Description
I purchased the car from a private seller in 2016 after many months looking for a good example of the 3. 0L manual in Atlantic blue. The car was a Cat D (cosmetic) write off which was prior to the previous owner's tenure of the vehicle. The vehicle was written off due to damage to the rear offside corner (see final two photos). There were no panel gap discrepancies, no uneven tyre wear or paint mismatch and being cosmetic damage only there was no impact to car handling or ride quality, so I was happy to proceed with the purchase.
After purchase I had a health check completed by Autologic Hessle (Hull) which showed no issues that needed attention (mileage 47, 020).
In the last 9 years and 3, 600 miles of my ownership I have had the following work completed:
Front and rear lower suspension bushes replaced.
Front springs replaced.
Corroded brake pipes replaced.
Interior heater resistor replaced.
Lambda sensor replaced.
Throttle body air intake hose replaced.
Fuel tank pipes replaced.
Bonnet release cable replaced.
Hood rear screen replaced.
New battery fitted.
New tyres fitted September 2020 at 49, 108 miles (Dunlop Sport Maxx)
In addition I have replaced the original stereo (included in purchase) with a bluetooth version to allow connection to a phone. The original 6 CD changer is still in the boot as I didn't need the extra boot space! The only other 'upgrade' I made was to cover the brushed aluminium finish centre console with a black 'brushed effect' film as I personally prefer a dark interior. Obviously since this is a film it could be easily removed to return the vehicle to its original, ex-factory state.
The car is in excellent condition, inside and out with the exception of some rust on the cover sills which has been present since I purchased the car (see photos). This was incorrectly thought to be a structural sill by the garage at the MOT (July 2024) and hence they failed the car for this. When I pointed out that it was a bolt-on cover sill and the structural sill behind was in good condition, they immediately issued a 'Pass' certificate. Hence the matter of hours between the issue of the two certificates in 2024. There is also a small dent (only visible at certain angles) on the nearside rear quarter panel.
The car has a full MOT which expires on 27th April 2026.
I do not have the manual or service book for the vehicle and so comes with limited service history. A major service was completed in 2020 at 49, 108 miles and since then I have completed a bi-annual oil & filter change given the low annual mileage (1, 500 miles in last 5 years). It does have both keys and all the electrics are fully working; electric windows & hood, electric seats, heated seats, air con, internal lighting.
The car lived outside for about 4 months in 2017 while I had some building work completed but it was under a car cover and this will be included in the sale. Other than this short period, the car has been kept inside a garage, SORN'd over winter and only driven in the dry. Despite this I have cleaned and re-proofed the roof every 1-2 years to keep it in good condition and just in case I got caught in a summer rain shower. I purchased the vehicle as a second car to enjoy day trips and weekends away. Having previously owned a 6 cylinder Alfa Romeo I wanted the 6 cylinder Z3 as the sound is pretty intoxicating! I also wanted a late model year to get the benefits of any changes made to the model during its production lifetime and finally, it had to be Atlantic blue as it was going to be a car for sunny summer days so needed to be a summer colour!
Compared to the somewhat dissociated feel of heavy modern cars, the Z3 feels alive and each time I drive it, I wonder whether I should just keep it and drive it more. The steering is direct and the acceleration effortless and inviting, making backroads the only sensible route choice! With heated seats and a good heating system the car is comfortable with the top down even on cool mornings. Sadly, despite good intentions, with work and other commitments and interests I haven't driven it much in the last few years as the mileage on the MOTs will show. I now need my garage for something else so unfortunately the Z3 has to leave our family and give someone else the joy we've had while it's been with us.
