I own a 98 Z3 Individual in Fiji Green, and as fellow owner from across the pond here's my experience: Z3s don't leak..I live in England and we like horizontal howling rain..never had a drop inside. I also learned that Z3s leave the factory with a zipped window, mine is sewn in. The compartment lid has a plastic liner with small screws in, seems it might have caught the wind and snapped. You're very lucky to have a Z3 with bolt on seat belt retainers, on later models it's built into the seat, you have to replace the whole seat. Wing mirror spring mechanism snaps leaving a floppy mirror. The AC loop pipe in front of the radiator will rot, keep an eye on that. Same for the spare wheel bracket, that will rot through Also in the UK we have an annual vehicle inspection and any warning lights on the dash is a fail, ABS and airbag definite fail. you can clear codes using the circular OBD port just above the HT pack on the left as you look at the engine. Another one to watch, the window stop is an adjustable screw in the door panel that's rivetted in, that can work loose meaning the window travels up above the door rubber. but great M44 engine, I need to change the crankcase position sensor and might have a small vacuum leak as it's a bit rough on cold start.
Z3s don't leak? Mine sat outside last week during a very mild rain shower and I had about an inch of water in the cavity that the battery sits in the trunk, and a puddle of water under my driver's seat, plus water all over the seats in general. And my car only has 100k miles on it, soft top is in excellent condition
200,000? Rookie.. 😊 Of course I'm kidding but that's nothing for the bullet proof Z3 engine. Mine, in Montreal Blue has over 256,000 miles and still runs fantastic! I've owned it for 12 years and just do the basics . Oil change at the end of our ( Canadian) fall, undercoat ( just the undercarriage) before putting her under cover in the garage for the winter. Of course, disconnect the battery & place dryer sheets throughout to keep the mice & chipmunks away. Thinking back, that's all I've really done, routine maintenance although 2 years ago replaced the clutch which really, I had done because it was time although no slipping etc. I talked to the original owner, a surgeon in Texas ( company car )and then ended up in Florida, then Cape Breton, Nova Scotia before I got it. Think I have all, if not most of the receipts and nothing major either. As someone whos had Jaguars, Porsches, ( could stand) , MGB's, a couple of TR-6,'s and a Datsun 240Z this id barr none the most enjoyable sports car I've owned and always will.
Hi. Love your down to earth videos👍 Another good one. I'm going to try and work on my own z3 so more tutorials would be good. Like servicing. Keep going bud. 👍
Thanks for the kind words. I’ve got several other videos on this car with basic maintenance and other things that tend to wear out on these old girls. If there’s something specific you’d like to see, let me know and I’ll see what I can get done. I’ve got more coming soon. Thanks again!!!
CONGRATULATIONS on your MILESTONE BMW Z3, that car REMINDS me of my old MGB ROADSTER that I had back in 1971 for a little over a year.(accident killed it) 😯😩😡😮💨 In 1995 I bought a 1985 VW Cabriolet with 100k miles, I was to do the front end (tie rods and such) but it drove like a NEW CAR with new tires. Had to replace the windshield seal and because of that had to replace a couple of relays that got ruined from water damage. Replaced the fuel pump in the gas tank but other than those things and RELIGIOUS OIL CHANGES with 20-50 Castro oil I drove it for 16 years WITH THE SAME CLUTCH. The odometer quit working (mechanical) at 196k but drove it for about 6 years after that happened. GOD only knows how many miles was on that car when I sold it. My DEAR MOTHER looking out for her favorite son that I should have a NEWER CAR. so I sold it and got a 1997 VW Cabrio (manual transmissions, top and window cranks, I like it SIMPLE and CHEAP). I should have KEPT the old VW, it still ran GREAT and good gas mileage just replaced the clutch and tires didn't leak oil or water. It needed a paint job, new interior and the top would need replacing in a couple years otherwise it
picked up my 97 2.8 5spd Z for my birthday few weeks ago. 220k but i got it for a steal. Have already put about 1500 miles on it no issues thank God! Only thing i have done is a full syn Oil change and overall inspection. Looking at new suspensions in near future. Excited for this journey!!
