Hey all -
I currently own a X5 4.6is (love it!), but the gas is killin me everyday going back-n-forth to work, so I'm thinking of getting an older Z3. I've heard they're very reliable, can easily go 200K miles if taken care of, and can get 30 (or more) mpg on the highway. My drive to work is all highway...no traffic and I plan to use the Z3 primarily as my work car.
So, in my area search, I've found a 1997 2.8 and a 1998 1.9 and I'm trying to decide between the two. Both have the same mileage (about 90K), but the '98 actually has more features such as heated seats, a new radio deck, and an Ipod hookup (sweet!). I went and test drove the 1997 and it's still a rewarding ride...even after 10 years. The inline 6 still has it's kick, it takes curves like a monster, and the original clutch was still receptive. Back at the dealership, my service guy showed me how to drop the top and I was disappointed to see that's it's a fully manual process, but admittedly..an easy one. Just takes a minute or so.
So..last night, I found this 1999 1.9, so my first question is: is there a significant performance difference between these two engines? I'm thinking, "Hell yeah", but wanted to hear from others. I love a good drive, but really...I'm just getting to/from work in this car. If I need a little boost in rpm's, I'm hoping a nice down-shift will do the trick in a 1.9. Your thoughts?
2nd question: I can't get the pic to insert, but in the '98 (which I've only seen on the internet so far), on the console (below the temp gauges), there's a button to the left of the heated seats that has an up/down arrow and the icon has a convertible top. I'm assume this means the top is automatic, but I'd just like to be sure. I assume so, as long as the car isn't moving or something? Please...excuse my ignorance, but I've never owned a convertible before. That's another reason I'd like to get a Z just to look awesome going to work everyday as I whip pass all the other cars w/my top down! Zoooooom....
Also, let me know if the 30 mpg is really true for highway driving. What about gas, does this one need Premium?
K..let me know your thoughts. Thanks!!
KB
I currently own a X5 4.6is (love it!), but the gas is killin me everyday going back-n-forth to work, so I'm thinking of getting an older Z3. I've heard they're very reliable, can easily go 200K miles if taken care of, and can get 30 (or more) mpg on the highway. My drive to work is all highway...no traffic and I plan to use the Z3 primarily as my work car.
So, in my area search, I've found a 1997 2.8 and a 1998 1.9 and I'm trying to decide between the two. Both have the same mileage (about 90K), but the '98 actually has more features such as heated seats, a new radio deck, and an Ipod hookup (sweet!). I went and test drove the 1997 and it's still a rewarding ride...even after 10 years. The inline 6 still has it's kick, it takes curves like a monster, and the original clutch was still receptive. Back at the dealership, my service guy showed me how to drop the top and I was disappointed to see that's it's a fully manual process, but admittedly..an easy one. Just takes a minute or so.
So..last night, I found this 1999 1.9, so my first question is: is there a significant performance difference between these two engines? I'm thinking, "Hell yeah", but wanted to hear from others. I love a good drive, but really...I'm just getting to/from work in this car. If I need a little boost in rpm's, I'm hoping a nice down-shift will do the trick in a 1.9. Your thoughts?
2nd question: I can't get the pic to insert, but in the '98 (which I've only seen on the internet so far), on the console (below the temp gauges), there's a button to the left of the heated seats that has an up/down arrow and the icon has a convertible top. I'm assume this means the top is automatic, but I'd just like to be sure. I assume so, as long as the car isn't moving or something? Please...excuse my ignorance, but I've never owned a convertible before. That's another reason I'd like to get a Z just to look awesome going to work everyday as I whip pass all the other cars w/my top down! Zoooooom....
Also, let me know if the 30 mpg is really true for highway driving. What about gas, does this one need Premium?
K..let me know your thoughts. Thanks!!
KB