How long will a 1997 Z3 last? - United Bimmer Community

**edgerdegas** · 02-08-2008, 05:47 PM

I've been dying to buy a z3 ever since I saw Goldeneye when I was 11 years old. I found one only 30 miles down the road! It seems too good to be true! Its a 1997, 80,000 miles, great condition - $9,900.

But, is this car going to last for years to come- assuming I treat it like a princess! I don't want to buy a car that will die in 2 years. I should probably take it straight to a mechanic to run a diagnostic before I buy.

Simply put, do you recommend that I buy?

Any help would be awesome!

Matt

witeshark · 02-08-2008, 05:49 PM

If it's in good shape now, then the way you plan to treat it should keep it that way a long time.

**gldfshkpr** · 02-08-2008, 06:25 PM

Have it checked out by a good mechanic before purchasing. The car is getting up in miles to the point where some semi-major parts are coming to the end of their life span. Having said that, a well maintained BMW will outlast most cars on the road today.

My mom had a Z3. Nice riding car. The newer Z4 she has is much stiffer and harder ride. The one you have your eye on there is gorgeous in my opinion. Price wise, check out http://www.edmunds.com or http://kbb.com

nick_318is · 02-08-2008, 07:00 PM

It should stand up to years and years more of driving if you treat it well and do the required maintence. Mine is almost 18 years old and still runs great.

**edgerdegas** · 02-08-2008, 07:16 PM

I realize that $9,000 is a little high for this car. Both Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds.com priced it at about $8700. A friend told me that the way to get the best price on a car is to find out how much the car dealer will be making if he sells it to you at that price. Supposedly a car dealers desired profit is between 1,500 -2,000. The trade in value for this car is about $6300, therefore I think I should ask about $8200, give him my number, and let him think about it.

Any input?

nick_318is · 02-08-2008, 07:20 PM

What do you want to pay? start at something low enough that you can get to that price if its 8200, Offer 7500, then he will counter with 8500 then offer 8200 and your done, that is if the seller will bargain.

**Numark318i** · 02-08-2008, 10:18 PM

are 1997's M44 or M50s?

4 or 6 cylinder?

**max79** · 02-10-2008, 11:56 AM

life time for cars is 15 years to 20 , and the coupe life time is more than the sedan

denyo77 · 02-10-2008, 02:17 PM

sedan? there is no z3 sedan...

**Numark318i** · 02-10-2008, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by denyo77

sedan? there is no z3 sedan...

maybe not in germany....

*insert a very wll made 4 door z3..photoshopped obviously.