BMW Z3 Roadster (1996 - 2002) 2.0 2d Auto (2000/W) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
I believe that it says/shows that I know a good and reasonable to purchase,maintain and run additional car and one that is an appreciating classic - when I see one.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
That I have an eye for and always have had for a good buy when I set my sights to fulfil a desire. Family and very close friends also recognise that my desire for a motorcycle again has now been quelled. That makes them very happy and especially in the current 'Didn't see you mate' climate.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Very definitely - but it would only be if I could find an absolutely immaculate and totally certified 2.8ltr or 3ltr auto for sensible money.
What are you likely to buy next?
As a general run-around/everyday transport vehicle it could well be a BMW 3series 'TinTop' convertible.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£3,995
When did you buy the car?
April 2014
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes,I really do believe that a 14yr old example with a full and BMW certified history at 62,000 miles was far to good to ignore.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Yes,I had always desired one of these truly beautiful automatic sports roadsters long before the Z4 was introduced. At nearly 69yrs of age I began working down my personal 'Bucket List'. The sight of the 2ltr Topaz Blue Metallic was exceptionally easy to lay claim to.
What was the dealer like?
A small Brinscal,Nr Chorley,Lancashire used car dealership of two partners that depend on both local and recommended/repeat business.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
The car is one that I personally find is a very difficult one to leave alone and at any and almost every opportunity I am out in it. The car is responsive and easy to drive but does suffer from 'Tram-lining' on badly rutted roads. It runs on the original alloy wheels and shod with 225/50ZR x16 Maxxis Vectra tyres. The steering is otherwise very positive and has plenty of feel and does not suffer with oversteer on rural roads and winding country lanes. At regular A & B roads and at motorway speeds it has good and positive directional feel.
What's it like to park?
I find it easy to park because of the straight edge lines of the rear wide bodied flanks and the short rear/boot area. The long bonnet took a little getting used to but greatly reminds me of my old Ford 3ltr Capri Mk1 & 2 variants. The long doors can be a problem when hinderer by selfish drivers that cannot park straight to save their lives.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The OS front strut sprung a leak but was dealt with under their 3month warranty but I paid to replace the other at the same time.
What's most practical about your car?
The ability to drop the Mohair Hood and experience my previous Motorcycle like exhilaration but with the safety of a body and four wheels.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The electric adjustment to the seat squab is an absolute must for me because of my rather short stature. In contrast the only lacking for me with the car is the absence of steering column rake & reach adjustment.
