Introduction

[Smudgemanuk]

Hello all, as of yesterday I am a proud owner of a Boston Green 1999 z3 2.8 pre facelift

I am 16 years old and have bought this, as a first car for when I can drive in June

I have 7 months where I can work on it before it is driven, I already have a list of things I am going to do, including some boot floor reinforcement and the introduction of a dual ear diff cover

I am planning to keep this car for many years so would appreciate any recommendations on things I can do to improve the longevity of it

My dad and I are very hands on a very very rarely take a car to a garage as we have the facilities to do most things by ourselves

Also for any concerned about insurance on a car of this power, for some reason this z3 seems to fly under the radar meaning I can gets quotes of around 2k a year, which is about average for a person of my age

Thanks Chris

 

[ExMX5owner]

Gidday Chris, Welcome.

 

[andyglym]

to the Forum from West Cumbria. The engine and gearbox are pretty bulletproof to be fair but, like any car, need looking after. Diff and gearbox fluid change, cooling system change, if unknown. Rear beam bushes should sit proud of the plate by about 1cm. Standard under carpet check for leaks being a Roadster. OK on corrosion but check inner and outer sills.

 

[Smudgemanuk]

to the Forum from West Cumbria. The engine and gearbox are pretty bulletproof to be fair but, like any car, need looking after. Diff and gearbox fluid change, cooling system change, if unknown. Rear beam bushes should sit proud of the plate by about 1cm. Standard under carpet check for leaks being a Roadster. OK on corrosion but check inner and outer sills.

Thank You, I will add those to my to do list

 

[t-tony]

Hi Chris and welcome from me near Lincoln. Where are you located please?

Tony.

 

[Nodzed]

 

[Faheem]

Great choice for a first car but then again I may be biased!

2k is a bargain to insure the 2.8 at 17. Mine was double that to insure my 1.9 Z3 almost 10 years ago!

 

[as400]

Pics Smudge or you actually have an old Kia Picanto!

Just kidding! Great choice and welcome!

 

[Shelly]

 

[Mint]

Hi Chris and to the forum from me too in Stafford. Great first car

 

[Smudgemanuk]

Hi Chris and welcome from me near Lincoln. Where are you located please?

Tony.

Hi Tony

I am located in Bicester, just outside oxford

 

[Smudgemanuk]

Here is a photo:

 

[John_B]

Wow, what a first car! Welcome!

 

[hard top]

to the Forum.

 

[Shelly]

He’s another 1st L drivers car
I tend to see it in Tesco every week

 

[Althulas]

Hi and welcome from me. You can have a look at my build thread, plus there’s others and the extensive build threads in the Zedshed section of what route you would like to go to with refurbishment but that’s a rabbit hole I well fell into with my ocd but the cars a keeper. Good luck and enjoyment with yours.

 

[Smudgemanuk]

He’s another 1st L drivers car
I tend to see it in Tesco every week
View attachment 323961

Good to know I am not the only one!

I am really looking forward to driving it in June