BMW Z4 - Talk to me
Discussion
bulldog5046 said:
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
I'm reading that in another tab and decided to check back here; £1900 for new hood motor, at that price he's trying to claw back the monies spent on the hood! Another one I have read about rusty motors.I'd say you should be able to get something like that one for between £5-6k
My dad has just piped up and said 'it's a Coupe or nothing', but he's not willing to invest the extra few monies in his son!
I had a 2.0 litre sport when I was 25. Currently have a E46 330ci.
Car was great. I'd imagine having the 3 litre in it would make it more fun but honestly, the 2.0 was fine. Also you can get some really nice late 2.0 litres now.
I'd have a Z4 again but I would get an AUC Z4M.
Z4s are not cheap to run mind. Mine was pretty solid and running costs were basically:
£1400 - cracked exhaust (fixed under warrantty)
£900 - tyres
£95 - a service
£50 - new timing belt (which was apparently fine but I wanted changed as I had it in my head it was noisy)
The paint quality can be quite low too.
Get a manual too... Roadsters are supposed to be driven with your left hand on the gearshift.
Car was great. I'd imagine having the 3 litre in it would make it more fun but honestly, the 2.0 was fine. Also you can get some really nice late 2.0 litres now.
I'd have a Z4 again but I would get an AUC Z4M.
Z4s are not cheap to run mind. Mine was pretty solid and running costs were basically:
£1400 - cracked exhaust (fixed under warrantty)
£900 - tyres
£95 - a service
£50 - new timing belt (which was apparently fine but I wanted changed as I had it in my head it was noisy)
The paint quality can be quite low too.
Get a manual too... Roadsters are supposed to be driven with your left hand on the gearshift.
The main difference between the M54 and N52 engines is the power - the N52 has c.265bhp - whereas the M54 is around 30bhp lower (correct me if wrong please!).
I picked up a 2007 3.0Si Coupe recently and it's bloody brilliant. Don't get a slush box either!! You'll regret it.
Look out for rear springs especially and front suspension arms. Also - if you get a car with the 108 Style wheels check very carefully for corrosion and check any refurb work receipts to make sure they've had a proper job done!
I picked up a 2007 3.0Si Coupe recently and it's bloody brilliant. Don't get a slush box either!! You'll regret it.
Look out for rear springs especially and front suspension arms. Also - if you get a car with the 108 Style wheels check very carefully for corrosion and check any refurb work receipts to make sure they've had a proper job done!
bulldog5046 said:
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
Prices have gone up a lot recently on Z4s. I bought mine in Feb for £7100 and was an 05 plate 3.0SE in immaculate condition. Now you are lucky to get an 03 plate with similar spec. I'd say you should be able to get something like that one for between £5-6k
Road2Ruin said:
Prices have gone up a lot recently on Z4s. I bought mine in Feb for £7100 and was an 05 plate 3.0SE in immaculate condition. Now you are lucky to get an 03 plate with similar spec.
Of course they have - the sun shone hard in March and everybody decided it was time for a convertible sports car!miln0039 said:
Of course they have - the sun shone hard in March and everybody decided it was time for a convertible sports car!
the sun was shining hard when mine was sold in april last year but it did nothing for the prices.a quick look in the classifieds shows some 250 for sale. IIRC there were over 400 when i sold so maybe there is a little more demand but obviously not that much!
As with all BMW's, people selling think they are worth more than anyone is willing to pay.
OP - have you driven one for more than a handful of miles? The idea of doing a 360 mile trip in a Z4 on sports suspension, 18" wheels and runflats makes me wince, and I'll actively avoid taking ours further than the local supermarket.
Something else to suggest - if you can get one with the Carver stereo upgrade, it makes a massive difference.
Something else to suggest - if you can get one with the Carver stereo upgrade, it makes a massive difference.
Output Flange said:
OP - have you driven one for more than a handful of miles? The idea of doing a 360 mile trip in a Z4 on sports suspension, 18" wheels and runflats makes me wince, and I'll actively avoid taking ours further than the local supermarket.
Something else to suggest - if you can get one with the Carver stereo upgrade, it makes a massive difference.
I haven't, but considering I drove a classic mini everyday for 3-4years I can take on the world! Something else to suggest - if you can get one with the Carver stereo upgrade, it makes a massive difference.
I see what you mean in the above comments, most of the cars within my budget are 2003 and are rarely younger.
Look at this, lots of spec, but look at those wheels!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
Wrong engine, but I kind of like these Ellipsoid wheels
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3835387.htm
Maybe I'm looking to buy at the wrong time?
Edited by Lund on Tuesday 24th April 17:11
Lund said:
Output Flange said:
OP - have you driven one for more than a handful of miles? The idea of doing a 360 mile trip in a Z4 on sports suspension, 18" wheels and runflats makes me wince, and I'll actively avoid taking ours further than the local supermarket.
Something else to suggest - if you can get one with the Carver stereo upgrade, it makes a massive difference.
I haven't, but considering I drove a classic mini everyday for 3-4years I can take on the world! Something else to suggest - if you can get one with the Carver stereo upgrade, it makes a massive difference.
I see what you mean in the above comments, most of the cars within my budget are 2003 and are rarely younger.
Look at this, lots of spec, but look at those wheels!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
Wrong engine, but I kind of like these Ellipsoid wheels
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3835387.htm
Maybe I'm looking to buy at the wrong time?
Edited by Lund on Tuesday 24th April 17:11
2) Again price not great. It's not even a 3 litre and they're asking 8.5k? Again, spec doesn't look amazing but difficult to see.
You're much better buying a cheaper, better maintained example from someone on Z4F.
