repair cost??

On this car there is a lot more maintenance and of course costs more. But as Tom said do your self and you will save a bunch. The z3 really aren't that bad of a car to own but be sure to have it checked out by some one who knows BMW's before you buy it, you don't want any down the road problems that could have been avoided.

A raccoon ran out in front of m last summer, and I was going slow enough/ hit the brakes fast enough to not kill the raccoon, and it still cost me over $1,000 to get the front bumper fixed. Parts are expensive, as are the front and rear specific 17" z rated performance tires (and the rears wear pretty quickly unless you drive like an old lady). Fun to own, fun to drive, but parts and repairs are not cheap. But it still is a blast to drive and turns heads after 17 years ;-)