So awesome to hear how much you enjoy driving your z3. I really like driving mine but my wife loves driving it. They are great cars!!! A little squirrely when I drive it hard at the round about near my house, but pretty darn good handling given that it's a 25 plus year old design.
i have a '97 z3 with a 1.9. not a barn burner but very torquey and you get to use all the engine :). bought it from my son-in -law. drive train is really strong. plastic parts in the interior are cheap but all is well, i have replaced the window regulators. it was more than just those nylon runners. rather expensive but i did the job myself in under an hour per window. the window motors are very powerful. when the window jammed the motor actually bent the regulator and tore out one of the mounting studs. luckily i was able to jerry rig a stainless bolt with washer. that was a very lucky thing, otherwise i'd have to take the door to a welder. :)
Great to see a car being well used. I've seen prettier but it does what you want it to do, and still makes u smile. Ive a 1999 2.8i here in UK currently on 99300.
Hmm, you mentioned the " leaky" top. Are you sure the water in the trunk is coming from the rag top? Most Z3's tend to leak through the rear 3rd brake light on the boot . A bit of sealent tends to work but honestly, it might be an idea to take off the plastic cover inside the boot where the row of bulbs connect to the light. Otherwise they tend to fill up with water and has the possibility of ruining your brake light as it tends to corrode the light connectors. Black leather dye works very well on the shifter & steering wheel very well and takes little time.
Thanks for watching. I have already replaced the third brake light gasket and the antenna rubber grommet. The small amount of water getting into the trunk is definitely coming from the top.
That’s awesome. I hope she stays on the road a long time. My other vehicle is a 2002 Ford Ranger that’s creeping up on 200k right now at 196,191. Thanks for watching.
Did you get your Z with the clear turn signal lenses in the headlights or did you purchase them yourself? Im looking for clear lenses like those. I already removed my ambers. Thanks in advanvance and great job!
I replaced the headlights with ones from a 1999 or up year model. I got them on Craigslist and I don’t remember exactly what year car they came from. But, it had to be from a 1999 and newer one since that’s the first year they came with the chrome trim rings around the headlights. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the review! I’m amazed you haven't done a complete coolant system refresh! The OEM water pump has a plastic impeller that can break and send debris into your engine. The DISA valve is another fail point allowing plastic and possibly metal components to enter the engine!
True. I still haven’t replaced the water pump, but it’s still working fine. I definitely need to replace it soon though….I’ve got some long trips planned for this car and I don’t want to get stranded. The 4 cylinder engines don’t have a DISA Valve. It’s one of the last, simpler BMW engines. Thanks for watching the video.
@@gerechoppers Perhaps yours doesn’t🤷♂️ Another youtuber from Moment Of Zed that I follow has a blue 1998 Z3 with a 1.9 and manual transmission pairing that apparently does. He pointed it out in one of his videos. I was on FCP Euro looking at the parts cost when I was considering the pros and cons of the 4 cylinder vs the 6 cylinder variants.
As far as I can tell, it has only been replaced once. I received full documentation of all the maintenance and repairs that were done on this car prior to me buying it with 158,000 miles on it. However, I’m planning on a clutch job later this year, just as a preventative measure, since I daily drive this car. I don’t want to get stranded some day with a worn out clutch. Thanks for watching my video.
Thanks for thr video. I'm looking for a second car and leaning towards some kind of roadster. Between Miata MX-5, Z3 or Z4. Not sure what else is out there, but your video helped tremendously put some faith into BMW's. Always heard about the reliability, but research is telling me that is incorrect!
You have to do maintenance on them, just like any other car. Mine has been dead nuts reliable. But, I enjoy tinkering on it and I’m always getting ahead on little things before they become big things. The newer BMWs, in my opinion, are throw away cars. But, I believe the older ones were built to last. Thanks for watching.
