Welcome to the wonderful world of BMW repair work!  

I too own a 98 Z3, and I would not trade it for anything.  My wife says
"I didn't realize how much I needed a convertible until I owned one."

If you are in the States, I would strongly suggest joining the BMW Car
Club of America.  The dues are $40 a year, and at least in my area, the
club is very active, but the big reason to join is that all of the
dealers and repair people around here give a 10% discount on parts.

Another benefit of membership is that the club has put us in touch with
other members who are a lot more mechanically gifted than I am, with a
LOT of tools like code readers, hydraulic systems, lifts . . . Good
people to know!

So, it cost $1,323 then?