Im the big winner!... hopefully. 98 Z3 with a Dinan Supercharger

[2mAn]

Like many of us nowadays, I spend half my day behind the computer and that typically means that I have a few forums open, several Bring A Trailer auctions and then the other thing... (work)

Well, I've been back in the office and it keeps me busy but yesterday I had to work from home and that meant I had more BaT time. Had my usual dozen windows open and one was on a Z3. I didnt get a chance to look closely at it, but it was a Z3 with my favorite motor. The 97/98 Z3 with the Aluminum block M52. Not only that but it had a Dinan Supercharger. No Reserve and was only at $4800 with a few hours to go. I was fully expecting it to get over $10k so I was just in a passive 'watch' mode.

Fast forward and theres about 10 minutes left and its been sitting at $6,200. I know Bring a Trailer and I know No-Reserve means that the last "two minutes" are when all the action comes in.

I looked at a few things and thought, a $6,367 would be a fun bid because 36/7. Fired that off... and then.... the clock ran out! No more bids!!...

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1998-bmw-z3-67/

what have I done!? I guess I better look closer. Eh, not too bad. Some cosmetic issues... LOW miles (~62k)... oh but whats that? the dreaded trunk floor issue. Oh and its on the other side of the country...

Well, I guess I bought myself a Z3. I have a plan ( I always do!) ... I just purchased a Randy Forbes kit to fix the floor, and bought some RevShift subframe bushings. Got an estimate with Bluntech that keeps growing but all of that stuff, including the car is being sent to Omaha to have a fellow R3Ver handle the work so I can drive it the rest of the way home.

Long-Term plans? I dunno, I'd love to keep this car. I wanted a convertible and theres so many things about this car I love, but I have yet to ask my wife to forgive me for the purchase. She wont be seeing the car for a little while so no reason to get her riled up yet

[It's Soda Not Pop]

You might have lucked out and got a good deal. Congrats man. Your wife will forgive you............maybe, at least the car is dope.

[Aleman]

That's pretty cool. The video with the engine sound sells it for me! Well bought man

[808ETA]

That's awesome!

[82eye]

nice

[lukeADE335i]

Does that mean the i3 will end up for sale? Should be great once the subframe / trunk is fixed.

[McGyver]

Orrrrr, sell it to me?

I'll be in MA next week and can drive it home for a birthday present to myself!

(Congrats on the new toy!)

[DEV0 E30]

"Now you've gone and done it Raines."

Z3's are fun, I'm partial to the coupes but this may end up being a steal. You're the new Buddy, but instead of selling cars and buying new, you buy, then sell (sometimes).

[2mAn]

lukeADE335i i3 will not be for sale. It is essentially my daily driver/ baby hauler/ smartest decision ive ever made - car
McGyver you owe me more COTM pics... theres only 2 and were halfway through the month already! lol Happy Birthday BTW whenever it is
DEV0 E30 I also prefer the clownshoe, but my wife (who rarely ever has an opinion on cars) hates em so I cant get approval for one... but a convertible... in Sunny SoCal I like my chances.

[Panici]

Should be a fun drive back home!
What needs to be done to make it road-worthy?

[Kelso840]

You goofed up in a real good way.

[2mAn]

Should be a fun drive back home!
What needs to be done to make it road-worthy?

I want to get the trunk floor fixed as the welds are already failing. Randy Forbes kit is en-route to Omaha... as is the car!


Kelso840 It was definitely a good goof

[e30m3s54turbo]

Have fun on your new project.

[2mAn]

Car arrived in Omaha yesterday!! (at the Golden hour nonetheless!)


Several packages have also arrived. Thank you to Randy Forbes, Bluntech and @scenturion for the parts. Looks like I might still need a few more after Brandons initial drive, but we will deal with everything accordingly!

First drive impressions (from Brandon) were as follows:

(1) Clutch is super light, probably a big change from his M30-Turbo E30
(2) Really needs some shifter bushings (On the list for the next order now)
(3) Rear End tram lines (Hoping the work he does and stuff he replaces fixes this)
(4) Thermostat? Car was running for a while and even on the drive it never budged past 1/4. Heat was warm though so it could be sensor or a gauge. Needs further investigating.
(5) Driver seat back seems a "a bit meh" Hopefully the added goodie that scenturion included will take care of that. zz0.rnrng4wicizz

[MrBurgundy]

You gotta take me for a topless sunset drive after your wife sends you to the dog house.