18 years old, 2.8i z3 first car :)

Kaz117

Newbie
British Zeds
Joined
Oct 18, 2025
Points
3
Location
South Lanarkshire, Scotland
Model of Z
Z3 Roadster 2.8i
Hi all,

My name's Noah, I've bought a z3 2.8i, I will be collecting it in a few weeks. I thought I'd introduce myself here as I have plans to devote 100% of my income to building up my z3.

Over the past year I've been doing so much online research into the Z3's geometry and the M52 engines, so I can build the car tastefully.
It will be my FIRST car ever, which seems irresponsible to some, however I really really want one, and can afford it with my money, so why not!?

Does anyone have some important things to tell me about driving it? I will try to be as safe as possible keeping the ASC on (its a pre-facelift), and fitting winter tires for Scottish backroads.

I will come back here again to share how it goes.
 

Smudgemanuk

Zorg Legend
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 1, 2024
Points
74
Location
Bicester, Oxford
Model of Z
2.8l TU pre-facelift z3
Fantastic first car!! You are going to love it!

I’ve also somehow managed to have a 2.8 as a first car. Flies under the insurance radar! I honestly didn’t think I would find another person, hats off to you.

Well done on doing some research, what are your plans for it?
Also what colour is it?

Enjoy
Chris
 

Kaz117

Newbie
British Zeds
Joined
Oct 18, 2025
Points
3
Location
South Lanarkshire, Scotland
Model of Z
Z3 Roadster 2.8i
Fantastic first car!! You are going to love it!

I’ve also somehow managed to have a 2.8 as a first car. Flies under the insurance radar! I honestly didn’t think I would find another person, hats off to you.

Well done on doing some research, what are your plans for it?
Also what colour is it?

Enjoy
Chris
Yep it’s definitely a bit of an odd decision to people who don’t understand, or they just call it a hairdresser car 😂

It’s a Montreal blue, i plan on getting a hardtop for it and some staggered 17s, 8J front and 9J rear. Nothing crazy for the moment.

What about your car? How has the experience been with it and what would you recommend to me / things you wish you knew before you got into it?
 

andyglym

Shiny Dust Caps Make Your Zed Go Faster.
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Feb 20, 2015
Points
231
Location
Moresby, West Cumbria, England
Model of Z
2.8 Roadster
:welcome: to the Forum from West Cumbria. A wise choice indeed, mine being a prefacelift 2.8 in Cosmos Black with a Tanin Red Leather extended interior. Good luck.
 

Delk

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Oct 9, 2018
Points
125
Location
Hemsby Norfolk
Model of Z
Z3 3.0T
My Misses 2.8 is fitted with Uniroyal Rainsports. Really good all year around but really stand out in the winter. Definitely a different experience then my car on summer tyres.
 

Mint

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
Joined
Sep 23, 2012
Points
222
Location
Stafford
Model of Z
2.2 Sport Individual
Hi Noah and :welcome: to the forum from me too in Stafford. Great first car.
My advice is, until you get used to a rear wheel drive car, is to make sure you are pointing the way you want to go before applying the power;) Good luck and enjoy the drive. :thumbsup:
 
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