I LOVE mine, obviously. 🤣. I think they’re totally underrated for now, but I think they’re going to go up in value through the years. I’ve already seen them start to creep up. Thanks for watching.
Hallo Texas Gearshifters! Danke, sehr gut moderiert! Genau die gleichen Fehler hat mein Wagen auch. Er braucht nur Reifen, Öl , Wasser und Benzin, Benzin und Benzin! In etwa 10.0 bis 10.8 Liter auf 100 km. Er hat die 1.8 Liter Maschine mit 115 PS; ein Dreh am Zündschlüssel und es brummelt unter der langen Haube. Die Lackschäden überklebe ich mit sehr großen Stickern und es ist gut. Jetzt kommt der Winter und ich fahre mit Winterreifen. Geht super und bei etwas mehr Gas kommt er so schön quer im Drift. Der Wagen macht jeden Tag Freude und kostet nur das Minimum . Und wenn der TESLA steht, fährt der Z3 immer weiter . 25 Jahre alt und erst 260.000 Kilometer gelaufen, das ist doch Qualität. Grüße von Franky aus Deutschland/Berlin - Zehlendorf
almost forgot...Z3 weak point are the sills just as they meet the wheel arches..inner sills are box steel and rock solid but can get rusty and the bolt on oversills rust.
When I bought my 96 Z3 new. The black tape that went around the windshield almost immediately Started peeling back. Brought it back to the dealer, he removed it completely and informed me that all cars going forward would no longer have that tape. It’s interesting your car still has that tape.
Thanks for watching. The manufacture date on my car is September of 1996, so I’m not sure when the cutoff time for no longer putting the black tape around the windshield frame would have been. I can’t decide if I’ll redo it, remove it and paint it black or just leave it blue when I repaint the car. I’ve been busy building my new house that I just moved into, so repainting my Z3 has been put on the back burner. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to get it done Spring of 2023.
A lil late but look on ebay or amazon for steering wheel cover. theyre $30-60 where you stitch it onto the steering wheel itself. i bought a seude aftermarket for my 335 for like $$800. went with the cheap steering wheel leather stitching cover for my Z4 and 530xi touring and they work great. take the wheel off and it took me less than an hr to stitch it on. 2 years later and still works great.
Thanks for the info. I’ll check into that before I’m due for a new top. It’s too late for this one, unless I get a new rear window sewn in. Thanks for watching.
If you’re looking for a serious roll bar, Hard Dog makes one. speedfreaksusa.com/i-14216797-hard-dog-bmw-z3-roll-bar.html If you’re just looking for headrest style hoops, there are tons of those out there as well.
Cool. I also, have a Ford Ranger. It’s at around 198,000 last time I checked. It’s still going strong as well. Thanks for watching. This Z3 just clicked over 212,000. It’s still my daily and I just use the Ranger for truck stuff.
I have the similar car but auto 150k miles. Its been a reliable car! But recently developed rough idle. Drives fine no problems at all just when I stop at red light it starts misfiring and idles very rough! Couldn't identify any vacuum licks, changed sparkplug and wires and still idles rough.. Have no ide whats wrong.. Any suggestions? Cheers
If you’re seeing a mis-fire for cylinder 3, it could be the ignition coil. Since you’ve changed the plug and wires, that’s all that’s really left on the ignition side. The coil has individual spots for each wire and it could be that just the #3 spot on the coil is bad. I’d start it up and remove the number three spark plug wire. If there’s no change in how it runs, that coil could be the culprit. Let me know what you find.
Hey man I love the video. I’m looking at roadsters like the Miata and the Z3 and I wanted to know if you have to put premium gas into the Z3 or is regular ok as well?
Per the original owner’s manual, you should use premium fuel, which I do. It also basically states that you could get by with mid-grade since the 1.9L is equipped with knock sensors, but premium is the preferred fuel. I have always run premium in my car and I believe that has helped her go over 200,000 miles. The fuel tank isn’t that big and it gets 29-30 mpg on the highway, so the little extra expense is worth it in my opinion. Other people may have different opinions, but like I said, I can back mine up with over 200,000 miles of trouble free motoring. Thanks for watching.
