Dad restored dead BMW Z3 for daughter over Tesla Model S
Showing that being a dad can go hand in hand with being a car enthusiast, this New Hampshire, US, YouTuber bought his daughter a dead BMW Z3 instead of her Tesla Model S and restored it.
She wanted something sporty and convertible.
Despite lacking an engine the BMW was a great option.
Good job he had the mechanic skills to earn him maximum dad points.
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BMW Z3 vs Tesla Model S
Rich Benoit of Rich Rebuilds bought a non-running BMW Z3 for his daughter in an auction after she sought a sporty, convertible car.
The Z3 was chosen despite lacking an engine.
“She came to me one day and said she’s looking for something a little bit more sporty and/or feminine or boss girl as the kids like to call it nowadays,” Benoit explained.
“She also wants something convertible so she could drive with the top down.”
She should perhaps check out the new Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed that’s a roofless speedster inspired by Formula 1.
Her dad being the motoring mogul he is, he offered her an electric Honda Beat but she didn’t want two electric cars due to charging anxiety with her Tesla Model S.
Despite arguably being cheaper to run, the lack of charging infrastructure in the area she lives was problematic – and you can’t supercharge a Honda Beat.
How it was restored
Transparently listed as ‘non-running’ due to its inline six-cylinder engine being missing – an LS engine swap was required.
In its place, an LS V8 engine was installed with Summit Racing parts (heads, camshaft, and headers).
Adaptations like Siki Manufacturing motor mounts, shifter relocation, and ABS relocation were made to fit the LS engine into the Z3 chassis with minimal cutting.
While there were several clearance issues with headers and tight engine bay spaces, they were quickly resolved.
Benoit was then able to reassemble the car without AC for simplicity.
Benoit and his helpful friend, Terry, were aiming for 500 horsepower under the hood.