Lund said:
Output Flange said:
OP - have you driven one for more than a handful of miles? The idea of doing a 360 mile trip in a Z4 on sports suspension, 18" wheels and runflats makes me wince, and I'll actively avoid taking ours further than the local supermarket.
Something else to suggest - if you can get one with the Carver stereo upgrade, it makes a massive difference.
I haven't, but considering I drove a classic mini everyday for 3-4years I can take on the world! Something else to suggest - if you can get one with the Carver stereo upgrade, it makes a massive difference.
I see what you mean in the above comments, most of the cars within my budget are 2003 and are rarely younger.
Look at this, lots of spec, but look at those wheels!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...
Wrong engine, but I kind of like these Ellipsoid wheels
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3835387.htm
Maybe I'm looking to buy at the wrong time?
Edited by Lund on Tuesday 24th April 17:11
The second one looks okay, but it does have a silly spoiler on it. Plus it's taking pictures at funny angles - like minging girls do on dating sites?!
I have to say I disagree with the comment about 360 miles trips being uncomfortable though! I have mine on Vredestein tyres and Eibach lowering spring (transform the car and should be your first mod OP) and I often do long motorway trips in it without much effort. I even got 35.9mpg (calculated not OBC) on a recent 345 mile trip when I wasn't hanging about too!
The auto box in those Z4 is a pretty decent box. It's nothing like the DCT's in new ones but the paddles work well and are good fun.
As for long distance trips, I have back trouble and had no problem driving from Scotland to Kent and back via Wales last year. Was very comfortable and the journey was effortless.
For a 3.0 (if you get one) it returns really good economy too - easily over 30 in general driving and 40 is possible on a long distance motorway run.
As for long distance trips, I have back trouble and had no problem driving from Scotland to Kent and back via Wales last year. Was very comfortable and the journey was effortless.
For a 3.0 (if you get one) it returns really good economy too - easily over 30 in general driving and 40 is possible on a long distance motorway run.
Lund said:
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!
That is my car funnily enough! I came in here to offer advice too! I personally have not tried an auto, all the ones I drove were manual as I couldn't really get on with an auto. The manual box is very good mind and once it's warmed up its absolutely brilliant.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!
Edit: If you want to come for a viewing or want a drive then feel free to email me.
Edited by Jimmy No Hands on Tuesday 24th April 22:26
Edited by Jimmy No Hands on Tuesday 24th April 22:28
Jimmy No Hands said:
That is my car funnily enough. I came in here to offer advice too! I personally have not tried an auto, all the ones I drove were manual as I couldn't really get on with an auto. The manual box is very good mind and once it's warmed up its absolutely brilliant.
Hi James 
Lovely car.. whats the story with the crease in the door?
Cheers,
Lund
Jimmy No Hands said:
To be honest I am not entirely sure. It was like that when I bought it and had the intention of a smart repairer or along those lines, as it really is just a crease. I can only presume in a past life someone has opened a door on the poor girl!
Fair point. Does your's have a 'sports mode button that increases the horse power to 245 BHP' too? cj_eds said:
The auto box in those Z4 is a pretty decent box. It's nothing like the DCT's in new ones but the paddles work well and are good fun.
They dont have paddles do they? Only the SSG ones have paddles and SSG is crap (It's basically SMG1 and not the better SMG2 system from the E46 M3).Well, it definitely has the button! I suppose you could pretend it ups the power. 
Honestly though, it's an entirely different drive in 'Sport'. Throttle response is much better, you can feel the steering firm up. Around town it's a bit annoying, as it really is eager as hell in 1st, couple that with the clutch delay valve and you can get some interesting shifts. However give me a bit of an open road and some twistys it's absolutely brilliant and a real pleasure operating the manual box, always puts a smile on my face! I fear with an auto that involvement might be lacking a tad. This car was never about out and out speed, its a culmination of smooth power, good handling and a good old fashioned manual
Honestly though, it's an entirely different drive in 'Sport'. Throttle response is much better, you can feel the steering firm up. Around town it's a bit annoying, as it really is eager as hell in 1st, couple that with the clutch delay valve and you can get some interesting shifts. However give me a bit of an open road and some twistys it's absolutely brilliant and a real pleasure operating the manual box, always puts a smile on my face! I fear with an auto that involvement might be lacking a tad. This car was never about out and out speed, its a culmination of smooth power, good handling and a good old fashioned manual
Jimmy No Hands said:
Well, it definitely has the button! I suppose you could pretend it ups the power.
Honestly though, it's an entirely different drive in 'Sport'. Throttle response is much better, you can feel the steering firm up. Around town it's a bit annoying, as it really is eager as hell in 1st, couple that with the clutch delay valve and you can get some interesting shifts. However give me a bit of an open road and some twistys it's absolutely brilliant and a real pleasure operating the manual box, always puts a smile on my face! I fear with an auto that involvement might be lacking a tad. This car was never about out and out speed, its a culmination of smooth power, good handling and a good old fashioned manual
Thanks for the heads up, just out of interest, where abouts in W.Yorkshire are you, you can PM me if you wish.Honestly though, it's an entirely different drive in 'Sport'. Throttle response is much better, you can feel the steering firm up. Around town it's a bit annoying, as it really is eager as hell in 1st, couple that with the clutch delay valve and you can get some interesting shifts. However give me a bit of an open road and some twistys it's absolutely brilliant and a real pleasure operating the manual box, always puts a smile on my face! I fear with an auto that involvement might be lacking a tad. This car was never about out and out speed, its a culmination of smooth power, good handling and a good old fashioned manual
A friend had an r56 Cooper S and he drove it everywhere in sport, it used to pop and bang all over the show
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