In my opinion, it’s narrow but has plenty of leg room. The passenger side has exceptional leg room for sure. I’ve driven a few C4 Corvettes and I think this car is easier to get in and out of. You don’t have that big door sill that you have to get over and then plop down in. You can always go check one out and see for yourself. I really enjoy driving mine.
@@gerechoppers I may have an opportunity to get one for a fantastic price it has 200k miles on it but runs great and has been taken very good care of I'm curious if you think it would be a good car for a high school kid because that car looks very fast
Also have a ‘96 z3 roadster. But my battery is under the hood instead of the truck. Has a previous owner moved it? (Just curious) Also are the back of the seats supposed to lean forward?
I’ve seen some of these cars with batteries in the trunk and some with them mounted under the hood. I’m not sure what determines that, but mine was definitely located in the trunk from the factory. I believe most E-36 and up cars have them mounted in the trunk. As far as the seats, I’m not sure what you’re asking about when you say “lean forward “.
@@gerechoppers Didn’t make that clear. I keep roll of paper towels and couple of ball caps (aka sun bidets) behind the seats. Sure would be nice if the seats tilted forward like a regular two-door, four seater car. If they don’t, oh well. I saw you mentioned the little cap that covers the headlight switch. I have the cap but it’s in the console compartment. It will not stay on. Do you think it would be a bad/good idea to super glue that thing where it belongs? Surprising how such a simple thing makes it look so different. Thanks!
My seats don’t fold very far forward. It would be nice to have a little more storage back there, but I guess that’s how BMW designed it way back when. As far as the cap for the headlights, I’d super glue it on. You’ll only have to remove it if you ever have to change out your headlight switch. No one will be any wiser. Mine was missing when I bought my car.
I drive it every day and I don’t let it sit. I think that’s one of the worst things you can do to a car. I love spending time in the garage whenever possible, so I find myself tinkering on it a lot...finding little things before they become big things. I work a lot of hours, so there are still things that I haven’t had time to address on her, but little by little I chip away at them. Thanks for watching my video, I really appreciate it.
Found a deal on a 2001 z3 inline 6 with 107k miles for 5k$ unmolested might have to pull the trigger and buy
That sounds like a pretty good deal for around 100k miles. I check prices on these every so often and they seem to be going up.
no that M44 Motor is damn reliable.
I own a 98 Z3 Individual in Fiji Green, and as fellow owner from across the pond here's my experience: Z3s don't leak..I live in England and we like horizontal howling rain..never had a drop inside. I also learned that Z3s leave the factory with a zipped window, mine is sewn in. The compartment lid has a plastic liner with small screws in, seems it might have caught the wind and snapped. You're very lucky to have a Z3 with bolt on seat belt retainers, on later models it's built into the seat, you have to replace the whole seat. Wing mirror spring mechanism snaps leaving a floppy mirror. The AC loop pipe in front of the radiator will rot, keep an eye on that. Same for the spare wheel bracket, that will rot through Also in the UK we have an annual vehicle inspection and any warning lights on the dash is a fail, ABS and airbag definite fail. you can clear codes using the circular OBD port just above the HT pack on the left as you look at the engine. Another one to watch, the window stop is an adjustable screw in the door panel that's rivetted in, that can work loose meaning the window travels up above the door rubber. but great M44 engine, I need to change the crankcase position sensor and might have a small vacuum leak as it's a bit rough on cold start.
