New member with some questions

[vanair]

Hi

I am a new member and are in the process of buying (long awaited for) Z3 3.0 2002 and would appreciate some help.

I need to check the car and confirm the engine, vin and chassis nr's. Where must I look for them?

Any other things I must lookout for?

This car has got 76000 on the clock and is in very good condition. The colour is not what I want(silver) but nothing in black grey or dark blue is available the meets my requirements.

I hope I can contribute to this forum later on.

Regards

Pieter

 

[freerider]

Check the stamped plate that sits inside the engine bay, I'm not 100% where on the Z3.
Take the VIN to any BMW dealership and ask them to give you a history of the car. Look for frequently replaced items, and or accident repairs that would be listed on the MP history.

That is a M52B30 engine in there if I'm not mistaken, when the engine is idling, listen near the intake for any signs of clatter, there is a valve there called a DISA valve (Black box that sits on the front of the intake manifold) that is prone to failure, if its on its way out, you will hear a definite rattle coming from it. This is a R9k odd replacement.

Other than that, check that it drives straight, also take note of any knocking noises from the front when driving slowly or over speedbumps. Control arm bushes are normally due at about 70k kms on the e46's, not sure about the Z3's.

 

[vanair]

Thanks Freerider

I will check the history with a dealer.

Regards

Pieter

 

[vanair]

Hi Freerider

I followed your advice and contacted BMW with the vin nr.

The lady said there were 2 things picked up but cannot tell me what it was whether it is due to accidents or whatever else.

Is this bad?

Pieter

 

[Nic_s]

What was the 2 things?

 

[freerider]

Pieter, send me a PM with the VIN. I'll get back to you tomorrow.

 

[///Marksman]

even if you are happy and there seems to be no problems with this or any other car, i would recommend u take it to bmw for a PPI before sealing the deal. it may cost a bit, but its well worth it imo

 

[vanair]

She could not tell me whether it was accidents or services. It does not however match with the dates and km readings for the services in the service book. It bothers me a bit.
I do not know what information the system is suppose to give and did not want to pressure the girl that was helping me.

I am technically minded and could find no fault on the car in body repair word engine engine drivetrain, brakes etc.

 

[vanair]

Freerider

You have a PM

Pieter

 

[freerider]

Thanks Pieter,

I'll pop out of the office at lunch time and go see my cannolli's at BMW

 

[vanair]

Thanks appreciate it!

 

[vanair]

Hi Guys

I got my Z3 today and so far are very happy with her.

I went straight to the Licensing dept and they changed the ownership and issued me with a license disc as well.
Am I not supposed to take it through roadworthy before getting the license disc?:thinker:

Regards

Pieter

 

[freerider]

:ttiuwp:

 

[Mike1]

What the boss said! :clap:

 

[SirSparky]

pics man pics....where are they?

 

[Hellas]

He hasn't been home since he got the car. Been driving ever since I suppose...

 

[Gizmo]

I suggest doing a dual 57mm S/S exhaust system with E36 328i headers, makes a huge difference!

 

[vanair]

Hi

Tried to upload a pic (.jpg) but receives error 'wrong format' This was with 'Attachment ' when replying. I suupose there is another way.

Pieter

 

[freerider]

Hi Pieter,

Go to http://www.photobucket.com and sign up for a free account, then upload your pictures there and copy the code to here.

D

 

[vanair]

Woops forgot about that, I actually Have an account relating to the other toys in the garage...:hammerhead: