Bmw Z3

Bmw Z3 questions and answers

Q: Thinking of buying a bmw z3 can anyone tell me the pro's and cons associated with this car?
I've driven my brother in law's and he loves his but want a more balanced thought process ( he's biased) Err didnt want your opinions about BMW drivers just the car!!!!!

A: Wow, from these responses, I think I am the only Z3 owner to answer this so far. If I am wrong I apologize. I have an 02. It is my third BMW, 750iL, and 325is and it is 99% rock solid. I will start with my cons of the Z3. 1. Plastic rear window. Every other car in it's class has a glass window, fortunately it is easily replacable, about 300 bucks every 5-6 years. 2. Seats are good enough for normal spirited driving, but if you want to roll hard through the twisties or track the car, move up to the M seats or get recaros. 3. Damn windshield is made of a soft glass, so it picks up chips. This can be replaced also later with harder aftermarket glass. 4. Storage space is a joke. Maybe two duffel bags in the trunk and garment bags behind the seats. BMW actually sells a hookup for this. 5. Not a good car for winters, too much torque in first. Too low to get through snow and the cars natural understeer and light rear-end make the non-DSC cars very easy to spin out. 6. The damn key fob has a varible, but always short range. I often just use the key. 7. Cupholders suck and are an option, lighter/charger plug is in an akward position. 8. Repairs are not cheap. BMW = Bring My Wallet The pros are way too long to list. I'll hit my favs. 1. It's a BMW. This car will last forever if driven properly and maintained. I sold my 750iL just last month with 245,000 miles on it. Original engine and interior. Still purrs like a kitten. 2. The 6-cylinders demand respect on the road. You are among the quickest and best turning cars ever made. If you are just tooling around town and only occasionally hit the open road a 4-cylinder will serve you well and get better gas mileage than your peers in their Hondas. I have a 6-cylinder and I average 25 - 30 miles per gallon. Try for a stick. 3. This car is a head-turner. Don't buy this car if you are shy as perfect strangers will want to talk to you about it. 4. This is the quietest convertible with the top up I have ever driven. 5. Resale value. German cars consistently hold their value over Japanese and especially over American-made cars. 6. Put the top down, drive out on a warm sumer night, listen to the exhaust rumbling. You don't need another reason. I apologize for this long post. If you have any questions and want some straight answers from a long-term BMW owner, send me an email. Do some research, drive more than one before you make this decision.

Q: do you know any cars availible in the us similair to the bmw z3 coupe?
I am located in ca, and it needs to be high performance and be a coupe not a convertible

A: Have you looked at your BMW Dealer's stock of Previously Owned Vehicles? They may be able to find you a BMW Z-4 Coupe which is bigger, faster, better looking, and more expensive than the Z-3. Have you looked at the OCTOBER 2008 ROUNDEL Magazine, (Front Cover) and feature article of the BMW Z-4 Coupe?

Q: bmw z3 keeps making clicking sound when starting?
Its very harsh and cold currently and I thought I could start the z3 to keep the engine running for some time. As soon as I turned the ignition key, it almost started but I did not give gas and it stopped. But thereafter it just keeps making clicking sound when I turn the ignition key. Just replaced the battery last year and all lights, etc are coming on fine. I am not a mechanic but wanted to know if I should take it to one since its a problem, or could I try it again in some time as it could be normal due to the cold the suggestion to use another car to jumpstart it helped. At least the car has started running. Will find out tomorrow if the problem was temporary or if there is another issue (with starter or alternator).

A: you might wanta try charging it or if you cant do that get a jump fromone of your nieghbors. but its probly a low battery.

Q: Does anyone own a BMW Z3 from 5 years old to new i am thinking of buying one and need the low down on them?
i would like to know how they run, drive and what they are like on fuel? i have been told around 30-35mpg depends on engine i am only looking around a 2.0ltr nothing higher what did you have?

A: I've got a 2000 M. I guess I must drive it pretty easy because I get around 24-25 around town and 29-30 highway. I find the small interior cozy, like I'm part of the car. I'm 6 ft. and am very comfortable. Ride is a little on the harsh side, noisier than one would expect from a BMW, but who cares! It's a rocket ship, stops and turns on a dime and has a very distinct look.

Q: BMW Z3 bonnet kidney grills replacement how are these removed and refitted?

A: There are several plastic tabs on the back of the chrome surround. They need to be levered away from the opening and the grill pushed forward (out). The grills simply snap back into place. In practice, the plastic tabs get brittle and tend to snap off. Removing the grills will probably mean you'll need replacements.

Q: Anyone know how to fix keyless remote on 2002 BMW Z3?
Keyless remote will not open the doors but the alarm light on the shifter flashes.