Z3s don't leak? Mine sat outside last week during a very mild rain shower and I had about an inch of water in the cavity that the battery sits in the trunk, and a puddle of water under my driver's seat, plus water all over the seats in general. And my car only has 100k miles on it, soft top is in excellent condition
200,000? Rookie.. 😊 Of course I'm kidding but that's nothing for the bullet proof Z3 engine. Mine, in Montreal Blue has over 256,000 miles and still runs fantastic! I've owned it for 12 years and just do the basics . Oil change at the end of our ( Canadian) fall, undercoat ( just the undercarriage) before putting her under cover in the garage for the winter. Of course, disconnect the battery & place dryer sheets throughout to keep the mice & chipmunks away. Thinking back, that's all I've really done, routine maintenance although 2 years ago replaced the clutch which really, I had done because it was time although no slipping etc. I talked to the original owner, a surgeon in Texas ( company car )and then ended up in Florida, then Cape Breton, Nova Scotia before I got it. Think I have all, if not most of the receipts and nothing major either. As someone whos had Jaguars, Porsches, ( could stand) , MGB's, a couple of TR-6,'s and a Datsun 240Z this id barr none the most enjoyable sports car I've owned and always will.
256,000? Rookie! Mine has 268,000 miles, with the tiny 1.8 4 cilinder😄
Hi. Love your down to earth videos👍 Another good one.
I'm going to try and work on my own z3 so more tutorials would be good. Like servicing. Keep going bud. 👍
Thanks for the kind words. I’ve got several other videos on this car with basic maintenance and other things that tend to wear out on these old girls. If there’s something specific you’d like to see, let me know and I’ll see what I can get done. I’ve got more coming soon. Thanks again!!!
CONGRATULATIONS on your MILESTONE BMW Z3, that car REMINDS me of my old MGB ROADSTER that I had back in 1971 for a little over a year.(accident killed it) 😯😩😡😮💨 In 1995 I bought a 1985 VW Cabriolet with 100k miles, I was to do the front end (tie rods and such) but it drove like a NEW CAR with new tires. Had to replace the windshield seal and because of that had to replace a couple of relays that got ruined from water damage. Replaced the fuel pump in the gas tank but other than those things and RELIGIOUS OIL CHANGES with 20-50 Castro oil I drove it for 16 years WITH THE SAME CLUTCH. The odometer quit working (mechanical) at 196k but drove it for about 6 years after that happened. GOD only knows how many miles was on that car when I sold it. My DEAR MOTHER looking out for her favorite son that I should have a NEWER CAR. so I sold it and got a 1997 VW Cabrio (manual transmissions, top and window cranks, I like it SIMPLE and CHEAP). I should have KEPT the old VW, it still ran GREAT and good gas mileage just replaced the clutch and tires didn't leak oil or water. It needed a paint job, new interior and the top would need replacing in a couple years otherwise it
picked up my 97 2.8 5spd Z for my birthday few weeks ago. 220k but i got it for a steal. Have already put about 1500 miles on it no issues thank God! Only thing i have done is a full syn Oil change and overall inspection. Looking at new suspensions in near future. Excited for this journey!!
I too have a Bmw z3 with 228716 currently. 2001 2.5i. Doesn't really seem like its going to quit any time soon.
@BONGO Fiesta got Bilstein pro kit suspension, full aluminum radiator and an intake on it. Next will be bushings all over
So awesome to hear how much you enjoy driving your z3. I really like driving mine but my wife loves driving it. They are great cars!!! A little squirrely when I drive it hard at the round about near my house, but pretty darn good handling given that it's a 25 plus year old design.
i have a '97 z3 with a 1.9. not a barn burner but very torquey and you get to use all the engine :). bought it from my son-in -law. drive train is really strong. plastic parts in the interior are cheap but all is well, i have replaced the window regulators. it was more than just those nylon runners. rather expensive but i did the job myself in under an hour per window. the window motors are very powerful. when the window jammed the motor actually bent the regulator and tore out one of the mounting studs. luckily i was able to jerry rig a stainless bolt with washer. that was a very lucky thing, otherwise i'd have to take the door to a welder. :)
Great to see a car being well used. I've seen prettier but it does what you want it to do, and still makes u smile. Ive a 1999 2.8i here in UK currently on 99300.
I have a 98 Z3 with a 1.9 in Edmonton AB. Newer BMW's seem to be giving people problems .
No doubt. I don’t trust anything made after 2005. Thanks for watching!!!
