BMW Z4 - Talk to me

[Lund]

I have quickly developed a need for a Z4. Originally I convinced myself, it has to be a Coupe and has to be 3.0 automatic, however the roadsters are more within my budget. Being 22 and with the car listed as Group 19; insurance isn't kind, but is do-able!

I understand there are several engine variants; the 2.0, 2.2, 2.5 and 3.0 (The 'SI' 2.5 has more bhp than standard 2.5?)

Still have myself convinced it has to be 3.0, but may be partial to the 2.5 dependent on spec. I think I want it to be an automatic (I have driven a face-lift 3.0 Z3 auto and I got along with it very well!)

This is perfect, but its manual

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3844131.htm

Talk to me!

[bulldog5046]

They are really nice cars, i bought one when i was 20 and sold it at 22 as the insurance was getting rediculous (increasing £400/year). How much have you been quoted?

The 3.0 engine is a peach, loads of grunt for a small 2 seater and it handles so well.

i had a 54 plate 3.0 roadster but given the choice i would of prefered a Coupe but it was out of budget.

Are you restricted to an auto by your license or just preference? and what is your budget?

[kchika]

What budget are we looking at?

[DeanP]

I'm 21 and have just bought te 3.0, insurance was no more than my meg r26.

Very good cars, lots of options so look out for them, common faults are rear springs, and airbag light off the top of my head, check the front end closely because they are very prone to stone chips.

All in all I love mine and there's nothing else in my budget that came close

Check out z4 forum lots of info on there!

[Fox-]

All the non-M Coupe's are 3.0Si - there is no engine choice.

Only the Roadster comes with the full choice of engines.

[Lund]

bulldog5046 said:

They are really nice cars, i bought one when i was 20 and sold it at 22 as the insurance was getting rediculous (increasing £400/year). How much have you been quoted?

The 3.0 engine is a peach, loads of grunt for a small 2 seater and it handles so well.

i had a 54 plate 3.0 roadster but given the choice i would of prefered a Coupe but it was out of budget.

Are you restricted to an auto by your license or just preference? and what is your budget?

As above I would prefer the Coupe, but it is just out of reach. The roadster would provide a nice interim until then. Although, I'd probably want something different, again.

Auto was of preference, however having just read a thread about 'sports-cars and auto boxes' I'm somewhat put off!

kchika said:

What budget are we looking at?

I could potentially spend upto £9K on the car, however I'm looking to spend around £7400 to stay content with my wallet!

Thanks for the advice, and I have signed upto the Z4 forum. Always prefer the PH critique over specialist forums though.

Cheers

[jaedba2604]

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&a...

seems to tick all your boxes and in budget, don't know the seller...

[mackie1]

Insurance should be cheaper than something like an S2000. I just picked up a 2006 3.0si Coupe and I love it. I've not driven an auto but the manual box is very nice, especially if you get a ZHP shift knob (£50 on eBay).

[Lund]

jaedba2604 said:

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&a...

seems to tick all your boxes and in budget, don't know the seller...

I spotted that earlier, the interior isn't to my taste and the colour isn't to my liking. Good spot though, the price seems about right.

mackie1 said:

Insurance should be cheaper than something like an S2000. I just picked up a 2006 3.0si Coupe and I love it. I've not driven an auto but the manual box is very nice, especially if you get a ZHP shift knob (£50 on eBay).

Sounds good, I have decided I am partial to either the auto or manual, but auto preferred.

Is it selfish of me to want one? I rarely drive far, only the odd jaunt (360mile) to Durham and back every 2 or so weeks; it didn't really condone me buying a diesel, but I have grown to love the A3 after having the mini for a couple of years.

I think I'd be forever worrying about the car with it being a roadster, soft tops just aren't as secure in my books.

What do you get in the SI in comparison to the 'Sport'. Do you have sport button?

Cheers,
Lund

ETA: Just missed this: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

Edited by Lund on Tuesday 24th April 00:28

[Fox-]

The Si relates to the engine, it means the car has the newer N52 engine not the M54.

Sport on a Z4 isnt as important as it is on other BMW models. You dont get a bodykit etc and the 3.0 Z4's already have Sport suspension as standard anyway.

[mackie1]

Sport gives you a different steering wheel (thicker rimmed), seats (I think) and 18 inch wheels.

[jaedba2604]

Fox- said:

Sport on a Z4 isnt as important as it is on other BMW models. You dont get a bodykit etc and the 3.0 Z4's already have Sport suspension as standard anyway.

The sport model is slightly lower/stiffer suspension than the SE in coupe form iirc.

[Fox-]

He isn't looking at the coupe, I made that mistake earlier in the thread

[Fox-]

mackie1 said:

Sport gives you a different steering wheel (thicker rimmed), seats (I think) and 18 inch wheels.

Almost every 3.0 SE has 18s, I think they were standard.

[tjlazer]

Manual all the way. It really is ridiculous not to in a car like that. It isn't hard and rev matching your shifts is fun!

[mackie1]

It can be a bit of an arse when cold but once warmed up it's certainly one of the better 'boxes I've used.

[Sticks.]

Fox- said:

Almost every 3.0 SE has 18s, I think they were standard.

17" 103s were standard on the 3.0 SE when I bought mine, although yes, almost everyone opted for 18s, predominantly 108s and 107s.

I regret not at least trying the sport seats, though they looked very narrow, as the SE seats offer little lateral support.

One of the benefits of the auto is that it makes the car easy to live with in all sorts of driving conditions, without compromising the fun too much.

I've not read of many instances of roof vandalism, though quite a few of motor failure. Getting on for £1k at an indy.

Look closely at tyres when buying, rfts, non rfts, mixed, ditchfinders. A set of F1s will be @ £650+, although Falkens are a popular cheaper option.

As suggested, plenty of friendly and knowledgeable help on Z4forum.

[Lund]

Fox- said:

The Si relates to the engine, it means the car has the newer N52 engine not the M54.

Sport on a Z4 isnt as important as it is on other BMW models. You dont get a bodykit etc and the 3.0 Z4's already have Sport suspension as standard anyway.

I'm with you now, I'm assuming the Z3 roadster I drove had the M54 engine. Any discrepancies between engines, or are they pretty much like for like?

Sticks. said:

17" 103s were standard on the 3.0 SE when I bought mine, although yes, almost everyone opted for 18s, predominantly 108s and 107s.

I regret not at least trying the sport seats, though they looked very narrow, as the SE seats offer little lateral support.

One of the benefits of the auto is that it makes the car easy to live with in all sorts of driving conditions, without compromising the fun too much.

I've not read of many instances of roof vandalism, though quite a few of motor failure. Getting on for £1k at an indy.

Look closely at tyres when buying, rfts, non rfts, mixed, ditchfinders. A set of F1s will be @ £650+, although Falkens are a popular cheaper option.

As suggested, plenty of friendly and knowledgeable help on Z4forum.

I had a look through the Z4 'members and their cars' thread and nearly ran a mile

Had a read about the motor failure, it tends to occur when water gets to them and rusts the motor. I'll be sure to check that out along with the springs.

I know all about airbag lights and tyres!

Does the Z4 use OBD-II and some form of 'VAGCOM' equivalent?

[kchika]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

This looks nice. It's an SE but has sport seats (a must for me) and style 108s.

[bulldog5046]

kchika said:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

This looks nice. It's an SE but has sport seats (a must for me) and style 108s.

very similar to the one i had but at that price the seller must be dreaming! sold mine 12 months ago for £7300 after having to resort to a no-reserve auction to sell it. Keep in mind no one is bying these when you make an offer.

I'd say you should be able to get something like that one for between £5-6k