Keep the Z4C or get a 135i?

[smith94]

Currently have a Z4C. Drive around 15-18000 miles a year. Although the car is perfect mechanically, it missed a service interval back in 2008 by four months or so. Despite accruing only 6-7000 between said service interval, the car does not qualify for a BMW warranty because of this.

In my 13,000 miles of ownership to date, the car has had new rear springs, rear toe links, a water pump and is currently in for a very small noise from the rear suspension at low speeds over bumps. I've also stuck some fresh rubber on, given it a service (7000 miles to go until Insp2) and replaced the discs and pads all round. I always maintain my cars as well as I can and don't mind doing so, however...

I could get a low miles 135i for £15-16k with an existing BMW warranty or simply put a comprehensive one on for £40 a month through BMW. A warranty is really appealing to me for peace of mind and the fact if anything big goes, I simply hand the keys over to BMW and wait for them to fix it! It'll cost me around £3,500-4000 to switch, gaining me more performance, 2 extra seats and a newer car, albeit without the looks and impressions of the Z4C (subjective I know).

I've done some big jobs on the Z4C which will mean if I keep it, it will give me some fairly inexpensive motoring for a while (touch wood!), however who knows what may happen and you're never too far away from £200-pricey bill from BMW, which seems to be the usual invoice for minor things up for replacement.

So, driving experiences please, a comparison between the two would be ideal - and if you were in my position, would you do the same?

Cheers,

Will

[Liamst]

I spent the best part of last year trying to decide between z4c / 130i / 135i coupe, in reality the 135 was the one I wanted most but was still out of reach fast forward 12 months new job means 135 it is.
I think z4 split opinion and personally love them, however I wasn't sure if I could live with just two seats, also the possibilities for an N54 engine are endless which was always a huge draw for me.

I have had mine 6 months and done nearly 10k miles, in that time I put two new Michelin pilot sport2 on there, it had a new HPFP done on warranty (dealer supplied warranty) which would have cost £500 all in @independant.
The rear turbo waste gate does rattle which is annoying so if you see any with hybrids or replacements don't be put off this is a good thing! However I get no codes or anything related to this.
It's going for a walnut blast next week, and will be fully serviced at the same time. £300 for walnut blasting but only needs to be done every 50/60k so il never do it again.
Servicing not to bad 130-150 for oil and filter service seems to be about going rate, my mates e92 m3 can't keep up.

I like to not leave things alone though so each month I seem to find something new to spend my money on but it's mostly bmw parts or hidden upgrades, silly long list of other bits and pieces still to collect because I won't be happy until I ruin it and put it back to standard.

[(steven)]

One’s a sports car and other is a hot hatch.

I have the Z4C and the 130. The driving experience is pretty much as you would expect with the whole low centre of gravity vs practicality and comfort.

It depends what you want. Not sure I would want to do that kind of mileage a year in a sports car though.

[smith94]

Well, I've already done 13,000 miles and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Would a 135i offer the same feel even at low speeds? And is the additional £4000 worth it for one?

[aeropilot]

steven said:

One’s a sports car and other is a hot hatch.

135i isn't a hatch......??


OP, I looked at both new at the time and went for the 135i, but that was as much to do with the fact that despite trying to want to like them, I just don't 'get' 'sports cars'......but, then again, I'm an old git and grew up with hooligan sports saloons, as the sports cars of the day were awful, so perhaps I'm not the best person to listen to

Edited by aeropilot on Sunday 30th August 10:15

[Mr Tidy]

Liamst said:

I spent the best part of last year trying to decide between z4c / 130i / 135i coupe, in reality the 135 was the one I wanted most but was still out of reach fast forward 12 months new job means 135 it is.
I think z4 split opinion and personally love them, however I wasn't sure if I could live with just two seats, also the possibilities for (failure of injectors or HPFP, etc. on) an N54 engine are endless which was always a huge (turnoff) draw for me.

I have had mine 6 months and done nearly 10k miles, in that time I put two new Michelin pilot sport2 on there, it had a new HPFP done on warranty (dealer supplied warranty) which would have cost £500 all in @independant.
The rear turbo waste gate does rattle which is annoying so if you see any with hybrids or replacements don't be put off this is a good thing! However I get no codes or anything related to this.
It's going for a walnut blast next week, and will be fully serviced at the same time. £300 for walnut blasting but only needs to be done every 50/60k so il never do it again.
Servicing not to bad 130-150 for oil and filter service seems to be about going rate, my mates e92 m3 can't keep up.

I like to not leave things alone though so each month I seem to find something new to spend my money on but it's mostly bmw parts or hidden upgrades, silly long list of other bits and pieces still to collect because I won't be happy until I ruin it and put it back to standard.

Edited a bit above!

Given how much time and effort the OP seems to have put into his Z4C, in his position I would keep it.

I currently have a Z4C and a 325ti Compact as a daily and the Z4 is just so much more special - never driven a 130ibut I had a 123d for over 6 years and as has been said 130i, 123d, 325ti are all hot hatches, the Z4C is something else altogether!