I just got mine Friday y’all and I am HYPE didn’t wanna new one either🏆
My storage compartment is the kind with the sleaker and I couldn't open it for anything then finaly pried it open and now it won't stay closed right.
Love the vids! Looking to get one in the next week or so. is yours the 4 or 6cyl?
s/o doge coin
Mine is the 1.9 four cylinder. That’s the only engine that was available in 1996. Thanks for watching.
gereshifters i got mine! 97 z3 2.8 with 98k miles! In boston green. What a fantastic car this has been
Awesome. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy it!!
Hmm, you mentioned the " leaky" top. Are you sure the water in the trunk is coming from the rag top? Most Z3's tend to leak through the rear 3rd brake light on the boot . A bit of sealent tends to work but honestly, it might be an idea to take off the plastic cover inside the boot where the row of bulbs connect to the light. Otherwise they tend to fill up with water and has the possibility of ruining your brake light as it tends to corrode the light connectors. Black leather dye works very well on the shifter & steering wheel very well and takes little time.
Thanks for watching. I have already replaced the third brake light gasket and the antenna rubber grommet. The small amount of water getting into the trunk is definitely coming from the top.
2007 F150 288k
That’s awesome. I hope she stays on the road a long time. My other vehicle is a 2002 Ford Ranger that’s creeping up on 200k right now at 196,191. Thanks for watching.
Did you get your Z with the clear turn signal lenses in the headlights or did you purchase them yourself? Im looking for clear lenses like those. I already removed my ambers.
Thanks in advanvance and great job!
I replaced the headlights with ones from a 1999 or up year model. I got them on Craigslist and I don’t remember exactly what year car they came from. But, it had to be from a 1999 and newer one since that’s the first year they came with the chrome trim rings around the headlights. Thanks for watching.
Mine has a 1.8 with 268.000 miles, dealer maintenance. Crazy how durable these Z3’s are.
Awesome. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it for many more miles. That’s my plan as well. Thanks for watching.
I've been looking for a z3 and I want to thank you for the information.
No problem. Thanks for watching.
dope channel bro
Thanks!!
My z3 is gender fluid!
my 97 z3 has 180.000km
My new '97 Z3 1.8cc has 263.000km
Thanks for the review! I’m amazed you haven't done a complete coolant system refresh! The OEM water pump has a plastic impeller that can break and send debris into your engine. The DISA valve is another fail point allowing plastic and possibly metal components to enter the engine!
True. I still haven’t replaced the water pump, but it’s still working fine. I definitely need to replace it soon though….I’ve got some long trips planned for this car and I don’t want to get stranded. The 4 cylinder engines don’t have a DISA Valve. It’s one of the last, simpler BMW engines. Thanks for watching the video.
@@gerechoppers Perhaps yours doesn’t🤷♂️ Another youtuber from Moment Of Zed that I follow has a blue 1998 Z3 with a 1.9 and manual transmission pairing that apparently does. He pointed it out in one of his videos. I was on FCP Euro looking at the parts cost when I was considering the pros and cons of the 4 cylinder vs the 6 cylinder variants.
How many clutches in 200K miles?
As far as I can tell, it has only been replaced once. I received full documentation of all the maintenance and repairs that were done on this car prior to me buying it with 158,000 miles on it. However, I’m planning on a clutch job later this year, just as a preventative measure, since I daily drive this car. I don’t want to get stranded some day with a worn out clutch. Thanks for watching my video.
Thank you --especially about the 1.9 motor--and you are very happy with it---
Thanks for thr video. I'm looking for a second car and leaning towards some kind of roadster. Between Miata MX-5, Z3 or Z4. Not sure what else is out there, but your video helped tremendously put some faith into BMW's. Always heard about the reliability, but research is telling me that is incorrect!
You have to do maintenance on them, just like any other car. Mine has been dead nuts reliable. But, I enjoy tinkering on it and I’m always getting ahead on little things before they become big things. The newer BMWs, in my opinion, are throw away cars. But, I believe the older ones were built to last. Thanks for watching.
