Is my z3 worth keeping after extensive work in the engine bay?

Wintermute

Wintermute

Regular Member
British Zeds
Joined
Jul 16, 2017
Points
22
Location
Milton Keynes
Model of Z
Z3 Roadster 1.9
Hi, I have a few questions regarding my z3.
I bought it about seven or eight months ago.
Prior to owning it, it had been used as a summer car, and only had 60k on the clock (W plate, 1.9). I get the feeling that it's not been looked after, or not driven very much, as I have had to replace the following:

Water pump
Cylinder head gasket
Radiator, Expansion tank (both had cracks due to the head gasket fault)
Air mass meter
Vacuum tube
A few air hoses
Alternator belt
DISA valve
Coolant pipe

The mechanics who have done some of the heavier lifting (head gasket, etc) have all remarked that structurally it's in very good condition. The bodywork is spotless, the interior is almost like new (no wear on the leather) and the underneath has cosmetic rust, but nothing remotely structurally concerning.

My question is weather the above repairs mean it'll just keep breaking, or having replaced a fair few things, if it bodes well for future reliability, considering the overhaul of the engine bay it's essentially had.

I know that prior to sale to me, it had been washed, but left on a drive way for about a year and a half, and only occasionally turned over. I'm pretty sure in the first person to really take mechanical care of it. It seems to be running well enough, and felt pretty smooth before I put it away for the winter (cared for by a friend did occasionally takes it for a drive). I'd love to keep it for a summer car, but worry about its future reliability etc.

So, what do you think: keep and run, or sell and cut possible losses?

Also, if I keep it, how many more miles can I realistically expect from her?
 
Wintermute said:
Hi, I have a few questions regarding my z3.
I bought it about seven or eight months ago.
Prior to owning it, it had been used as a summer car, and only had 60k on the clock (W plate, 1.9). I get the feeling that it's not been looked after, or not driven very much, as I have had to replace the following:

Water pump
Cylinder head gasket
Radiator, Expansion tank (both had cracks due to the head gasket fault)
Air mass meter
Vacuum tube
A few air hoses
Alternator belt
DISA valve
Coolant pipe

The mechanics who have done some of the heavier lifting (head gasket, etc) have all remarked that structurally it's in very good condition. The bodywork is spotless, the interior is almost like new (no wear on the leather) and the underneath has cosmetic rust, but nothing remotely structurally concerning.

My question is weather the above repairs mean it'll just keep breaking, or having replaced a fair few things, if it bodes well for future reliability, considering the overhaul of the engine bay it's essentially had.

I know that prior to sale to me, it had been washed, but left on a drive way for about a year and a half, and only occasionally turned over. I'm pretty sure in the first person to really take mechanical care of it. It seems to be running well enough, and felt pretty smooth before I put it away for the winter (cared for by a friend did occasionally takes it for a drive). I'd love to keep it for a summer car, but worry about its future reliability etc.

So, what do you think: keep and run, or sell and cut possible losses?

Also, if I keep it, how many more miles can I realistically expect from her?
Click to expand...
Sounds like a keeper to me mate. If you've done all that and the car is a good base then you are onto a winner in my view. If you sell and buy another you may well have to do the same again. I've done shed loads to mine and as a result most cars over 5 years old won't be in as good nik. If well maintained these things can do star ship miles.
 
5harp3y said:
you've already done all the work why wouldnt you keep it now?
Click to expand...
Well, my main concern is that this might indicate a more systemic problem with it, which could incur future problems. Plastic rot, for example.
However, if not, then she's certainly a keeper.
 
Wintermute said:
Well, my main concern is that this might indicate a more systemic problem with it, which could incur future problems. Plastic rot, for example.
However, if not, then she's certainly a keeper.
Click to expand...

Everything perishes ... owning an older car requires a certain amount of repairs and replacements but i'd imagine you've done all the big bits
 
I'd keep it and enjoy the fruits of your labour (and wallet) certainly for next summer at least. :thumbsup:
 
I'd definitely keep your Z :p
All that hard work your done :)
Why sell it on now ;):)
 
Sounds like you’ve invested enough in the car, it would be a shame it let it go to someone else when you’ve done all the work.

