In need of advice or tips on buying a Z3 2.8

[Disky]

Hi @Peimli welcome from Scotland.

If you decide that this car isn't for you, there is always the for sale section here

 

[ljauto]

Many good points already mentioned ,but I would stick to 17" wheels max if your up north have a look at rockvale , he is dear but always has a few in stock, only sells 6 cyl and gives you an idea what you can get , if its a sunday car I would get the lowest mileage (with history of course) that you can afford,prices are on the up for lower mileage versions so might actually be cheaper to run that buying a cheaper car

 

[Peimli]

Had a look at a beautiful one last weekend and the only problem I have with it is that I looked under the car and the bottom part of the engine was covered with black oil what you will see in the pictures attached.
Any idea why? Is it serious?

 

[bluesaz3]

Hi still looking then. Oil can leaks from any where their is oil in the carand most cars has they age tend to leak from somewhere .
Some times oil can be split during filling and topping up and run down the engine ,however darker oil leaking would most likely be coming from the engine some where like the sump or sump bung /plug, oil presser switch and any other place the engine has a gasket, rocker cover , just by simply not having been sealed or tightened up correctly.Generally if the rest off the car is clean you can determine what part of the car its coming from. And may not be to big a issue .The problems come when a engine starts to use or burn oil and you do not keep on top of this and allow the oil level to go to low. And also be aware you can overfill the engine and cause other problems and the engine will force oil out .
I understand your caution ,can you find a person to do a pre purchase inspection for you ?
Any car can have problems even new ones .
I would think a problem you can see would be easier to fix than one you can not ,and would put you in a better place to negotiate on price .
I always allow i bit extra to sort out the car after its purchase and nearly always have to spend on it afterwards to sort out the problems left from the last owner.Buyer beware
Good luck hunting.

 

[bluesaz3]

Hi again just had a look at mine 2.8, look at the top front of engine on the right side you have oil feed pipes into the top which could leak quite easily or maybe the power steering fluid is leaking ,good luck.

 

[Peimli]

So I just placed a deposit on a 3.0i today. for £5999 2001 and has 111.000miles on the clock, comes with a hard top
Here are some pictures:

 

[bluesaz3]

Hi Peimli,Looks good and a hardtop to, good score, enjoy

 

[Peimli]

Hi Peimli,Looks good and a hardtop to, good score, enjoy

Thanks a lot! Can't wait for it!!!

 

[GazHyde]

Looks stunning, gotta love Topaz Blue when it's polished up!