Great vid and great Z3! I’ve got a 96 Z3 also with 160k miles on it and runs great!!!
I LOVE mine, obviously. 🤣. I think they’re totally underrated for now, but I think they’re going to go up in value through the years. I’ve already seen them start to creep up. Thanks for watching.
Hallo Texas Gearshifters! Danke, sehr gut moderiert!
Genau die gleichen Fehler hat mein Wagen auch. Er braucht nur Reifen, Öl , Wasser und Benzin, Benzin und Benzin!
In etwa 10.0 bis 10.8 Liter auf 100 km.
Er hat die 1.8 Liter Maschine mit 115 PS; ein Dreh am Zündschlüssel und es brummelt unter der langen Haube.
Die Lackschäden überklebe ich mit sehr großen Stickern und es ist gut.
Jetzt kommt der Winter und ich fahre mit Winterreifen. Geht super und bei etwas mehr Gas kommt er so schön quer im Drift.
Der Wagen macht jeden Tag Freude und kostet nur das Minimum . Und wenn der TESLA steht, fährt der Z3 immer weiter . 25 Jahre alt und erst 260.000 Kilometer gelaufen, das ist doch Qualität. Grüße von Franky aus Deutschland/Berlin - Zehlendorf
What have been your top resources for leading about your Z3
Find a scrap car at the junk yard for most your parts missing.
almost forgot...Z3 weak point are the sills just as they meet the wheel arches..inner sills are box steel and rock solid but can get rusty and the bolt on oversills rust.
When I bought my 96 Z3 new. The black tape that went around the windshield almost immediately Started peeling back. Brought it back to the dealer, he removed it completely and informed me that all cars going forward would no longer have that tape. It’s interesting your car still has that tape.
Thanks for watching. The manufacture date on my car is September of 1996, so I’m not sure when the cutoff time for no longer putting the black tape around the windshield frame would have been. I can’t decide if I’ll redo it, remove it and paint it black or just leave it blue when I repaint the car. I’ve been busy building my new house that I just moved into, so repainting my Z3 has been put on the back burner. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to get it done Spring of 2023.
A lil late but look on ebay or amazon for steering wheel cover. theyre $30-60 where you stitch it onto the steering wheel itself. i bought a seude aftermarket for my 335 for like $$800. went with the cheap steering wheel leather stitching cover for my Z4 and 530xi touring and they work great. take the wheel off and it took me less than an hr to stitch it on. 2 years later and still works great.
I’ll have to check into that. Thanks for the information and thanks for watching.
Bmw did a cover for the back window so it did not scratch the window when put up & down got mine off eBay big money though
Thanks for the info. I’ll check into that before I’m due for a new top. It’s too late for this one, unless I get a new rear window sewn in. Thanks for watching.
Are there roll bar kits for my 1998 BMW Z3? I tried looking but not sure if what I saw would work or not?
If you’re looking for a serious roll bar, Hard Dog makes one.
speedfreaksusa.com/i-14216797-hard-dog-bmw-z3-roll-bar.html
If you’re just looking for headrest style hoops, there are tons of those out there as well.
I love my Z just as much! I get it.
Thanks for watching!!
actually its the metal bar on the top that makes the crease
My ford ranger has 204k. 3rd head, 2nd engine, 2nd transmission. Runs like a clock
Cool. I also, have a Ford Ranger. It’s at around 198,000 last time I checked. It’s still going strong as well. Thanks for watching. This Z3 just clicked over 212,000. It’s still my daily and I just use the Ranger for truck stuff.
@@gerechoppers oh yeah, got an 01 z3 wit 79k. Runs badass
Good video- your car has a lot of the same issues mine does. Good luck with the next 200k!
Thanks. I don’t know if she’ll make it to 400, but I’ve got my sights set on 300 for sure. 😃Thanks for watching my video.