These cars will always require some level of maintenance, and this will depend on your level of OCD :whistle:

Some people just want a nice little convertible to drive for the summer. Not much money invested in preventative work and longevity of the actual car.

Whilst I get a ‘little bit’ more involved and regularly have the wheels off, car up on stands, seats out... well you get the idea.

My suggestion would be took keep it, considering what you’ve invested so far. With careful maintenance and preventative work you can keep costly bills to a minimum and correct winter storage will also help.
 
Keep the car - the work you have done is great - the car itself sounds in great shape - if you wish to improve the car further do it over time and tick of jobs done on your wish list - one item at a time. It's great fun! Good luck!
 
I would keep it and enjoy driving her now you've done all the work. If you sold her and bought another you may have to go down the same path again.
 
agree with all above.......

keep it why would you give someone else the benefit of all the money you have spent on it...?

you can expect things to go wrong its an old car, i bought mine about 18 months ago and the lady I bought it off had spent a lot of money to keep it going but got rid of it, there was a few cosmetic things wrong with mine.. still is, I not bothered I will see to them all in time..have since replaced thermostat water pump done all the oils fluids, cam sensor, seat bushes, starter motor, it had a new roof by previous owner so that was £300 that she spent that i didnt have too.... enjoy using it all year long....
 
handsomejackuk said:
agree with all above.......

keep it why would you give someone else the benefit of all the money you have spent on it...?

you can expect things to go wrong its an old car, i bought mine about 18 months ago and the lady I bought it off had spent a lot of money to keep it going but got rid of it, there was a few cosmetic things wrong with mine.. still is, I not bothered I will see to them all in time..have since replaced thermostat water pump done all the oils fluids, cam sensor, seat bushes, starter motor, it had a new roof by previous owner so that was £300 that she spent that i didnt have too.... enjoy using it all year long....
Click to expand...


Yeah, that seems to be the prevailing opinion, and one i'm happy to accept. I should have a few more miles out of her, And i'm looking forward to working on her too. Thanks for the reply!
 
spurs fan in a coupe said:
Sounds like a scrapper, I'll give you £50

Or what ever we buy any Z3 offers you.

:whistle:
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Sold! To the keenly optimistic man in the spurs shirt!

But in all seriousness, I think given the advice above, a sale is a long way off, i'm glad to say. How has yours treated you?
 
Th
Mint said:
I would keep it and enjoy driving her now you've done all the work. If you sold her and bought another you may have to go down the same path again.
Click to expand...
Good point. Rather not re trace my own steps.
 
Jjim said:
Sounds like you’ve invested enough in the car, it would be a shame it let it go to someone else when you’ve done all the work.

These cars will always require some level of maintenance, and this will depend on your level of OCD :whistle:

Some people just want a nice little convertible to drive for the summer. Not much money invested in preventative work and longevity of the actual car.

Whilst I get a ‘little bit’ more involved and regularly have the wheels off, car up on stands, seats out... well you get the idea.

My suggestion would be took keep it, considering what you’ve invested so far. With careful maintenance and preventative work you can keep costly bills to a minimum and correct winter storage will also help.
Click to expand...
Yeah, she'll be getting a good going over next year before i run her as a daily again during the summer.
 
DavidM said:
Keep the car - the work you have done is great - the car itself sounds in great shape - if you wish to improve the car further do it over time and tick of jobs done on your wish list - one item at a time. It's great fun! Good luck!
Click to expand...
Yep, that's part of what i'm looking forward to!
 
Andy McDonnell said:
Sounds like a keeper to me mate. If you've done all that and the car is a good base then you are onto a winner in my view. If you sell and buy another you may well have to do the same again. I've done shed loads to mine and as a result most cars over 5 years old won't be in as good nik. If well maintained these things can do star ship miles.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice!
 
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