample of oil tested by BLACKSTONE LABORATORIES of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Check their website to see a sample of the $25 oil analysis. The in-depth results can indicate bearing wear (traces of babbitt metal will be in the oil) and various undesirable problems such as fluid leaks. If you contact them, you'll receive a kit (two nested bottles) with instructions on how to obtain an analysis. I purchased my 2001 Z3 2.5L / Steptronic w/83,300 miles in June 2012, spent about $2,500 to have all wear items checked and verified or replaced, including auto trans fluid and seals, water pump, power steering components, then had the oil analyzed after I had put 5,000 miles on the car. I was very pleased by Blackstone's analysis which indicated very little engine wear over the life of the car.