Beginner looking for a bit of guidance and advice

[MihaiS]

Hello everyone,

I'm Mihai, I'm a doctor (I don't practice medicine yet) and a neuroscience PhD student in Munich.
I grew a bit enthusiastic about having a convertible Z during the past few months and I think I would like to make some steps forward.
My only experience so far with the Zs comes from a 2.5 E85 automatic (which was not necessarily the best driving option). I also rode in a Z3 of a friend of mine. Despite being just the 1.9 version, it looked like a lot more fun.

As such, before getting a car, I would kindly like to ask for Z enthusiasts if they would like to have me over to look at their cars and tell me more about them. I am interested in the Z3 (2.2, 2.8, 3.0), E85 (3.0 manual, 2003-2005), E89 (3.0 manual, 2009-2011). I would gladly join in a (short/long) ride and of course split the gas.

I live in Munich, I do not need a car for the daily basis (I'm here for 1.5 years and the public transport is just too good to be worth having a car , so never had an excuse for getting a daily car). I want one for making weekend trips - Munich is very well located geographically and I want to take advantage of that. There's plenty of driving one can do.
Also, my German is still not that good. I can understand a lot more than I can speak. Unfortunately the environment I live and work in are not the best for learning another language.

Thank you very much!

Yours,
Mihai

 

[MM13]

Hi and welcome.

Greetings
Michael

 

[ernie]

Hello and welcome.

Greetings
ernie

 

[PureWhite]

Hello Mihai, you're welcome

After I've read your post I was wondering why you didn't think about the E89 23i as well? Sure, the 30i has more power and torque than the 23i, but it has also a 6-cylinder inline engine with a great exhaust sound. In my opinion you should think about how tight your budget is. I've never driven in/with a Z3, but it's the smallest and oldest (hidden repair costs?) one of all the cars you're thinking about. All 3 cars are completely different, if you prefer the classic silhouette and don't need the newest technical stuff like GPS and so on, the Z3 could be the right choice for you. The Z4 E85 is the grown up version of the Z3 with the larger measures, the heavier body, but more comfort (e.g. satnav, HID and so on...) than its predecessor.

I decided to buy the E89 because of its aluminium roof and the modern base. The 6-cylinder inline engine was a must have for me, and the 2.5L engine has enough power for a relaxing ride into the alps

It's all on you, but every of the 3 cars has its advantage and disadvantage. You should look for a Z3 or Z4 near Munich and take it for a test drive. There is not only one perfect car for you, each has its advantages

Good luck and choose wisely!