streckfu's

I drove a 2001 3.0 Z3 and was impressed. I'm thinkong of selling the 951 for it. Before you yell at me, I'd like to hear from those with ownership experiences of newer BMWs. The particulars are; 2001, 23k miles, optional hard top, and every option I could think of. It's certified by the dealership and comes with a full warranty for 6 years up to 100k miles (so 77k remain). The asking price is $25k.

This thing had some great torque. I'll have to research the road tests and stuff but I was very impressed with the way it drove. The 3.0 can scoot. It's not nearly as strong up top as the 951, but I don't think that's all bad.

For those who know more about Beemers, I'd love some insight.

Daniel.

Fishey

I know a moddifed 2.8L at taj kreuzers was unable to keep with my 944s2 in the twisty's.. He had some dinnan parts (intake,exaust,chip)

Matt H

Daniel - I have a pretty good amount of experience with them. What are you dying to know?
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Gary

Me too - I've had 7 of them (now have 2, my wife's 525i Break and my 325Xi (2001). There a lot more clinical, refined and softer than the 951 but I enjoy the power of the 951 much more.

What are your issues?

BeerBurner

I've never driven the new BMWs. One thing I have heard, though, is that they rank pretty much bottom of the barrel in terms of customer service at the stealerships. They may or may not be relevant, but I'm just passing that along.

BB.

streckfu's

Are there any common problems related to the cars that would keep me from buying one? I would seriously consider buying the car I mentioned in the first post or a nice 328. I like the warranty they put the 'certified' cars. Anything I should be leery of or are they good cars to live with?

Thanks for the responses.
Daniel

Perry 951

I don't have much with the Z series, but my folks have had several 5 series in the past. In the stable now is an '02 X5 4.6is and an '02 330 XI Sport. Neither of them have had any issues in the 30,000 miles that are on them. Both my parents have pretty long commutes, and drive them year round.

BMW offers synthetic oil changes up to 60,000 miles for free, and each time they have gone to the dealer, they are given a car for the day, no hassle, no problem.

Both of them are "The Ultimate Driving Machines". For speed and performance.. the X5 would walk from a stock 951, and the 330 would sure give it a run. Wonderful cars.

streckfu's

Thanks for the info, Perry.
I'm hoping there are not any issues with these cars as I'd like to pursue getting one.

As much as I like the 3.0 Z3s, they are not very practical and may end up going for the 328.

Geo

Well, I bought a 2000 328i earlier this year. I love the car. I was really lucky and found virtually the exact car I would have ordered had I been buying new (only thing I'd change is the color and I got my second choice).

My car has the following options:

Manual gearbox (an absolute MUST)
Sport Package (a must)
Xenons (a must)
Premium Package
HK premium stereo
Sunroof

After screwing around with project cars for the last 5 years, I'm burnt out and wanted something really nice and something I wouldn't be inclined to mess with. This car is perfect for me. All I've done is wheels/tires (stock size though), factory European first aid kit, factory European safety triangle, black grills, tint. I have a M3 style trunk spoiler for the sedan and a driver's side keyhole cover waiting for me to find and buy and airdam so I can get them all painted at once. Add a nicer factory shift **** (the orignial is crap) and I'm done messing with it.

As for common issues.....

I had a water pump go already (covered under warranty) and that is not exactly uncommon.

When I first went to look at it the inner sunshade for the sunroof was off its tracks. This is quite common.

Control arms get replaced fairly often (I think because of bushings).

Windows can make a bit of a squealing noise going down (mine does a bit).

I would think a 951 would be a bit more visceral and raw, but the 328i is plenty fun and very easy to live with. It's also newer and has a warranty.

I'd just ask myself why I was wanting to trade out of a 951 first, but that's your business.

gilwong

My two previous cars prior to my 951 were BMW's (325 and 320). Excellent cars to live with. Good sized trunk, can carry 4 adults no problem. They are a "drivers car" with excellent handling and steering feel (steering feel probably better than my Porsche). The suspension is very supple and capable. No harsh ride like many Porsches. Parts prices were half of Porsche. Mind you they build like 800,000 vehicles a year versus 50,000 for Porsche.

BMW are "sporty cars", not pure sports cars. Haven't driven a M3 which I imagine would be a pure sports car. They have a great brand cachet as well (people treat you different if you tell them you drive a BMW--- if that's important to you).

However, I never got passionately involved in the brand history, clubs or hobby as I have with Porsche/Rennlist/PCA.

If I were in the market for a second vehicle (non Porsche), the 328 would be it (the 3 series has been chosen by Car & Driver for its Top Ten Cars List for the past 15 years in a row. The 5 series has also been chosen for the past 10 years in a row).

jabbadeznuts

Z3 = parts bin express.

The Z3s were made with parts from almost every series BMW that was on the market with very little unique parts.

I would keep the 951 or look elsewhere than a Z3.

streckfu's

In reality, the 328 (or better yet, 330) would be the best bet. It's just that the Z3 was such a fun car to drive.

I'm starting to lose the love for the 951. Not that I don't want it anymore but I've spent about $5k a year in upkeep (PS everything, 2 A/C compressors, drier, etc, altenator, among other things) and just don't care to keep spending the $$ required to take care of it.

I'm ready to get into a fun car that's still has a warranty and I'll feel better about owning.

The 951 is tough to continue justifying on an enlisted military paycheck.

Daniel

Geo

Hahaha.

What do you think the orginal 924 and 944 were?

boston944turbo

My daily driver is a 2002 330i with the sport package. I have nothing but good things to say about it. As mentioned by others it certainly is not as visceral as my 951 it is still a blast to drive. With the right tires (and the sport package) it handles great and rides well on the potholes of the Northeast. The 3 litre 6 has nice torque and sounds great. My local delaer has been great so far and all maintenance is covered by BMW up to 50K or so.

There is a reason that the 3 series BWM wins just about every sport sedan contest that the magazines run.

SimonK

What about M3 instead of Z3?