A: It needs to be reprogrammed. There is a procedure online: Get in and close all doors. Turn ignition on (position 2) & off quickly (no more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds. First key, hold down unlock button. Press lock button three times. Release unlock button. Confirmed by door lock operation. Repeat for second key within 30 seconds of first. Confirmed by door lock operation. Put second key in ignition and turn to position 2 (on) then position 1 (off) to finalize the process. It is not necessary to start the engine. Both keys should now have new "randomly selected" security "code words" - assigned by the car's system. Those codes will be continuously incremented within the new sequence each time you hit a button. It is when they get out of sequence with the car that they loose the capability to be recognized and you then have to do this again.

Q: Bought a 10 year old BMW Z3, it was okay the first two days then yesterday it started to over heat, smoke?
coming out of the front grill and cutting out, filled it up with water and oil, then it worked for a bit, this morning after sitting all night with water in it i drove okay for about 45mins then the needle went in to the red over heating again, any suggestions to what it is? And costings? Private sale, so bought as seen unless, so we can't take it back..

A: I would try to take it back (go with some well built friends), it looks like they sold you a pup and that's not nice. Sorry but there are many questions to clarify. Is it smoke or steam? Is it coming from a pipe or hose or a hole in the radiator? How much oil was needed? does it now need more? You may need to check thermostat as other suggest, then radiator then water pump and head gasket and bank balance

Q: My BMW Z3 99 just had the engine light come on?Do I have to take it to BMW dealership to get it fixed?
Oil checks good, no visual hoses issues..anyone else have this problem?

A: Hi! I own a 97 BMW 328i...about two weeks ago my check engine light came on. A friend of mine advised me before spending $100 for an engine diagnostic, to check all of my levels (coolant, oil, etc...) I topped off my coolant level and in two days, my check engine light went off. Not saying this is your problem...but you never know.

Q: The power seats in my BMW Z3 slide foward about a 1/2 inch when I stop quickly. Is there a way to tighten this?
The dealer said they are designed to do that, but I think that sounds like bull.

A: This is a known problem with Z3's. There are plastic spacers on the threaded rods that move the seats backwards and forwards. The plastic breaks down and allows the seats to move without the switch/motor being engaged. There is a great, and detailed "how-to" here: http://www.waycoolinc.com/z3/02/100602/shish01.html and here: http://www.odometergears.com/subpages/seat_rocking_fix.pdf And there are companies that make parts to fix the problem here: http://www.whalenshiftmachine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=8 http://www.odometergears.com/bmw.html

Q: where can i find a rele hot, rele cheap bmw z3 or z4?
i rele love these cars. they r so hot. does ne one kno where u can get one for rele cheap? this is more out of curiosity and planning ahead! rele means really i just cont write it lyk tht and by cheap i mean by bmw standards not stolen or damaged and under 50,000 mileage is gr8

A: Do your research, save some money, then buy it from http://www.motobidia.com/index.asp at the price other dealers pay to acquire their stock.

Q: How should I add power steering fluid to a BMW z3?

A: the only z3 you should be driving is the z3m. if its not, take it to the dealer and trade it in for a mans car(any other bmw except 3er ti and 1er). theyll take care of putting the proper fluids in it when they go to sell it to a woman. i hate yuppy bimmer drivers that cant maintain their ultimate driving machines...

Q: How safe is a 1996 BMW Z3 in the winter??
I live in indiana and really want one but im kinda worried about the car sliding easily and im not to sure if it will be ok, i wont drive it far when i drive it, but do u think i could drive it in snow?

A: Ok i searched online and heres what i found. the 1996 BMW Z3 is ok in the winter. But theres Winter tires that you can buy to make it even safer. The 1996 BMW Z3 is pretty safe at travailing 45 tops in the snow. With the winter tires it can do a nice smooth 80. The regular 1996 BMW Z3 tires grip is decent in the winter but i recommend getting the winter tires. Plus the winter tires look nice.

Q: What type of power steering fluid should I use on a BMW Z3?

A: i would just ask the local bmw dealer in your area?? i would also suggest having them put it in. You can buy your own and have them do it. I know you car is most likely no longer under warrenty, so they may charge you a little bit for the service?? That depends on a bunch of things like (where you bought the car? how many BMW cars you have purchased??, etc) Good Luck

Q: How much does it cost to rent a BMW Z3 per month?

A: well it depends what year how much you put down and what state you live in .. but I live in cali and my friends mom has that car the newest one and she pays around 400 a month

Q: changing alternator for bmw z3?
what is the best alternator for a BMW Z3 and does the amp in it matter?

A: You don't state what year or which engine you have. You're best to go to a dealer. Yes the amp rating matters. The rating can be anywhere from 80A to 120 A, dependent on which engine and what options you have in the car. They will also charge you a "core charge" if you do not return your old alternator.