I have the similar car but auto 150k miles. Its been a reliable car! But recently developed rough idle. Drives fine no problems at all just when I stop at red light it starts misfiring and idles very rough! Couldn't identify any vacuum licks, changed sparkplug and wires and still idles rough.. Have no ide whats wrong.. Any suggestions? Cheers
Has the check engine light turned on? Have you scanned the OBD port for codes? Also, what year and engine does your car have?
@@gerechoppers No engine light no codes except the misfire code on cylinder 3. Its 1997 M44 engine
If you’re seeing a mis-fire for cylinder 3, it could be the ignition coil. Since you’ve changed the plug and wires, that’s all that’s really left on the ignition side. The coil has individual spots for each wire and it could be that just the #3 spot on the coil is bad. I’d start it up and remove the number three spark plug wire. If there’s no change in how it runs, that coil could be the culprit. Let me know what you find.
Hey man I love the video. I’m looking at roadsters like the Miata and the Z3 and I wanted to know if you have to put premium gas into the Z3 or is regular ok as well?
Per the original owner’s manual, you should use premium fuel, which I do. It also basically states that you could get by with mid-grade since the 1.9L is equipped with knock sensors, but premium is the preferred fuel. I have always run premium in my car and I believe that has helped her go over 200,000 miles. The fuel tank isn’t that big and it gets 29-30 mpg on the highway, so the little extra expense is worth it in my opinion. Other people may have different opinions, but like I said, I can back mine up with over 200,000 miles of trouble free motoring. Thanks for watching.
Great video , keep it up 👍
Can big guys fit in a Z3 well? I have an old Vette and it is very tight. Would a Z3 be the same situation?
In my opinion, it’s narrow but has plenty of leg room. The passenger side has exceptional leg room for sure. I’ve driven a few C4 Corvettes and I think this car is easier to get in and out of. You don’t have that big door sill that you have to get over and then plop down in. You can always go check one out and see for yourself. I really enjoy driving mine.
@@gerechoppers I may have an opportunity to get one for a fantastic price it has 200k miles on it but runs great and has been taken very good care of I'm curious if you think it would be a good car for a high school kid because that car looks very fast
@@nathanielmorton659 I’ve had mine since 96, and my weight Has fluctuated from 280 to 180 sitting at about 210. I’ve always fit in my car
Also have a ‘96 z3 roadster.
But my battery is under the hood instead of the truck. Has a previous owner moved it? (Just curious)
Also are the back of the seats supposed to lean forward?
I’ve seen some of these cars with batteries in the trunk and some with them mounted under the hood. I’m not sure what determines that, but mine was definitely located in the trunk from the factory. I believe most E-36 and up cars have them mounted in the trunk. As far as the seats, I’m not sure what you’re asking about when you say “lean forward “.
@@gerechoppers Didn’t make that clear. I keep roll of paper towels and couple of ball caps (aka sun bidets) behind the seats. Sure would be nice if the seats tilted forward like a regular two-door, four seater car. If they don’t, oh well.
I saw you mentioned the little cap that covers the headlight switch. I have the cap but it’s in the console compartment. It will not stay on. Do you think it would be a bad/good idea to super glue that thing where it belongs?
Surprising how such a simple thing makes it look so different.
Thanks!
Sun visors.
My seats don’t fold very far forward. It would be nice to have a little more storage back there, but I guess that’s how BMW designed it way back when. As far as the cap for the headlights, I’d super glue it on. You’ll only have to remove it if you ever have to change out your headlight switch. No one will be any wiser. Mine was missing when I bought my car.
Perfect so reliable cars man ! Love it !
Thanks for watching. I’m still daily driving this car and she’s at almost 217k miles.
That’s the car that color I love it
Me too. Thanks for watching.
She is so beautiful!
Thanks and thanks for watching. !!
How do you keep it so well kept?
I drive it every day and I don’t let it sit. I think that’s one of the worst things you can do to a car. I love spending time in the garage whenever possible, so I find myself tinkering on it a lot...finding little things before they become big things. I work a lot of hours, so there are still things that I haven’t had time to address on her, but little by little I chip away at them. Thanks for watching my video, I really appreciate it.